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Article By: Harvey Finkel
It might be significant that in all of the several photographs I've seen of John Geber, he has his arm around someone or something: his wife, his daughter, a wine barrel. The guess would be that he is both affectionate and possessive. More to our point, he is the energetic and passionate possessor of Château Tanunda, set on a hill near the center of South Australia's Barossa Valley, 42 miles north of Adelaide. Geber visited Boston recently, to have us sample his American exports. He was substituting for his daughter Michelle, Château Tanunda's roving ambassador in the United States.
Recently allied with importer Banfi Vintners, Tanunda may be bucking an adverse riptide. The recession is still very much upon us. The Australian dollar is now, astonishingly, worth more than ours, causing their goods to cost us more. Wines are in surplus. The luster of Australian wines, the number two US import, seems to have faded. We may have grown bored with the inexpensive animal-logoed brands, and exhausted and outpriced by the overpriced, overripe, overoaked, overly tannic, overly alcoholic blockbusters. We seek grace. Perhaps Geber's hands-on personal commitment and long view will supply some. Geber, after all, means "giver" or "donor" in German.
Geber is an interesting man. Now 57, born and raised in South Africa, tempered by work tours in Switzerland, the US and Germany, he has lived in Australia for 31 years. His world view must be expanded by his Swiss wife and widely traveled and educated daughter. He has been immersed in marketing and sales of tobacco, chewing gum, coffee and tea, and, finally, since 1991, wine. In 1993, he purchased Cowra Estate in New South Wales, known for its chardonnay plantings. Company legend, confirmed by Geber, has it that while on a bike ride in 1998 he came upon the seriously dilapidated Château Tanunda (roofless and empty, save for tons of debris and the legacy of countless pigeons), immediately bought it, and set out to rehabilitate what had once been, under Southcorp and its predecessors, the largest winery south of the equator. Tanunda in the Aboriginal language tells us that the adjacent pond at the junction of two rivers is a drakes' watering place. Some of the estate's vineyards had dated back to 1845. The massive Bavarian-style bluestone building, built 1888/189O, has walls that are three feet thick. Restored after the expenditure of much effort, money and eleven years, it now houses the winery, storage for the estate's and neighbors' wines, a visitors' center, facilities for dinners, and a museum. The landscaped grounds sport a cricket pitch, a croquet lawn, garden terraces, and 22O acres of vines.
Château Tanunda owns, in total, 35O acres of vines and purchases fruit from 3OO growers, to make 1OO,OOO cases of wine yearly, on average. Of the 25 wines produced, six are sold in the US. We shall taste all but The Château, of which an average of 8OO bottles are yielded by one acre of 1OO-year-old bush-trained shiraz vines, only in the best vintages. Its price is listed at $1OO.
Most vines are 5O to 12O-years-old. Their fruit is picked by hand, basket pressed and open fermented. The Riesling sees no oak. The reds age in French oak, except for the Grand Barossa Shiraz's 8O percent American. Château Tanunda is seeking to sell vinous grace in the form of restraint: in alcohol, in oak, in true dryness, in individually crafted wines from low-yield old vines.
I'm surprised such a creditable Riesling could be grown in the hot Barossa, which, however, has very large limestone deposits. Well balanced with tasty fruit. Dry. $16
Contains 7 percent Cabernet Franc. Aged 18 months in barrel. Attractive fruit and leather seasoned with American oak. Good finish. $18
Contains 4 percent Cabernet Franc. Two years in barrel plus one in bottle at the winery. Elegant; no heaviness at all. Very long finish. $5O
Aged in barrel 18 months. Still youthful and a bit vegetal (which comes from its 6 percent Cabernet Franc), but satisfactory. $18
Cabernet Franc 4 percent, Shiraz 5. Aged 18 months in barrel. Intense and fine. Will be better yet with time. $5O


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Here's a look back at the top ten plays by the Jets in 2010. All of them were valuable in their own unique ways. After the list is over, let the debate begin.
#10 Dwight Lowery's 26-yard INT return TD (Week 5 vs. Vikings)
a. The key play that ultimately saved the team from a potentially embarrassing loss on Monday Night football
b. Favre may have gotten his 500th TD pass in the game (to Randy Moss no less), but he also proved that he's still an erratic passer passed his prime.
