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North Pole Dogsled and Ski with PolarExplorers
For the ultimate adventurer, nothing beats a dogsled and ski expedition to the North Pole. For this exceptional adventure we offer both "last degree" and "half degree" options. This traditional mode of travel recalls names like Peary, Henson and Cook. If visions of dog teams maneuvering over tall pressure ridges, or crossing freshly frozen leads stir your spirit of adventure, this may be the expedition for you.
Contrary to popular belief, having dog teams to pull your gear doesn't make an expedition any easier. Plain and simple, this style of polar exploration can be a very difficult and it requires excellent cardiovascular endurance. Instead of riding on the back of the sled you more frequently work alongside the dogs, guiding them over pressure ridges and around open water leads. Experience with cross country skiing is very beneficial. It all adds up to long, but very rewarding days. Dogsledding and skiing for up to 10 hours a day, you'll get up close and personal with the polar pack ice.
As with all of our other expeditions this is a "hands-on" experience. You'll be participating in all aspects of the expedition, including setting up camp, cooking, feeding the dogs, etc. Give us a call or email us and let us tell you more about what skills you should have prior to the expedition, and what skills we will be teaching you prior to our departure.
- Itinerary
- Equipment List
- Qualifications
- Dates & Rates
- Trip Insurance
- Testimonials
- Blogs
PolarExplorers Dogsled and Ski Expeditions Daily Itinerary
- Day 1
- Meet in Longyearbyen. Transfer from airport to hotel. Unpack gear and relax. Opportunity to explore Longyearbyen. Welcome reception and dinner.
- Day 2
- Final equipment review, warm-up ski near Longyearbyen. Pre-flight briefing and transfer of all kit to the airport for weigh-in and pre loading.
- Day 3
- Fly to 89 degrees north latitude (last degree) OR 88 degrees north latitude (two degrees), strap on skis and head north.
- Days 4-12
OR days 4-19
- Ski north towards the Pole! Days are spent skiing and taking relatively short breaks. Evenings are spent setting up camp, preparing meals and relaxing with fellow expedition team members.
- Day 12
OR day 19
- Arrive at the geographic North Pole! Call home and share the moment with friends or family! Camp in the vicinity of the North Pole.
- Day 13
OR day 20
- Pick up by charter helicopter and fly back to 89 degrees. Board return flight to Longyearbyen. Hot showers and celebratory dinner!
- Day 13
OR day 21
- Breakfast at Longyearbyen lodge. Transport to airport. Flights home!
*Exact number of days may vary based on charter flight schedule
North Pole Last Degree Dogsled and Ski: Equipment List
Upon registration, you will receive a comprehensive PolarExplorer gear guide that explains the importance of each item as well as gear recommendations from our past participants.
- 1 pair skis and ski poles (supplied by PolarExplorers)
- 1 pair snow pack ski boots
- 1 pair extra boot liners
- Sleeping bag rated to at least -35° Celsius (bring your own or let PolarExplorers supply this item)
- Bivy sack (bring your own or let PolarExplorers supply this item)
- 2 sleeping pads (bring your own or let PolarExplorers supply this item)
- 1 wind anorak with hood (supplied by PolarExplorers - yours to keep)
- 1 wind pants
- 1 insulated parka with hood
- 1 warm fleece jacket and pants
- 2 sets wool or synthetic underwear, medium weight top and bottom- 2nd set optional
- 3 sets mitts: 1 regular, 1 overmitts, 1 spare regular mitts or gloves
- 2 pair working gloves
- 2 hats: 1 lightweight balaclava, 1 ski type
- 2 neck gaiters
- 3 pair socks and sock liners
- 1 face mask
- Sun glasses and/ or mountain ski glasses
- 2 pr. anti-fog goggles
- 1 sturdy small backpack with waist belt and sternum strap
- 2 Thermos bottles or insulated water bottles
- 1 set eating utensils with bowl
- Pocket knife / multi-tool
- Personal toiletries
- Several small stuff sacks
- 1 pee bottle (small plastic bottle)
- Face cream, lip protection
- 4 carabiners
North Pole Last Degree Dogsled and Ski: Qualifications
This polar expedition is for people who are in good shape and are eager to push themselves physically and mentally. Though the skiing is quite demanding, it does not require significant skill (it is similar to walking with skis on). You will need to have very good cardiovascular endurance. Towards the end of the day when we stop skiing, it is critical that you have the energy reserves to set up camp and help out with the basic necessities of camp life including making water, cooking, etc.
Most importantly you need to be able to regulate your body temperature so that you do not get too cold or too hot while you are on the move. This expedition will encounter extremely cold conditions and living in such cold conditions 24 hours a day can be very challenging.
You do not have to be a world class athlete to participate in and enjoy this expedition, but every ounce of training and preparation will help to make the expedition more enjoyable and safer. Please contact us with further questions here !
PolarExplorers Dogsled and Ski Expeditions Dates & Rates
Tentative 2020 Dates:
Half Degree Dogsled expedition: April 15-22, 2020
Last Degree Dogsled expedition: April 15-27, 2020
2020 pricing:
Half Degree Dogsled expedition: €59,000 per person (includes our required 5-day Dogsled Shakedown Training)
Last Degree Dogsled expedition: €59,000 per person (includes our required 5-day Dogsled Shakedown Training)
All group equipment, dogs and dogsledding equipment, ski system, sleeping system, team anorak (yours to keep), guide(s), communication & safety gear, North Pole certificate, special polar gift.
Expedition Trip Insurance
Trip cancellation insurance is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for every PolarExplorers expedition.
Medical Evacuation insurance with a minimum coverage of $300,000 USD is REQUIRED on every PolarExplorers expedition.
Ensure that your policy covers your activity, destination and any pre-existing medical conditions (to cover pre-existing medical conditions you may need to purchase your policy within 14 days or less of your initial deposit).
If you are mountaineering check that the policy covers roped technical mountain travel and the elevation limit that you will have.
Ripcord Insurance (For non-US residents use the Offer Code "ripcordintl" which will enable you to receive quotes and/or purchase policies.) If your expedition is more than USD $30,000 you may need to send an email to: [email protected] or call them at +1 617-307-4636
If you live in the USA you have additional options.
Travelex Insurance - Choose the TRAVEL SELECT policy and add the ADVENTURE PLUS PAK to receive appropriate medical evacuation coverage.
Travel Guard has comprehensive policies that include trip cancellation or you can purchase a Single Trip Medical Evacuation Important! You must include the optional Adventure Sports coverage upgrade if you are climbing any mountains or traveling in rope teams. (Pre-existing medical coverage is not available with this policy.)
North Pole Dogsled Testimonials
Thank you to all for taking me to the top of the world! I have seen and experienced much - I am blessed but I have never had so much fun, joy, and appreciation for a job well done. Your professionalism, communications, education and happy joy (most infectious) were evident. Thank you for sharing all of your hard work with me.Wendy Booker
To all at PolarExplorers, especially Annie & Rick, but in particular many thanks to Chris & Nancy for the excellent guidiing and companionship, professionalism and friendship. I thought at the beginning of this expedition it was a "given" that we would achieve our goal, but that is far from the truth. In our case the planets aligned and we made it. An awesome experience.Tony Chounding
Thank you for making a life-long ambition come to life. The experience was awesomwe and standing on top of the world was a great experience.
Thanks to PE guides Chris & Nancy for making the trip so memorable. A wonderful experience, one to remember forever. I look forward to the South Pole!Paul Good
PolarExplorers Dogsled Blog
- North Pole Season - Two weeks and Counting! Written on Tuesday, 02 April 2019 16:36 in Expedition Updates
With less than two weeks until our North Pole season kicks off we are hard at work prepping and getting excited!
The first round of our guide team has arrived in Longyearbyen and are looking forward to welcoming the first of our team members in the coming days. Our Polar Shakedown Training will kick off on April 8, followed by our expeditions on April 13.
This is an exciting time for all involved! The world over gear is being organized, weighed and counted (then recounted!) Decisions are being made - should I take this hat? Or THIS hat?? It's all coming together for what will surely be an exciting time!
We hope you will check back regularly to follow the progress of our teams and to listen to their daily audio dispatches. The first blog will be posted on April 13, 2019!
In the meantime you can meet our Last Degree Ski Teams here and our North Pole Flight team here.
Check back again on April 13!
- Meet our North Pole Flight Team! Written on Monday, 01 April 2019 16:36 in Expedition Updates
On April 13 our North Pole Flight team will kick off their exciting top-of-the-world adventure with a pre-flight briefing and, weather permitting, a flight to the North Pole on April 14. Follow their updates on our expedition blog staring on April 13!
- North Pole Last Degree Teams - April 2019 Written on Monday, 01 April 2019 19:28 in Expedition Updates
We'd like to introduce you to our 2019 North Pole Last Degree Ski Teams! These international teams will kick off their expeditions on April 13 in Longyearbyen, Norway. Make sure to bookmark our blog to read the daily updates and listen to the daily audio dispatches!
(Each team is color-coded)
- North Pole Expeditions Coming Soon! Written on Wednesday, 06 March 2019 20:47 in Expedition Updates
The 2019 North Pole season is just around the corner! Our expedition dispatches will start on April 13.
Make sure to bookmark this page to hear the latest from our teams!
- Heading back to Punta Arenas Written on Monday, 21 January 2019 03:22 in Expedition Updates
Great news! We have received word that Jim and Garrett will return to Punta Arenas tonight. The Ilyushin departed Punta Arenas mid day bound for Union Glacier. With at least an hour turn around time on the ground at UG we expect a late-night return to Punta Arenas. We are thrilled for them that the Vinson expedition was safe & successful (and pretty darn quick!)
It's a great feeling to board the Ilyushin knowing that the return to family and friends is close at hand. The four hour flight offers an excellent opportunity to reflect upon Antarctica and experiences had on the White Continent. Upon stepping off the plane at the Punta Arenas airport it is immediately apparent that you are no longer in Antarctica and not because of the view or the temperature. Rather the scents... of Earth and floral aromas, and the humidity. It's a wonderful treat to take a few deep breaths as you walk to the terminal.
It will be a late night, but no doubt it will feel GREAT to sleep in a proper bed and have a hot shower. Enjoy it Jim and Garrett, you deserve it!!
This will be the last post for our Last Degree / Vinson Combo expedition. We want to congratulate Jim and Garrett on a job well done, and give Jim a virtual bear hug for his Seven Summit success.
Be sure to join us again in April for our North Pole season!
Below: The Ilyushin at Union Glaicer's blue ice runway. The view from the cockpit is incredible! (previous expedition)
- Back at Union Glacier Written on Sunday, 20 January 2019 18:55 in Expedition Updates
Jim and Garrett made it down safely from High Camp and all the way back to Union Glacier in one day (yesterday). No doubt the trek down was one filled with satisfaction. The anticipation and nerves that are often present on the ascent are gone allowing you to take in your surroundings with a new appreciation. And then there's the incredible flight back to Union Glacier which is stunning in every regard.
Union Glacier can feel like a small town after being gone for a while, and the creature comforts it provides make it a wonderful place to spend time.
If weather cooperates they hope to make it back to Punta Arenas today. This will be the completion of a very long journey for Jim (the Seven Summits) and one step closer to a different goal (the Grand Slam).
We will keep you posted. Hopefully the next blog will be posted from Punta Arenas!
Below: Union Glacier basecamp
- Vinson Summit! Written on Friday, 18 January 2019 20:14 in Expedition Updates
We just received word that Jim and Garrett reached the summit of Mount Vinson today at 1:35 CST. We are so happy for them and especially proud of Jim for whom this marks the completion of his Seven Summits.
More to come later, when they are back at High Camp and have had a chance to rest. Check back again soon!
Below: The summit of Mt. Vinson (from previous expedition)
- Rest Day At High Camp Written on Friday, 18 January 2019 03:18 in Expedition Updates
Jim and Garrett had a nice and relaxing rest day though the nylon on the tent was surely flapping. They awoke to cold temperatures of -25 F with a stiff 15-20 knot wind. There's nothing sweeter than awaking to foul weather and being able to sleep in knowing you don't have to go outside. The tent takes on an oasis feel to it and you count your blessings all the more.
What do you do on a rest day? Rest! Or write, play cards if you have them, chat with a friend, read if you have a book or watch a movie on a device. The main goal is to let your body recuperate and acclimatize to the higher altitude. Jim and Garrett did all those things today and they are ready for their summit attempt. The forecast is for improving conditions overnight. If they awake to good weather they will go for the summit. If the weather still has some improving to do they'll wait until the next day. We will keep you posted!