#9 LaDanian Tomlinson's ankle breaking 26-yard TD (Week 4 vs. Bills)
a. Yes it was against the Bills, but Donte Whitner is pretty good
b. That play helped Tomlinson re-establish himself as an effective runner despite his age
#8 Jerricho Cotchery's 3rd-down conversion (Week 10 vs. Browns)
a. Cotchery injured his groin during the play but still had the awareness to signal Sanchez to throw him the ball for a key conversion
b. Play really highlighted Cotchery's heart and toughness
#7 Santonio Holmes' TD catch in the back of the endzone (AFC Divisional Game vs. Patriots
a. Reminiscent of his catch in Super Bowl XLIII
#6 Braylon Edwards 67-yard TD Catch off the bench (Week 3 vs. Dolphins)
a. One way to earn back the owner's respect after getting arrested for a DUI is having an awesome game against the Dolphins
b. After being benched in the first half of the game as punishment, Edwards became the game's MVP – first with the touchdown catch, later with a huge catch that helped end the game.
(#5 - #1 and Honorable mentions after the jump.)Honorable Mention:
Folk's 56-yard FG vs. Broncos Week 6
Franchise record
Brad Smith's opening kickoff return TD vs. Steelers Week 15
Made difference between winning and losing
Edwards's TD catch vs. Patriots in Playoffs
Plowed right through Brandon Meriwether and Pro Bowl Corner Devin McCourty
Jason Taylor's safety vs. Steelers Week 15
Prevented Steelers from making FG and forcing overtime
#5 Brad Smith 89-yard Kick Return TD, with one shoe (Week 12 vs. Bengals)
a. One of two amazing plays by Smith against the Bengals that earned him the Thanksgiving game Pudding Pie award.
b. Loses his shoe halfway through the runback but keeps going unhindered
#4 Braylon Edwards last catch against the Colts (AFC Wildcard Game vs. Colts)
a. If Edwards didn't make that catch, there was almost no way we would have won that game.
#3 Santonio Holmes' 3 consecutive GW catches (Week 9 vs. Lions, Week 10 vs. Browns, Week 11 vs. Texans)
a. Any one of these catches could, on their own, be the #3 best play of 2010
i. Huge catch to set up GW FG vs. Lions in OT
ii. GW TD Catch vs. Browns in OT
iii. GW TD Catch vs. Texans to take the lead
b. I'm not going to discriminate between which catch was better. If Holmes wasn't the clutch WR he is, we likely would not have won any of those games.
#2 Folk's Game Winning FG (AFC Wildcard Game vs. Colts)
a. Pretty sure that's the first GW FG made by a Jet in the Playoffs
b. Adam Vinatieri gets shown up by Nick Folk of all people
#1 The Final Kneel-Down (AFC Divisional Game vs. Patriots)
a. First Playoff win against a Division Rival in Franchise history
b. Let's not forget the creation of Bart Scott's famous catchphrase
c. And wasn't Edwards' backflip simply epic?
There you have it. Let the debate and conversations begin

subset: commoncrawl


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By Jane Nambi
Be careful what kind of creams you use and follow their in instructions carefully because they may cause you serious injuries as they did to a man in Massachusetts.
Brett Sigworth from Massachusetts had second degree burns after applying a sun cream when he was set aflame.
Brett allegedly applied the cream which he identified as sunscreen aerosol spray on several body parts and when he went next to a grill, he automatically caught fire and suffered from second degree burns.
Talking about his ordeal, Brett expressed his utter panic and fear when he was aflame. "I went into complete panic mode and screamed," Sigworth said. "I've never experienced pain like that in my life." He added saying, "It was so scary," he said, "and I just wouldn't want to see it happen to anybody else."
Brett suffered from second degree burns to his chest, ear and back, the all other areas where he applied the sunscreen. The incident happened ten days ago but his body is still showing the ordeal he suffered from.
However, Brett did not adhere to the warnings on the bottle of Banana Boat sunscreen which read, "Flammable, don't use near heat, flame or while burning" although it did not t specify about application.
In a statement, the Banana Boat officials expressed horror about the story and promised to carry out investigations to rectify the matter. "We are unaware of any prior incidents similar to what Brett has described, but because nothing is more important to us than the safety of our consumers, we are taking this matter very seriously," the statement said.
Dan Dillard, CEO of the Burn Prevention Network, said, "As he approached the flame, the charcoal simply caught the vapor trail and it follows the vapor trail to where the bulk of the substance is, which is on his body," said Dillard. "I think if people were told this is flammable for two minutes on your skin, people wouldn't use it," Sigworth said.
He is not going to sue the company.
According to the world health organization, an estimated 195, 000 deaths every year are caused by burns and these are more so in South-East Asia which accounts for 27% of global burn deaths.


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Pledge details
DanG sponsored Nat Hannah and Hermione for a hilly half marathon by doing Eat seasonably over two months.
Here are the details of their pledge:
How much of your fruit and veg is imported?
Pretty much all of it
Not sure – I just buy what looks tasty
Almost none, I eat with the seasons
For how many days a week will you only eat seasonal food? (NB you pledge to keep it up for two months)
days a week
DoActions you might like
Start raising!
Running a marathon? Getting married? Hosting a Green Week? Start raising DoActions now.


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4 T butter
1 1/2 cups diced onions
1 lb fresh mushrooms, sliced (I used 8 oz white mushrooms and 8 oz baby bellas)
1 T fresh dill weed
1 T smoked paprika
1 T soy sauce
2 cups chicken broth (1 can)
2 cups milk (I used 1%; the original recipe called for 1 cup milk and 1 cup half and half)
4 T flour
1 t salt
ground pepper to taste
2 tsp lemon juice
2 T chopped fresh parsley
1 small container greek yogurt or 1/2 cup sour cream
Melt butter in pot over medium heat. Saute onions for 5 minutes. Add mushrooms and saute for 5 more minutes. Stir in dill, paprika, soy sauce, and broth. Reduce heat to low. Cover. Simmer for 15 minutes.
In a separate bowl whisk together the milk and flour. Add to the soup and stir well to blend. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Finally stir in the salt, pepper, lemon juice, and parsley. Slowly add the yogurt or sour cream, one spoonful at a time. Stir and heat slowly over low heat for 3-5 minutes. Do not boil. Serve immediately.


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Jackson Police released more information on Tuesday about a shooting that left a senior detective and suspect dead.
The Hinds County Coroner tells WJTV News Channel 12 that 23-year-old Jeremy Powell shot himself twice in the head last Thursday.
Police say that was after Powell shot 18-year veteran of the force, Eric Smith, four times.
Detective Smith was interviewing Powell on a murder charge at police headquarters when Powell over-powered Smith, took his gun, and shot him.
On Tuesday night Jackson's "Friends of Fallen Riders" and other motorcycle groups raised awareness about the dangers members of law enforcement face everyday.
A group of about 100 bikers rode from Jackson's "Save-A-Lot" off I-55 to the Greater Antioch Baptist Church where members of law enforcement held a special vigil for Smith and his family.
Peggy Smith, Eric Smith's mother, listened to the music at the event while surrounded by her son's two families: the one at home and the one through law enforcement.
"One thing I can say that can help me get through this is that my son loved his job. Nobody loved that job better than him," Peggy Smith said.
Smith's survivors include his two sons: 17-year-old Quentin and 18-year-old Eric Smith Junior.
"My brother called me. He said 'Your dad got shot'," Smith Jr. said - remember last week.
"And I wasn't accepting of it. I was like 'what?'," Smith Jr. said.
"That same day, you know, I was in a daze for a second. I cried. I cried this morning but I knew my dad, you know what I'm saying? And everybody knows he was a funny dude and he wouldn't want to see us cry," Smith Jr. said.
Smith's mother let her emotions pour during a memorial PowerPoint presentation showing her son with his brother.
"Matter of fact, those are the only two boys I have. They're twins and they're about the love of my life," Peggy Smith said.
She says her son knew the risks of his job but it's just that it's so difficult for a family moving forward.
"Stay strong and we're here for each other and that's all. We've got to pull together and stay with each other," Peggy Smith said.
Eric Smith's funeral is at 11 a.m. on Saturday morning at the Williams Athletics and Assembly Center on the campus of Jackson State University.
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text: Harmon Business District Zoning explained in plain English As many of you know, the VIllage adopted a package of carefully chosen zoning changes for an expanded Gateway in the Harmon buiness district located on Croton Point Avenue and South Riverside Avenue. The Village Board adopted these zoning changes after a very extensive review process. The new zoning options are now in effect. In order to help local property owners understand both the intention and the specfics of the new options, we have prepared this presentation that you may view at your leisure. Should you have any further questions, please do not hestitate to contact either Village Manager Abraham Zambrano (firstname.lastname@example.com) or Mayor Leo Wiegman (firstname.lastname@example.com). Presentation


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Light is the only thing in existence
View Single Post
Mar30-10, 06:48 AM
Quote by
Thanks. Does light emit at different 'rates'? It sounds to me like the photons dispersion at the circumference or 'vertically' are determined by the size of the sphere, but the horizontal/radius photons density would be determined by how many photons per second (or whatever) are being emitted. Particle-y on the one axis, wave-like on the other?