To conserve their sat phone battery they opted not to send an audio dispatch tonight. They want to relay to everyone that they are comfortable, warm, rested and excited for the summit.
Check back again tomorrow!
Below: Another view of yesterday's fixed line ascent, approaching the top (previous expedition). Thanks to PE guide Taylor Sweitzer for the pic.
- Ascending to High Camp Written on Wednesday, 16 January 2019 23:40 in Expedition Updates
Today Jim and Garrett ascended from Vinson's Low Camp to High Camp. This is a fairly significant climb of nearly 3,000 feet up a steep slope with fixed lines. While not a complex ascent it is certainly not easy, with burdensome packs and steep pitches. It's slow work with a lot of heavy breathing. One step, then another, then maybe a short pause before repeating, over and over again. By the time you reach the end of the fixed lines and ascend a little further into the camp it is common to be completely exhausted. Fortunately the view (when you find the energy to look around) is incredible with the vastness of Antarctica spilling from of the mountains below.
High Camp is typically a small tent city, with multiple teams in various stages of their summit attempts. We like to climb Vinson after our Last Degree expedition for a few reasons: one of them is that by the time we get there most other Vinson teams have completed their climbs and we tend to have the mountain to ourselves (or at least almost to ourselves). It's certainly not the hustle and bustle of earlier in the season. This makes it all the more special.
Jim and Garrett plan to take a rest day at High Camp before attempting to reach the summit the following day. Weather is always a factor and they will keep their eye on the forecast. After today's ascent a little R & R will be good for the body (and soul!)
Make sure to listen to Jim's audio update here & check back again tomorrow for another update from the team.
Audio Update continuation here.
Below: The top of the fixed lines before heading towards High Camp. (From a previous expedition - that's Keith in the photo)
- Vinson team makes it to Low Camp Written on Tuesday, 15 January 2019 23:20 in Expedition Updates
After receiving a "no-go" on the flight to Vinson Base Camp last night (poor visibility at Vinson) they awoke at Union Glacier to good news - the weather had cleared and the flight was on. If you want a recap of what the flight is like to Vinson Base Camp read yesterday's blog. In short it is AMAZING. Absolutely stunning - and we are so glad they had perfect weather to enjoy it at its best. After arriving at Vinson Base Camp the boys (Jim and Garrett) headed up the valley to Low Camp. For Jim it was likely a refreshing change to have something to look at with every passing step. It's not that the Last Degree has no views, but it's a lot of white! White and blue...or white and grey... or just plain white. But today on Vinson it was a bluebird day. This surely made the trek to Low Camp phenomenal. Mountains flank the sides of the valley that they ascended and every time they looked up they were surely thinking to themselves "this is awesome!" Tomorrow they plan to ascend to High Camp. They will likely have a morning that's not rushed. Low Camp is in a shadow in the early morning making it a cold place. As soon as the sun appears over the peaks of the surrounding mountains everything feels easier and more welcoming - a good reason to sleep in an extra half hour or two!
Jim posted two wonderful audio dispatches. Make sure to have a listen!
Jim Lumberg's Audio Dispatch (part 1)
Jim Lumberg's Audio Dispatch (part 2)
Below: Vinson Base Camp, which they left this morning. Thanks to SP/Vinson Alum Michael Creasy for the photo
- En route to Punta Arenas and Vinson Basecamp! Written on Tuesday, 15 January 2019 01:12 in Expedition Updates
When we last heard from our team they were back at Union Glacier, briefly, before they continue on to their next destinations. For Jim Holliday, Steve, John and Keith the next destination is Punta Arenas. For Jim Lumberg the next destination is Mt. Vinson.
The team departed the South Pole for the Union Glacier basecamp around 10:30 this morning. The flight across the interior of Antarctica is amazing if you can grasp the enormity of what is passing below. Often the passing shades of white lull you into a deep state of meditation or sleep and the flight passes quickly. Other times the flight provides the perfect opportunity to reflect about life on the polar plateau - skiing in white-outs, pulling a sled, the camaraderie of tent life, and the simplicity of expedition travel. The same is true for the flight back to Punta Arenas, which is roughly four hours. It's a good time to reflect.
When the team lands in Punta Arenas they'll transfer to their hotels where they can soak in the luxury of indoor, civilized living!
This is not the case for Jim Lumberg who continues today to Mount Vinson, the tallest mountain in Antarctica. Jim is in the good hands of guide Garrett Madison and together they plan to depart Union Glacier today for the roughly 40 minute flight to Vinson Basecamp. This must be one of the most scenic flights in all of Antarctica. Mountains everywhere. Big glaciers. Craggy peaks. It's stunning, and a great start to this amazing climb.
This will be the last post for the Last Degree Ski Expedition. Great job guys! We are proud of you! And for Jim Holiday a very special congratulations on the completion of your Grand Slam. Your mom is surely smiling :)
Check back regularly for the latest on Jim's ascent of Mt. Vison. If we receive any additional information tonight we will post it.
Below: The view from Union Glacier
- A day at the South Pole Written on Monday, 14 January 2019 02:27 in Expedition Updates
Welcome back! The team spent the day at the South Pole, taking pictures, reflecting on their experiences and relishing in their accomplishment. While they are still "rouging it" they have the luxury of heated tents that they can stand it (!!) and a basecamp chef who makes excellent meals. No doubt it feels like five star luxury to them! Everyone is doing good. They LOVE the messages that many of you are sending through to them. Soon (tomorrow if all goes as planned) four of the five team members will be returning to Punta Arenas, Chile, where hot showers, a real mattress and all the creature comforts of civilization await. Jim Lumberg will continue on to Mount Vinson where he will attempt to summit this tallest mountain in Antarctica. You can follow his progress here. We'll also post a final dispatch from Jim H, John, Steve & Keith in Punta Arenas.
We have three audio dispatches today and they are all excellent! Have a listen to their very heartfelt messages with touching shout outs to friends and family.
Audio dispatch #1 (Keith, Steve & John)
Audio Dispatch #2 (Jim Holliday & Jim Lumberg)
Below: Last night's celebration
Below: At the Geographic South Pole
- The South Pole! Written on Saturday, 12 January 2019 21:49 in Expedition Updates
We are very proud to share that our South Pole Last Degree team reached the Geographic South Pole today at 4:30 PM local time today. This is a huge moment for all of our team members and we can't be more happy for them. For Jim Holliday it marks the completion of his Explorers Grand Slam (climbing the seven summits and skiing to both poles), an endeavor he started in 2005. Congratulations to all of our team - Jim, John, Steve, Jim and Keith for this remarkable achievement. Well done!
You might wonder what exactly is "local" time when you are standing a spot where all the time zones on the planet converge. The short answer is that it can be anytime you want! The longer answer is that people and organizations (such as the National Science Foundation or our Last Degree Ski team) choose the time zone that makes the most sense for them. The South Pole station runs on New Zealand time because all people flying to the Pole with the National Science Foundation are coming through New Zealand. Our team is on Chilean time, because they originally came from Chile. The 24 hour sun means that anytime can be morning, or night, or happy hour!
Here's a review of our team's day. They woke up to relatively clear skies and milder temperatures (around -15F), but still had a persistent wind. This wind kicked up the ground snow into a bit of a "ground blizzard" meaning that while there was blue sky overhead the visibility of the horizon was limited. It wasn't until they were 5 nautical miles from the Pole that they got their first glimpse of the station. The the wind died a little allowing for better view during their final approach. All in they skied 11 nautical miles today - which is their longest day yet - and a full day of skiing by any standards! As if to make the last day extra special they were rewarded with a double sun dog to their left for much of the day (see below if you don't know what this is).
The plan is to be at the Pole for two nights before flying back to Union Glacier basecamp on the 14th, and making a quick transfer of planes to get back to Punta Arenas same day. Jim Lumberg will be staying in Antarctica to climb Mt. Vinson, Antarctica's highest mountain, and we will continue to post updates from the expedition here. In the meantime there will be more stories to share, including their time at the South Pole.
A couple audio dispatches came through but they we cut off. As soon as we receive another dispatch we will post it. Additional photos to follow in tomorrow's post.
Below: A sun dog is a type of halo around the sun, caused by refraction of ice crystals. If often makes it look like there are three or four suns. This pic was taken at the South Pole, but not by our team. Hopefully they got some good shots of the double sun dog they saw today. (Image thanks to NOAA, Lieutenant (j.g.) Cindy McFee, NOAA Corps)
- Getting Close! Written on Saturday, 12 January 2019 01:42 in Expedition Updates
It warmed up today for our South Pole Last Degree ski team - but only by a few degrees! Even though it was warmer the wind was a constant companion, as it often is. Antarctic is the coldest, windiest, highest and driest continent on Earth.
The team is narrowing in on the pole. They expect to get there tomorrow if all goes as planned. Today they learned that the kite they saw yesterday was one of two French kiters who skied from Hercules Inlet to the South Pole. The skiers stayed for a couple days before turning around to kite-ski back. The winds, which typically flow from the Pole towards the coasts, will allow them to travel greater distances with the use of a kite, but it's a lot of work!
If the visibility improves tomorrow they can expect to see the station as far away as 7 or 8 miles (sometimes ever further). At first it feels like a trick on the eyes: a mirage-like blip that is vague, and seems to disappear if you look directly at it. Then, as you get closer, it begins to take shape. Large antennas and radar stations... then buildings... then smaller structures like trucks, then windows on the buildings. Maybe a person or two. It seems very surreal, sort of like the rebel station on the frozen planet of Hoth in the Star Wars series. Their approach to the station will be very deliberate, following a series of waypoints to avoid sensitive areas that are a part of scientific studies.
When we talked to the team they were having crackers and salami and preparing for bed. They are looking forward to an exciting day tomorrow. Our fingers are crossed that they reach the Pole!
We are hoping for an audio update but it has not yet arrived. We'll post it if/when it arrives.
Check back again tomorrow for another update from the team!
Below: If you could view our team from a distance as they ski to the Pole this is what they would look like:
Below: A typical tent kitchen scene cooking up an all-time favorite: Surf and turf!
- Coldest Day Yet Written on Thursday, 10 January 2019 23:52 in Expedition Updates
It was a cold, cold day for our Last Degree skiers. The coldest yet, with a 10 kt wind straight out of the south. That means it was a headwind for Jim, John, Steve, Jim and Keith. But they did a good job of closing the gap to the South Pole, and they were rewarded with two signs that they are getting close. The first was a column of exhaust that, for a few moments, floated up from the horizon due south of them. Was it a plane taking off from the station? A different kind of exhaust? They couldn't tell but it was definitely something artificial to the environment and they are guessing it's from the station. The second thing they saw was a moving kite, likely from a kite skier. It was very far away, but distinctly a kite. Who was it? They don't know.
Days with a cold wind, like today's headwind, are especially difficult. The wind seems to constantly batter you and the cold always finds its way past your inner layers during breaks. Everything is harder including eating and drinking. Your muscles get tense early and stay that way. You have to consciously try to relax. Despite the challenging conditions they made good progress. They were even able to appreciate the beauty of the day as you'll hear in Jim Holliday's audio dispatch (below). Now that they are in their tents, enjoying hot drinks, quesadillas and dinner, they are slowly recovering and relishing the comfort provided by the thin nylon walls. On sunny days the tents can be remarkably warm, thanks to the large amounts of solar radiation in Antarctica. Like a greenhouse, the tent traps the heat and it can be quite comfortable. We wish them a great night's sleep under the 24 hour austral sun!
Jim Holliday hosts the audio dispatch today, in two parts. Have a listen!
January 10 South Pole Audio Update (part 1) featuring: Jim Holliday
January 10 South Pole update (part 2) with some special shout outs from Jim
If you'd like to send messages of support or ask questions to the team feel free to email Annie at [email protected].
Make sure to check back again tomorrow for another update from the Antarctic plateau!
Brrrr... this morning's thermometer reading!