Actually this begs a question, when measuring flux over an area how deep do you measure? One photon thick?
When photons from two different light sources collide do they change direction? Do more than one photon ever try to occupy the same physical space? Do they pass through each other or miraculously always miss each other?
It seems like you are mixing light flux (given in lumens) with illuminance (given in lux, which is lumens/m^2). Anyway, you don't count the photons. Basically you are measuring how much energy is transfered from the source to the detector in the unit of time. If source varies with time faster then detector can detect it, you will get average result.
Photons are bosons, and they can occupy same quantum state, according to the Pauli exclusion principle. That means that they are free to move 'through each other' without colliding. If that were not the case our world would look a lot different.
Anyway when speaking about light duallity, and when considering photons as particles it is wrong to picture them as little blobs of matter, because they are not that. Photons are smallest possible 'packages of energy'.


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It can take some time for your body to get back to normal after a miscarriage, especially if you were further along in the pregnancy at the time the loss occurred. Most women will have a menstrual period within four to six weeks after a miscarriage, but it may take as long as two to three months before menstruation returns to normal. If it's been less than that time span, try to have patience -- your body may simply need a little time to recover.
If it's been longer than a couple of months since your miscarriage and you have not yet had a period, call your doctor. Most likely, there's no serious problem, but a small number of women may develop adhesions or Asherman's syndrome following a miscarriage. Signs of Asherman's syndrome include having no menstrual periods, having cramping but little or no bleeding at the time of an expected menstrual period, or trouble getting pregnant and/or recurrent miscarriages.
Finally, if you have been having unprotected sex since the miscarriage, consider taking a pregnancy test -- it is possible to become pregnant immediately after a miscarriage even if you haven't yet had a period. Some women do not experience any delay in the return of normal menstrual cycles, and thus, ovulation may occur as early as two weeks after a miscarriage.
After a Miscarriage: Physical Recovery. American Pregnancy Association. Accessed: 30 Jun 2010. http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyloss/mcphysicalrecovery.html
Miscarriage. March of Dimes. Accessed: 30 Jun 2010. http://www.marchofdimes.com/professionals/14332_1192.asp


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Like many other Seattle Seahawks fans, Washington State Representative Joe Fitzgibbon was angry that his team lost to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. The Seahawks are supposed to be unbeatable at home, but the Cards limited them to just 10 points and came away with a crucial 17-10 victory to keep themselves alive in the playoff hunt. Fitzgibbon probably should have tipped his cap and said "good game" after the tough battle.
Instead, the politician got himself in trouble by doing something we see countless athletes do every season — tweeting without thinking. Fitzgibbon called Arizona a "racist wasteland" after the game.
WA Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon has deleted his #Seahawks related tweet, which referred to Arizona as a "racist wasteland". http://t.co/SbU9xuCfJE
— Chris Daniels (@ChrisDaniels5) December 23, 2013
One would think Fitzgibbon would apologize after writing something like that, but he didn't seem to take it as seriously as some of his followers. He offered somewhat of a non-apology and said people are taking his comment too seriously.


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Eau Claire (WQOW) - Socks and underwear, two things we put on everyday. What if you had to go without? For more than 200 local students that's a reality they face but it's far from their only worry. These students are homeless.
This is the story of one Eau Claire family.
A daily chore like checking the mail is something Jennifer Stevens is grateful for. Just 6 months ago she and her 5 children were homeless. "I got really behind on bills and things got kind of tough. We ended up not being able to keep the place we were staying in," says Stevens.
Shortly after Jennifer was diagnosed with thyroid cancer the bills began pilling up and the family was forced to leave their home. "It was absolutely a tremendous journey. There were times when I wasn't sure if I was gonna have a meal on the table for that night," she adds.
Today there is food to go around and the family has a place to call home. Jennifer says organizations like the Beacon House and the Eau Claire Area School District's homeless program helped to get her back on her feet.
"Backpacks, school supplies, you name it, anything I needed. I'm just very grateful for all the help that we got and just to know that we can count on the people of Eau Claire to help families that are down and out," says Stevens. Adds Dani Clasges from the Eau Claire School District's homeless program, "We certainly want them to use their money to go toward their permanent housing, not toward socks and underwear if we can help it, because we want to see them get out of homelessness."
This year 211 students have been referred to the district's homeless program.