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Quality Inn - Golden
- Lodging
Our great location is not only close to downtown Denver, but also offers easy access to the Denver Federal Center, Colorado School of Mines, NREL, Coors Brewery, & many Rocky Mountain Wedding Venues.
From DIA, go 10 Miles South on Pena Blvd To I-70 West. Take I-70 West to I-25 South. Exit off I-25 South to Highway 6/Sixth Avenue West. Take the Simms/Union Exit. We are on the NW corner by LoneStar

subset: commoncrawl


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Amy Estes is a high school English teacher residing in Sacramento, CA. When she's not teaching, she loves cheering on the San Francisco Giants, playing with her iPhone and iPad, and writing her blog, Just A Titch. I have been teaching English to middle and high school students for over four years now, and I can […]
Amy Estes is a high school English teacher residing in Sacramento, CA. When she's not teaching, she loves cheering on the San Francisco Giants, playing with her iPhone and iPad, and writing her blog, Just A Titch.
I have been teaching English to middle and high school students for over four years now, and I can personally attest to the fact that iPads in the classroom are a game-changer. Today's students are modern and computer-savvy and desperately seeking something that will hold their attention. At home, they're surrounded by the latest technology, but schools have not caught up to these trends. We wonder why students are bored, but if you examine all of the technology they get to play with, and compare it to the books and tools used in our classrooms, it's no surprise that they prefer to spend hours on YouTube and playing with their iPods. Schools need to catch up, and use of iPads in the classroom is one inspiring way to do so.
Schools all over the United States are putting iPads in the hands of their students because of the enormous benefits of using electronic devices. Students can use apps to help stay organized, utilize cloud computing in order to collaborate with both peers and teachers, and make use of amazing iPad apps across all disciplines.
The first benefit to using the iPad is fairly obvious: no more books. By using the iPad as a textbook, schools avoid the costly replacement of books due to normal wear and tear. Instead of adopting an entirely new curriculum, districts can simply update electronic textbooks as necessary. One Georgia school district currently estimates that they spend around $40 million dollars per year on books. While the cost of purchasing iPads for all students may be initially very high, the cost is minimal when one considers textbook adoptions to keep information current and replacing texts year after year due to wear and tear and needs for updates. Students would also get a break from carrying around heavy books, often associated with back strain and other issues.
But the benefits of the iPad are even more extensive. Math classes can use apps that allow students to chart and graph equations quickly and easily. For example, the app Graphing Calculator HD allows students to quickly solve and graph equations. By simply holding up their iPads, math teachers can check for understanding. Younger students can benefit from any number of math games, such as Fraction Factory or Number Line.
Science comes alive in the classroom with apps like Star Walk for iPad and The Elements: A Visual Exploration. Other apps like 3D Cell Simulation help abstract concepts come to life quickly and easily. No more spending money on lab supplies—concepts are demonstrated quickly and neatly right on the iPad.
The uses of the iPad in English class are endless. From eBook reading (no more trips to the library — allow students to download eBooks right in class!) to more complex uses such as digital storytelling with StoryKit, the possibilities are amazing. Students who struggle with sequencing their papers effectively can make use of helpful apps such as Idea Sketch as a way to organize pre-writing activities.
Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, has already begun implementing the iPad into their classrooms. According to an article in Chattanoogan.com, Baylor School junior Zach Watson says, "[The iPad] has been a tremendous help in many aspects, especially regarding its convenience and the weight of my backpack, which used to weigh 20 pounds or more because of the textbooks. The iPad has been a valuable tool, and I look forward to further implementing it into my learning."
As schools across the country implement similar programs, it won't be long before the backpack goes away completely, and in its place we see a sleek, clean iPad case.
Check out justatitch's Appolicious App Library here.


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The eye roll. Non-verbal leakage. And not the kind caused by Olestra. I find the eye roll incredibly passive aggressive. The indirectness is troubling to me. Why not just say what you're thinking?
When I get an eye roll my only response is to call it out. The way to deal with passive aggressiveness is to be assertive.
"Is something bothering you?" I ask.