"Allot of students, homeless teens are starting to pop up and it is because their families are already struggling money-wise and then to have a student that is almost at that age where they can provide for themselves, the family is saying you need to do that because we can't afford to have you stay with us anymore," says Clasges. "We do have a male who has come into town recently. And he is attending school now but he is living in his car. So we're trying to get what he needs and being in his car he needs a lot."
And those basic needs begin with socks and underwear. That's why WQOW News 18 is partnering with the Eau Claire Area School District to launch the "Top Drawer Drive." "On the cold winter nights when you need an extra pair of socks, they were there and they wouldn't have had that if it wasn't for donations. You know now that we're at the point where I'm stable and able to do things my family has a saying of paying it forward. We're planning to prepare meals for Beacon House and things like that just to say thank you for all the things, all the help that we got over this past year because if it wasn't for that we wouldn't be where we are," says Stevens.
She adds, "It's important to remember that everyone needs help at some point in time. There's no reason why children should be suffering."
Tuesday marks the kick-off of the "Top Drawer Drive". When we heard about the number of homeless students in Eau Claire and how many of them are in desperate need of everyday items like socks and underwear we wanted to help.
We'll be collecting items here at our station, located at 5545 Highway 93. If you're wondering about sizes, anything that would fit a child in Pre-K on up to a high school senior. You can also drop off donations at the district office on Main Street.


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Why Autism Became My Career … A Love Story
Posted by AGRE Senior Recruitment Research Manager Tiffany Torigoe
In 2003, I moved to California from my native Hawaii. I'd just graduated from college, and I immediately accepted a job with Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE) with one goal in mind: Start building my career in research!
I didn't know that this job would become so much more.
Autism quickly became my passion. As I learned more about the complexities of autism, I knew I wanted to make a difference in the lives of affected families. My interactions with AGRE parents and grandparents have been amazing. They have remarkable stories about their children and how each is wonderfully unique.
At the same time, I find it a great challenge to address some of their greatest concerns. I understand their urgent need for answers. But as someone trained in science, I also know that real answers sometimes take years to deliver. I remind our parents to never give up hope.
One of my most memorable interactions occurred at a Defeat Autism Now (DAN) conference several years ago. Autism Speaks had just started to become a prominent player within the autism community, and there was still apprehension about us. Unfortunately, I was not well equipped to answer some of the challenging political questions people asked me that day! I felt like a moving target and was left confused because I had thought we were all working towards the same goal: helping people with autism!
Just as I was packing up for the day, a man came over to the Autism Speaks table to talk with me. "I've been meaning to come over here all day," he said. "I just want to thank you for being here. It means so much to us that you're here to support us. Thank you." To this day, whenever I feel lost in the politics and paperwork, I remember that moment and am reminded by why I'm here at AGRE.
Ultimately, I think the future of autism research lies in collaboration with scientists and families around the world. So it is very exciting to see AGRE's mission begin to expand outside of North America. We know that autism is a global issue, and I think diversity is the glue that autism research needs to put all the pieces together.
In closing I want to thank all our supporters – those who Walk, those who participate in research, and everyone who cares about our mission to improve the lives of all who struggle with autism. Thank you so much. I love being part of this community.
Follow the hyperlinks to learn more about AGRE and current opportunities for participating in autism research. You can also explore the studies we're funding using our grant search.
Our Science Data-Meister Reflects on the Big Picture
Posted by Dusan Bosnjakovic, director of research information systems for Autism Speaks Autism Genetic Resource Exchange
On a day to day basis, I can get so immersed in the mechanics, data and details of what I do that I sometimes forget to step back and see the bigger picture: The tremendous value of the research information systems that Autism Speaks has created within its Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE).
I am feeling particularly sensitive to this "big picture" with this week's announcement of the historic addition of AGRE information to the National Database for Autism Research (NDAR), which is supported and maintained by the National Institutes of Health.
I'm reminded that the goal of all my work is to increase the availability and usefulness of the vital information that we collect—information that can advance the scientific understanding of autism and speed the development of better treatments.
I promise to spare you the technical details. Suffice it to say, our role is to take the anonymous information (de-identified data) we gather from our participating families and put it in an easy-to-use format that autism researchers can use to increase the power and accuracy of their scientific findings and insights.
In joining our data with NDAR's, we are making more comprehensive data available to the broader scientific community and also linking data collected on participants within AGRE with additional data on the same participants across a variety of other research studies (all anonymous). This is adding significantly to the autism field's body of scientific knowledge. And this is our obligation to our families: To maximize their contributions and make sure their de-identified data will always be available to qualified scientists who are working to improve the lives of those who struggle with autism. We take pride in providing researchers with the most comprehensive and highest quality of data possible, so that they can do what they do best: science.
Special thanks go to Reinis Berzins, our AGRE data projects coordinator, whose position was made possible by the $1 million National Institutes of Health grant we received to integrate the AGRE and NDAR databases. To learn more about AGRE, please visit its website. To learn more about the AGRE-NDAR federation, please see this week's related news item.
Read more science news and perspective on the Science Page.
Base Pairs to Bedside: A Visit to Beijing Genomics Institute
Posted by Autism Speaks Vice President of Scientific Affairs Andy Shih, Ph.D.
Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI), the world's largest genome sequencing organization got its start a little more than a decade ago at a moment when idealism, patriotic fervor and more than a little chutzpah converged to create what one of its founders, Huanming Yang, Ph.D., recently acknowledged was "a Mission Impossible."
Yang, then with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, promised to complete 1 percent of the Human Genome Project–at the time the biological equivalent of the moon shot of the 1960s. There was just one problem: He didn't have a gene-sequencing machine!
What followed was one of the most thrilling rags-to-riches stories in modern science. Yang and his colleagues overcame immense technical, financial and political obstacles to deliver the DNA sequence of their portion of human chromosome 3. In doing so, they changed Chinese science forever and built a scientific-industrial juggernaut that now represents 20 percent of the world's capacity for genome sequencing.
That same can-do spirit was clearly on display when I and Autism Speaks-funded Duke University researcher Yong-hui Jiang, M.D., Ph.D., visited BGI in Shenzhen after the Autism Research Collaboration Development Meeting, co-hosted by Children's Hospital of Fudan University in Shanghai and Autism Speaks. Not coincidentally, Yang gave the keynote address to the meeting, which ended last weekend.
Today most of BGI is housed in a former shoe factory on a small campus that includes several high-rise dormitories for nearly 4,000 employees. In recent years, the institute has produced such high-impact scientific accomplishments as complete genome sequences of rice and potato plants and the human gut microbiome (our digestive microbes). Through genetic sequencing, it also identified the culprit behind this summer's deadly E. coli outbreak in Germany. In the face of this public health crisis, BGI marshaled the staff and technology to sequence the entire genome of the toxic bacterial strain in less than three days.
In visiting BGI, I was impressed by more than the arrays of cutting-edge automated sequencers, which run 24/7. I was struck by BGI's eclectic leadership.
BGI cofounder, Jian Wang, Ph.D., recently scaled Mount Everest, after three attempts over a two-month period. For inspiration he credits BGI's landmark collaboration with U.S. and European scientists in documenting the rapid evolution of the Tibetan human genome to accommodate life at high altitudes.
BGI executive director Jun Wang, Ph.D., joined the institute when he was 23 and went on to amass 36 publications in Science and Nature over 12 years. For your average researcher, having 1 or 2 publications in Science or Nature is sufficient to secure a tenured position at a top U.S. or European university.
At age 25 years, Yirui Li is leading the bioinformatics efforts of BGI's recently announced collaboration with Autism Speaks to sequence 10,000 autism genomes. With 16 Science and Nature publications to his name, Li dropped out of China's elite Tsing Hua University at age 19.
Despite their intellectual firepower, drive and personal and professional accomplishments, they were a down-to-earth group. They thought nothing of coming in on a Sunday to meet with us. Sporting what appeared to be their regular uniform of T-shirts, jeans and flip-flops or running shoes, they looked more like grad students than high-profile executives of a leading international research institute.
Yang and his colleagues also have a refreshingly progressive view on science and its end game. Impatient with traditional distinctions among scientific disciplines–such as genetics versus environmental sciences–they advocate a "trans-omics" approach to scientific development. In their view, decoding the genome is part of a continuum of activities that includes epigenetics, proteomics, cell biology, systems biology and computer science.
Most importantly, perhaps, they see all these activities as integrated and dedicated to "advancing the science of medicine" and "improving the effectiveness of healthcare." Clearly, they remain driven by the sense of urgency that allowed them to identify and decipher a deadly pathogen by sequencing its entire DNA sequence in three days.
I left BGI inspired by what I saw and heard. The BGI team seemed refreshingly unencumbered by the petty divisions and willful near-sightedness we too often encounter in science and society. They are pursuing a grander vision that I, too, have lost at times. More than ever, I am hopeful that with enough idealism, ambition and even a little chutzpah, Autism Speaks collaborations like this one will soon deliver a better future for all of our families.