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Tera Shirma Special
I haven't given David Meikle's Sixties Detroit a shout for awhile. This AM, I popped over and re-read the feature on the legendary studio Tera Shirma by Ralph Terrana.
The re-read prompted me to put together a Tera Shirma Special featuring 4 of my favourite cuts recorded in the studios back in the 60's:
1. Patti Young Head And Shoulders Ernstrat
2. Johnny Rogers Make A Change Amon
3. Dynamics - Yes I Love You Baby Top Ten
4. Milton Wright I Belong To You Carla
Friday, August 22, 2008
Tera Shirma Studios
2 comments:
- Anonymous6:05 PM
This is Patti Young. My daughter has recently discovered all this northern soul interest. Iam totally shocked since the recording had absolutely no response back then. Just recorded a little number for a friend Freddie Saxon who had a friend Ernie. WHO KNEW. I gotta tell ya it was fun discovering this. I am alive and well living in clinton twp mi.....I leave the singing to my daughter who is an opera singer and vocal couch in San Francisco.ReplyDelete
- Anonymous2:32 AM
My dad was Ernie Stratton of Ernstrat. He and Fred Saxon remained friends until my dad pasted away in 2002. Do you know where I can get my hands on any of the records produced by Ernie Stratton or Ernstrat Productions? With much appreciation, Marilyn Stratton-HatanakaReplyDelete
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So you aren't like everyone else, great! We aren't like any other Realtors either...
There was a reason why we were the top residential team at our office in 2015...
Listing your home with myself and my team will be unlike any other selling experience. Our Marketing platform has taken us years to perfect and has been the driving force behind many of the record breaking sales in your area. Want to know more? Contact us today for a 45 minute presentation and we doubt you'll be listing your home with any other agent once you hear what we have to say.
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What will set your property apart from the other properties on the market? It has a lot to do with how it's marketed. These are just a few of the many tools we use to market your property through our proprietary marketing systems.
Contact us today to hear about the many other ways we always get our clients the highest price possible for their properties.
I'm sure you've heard of a Comparative Market Analysis, or a CMA report. Realtor's put these together with comparable properties which will show you a range of prices being paid for homes in your area. Of course we will do a CMA for you, along with extensive research of your property, zoning, surrounding properties, stats on your area, and info about your competition so that we can all come to an agreement of the exact price we should be hitting the market with.
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Welcome to our online Home Evaluation system. The answers to your home-selling questions are just a click away! Let us help you find the value of your home. By running a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), We will find the value of your property in this everchanging real estate market.
Through the Comparative Market Analysis, We can evaluate the prices of properties similar to yours that have recently sold in your area. This analysis will give you a better idea of your property's market value, one of the first - and essential! - steps as you prepare to sell your home. All it takes is a few quick minutes to complete and submit the form below. Then let my system do the work for you! I'll contact you as soon as I have the results.
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Dee Kelley Kitchen, 2019-03-23 01:08:14. Going green - more and more people these days are opting for greener kitchen designs. Eco friendly modern kitchens are popular and, contrary to what some people may think, don't look unattractive at all! Features you can find in green kitchens include recycled paper countertops, bamboo flooring, LED lighting and energy efficient appliances.
Dee Kelley Kitchen, 2019-03-21 04:34:55. Believe it or not, once upon a time, furniture was purely functional. Furniture designers did not make an effort to put any sort of artistic design into their furniture-the furniture was strictly utilitarian. Today, however, modern kitchen chairs are works of art! Some people assume that modern chairs and contemporary chairs need to be painted in certain ways and be made from specific materials. The truth is that as long as your chairs have artistic merit and can be multifunctional they can be considered contemporary chairs and modern chairs.
Beverly Saunders Kitchen, 2019-03-27 01:00:00. Appliances in your new kitchen need not be the most recent release from a major appliance company. While having the fancy new refrigerator or the hottest new 5 burner cook top may be nice, does it fit into your overall decorating scheme and budget? Believe it or not, a retro refrigerator, if working properly, could be the right fit for your new kitchen. Even your kitchen hood exhaust fan from a different time period can work, as long as it functions fine and does not pose a danger to the rest of your house.
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Killing off a Good Guy
One of the joys of being a writer is the ability to emulate doG by creating entirely new worlds and populating them with creations from your mind, both with characters you love and characters you love to hate. Killing off the bad guys is easy, killing off a good guy is harder but sometimes necessary.
If you're a follower of the HBO adaptation of George. R.R. Martin's, A Song of Ice and Fire, you might have read some of the outrage from watchers who raised holy hell when a favorite character was beheaded. I found the brouhaha…amusing. Obviously these were people that had never read Martin's books or were completely ignorant of Joseph Campbell's The Hero's Journey where sometimes the "Mentor" has to die in order for the "Hero" to progress in their own development to achieve their ultimate goal or resolution. (If you're unfamiliar with The Hero's Journey, a good summary can be found here. If you write fiction, read it!)
A similar situation happened some years ago during Buffy the Vampire Slayer, when Joss Whedon, the creator of Buffy, killed off one of a favorite pair of lesbian characters amidst cries of "foul" from fans and critics alike. It proved to be necessary for the development of Willow, the remaining partner, as Whedon wanted to explore the trope of "addiction" in the following year. That said, the death of Tara was still like a punch in the gut to many of us with some fans even going so far as to quit watching the show altogether.
In response to the fans who accused Whedon of giving in to the trope of a Lesbian romance never ending happily, he said something I've never forgotten.
"Don't give people what they want, give them what they need."
~~Joss Whedon
So, yeah, if you find it necessary to kill off a character that you've sweated blood over creating, taken the time to give him or her a proper background and made them likable, or even lovable, even though you may want not to do it, you may have to send that character off screaming into the depths of Hell for the sake of your Hero's further development. It ain't always easy to do this, but if you must, do it with style, and for the love of doG do it for the right reason. A senseless and useless death of a "good guy" character will get you naught but grief from your readers, but one done for the right reason will give you cred for knowing what the hell you're doing as a writer.
Of course, it's not always necessary for a good guy to die, but who the hell doesn't like a little added angst and drama combined with some graphic blood and guts type slaughtering of the innocents? What! You mean that's just me?
I doubt it.
Posted on July 29, 2011, in Uncategorized and tagged jJoseph Campbell, Joss Whedon, killing off a character, writing. Bookmark the permalink. 1 Comment.
Oddly enough, I think I can kill off the character who is the story's human "puppy", but I don't think I can kill off a cat in the same story.


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Established in 2009, HopLite is the quintessential local pub and gathering place for visitors and residents in Carolina Beach, NC. Patterned after Irish pubs across the pond, HopLite provides a comforting and neighborly atmosphere to enjoy a pint and some terrific gastropub food. Usually on a weekly basis, HopLite also features Karaoke Night (Tuesdays) and Trivia Night (Wednesdays), as well as live music from some of the area's talented musicians.
Proprietors, Noel and Ron Stevens (former owners of Island Hots) purchased the restaurant in 2017 with the goal in mind to improve but change little of the character of the pub and beer garden that is loved by regulars who frequent their local pub. Noel and Ron have called Pleasure Island home since 2010 and also own and operate ChristmaSea, a Holiday Shoppe and the CB Cigar Box, a full service cigar emporium.
The food at HopLite is made fresh to order and available through the day and night, seven days a week. Ingredients are locally -sourced whenever possible. You'll find traditional pub fare, such as fries and burgers, along with Irish inspired favorites like Bangers and Mash, Corned Beef and Cabbage, Shepherd's Pie and Fish & Chips. In addition the kitchen will offer house specialties, like homemade soups in fall and winter and dinner specials.
Noel and Ron, in addition to being gregarious hosts to all who visit HopLite Pub and Restaurant, also are very involved in community support on The Island and give generously of their time for community activities and causes.


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Cynthia Nelson · Faculty
I am the instructor for the Patient Care Technician
course, a contract training course exclusively for Virginia Mason employees, under Continuing Education here at Seattle Central
Community College.
I also teach the Nursing Assistant Certified course at Seattle Vocational
Institute (SVI).
Below are the links to those course programs:
Patient Care Technician Course Website (Note: This course is for VM employees ONLY.)


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How to Make a Holiday Herb Garland for Your Bar Cart | DIY
Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving celebrations are stressful enough as it is with food prep. That is, after all, the main focus of the gathering... I mean, besides the loved ones you are with;) So I wanted to share how one gorgeous garland can elevate a simple bar cart from plain to festive. Plus the fact that this smells amazing doesn't hurt!
You'll need lots of herbs (I used rosemary, basil, sage, dill and thyme. I also threw in some sturdy branches to help stabilize the garland), scissors and floral wire.
Create a stable base for your garland by using the branches i mentioned, or starting with thick herbs like rosemary. Start at one end, wrapping it in wire. Continue with one piece of wire and overlap your herbs until you have a strand long enough to stretch the length you need.
Once you have your garland assembled and displayed, I recommend going back and tucking in the more delicate herbs like the dill and basil. Fill in any holes and add fullness with these.
Prep your herbs the day before and assemble the day of your gathering to prevent any wilting. Finally, add your cocktails, and enjoy!
Images by Dez + Tam Photography


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Herberto Turizzo Anaya: The Shadow is the Masterpiece
Turizzo was born in 1952 in El Limon, Colombia, a small town by a river. At the age of two, he was taken to live with his grandmother and great-grandmother, who were natural healers in a jungle area. He writes:
"My early childhood years were spent in a lush tropical environment surrounded by animals of many different species. Growing up there I was exposed to cultural traditions of several indigenous groups, the Aracuas, the Cogi, and the Chibchas.
"At the age of five I began to draw in the sand with a stick such things as animals, trees, and airplanes. At the age of 8½ years, my mother came and took me to the city of Baranquilla, quite a change from living in the country. Shortly after that my grandmothers died months apart from each other.
"In 1961 the name of my town was changed from El Limon to Campo Seacaucus. The petroleum industry came there. Companies are now exploring for coal.
"My first oil painting, painted at sixteen, and inspired by an image in a magazine, was of the Rhine River in Germany.
"I believe that inside every object there exist more objects; reality is not just the physical world. In my paintings the air and water are clean. I try to paint the perfect ecology.
"My collectors in Colombia, many of whom are from the Jewish community, say that my landscapes remind them of the promised land. "
Turizzo moved to New York in 1981. His paintings have been shown and sold throughout South and Central America, as well as in the United States, England, Spain, Monaco and Switzerland. In 2003 alone he exhibited at the Colombian Consulate in New York City, the New York Public Library, and Art Expo International at the Jacob Javits Center. He has also created murals for public spaces. In 1998 his mural for the MTA was transferred to the lobby of Hostos Community College.
The artist now lives and works in the Hudson Valley town of Kent, New York.