After a few drinks and a dinner of simple and very spicy local fare in the BGI canteen, Yang leaned over to me and said matter-of-factly, "We'll get it done."
Please visit our science pages for more news and perspective.
Autism Speaks Science Team Returns from China
Posted by Autism Speaks Chief Science Officer Geri Dawson, Ph.D.
The Autism Speaks science team traveled to Shanghai, China, last week with the goal of enhancing collaboration among Chinese and North American scientists. Despite the challenges of speaking different languages, we learned a lot from each other. Our Chinese colleagues were eager to hear about new research and treatments being developed in North America. The Americans were impressed with the technological prowess of the Chinese.
A prime example of this technological power is the Beijing Genome Institute, the largest genome sequencing institution in the world and a new Autism Speaks partner. In the coming year, the Beijing Genome Institute will be sequencing the DNA of families participating in our Autism Genome Resource Exchange (AGRE) program, allowing us to create the world's largest whole genome sequence library for autism research. (See our related news item.)
Another example is a recently launched Chinese program that sends text messages to new mothers, alerting them to the early signs of autism. Chinese researchers are studying whether this innovative "eHealth" strategy results in better referral, assessment and intervention rates for children with early symptoms.
Although my conversations and learnings from my Chinese colleagues were enlightening and we planned many future collaborations, the most significant moment for me was talking to 200 Chinese parents of children with autism. I walked into a room filled with mothers and fathers eager to hear new information about autism. Through a translator, I described new research findings and treatments and fielded questions from the audience.
The questions were remarkably similar to those I hear from parents in the United States. One mother told me that her son had frequent tummy aches and constipation; she wondered if this could be related to his autism. Another parent asked what she should do about her daughter's fear of fireworks, a common part of special events here. Should she keep her at home and miss the family outings? A father showed me a large bag filled with medicines he had purchased through the mail and asked if I thought they would help his child.
We talked about the association between autism and gastrointestinal problems and how treating these physical problems can relieve discomfort and, so, help children gain more from their educational programs. We talked about auditory sensitivities and discussed a range of strategies for helping children cope with loud noises. And we talked about how to evaluate whether a treatment is truly effective and safe for a child.
As our conversation continued, I was struck by the fact that, although China and the United States are very different cultures, autism is a common bond. Parents across the globe are looking for answers to help their children. My hope is that Autism Speaks Global Autism Public Health Initiative will be able to make a difference for these families. By partnering with scientists and clinicians in China, we can translate and adapt many of the tool kits and other resources we have developed here in North America—while also learning from our colleagues and families in China.
A Message from our Chief Science Officer
Dear all,
I hope you enjoy our report on Science Department Monthly Highlights, focusing on major scientific advances and new grants funded by Autism Speaks, as well as the science staff's media appearances and national/international meetings. Given the size and scope of our science department, we aren't attempting a comprehensive report here. If you are interesting in knowing more about activities such as tissue donations, participation in clinical trials, and our research networks (e.g. Baby Sibs Research Consortium), please contact me and our science communications staff at firstname.lastname@example.com. Enjoy!
Best wishes, Geri
The dog days of August were anything but quiet for the science department. Highlights included the release of the first major report of the Autism Speaks Baby Siblings Research Consortium. The world learned that autism recurs in families at a much higher rate than previously estimated. For perspective and guidance, the national media turned to our director of research for environmental sciences, Alycia Halladay, PhD. Over the course of 24 hours, Alycia made appearances on CNN, MSNBC, and NPR's "All Things Considered;" was interviewed by reporters for numerous major papers, news services, and magazines; and even found time to answer parents' questions via live webchat (transcript here)—the first of an ongoing schedule of live chats to be hosted by science department leadership. Geri Dawson, PhD, our chief science officer, wrote a blog that focused on what the new findings mean for parents.
The science department also hosted a two-day Autism and Immunology Think Tank at the New York City office, with some of the nation's leading thought-leaders in immunology and inflammatory diseases lending fresh insights to aid our planning of research exploring the immune system's role in autism spectrum disorders. Glenn Rall, PhD, Associate Professor, Fox Chase Cancer Center and member of Autism Speaks' Scientific Advisory Committee, and Alycia organized and led the meeting which was attended by senior science staff and experts who study the role of the immune system and inflammation in multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, inflammatory bowel diseases, and brain development.