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Current Courses
This is the second course I've attended with CCES & I have found that the way the lectures are presented & all the materials are very easy to learn from & understand.
Basic & Advanced Life Support
About this Course
A 2 day program integrating theory with hands-on practice
This workshop brings together some of the most experienced resuscitation educators and instructors in Australia and will emphasise a problem solving approach to the management of emergency situations using the latest ARC Guidelines.
This ALS program is designed to equip participants with the necessary cognitive and psychomotor skills required to respond to patients in a cardiac arrest in a health care environment. The program will emphasise the practical aspects of resuscitation and provide participants with the theory underpinning such aspects.
The small group practical skill stations will emphasise the assessment and management of the patient using a variety of techniques and equipment. Through this, practical skills and troubleshooting abilities will be developed. During these skill stations, the skills and knowledge of each participant will be continually monitored and assessed.
The first day will include aspects of both Adult and Paediatric Resuscitation whilst the second day will focus on Adult Cardiac Arrest. A separate one day program is available for those interested in Paediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). This is scheduled to run the day after the ALS courses in October.
Candidates may elect to skip Day 1 of the full ALS course and attend Day 2 only providing the candidate can show proof of completing a comprehensive Basic Life Support (BLS), Immediate Life Support (ILS/ALS1) or equivalent course within the last 12 months. A 3 month grace period will apply.
Whilst all candidates will have their skills monitored and assessed throughout the practical sessions, this workshop will be supported by the opportunity for you to have your competence assessed & accredited. Further details will be provided with your confirmation of registration.
Numbers are limited for these workshops, and due to popularity we advise you to register early to receive your pre-reading package and secure your place.
We have never cancelled a course, so with Critical Care Education Services you can book early with confidence.
This course has received accreditation from the RACGP for 40 Category 1 points in the 2017-2019 triennium. ALM number 99357.
This course has also received accreditation from ACRRM for 10 ALS points, 30 PRPD points and 30 MPOS points in the 2017-2019 triennium. ACRRM ID: 8879.
Participants in the ANZCA CPD program may claim this course as an emergency response activity's in their CPD portfolio. Emergency response activity: Cardiac arrest
Recognition code: ER-17-CA-093
This course is also recognized by the RANZCR for 40 CPD points under category 6.4 of the CPD handbook. Recognised by the RACP for 40 MyCPD points and CPD points can also be claimed from various other medical colleges.
Nurses completing this program earn 16 CPD hours towards their ongoing education.
Course Dates
- Sydney - 15 & 16 February 2019
- Melbourne - 22 & 23 March 2019
- Sydney - 14 & 15 June 2019
- Melbourne - 21 & 22 June 2019
- Sydney - 11 & 12 October 2019
- Melbourne - 25 & 26 October 2019
Course Program
Day One
Time Subject/Activity 0815 - 0850 Registration, coffee & tea 0850 - 0900 Welcome, Introduction 0900 - 1000 Epidemiology & Causes of Cardiac Arrest 1000 - 1030 Morning Tea, Networking 1030 - 1130 Assessment & Management of Airway & Ventilation including airway obstruction. Assessment & Management of C-spine 1130 - 1230 Assessment & Management of Circulation 1230 - 1300 The Recognition and Management of Anaphylaxis 1300 - 1330 Lunch, Networking 1330 - 1645 Skills Stations: (including Afternoon Tea) - Airway Management; - CPR – Adult; Child; Infant; - Automated External Defibrillation (AED)
Day Two
Time Subject/Activity 0815 - 0850 Registration, coffee & tea 0900 - 1030 Life Threatening Arrhythmias: recognition, assessment & management. Overview of Electrocardiography, Ventricular Tachycardia, Ventricular Fibrillation, Asystole, Electro-mechanical Dissociation (EMD) or Pulseless Electrical Activity (PEA), Ventricular Ectopic Beats (VEB's), Idioventricular Rhythm, Torsade de Pointes, Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) 1030 - 1100 Morning Tea, Networking 1100 - 1130 Life Threatening Arrhythmias continued 1130 - 1230 Defibrillation: Keeping it safe 1230 - 1300 Lunch, Networking 1300 - 1645 Skills Stations: (including Afternoon Tea) - Arrhythmia Recognition & Pharmacology - Intubation & Laryngeal Mask Airway Insertion - Defibrillation – Manual, External and Transcutaneous Pacing - Simulated Arrest & Case Scenarios Focusing on Leadership & Team Skills 1645 - 1700 Discussion of Assessment Process & Workshop Evaluation
Course Fees
Registration for this 2 day Advanced Life Support Course is $645 for Doctors and $545 for Nurses, allied health professionals or students.
Limited single day registrations are also available at the following prices:
1st day only (no pre-reading required) is $415 for Doctors and $365 for Nurses, allied health professionals or students.
2nd day only is $445 for Doctors and $395 for Nurses, allied health professionals or students.
**A 10% group discount is available when registering 4 or more participants in a single transaction
Registration includes lecture outlines with reference lists, pre-reading, refreshments, and a certificate of attendance.
A receipt and confirmation of registration will be returned by email following registration and payment.
Please note that a $55 cancellation fee applies. No refund will be given if cancellation occurs within one week of the course.
Venue Information
Sydney: North Shore Private Hospital
Melbourne: St Vincent's Hospital
Sydney: Westmead Private Hospital
Additional Information
BLS & ALS Assessments
$80 BLS only
$135 ALS only
$195 BLS & ALS together
Candidates who successfully complete a scenario based competency assessment will receive a certificate of competency valid for 12 months. In addition to this, candidates who successfully complete an ALS assessment will receive an Identification Card certifying them as competent.
Candidates may elect to attempt an ALS assessment without a BLS component providing the candidate can show proof of successfully completing a competency based assessment in BLS or equivalent within the last 12 months. If more than 12 months have elapsed since the candidate's last BLS assessment, the candidate must attempt both a BLS and ALS assessment together. A 3 month grace period will apply.
For More Information
For more information regarding this course and any dates upon which it is scheduled please download the course brochure. To enquire about hosting this course at your organisation, please submit our online enquiry form.
View Current Course List


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A swarm of earthquakes hitting the region surrounding Yellowstone National Park in the past week has captured the attention of geologists studying the geologically volatile region. But United Methodists in the area are just now learning about a seismic shift of their own that threatens the continued operation of their conference.
"Unprecedented financial challenges have emerged in the last five months radically challenging our short term sustainability," warned a presentation by the United Methodist Church's Yellowstone Annual Conference on June 10. "Unfolding in 2017 is a[n] unprecedented level of deficit that could end normal operations of the conference."
In February, IRD reported that some congregations in the Mountain Sky Episcopal Area – which includes the Yellowstone Annual Conference – were facing decreasing membership and financial contributions following the election, consecration and appointment of the Rev. Karen Oliveto as bishop for the region. Oliveto, who is married to another woman, faces opposition from some United Methodists both within and outside of her Episcopal area.
Methodists in the region launched a "sustenation fund" – later re-styled a "generosity fund" – to compensate for financial "stress" in local congregations, but now problems with local congregation finances have manifested themselves at the conference level.
"We must decide and execute a course of action quickly, to be completed in the next 3-4 months," the presentation urges.
A Sudden Crisis
While a scarcity of financial resources has afflicted the tiny, declining Yellowstone Annual Conference for some time, the June 10 conference report is phrased in urgent language, describing a grim financial shortfall that has developed only in the past 4-5 months. Reasons cited include "weakened local churches due to death and loss of significant givers" and "reaction to [Oliveto's] episcopal election" – which conference officials admit was a significant factor, if "only one of many".
The Yellowstone Annual Conference has faced a loss of income of $30,000 a year from 2014 through 2016, but the presentation reports that in 2017 this loss has grown to $25,000 a month under 2016 income levels in 2017. Forecast income for 2017 is projected to be $935,000, while the forecast deficit is $303,356. At the start of 2017, conference reserves were only $294,000.
"By year's end most reserves will be depleted with no new income projected to continue conference operations," the report states. Citing only three levers of control, the report concludes that the conference must decrease spending, increase income (through squeezing more money out of the congregations within the conference,), and delve into the conference's financial reserve.
Subtracting for denomination-wide "general church" apportionments (the conference is planning to pay $302,095, which would be slightly below average national and its own giving percentage levels for 2016), program and administrative staff ($398,625), office expenses ($62,000), and Cabinet Level Staff ($297,488) only $240,148 remains in the conference budget. Of this amount, all but $51,250 is needed to paying retiree healthcare, but $188,898 is needed for remaining discretionary items – an amount dwarfed by the projected deficit.
Tough Decisions Ahead
Plans for borrowing funds, raising money from outside the conference and squeezing more dollars out of struggling congregations – who have lost some of their own large contributors – are not sustainable.
All sources of significant spending reductions involve staff reductions, deep cuts to general church apportionments, and eliminating costs such as United Methodist campus ministry within the conference ($32,000), supporting the moving expenses for pastors within the conferences ($23,000), the conference Vital Worship Developer ($30,000) and support for the Blackfeet United Methodist Parish which serves the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in Montana ($15,000).
The presentation suggests increasing conference income through setting of fundraising goals for congregations as part of a conference-wide campaign. But the amount of new funds needed would be significant: to take no more than $100,000 from reserve finds, approximately $150,000 would need to be raised (or cut in spending) by the end of 2017.
"Extraordinary efforts will need to be taken," the presentation warns. If fundraising is not successful, the annual conference must have a plan ready to execute in November/December to severely curtail operations of the conference.
In the presentation, turmoil or financial distress experienced by local congregations is not addressed. The concern is focused entirely upon a conference budget largely controlled by the bishop (Oliveto). If Oliveto's appointment as bishop is indeed one of the contributing causes to a financial shortfall, she could step down to relieve some of the distress.
The Yellowstone Annual Conference is already proposing a merger with the neighboring Rocky Mountain Conference. It remains to be seen if the financial difficulties will accelerate or force the hand of the proposal for Yellowstone to merge into a new Mountain Sky Annual Conference.
The Yellowstone Annual Conference is among the most liberal within the denomination. At its gathering last year, the group of churches in Wyoming, Montana and a sliver of Idaho voted to affirm abortion provider Planned Parenthood and a host of other progressive causes tied up in sexuality and gender identity.
UPDATE [06/23/2017]: Christian Post has more coverage of the financial crisis in the Yellowstone conference. You can view that coverage by clicking here.


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Kendall Coffey on the Adam Matos Trial
Kendall Coffey spoke with Heather Hansen from the Law & Crime Network about the Adam Matos murder case. 32-year-old Adam Matos has been accused of quadruple murder. Matos' ex- girlfriend, her parents, and her new boyfriend were found stacked on top of each other less than a mile away from their Hudson, FL home.


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A randomized trial comparing primary infarct artery stenting with or without abciximab in acute myocardial infarction
Author + information
- Received April 6, 2003
- Revision received July 8, 2003
- Accepted July 10, 2003
- Published online December 3, 2003.
Author Information
- David Antoniucci, MD*,* (carddept{at}tin.it),
- Alfredo Rodriguez, MD†,
- Albrecht Hempel, MD‡,
- Renato Valenti, MD*,
- Angela Migliorini, MD*,
- Federico Vigo, MD†,
- Guido Parodi, MD*,
- Carlos Fernandez-Pereira, MD†,
- Guia Moschi, MD*,
- Antonio Bartorelli, MD§,
- Giovanni Maria Santoro, MD*,
- Leonardo Bolognese, MD* and
- Antonio Colombo, MD∥
- ↵*Reprint requests and correspondence:
Dr. David Antoniucci, Head, Division of Cardiology, Careggi Hospital, Viale Morgagni, I-50134, Florence, Italy.
Objectives We sought to evaluate the efficacy of abciximab as adjunctive therapy to routine infarct-related artery (IRA) stenting.
Background The impact of abciximab on the efficacy of myocardial reperfusion and the outcome of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) undergoing IRA stenting have not yet been defined.
Methods In a randomized trial, we assigned 400 patients with AMI to undergo IRA stenting alone or stenting plus abciximab. The primary end point was a composite of death, reinfarction, target vessel revascularization (TVR), and stroke at one month.
Results The incidence of the primary end point was lower in the abciximab group than in the stent only group (4.5% and 10.5%, respectively; p = 0.023), and randomization to abciximab was independently related to the risk of the primary end point (odds ratio 0.41, 95% confidence interval 0.17 to 0.97; p = 0.041). Early ST-segment resolution was more frequent in the abciximab group (85% vs. 68%, p < 0.001). Infarct size, as assessed by one-month technetium-99m sestamibi scintigraphy, revealed smaller infarcts in the abciximab group. At six months, the cumulative difference in mortality between the groups increased (4.5% vs. 8%), and the incidence of the composite of six-month death and reinfarction was lower in the abciximab group than in the stent only group (5.5% and 13.5%, respectively; p = 0.006). Six-month repeat TVR and restenosis rates were similar in the two groups.
Conclusions Abciximab plus IRA stenting should be considered the routine reperfusion strategy in patients with AMI undergoing primary percutaneous mechanical revascularization, especially in high-risk patients.
Several studies comparing primary coronary angioplasty with primary stenting for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) have shown that primary stenting improves the procedural success rate and clinical outcome (1–6). The impact of abciximab as adjunctive therapy to stenting on the efficacy of myocardial reperfusion and the outcome of patients with AMI have not yet been defined, and three completed randomized trials comparing stenting alone with stenting plus abciximab have produced conflicting results (6–8). Differences in the criteria used for patient recruitment and in adjunctive pharmacologic treatments may partly explain these discrepancies and prevent the generalizability of the concluded trial results to all patients with AMI. We therefore conducted an international, multicenter randomized trial to determine the impact of abciximab on the clinical outcome of patients with ST-segment elevation AMI undergoing routine infarct-related artery (IRA) stenting. We used broad inclusion criteria, and patients were enrolled without any restriction based on age, the risk of clinical status on presentation, and the risk of coronary anatomy, in order to have an enrolled population representative of the "real world" of patients with AMI.
Study population and protocol
The study was conducted from January 2001 to August 2002. Criteria for enrollment included: 1) chest pain persisting more than 30 min and associated with ST-segment elevation of at least 0.1 mV in two or more contiguous electrocardiographic (ECG) leads; and 2) admission either within 6 h of symptom onset or between 6 and 24 h if there was evidence of continuing ischemia. Patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) due to predominant ventricular failure were included. Cardiogenic shock due to predominant ventricular failure was defined as systolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg (without inotropic or intra-aortic balloon support) that was thought to be secondary to ventricular dysfunction and associated with signs of end-organ hypoperfusion such as: cold or diaphoretic extremities; altered mental status; or anuria. The exclusion criteria included previous administration of fibrinolytic or abciximab therapy, a history of bleeding diathesis or allergy to the study drug, major surgery within 15 days, active bleeding, participation in another study, and inability to obtain informed consent. All patients with a reference IRA diameter ≥2.5 mm were eligible for stenting and randomization. Unlike in previous studies, evidence of massive coronary thrombus, diffuse disease, a major branch involved in the culprit lesion, left main coronary disease, or severe vessel tortuosity were not considered contraindications to stenting. Angiographic criteria for exclusion from randomization included: 1) IRA reference diameter <2.5 mm on visual assessment at baseline angiography; 2) a previously stented IRA; 3) <70% stenosis of the IRA associated with Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) trial flow grade 3 (9); and 4) an inability to identify the IRA.
Before catheterization, patients received 325 mg aspirin orally or 250 mg intravenously.
After coronary angiography, patients were randomly assigned to stenting alone or stenting plus abciximab. Randomization was carried out by means of a computer-generated sequence, and assignments were made using a centralized telephone system. Data on nonrandomized patients were collected in a parallel registry.
Coronary stenting had to be attempted with a carbofilm-coated tubular stent (Carbostent, SORIN, Saluggia, Italy). Crossover to other types of stent was allowed only after failure of a Carbostent implantation attempt. Coronary stenting was accomplished using a standard technique or directly, without predilation, at the discretion of the operator. Patients randomized to abciximab (ReoPro, Centocor, Malvern, Pennsylvania) received the drug immediately before the procedure as a bolus of 0.25 mg/kg body weight, followed by a 12-h infusion at a rate of 0.125 μg/kg/min. Heparin was given as an initial bolus of 70 U/kg, and additional boluses were administered during the procedure to achieve an activated clotting time of 200 to 300 s among the patients assigned to receive abciximab and at least 300 s in patients assigned to stenting alone. In the group of patients who were assigned to stenting alone, crossover to abciximab was strongly discouraged. In patients receiving abciximab, heparin was continued for 12 h, whereas in the remaining patients, intravenous heparin was continued for two days after the procedure. Immediately after the procedure, patients received 500 mg ticlopidine or 300 mg clopidogrel. Patients were routinely treated with aspirin (325 mg/day indefinitely), and either ticlopidine (500 mg/day for 1 month) or clopidogrel (75 mg/day for 1 month).
Coronary angiography was required for all eligible patients six months after the procedure. Quantitative coronary angiography included the assessment of TIMI flow grade, corrected TIMI frame count, IRA reference diameter, minimum lumen diameter, and reference and minimum lumen diameters at six months. These quantitative angiographic parameters were assessed as previously described (9–11).
A 12-lead ECG was recorded continuously 30 min after IRA recanalization. The ST-segment changes were evaluated in the single lead with the most prominent ST-segment elevation before mechanical intervention. ST-segment elevation was measured to the nearest 0.5 mm at 60 ms after the J point, with the aid of hand-held calipers. According to a previous report (12), a reduction in ST-segment elevation was defined as a decrease of ≥50% in ST-segment elevation at 30 min after IRA recanalization.
Creatine kinase (CK) measurements were systematically performed on hospital admission, every 3 h for the subsequent 24 h, and then every 12 h for two days. The peak CK value and the time to peak CK were estimated for each patient.
A technetium-99m (99mTc)-sestamibi scintigram for determination of infarct size at one month, as previously described (13), was pre-specified in a subgroup of 250 consecutive patients.
Independent analyses of the ECGs, scintigrams, and coronary angiograms were performed at ECG, nuclear medicine, and angiographic core laboratories whose members were unaware of patient treatment assignment and clinical outcome.
End points
The primary end point was a composite of death from any cause, reinfarction, target vessel revascularization (TVR), and stroke within one month of the index procedure. Patients with more than one event were assigned the highest ranked event, according to the previous list. The secondary end points were ST-segment reduction, postprocedural corrected TIMI frame count, infarct size at one month, death from any cause at six months, reinfarction at six months, six-month composite of death and reinfarction, TVR at six months, and angiographic restenosis of the IRA at six months. "Reinfarction" was defined as recurrent chest pain with ST-segment or T-wave changes and recurrent elevation of cardiac enzymes. "Repeat TVR" was defined as coronary angioplasty or coronary surgery performed due to restenosis or reocclusion of the IRA. "Stroke" was defined as an acute neurologic defect that lasted more than 24 h and resulted in death or an inability to perform normal activities.
Statistical analysis
The sample size was calculated on the assumption that the primary end point would occur in 13% of patients randomized to stenting alone and in 5% of patients randomized to stenting plus abciximab. To detect a difference with 80% power and a type I error (alpha) of 0.05, 198 patients per group were required. Discrete data are summarized as frequencies, whereas continuous data are expressed as median values and interquartile ranges. The chi-squared test was used for comparison of categorical variables. The Mann-Whitney Utest was used to test differences among continuous variables. Survival curves were generated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and the difference between curves was assessed by the log-rank test. Forward stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent correlates of the primary end point, six-month mortality, and cumulative six-month mortality and reinfarction. The factors analyzed included age (years), gender, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, anterior AMI, previous myocardial infarction, history of angina, CS, multivessel disease, preprocedural TIMI flow grade ≤1, Rentrop collateral flow grade >1 (14), primary failure, time from symptom onset to recanalization (hours), randomization to abciximab, and stent length ≥20 mm. All analyses were conducted according to the intention-to-treat principle. A p value <0.05 was considered significant. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Analyses were performed using the package software SPSS version 8.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois).
Patient population
A total of 485 patients with ST-segment elevation AMI were admitted to four centers in three countries, 400 (82%) of whom underwent randomization. The reasons for exclusion of 85 patients from randomization were IRA diameter <2.5 mm (n = 15), contraindication to abciximab treatment (n = 25), moribund state on admission (n = 8), previous IRA stenting (n = 8), abciximab treatment before admission (n = 8), and an inability to obtain informed consent (n = 21).
Table 1summarizes the baseline characteristics of randomized patients. The two groups were well matched in terms of all baseline characteristics, and the majority of the patients were "not low risk," according to the TIMI criteria (15).
In-hospital therapy
Table 2summarizes the procedural characteristics and results. All patients randomized to abciximab had abciximab treatment, and crossover to abciximab occurred in 22 patients (11%) of the stent only group. Overall, there were three primary angioplasty failures. Stenting of the IRA was accomplished in 99% of patients using the study stent, and no crossover to other types of stent occurred in patients with an unsuccessful Carbostent implantation attempt.
Primary end point
The incidence of the primary end point was lower in the abciximab group than in the stent only group (4.5% and 10.5%, respectively; p = 0.023) (Table 3, Fig. 1). Each of the components of the primary end point was lower in the abciximab group, and the difference in the incidence of the primary end point was mostly due to the lower incidence of reinfarction. Early target vessel failure occurred in 14 patients and resulted in reinfarction in 10, despite repeat successful emergency revascularization. Coronary angiography revealed stent thrombosis in 11 patients and post-stent dissection in three. Stent thrombosis was detected in all but one patient who developed reinfarction. All patients with stent thrombosis had one or more of the following unfavorable clinical and procedural characteristics: multiple stents (n = 5), diabetes (n = 5), CS (n = 3), crossover to bailout abciximab (n = 3), and final inflation pressure >18 atm (n = 6). By multivariate analysis, the independent predictors of the primary end point were age (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.07; p = 0.031), multivessel disease (OR 3.02, 95% CI 1.15 to 7.93; p = 0.025), CS (OR 7.53, 95% CI 3.12 to 18.14; p < 0.001), and randomization to abciximab (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.97; p = 0.041).
Secondary end points
ST-segment reduction was more frequent in the abciximab group (Table 3). There were no differences in the postprocedural corrected TIMI frame count between the groups (Table 3).
Infarct size, as assessed by one-month 99mTc-sestamibi scintigraphy, revealed smaller infarcts in the abciximab group (Table 3). This difference was more evident in the subset of patient with ST-segment reduction. Moreover, patients with no detectable scintigraphic defect at one month were more frequently included in the abciximab group.
At six months, the cumulative difference in mortality between groups increased, with a 44% reduction in the abciximab groups (4.5% vs. 8.0%, p = 0.148), whereas the difference in the incidence of reinfarction was maintained. The incidence of the composite of six-month death or reinfarction was lower in the abciximab group than in the stent only group (5.5% and 13.5%, respectively; p = 0.006) (Fig. 2A). By multivariate analysis, the independent predictors of six-month mortality or reinfarction were age (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.08; p = 0.014), CS (OR 7.85, 95% CI 3.21 to 19.16; p < 0.001), ST-segment reduction (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.76; p = 0.009), and randomization to abciximab (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.93; p = 0.033). The six-month mortality rate was 3.4% in the subset of patients with ST-segment reduction (10 of 294 patients) and 16% in the subset of patients without ST-segment reduction (14 of 88 patients) (Fig. 2B). The ST-segment reduction was independently related to six-month mortality (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.81; p = 0.016).
Rates of repeat TVR and restenosis were similar in the two groups.
Bleeding and vascular complications
There were no differences in hemorrhagic complications requiring blood transfusion or vascular repair between the groups (3.5% vs. 3.0%, p = 0.778). There were no hemorrhagic strokes (a computed tomographic scan showed that the only disabling stroke was nonhemorrhagic).
The results of this trial show that abciximab provides a better clinical outcome than stenting alone in patients with ST-segment elevation AMI. The use of abciximab reduced the rate of the one-month composite of death, reinfarction, TVR, and stroke. At six months, the reduction in mortality increased, resulting in a significant reduction in the composite of death and reinfarction. These effects are likely related to the reduction in the subacute stent thrombosis rate and to more effective reperfusion at the tissue level, as shown by the more frequent ST-segment resolution in the abciximab-treated patients and the smaller infarcts at one-month scintigraphy. There were no differences in the corrected TIMI frame count between the groups. This lack of difference may be explained by the fact that assessment of this marker of reperfusion was done immediately after the procedure, when microvascular function might be not completely restored (16). Consistent with the results of previous studies (6,7), there was no evidence of an abciximab effect on six-month angiographic restenosis and TVR rates.
The results of three earlier randomized trials comparing stenting alone and stenting plus abciximab are conflicting. The Intracoronary Stenting and Antithrombotic Regimen (ISAR)-2 trial, based on a sample of 401 patients, showed a benefit of abciximab in terms of a reduction in the composite of death, reinfarction, and TVR at one month (5.0% vs. 10.5%, p = 0.038), but this benefit was no longer evident at 12 months (7). The Abciximab before Direct angioplasty and stenting in Myocardial Infarction Regarding Acute and Long-term follow-up (ADMIRAL) trial, based on a sample of 300 patients, showed a significant reduction in the composite of death, reinfarction, and urgent TVR at one month, and this benefit was maintained at six months (7.4% vs. 15.9%, p = 0.02) (8). Finally, the Controlled Abciximab and Device Investigation to Lower Late Angioplasty Complications (CADILLAC) trial, based on a sample of 2,082 patients, compared angioplasty with stenting, with or without abciximab. The primary end point of the study was the composite of six-month mortality, reinfarction, TVR, and disabling stroke. The study showed a strong benefit of coronary stenting, as compared with coronary angioplasty, with or without abciximab, and no adjunctive benefit of abciximab in the stenting arm (primary end point rate 11.5% in the stenting only group [n = 512] and 10.2% in the stenting plus abciximab group [n = 524]) (6). It might be hypothesized that the lack of effect of abciximab in the stenting arm of the CADILLAC trial was due to the very early administration of ticlopidine or clopidogrel.
Major differences in study designs prevent a direct comparison of the results of our study with those of earlier trials. We did not use stringent quantitative criteria for definition of reinfarction, as in CADILLAC trial (CK >50% higher than the previous values obtained during hospitalization). However, in all cases of reinfarction, the diagnosis was based on recurrence of chest pain, CK re-elevation, and evidence of occlusive thrombosis or dissection of the target vessel. Moreover, several features of our trial should be highlighted to put the results of the study into proper perspective. In our study, more than one-third of patients were over 70 years old; 66% were "not low risk"; the more frequent location of the AMI was anterior; diffuse disease or multiple lesions within the IRA resulted in multiple stent implantation in 25% of patients; and patients with CS on admission were included, as well as patients with coronary anatomy at high risk. The inclusion of high-risk patients who were poorly represented or excluded from previous trials may explain the positive study results, because it may be very difficult or even impossible to show the efficacy of treatment in low-risk patients. Moreover, the overall compliance with the protocol was excellent: coronary stenting was attempted in all patients and, in nearly all cases, was successful when using a last-generation passive coating stent, although the incidence of crossover to bailout abciximab in patients randomized to stenting alone was very low. The study design resulted in the enrollment of a population whose characteristics are consistent with those of large survey studies on AMI (17,18). Thus, the study sample can be considered representative of the entire population of patients with ST-segment elevation AMI. As a consequence, the study results, showing a strong benefit of abciximab as adjunctive treatment to coronary stenting, are applicable to the generality of patients undergoing primary stenting for ST-segment elevation AMI.
Study limitations
This study was not blinded. However, for the component of the primary end point of TVR, the need for reintervention was recurrent ischemia due to stent thrombosis or dissection revealed on the emergency angiogram. Thus, the potential bias in the need for emergency TVR was avoided in all cases.
Another potential limitation of the study is the different duration of postprocedural heparin treatment in the two arms. The rationale for this different duration is based on the fact that platelet inhibition may be considered completed within 12 h with abciximab treatment, whereas it needs at least 48 h with ticlopidine alone (Appendix).
The following investigators and institutions participated in the Abciximab and Carbostent Evaluation (ACE) trial: Steering Committee:D. Antoniucci (Chairman), A. Rodriguez, A. Hempel, A. Bartorelli, A. Colombo; Data Monitoring(ARCARD Foundation, Careggi Hospital, Florence): E. V. Dovellini (Director), G. Cerisano, P. Buonamici; Electrocardiographic Core Laboratory(Division of Cardiology, Careggi Hospital, Florence): A. Migliorini (Director); Nuclear Medicine Core Laboratory(Nuclear Medicine Institute, University of Florence): A. Pupi (Director); Angiographic Core Laboratory(Milan Cardiovascular Research Foundation): C. Di Mario (Director).
☆ This study was supported by SORIN Biomedica and the ARCARD ONLUS Foundation.
This study was presented, in part, at the Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics Session in Washington, DC, September 2002, and at the 50th Annual Session of the American College of Cardiology, Chicago, Illinois, March 2003.
- Abbreviations
- Abciximab before Direct angioplasty and stenting in Myocardial Infarction Regarding Acute and Long-term follow-up trial
- acute myocardial infarction
- Controlled Abciximab and Device Investigation to Lower Late Angioplasty Complications trial
- creatine kinase
- cardiogenic shock
- electrocardiogram or electrocardiographic
- infarct-related artery
- Intracoronary Stenting and Antithrombotic Regimen trial
- 99mTc
- technetium-99m
- Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction
- target vessel revascularization
- Received April 6, 2003.
- Revision received July 8, 2003.
- Accepted July 10, 2003.
- American College of Cardiology Foundation
- ↵
- Antoniucci D.,
- Santoro G.M.,
- Bolognese L.,
- Valenti R.,
- Trapani M.,
- Fazzini P.F.
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- ↵
- Controlled Abciximab and Device Investigation to Lower Late Angioplasty Complications (CADILLAC) Investigators,
- Stone G.W.,
- Grines C.L.,
- Cox D.A.,
- et al.
- ↵
- Neumann F.-J.,
- Kastrati A.,
- Schmitt C.,
- et al.
- ↵
- ↵
- Van der Zwet P.M.J.,
- Reiber J.H.C.
- Gibson C.M.,
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- et al.
- ↵
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- Gibbons R.J.,
- Miller T.D.,
- Christian T.F.
- ↵
- Rentrop K.P.,
- Cohen M.,
- Blanke H.,
- Phillips R.A.
- ↵
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- Neumann F.J.,
- Blasini R.,
- Schmitt C.,
- et al.
- ↵
- Barron H.V.,
- Bowlby L.J.,
- Breen T.,
- et al.


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The days are getting shorter and it is quickly becoming "excellent sleeping weather" here in the midwest. This is one of my favorite times of the year, primarily because I have great memories of my fall days growing up in Michigan.
Michigan is one of the top producers of apples in America (take THAT, Washington State!), and when you have apple orchards you also have cider mills and hot, fresh donuts. I have NO idea what the correlation is with apples and donuts, but for some reason, they are often mentioned at the same time (like I just did in the previous sentence). At school, the teachers would start replacing their "back to school" signage with Halloween items, including those silly cats with the big eyes, hunched back, and legs on grommets that can be oddly positioned on a bulletin board. If it weren't for the fall, I would not know what a "cornucopia" is and of course, we all became familiar with Pilgrims, and their unique dining habits with Native Americans.
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Belgium has a diverse landscape. It is divided in a Dutch speaking Flanders and the French speaking Wallonia. You can enjoy the fresh air from the beach in Flanders, whereas in Wallonia you can relish the many hills and vast forests. Think about being in a cabin in the Ardennes or the Eifel! You could walk around here for hours without ever encountering something, or someone. That way you can truly enjoy the peace and space that our Belgium cottages and their surroundings have to offer.Read more about holiday cottages in Belgium
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E-cigarettes still contain a number of toxins that are found in tobacco smoke but due to lower amounts of such toxins researchers say that long term health effects could be less harmful compared to cigarettes.
'Health professionals may consider advising smokers unable or unwilling to quit through other routes to switch to EC as a safer alternative to smoking and a possible pathway to complete cessation of nicotine use,' according to a new study published in the journal Addiction.
While e-cigarettes are not currently recommended by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), they are becoming a more prevalent option for smokers who are trying to quit. In a recent study published in the PLOS ONE Journal on physician's attitudes towards e-cigarettes, 67% of physicians who were surveyed said that e-cigarettes were helpful in the cessation of smoking tobacco.
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'Ugly Mugs', written and starring Peta Brady, is a gritty engaging play that deals with more than a murdered sex worker and a teenage girl. It is a play that delves into the sexualisation of girls and of the men around them, whose power is to brutalise or they are paralysed by it. In many ways, this play is more about the men but it is their interaction with the women that define them. It also deals with the way women are targeted and blamed for the actions of men. It's a touch of Adam and Eve in the most sinful of circumstances, if you will.
'Ugly Mugs' is streetwise and current and Brady's sophisticated understanding of her characters, especially after years of working as an outreach worker as well as actor, has transferred beautifully into a play that understands the ugliness of desperation pushed to its limits, invisible to justice and fighting for any power within its grasp.
Director Marion Potts has allowed Brady and a solid ensemble of actors (Steve Le Marquand, Sara West and Harry Boland) to connect with this play, flowing effortlessly from the voices and interaction of the dead with those who seek to hear them and action as it unfolds, retrospectively. 'Ugly Mugs', originally a pamphlet written by sex workers and distributed amongst them, is the catalogue of violent punters encountered by them with the intention of trying to aid workers in recognising and avoiding the dangers in a world where protection from legal and crime institutions was barely present. It is a chance for the disempowered to rely on each other for support.
As doom and gloom as this sounds, there is a lovely weave of humour, especially by Brady's character, to relieve the tension. Resilient and gutsy, Brady gives dimensions to this role so that we feel that this tragedy is not just of one woman but representative of the many who have gone before her and will continue to follow her and there is an inevitability to their plight that makes us realise how immune we've become to what happens outside of our sanitised and safe little worlds.
Michael Hankin's stage design strips bear the niceties of the space and leaves us front and centre with the gurney but it is what he does with his costumes (even Brady's hair was completely convincing) that create the reality of these people and world without overstating the premise at all.
If I have a criticism of the play, it is the poetry of dialogue for the son, played by Boland. The lyricism tends to work against the play and even against the character at times and I found myself having to work much harder to be engaged with his story. Or maybe the people who snuck into the theatre at that point distracted me but it left me estranged from this new subplot for a while.
The ending is also abrupt and I am left with questions in regards to Boland's character. Why does he keep silent? Does he blame himself so that this punishment is his redemption? I'm not sure I completely believed the arc of his character like I believed the others. But a good performance by Boland and a terrific one from West kept these two in the frame and Le Marquand's ability to be both vulnerable and horrifying, in different roles, gave us the light and shade we needed.
This is a very good play, made more so by the outstanding performance of Brady. It's well worth watching so catch it if you can.


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Faith Sherman
Acclaimed by the New York Times as a "luminous mezzo-soprano" and praised by Opera News for her "rich mezzo," Faith Sherman has enjoyed success on both operatic and concert stages. She recently played Catherine in Honegger's Jeanne d'Arc au Bûcher at the Philharmonie de Paris, the Toulouse and Monte Carlo Opera Houses, and Lincoln Center with the New York Philharmonic. Other roles include Rossweisse in Die Walküre and Beatrice in Beatrice and Benedict at Houston Grand Opera, Smeaton in Anna Bolena with Welsh National Opera, the Pilgrim in L'Amour de loin with English National Opera, Concepción in L'heure espagnole at Oper Frankfurt, and the mezzo-soprano lead in Ricky Ian Gordon's world premiere Rappahannock County at Virginia Opera. Faith's portrayal of Erminella in Musto's Volpone with Wolf Trap Opera earned her a GRAMMY nomination. Ms. Sherman won the Houston Grand Opera Competition in 2007, and was a semi-finalist in the Metropolitan Opera Competition, the Neue Stimmen Competition, and Plácido Domingo's Operalia Competition. She holds degrees from Eastman School of Music, Cincinnati Conservatory, and the Juilliard School. Faith teaches voice lessons at Charleston Voice Studio.