Here, then, is the science department's abbreviated rundown of August highlights:
Major scientific publications published this month supported with Autism Speaks funds and resources
* Recurrence Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Baby Siblings Research Consortium Study. Ozonoff S, Young GS, Carter A, et al. Pediatrics. 2011 Aug 15. [Epub ahead of print]
* Coming closer to describing the variable onset patterns in autism. Dawson G. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2011 Aug; 50(8):744-6.
* Mortality in individuals with autism, with and without epilepsy. Pickett J, Xiu E, Tuchman R, Dawson G, Lajonchere C. J Child Neurol. 2011 Aug;26(8):932-9.
Autism Speaks science staff in the national media
* Alycia gave perspective and guidance related to the results of the Baby Siblings study in The New York Times, Associated Press, USA Today, CNN Health, Time, Healthday, Huffington Post and WebMD; and made related appearances on CNN, MSNBC, and NPR's "All Things Considered."
* VP of Scientific Affairs Andy Shih was interviewed by the Philadelphia Inquirer, Parents Express and Education Week about Hacking Autism.
* Alycia was interviewed by Fit Pregnancy about studies on prenatal and early post natal risk factors. She was also interviewed by About.com regarding proposed changes in autism-related entries of next year's much-anticipated DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition).
* Andy and Michael Rosanoff, associate director of public health research, were interviewed by Newsweek for a story about the Minnesota Somali prevalence study.
* Geri was interviewed by Parents magazine for a story about early screening and early intervention.
* VP of Translational Research Robert Ring was interviewed by Discover magazine for a story on the use of mice models in autism research.
* Geri was interviewed by the prestigious journal Lancet regarding autism clusters in California.
* Andy was interviewed by CBS 60 Minutes on innovative autism technology.
* Geri and Simon were interviewed by ABC News on the use of avatars in autism treatment.
* Autism Speaks Global Autism Public Health Initiative continued to generate world headlines, including this Wall St Journal interview, around its Conference on Autism Spectrum Disorders and Developmental Disabilities in Bangladesh and South Asia, which resulted in the adoption of the "Dhaka Declaration" presented to the United Nations.
Science webchats
* On August 15th, the science department hosted its first live webchat, with Alycia fielding questions related to the widely covered release of the Baby Siblings Research Consortium's findings of unexpectedly high rates of autism recurrence in families. Nearly 1,000 live viewers joined the chat and submitted 299 questions and comments. This is the first of an ongoing series of live web chats by senior science staff.
Science leadership at national and international meetings
* Geri, Andy, Rob, Michael, and VP of Scientific Review Anita Miller Sostek attended the treatment grant review meeting in San Francisco, Aug 1-2. 86 applications focusing on developing and evaluating new biomedical and behavioral treatments were reviewed by a panel of scientific experts and stakeholders. Ann Gibbons, executive director, National Capital Area, offered her expertise as a consumer reviewer on the panel.
* Michael attended the World Congress of Epidemiology, in Edinburgh, Scotland, Aug 7-11. This year's theme was "Changing populations, changing diseases: Epidemiology for Tomorrow's World," and the International Clinical Epidemiology Network Team, which Autism Speaks co-funds, presented on an array of research efforts. In addition, Danish researchers presented data on the increased risk for autism in children with low birth weight and other birth-related conditions.
* Geri and Alycia hosted an Autism and Immunology Think Tank, Aug 22-23, in NYC (described above).
*The Autism Treatment Network leadership held its semi-annual planning meeting in the NYC offices Aug 23-24, with Geri, Clara, Rob, Dr. Dan Coury, Medical Director, ATN, Jim Perrin, MD, Director, Clinical Coordinating Center, ATN, and Nancy Jones attending.
* The science department senior leadership and Mark Roithmayr held a strategic planning meeting with members of its scientific advisory committee in the NYC offices, Aug 24. Among the advisors attending this meeting were Joe Coyle, MD, Chair, department of psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Gary Goldstein, MD, president, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Steve Scherer, PhD, director, Centre for Applied Genomics, University of Toronto, and Roberto Tuchman, MD, associate professor of neurology, Miami Children's Hospital.
*On Sunday, August 28th, Geri Dawson presented at the Triennial Conference of the Royal Arch Masons, a group that makes a substantial annual donation to support the work of the Toddler Treatment Network.
California Autism Twin Study Suggests Prenatal Risk Factors
Posted by Clara Lajonchere, PhD, vice president of clinical programs, Autism Speaks
As head of clinical programs at Autism Speaks, I oversee a number of vital resources for researchers studying the causes and treatment of autism. Today brought the publication of a new and revealing study made possible by Autism Speaks' Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE).
Autism researchers have been studying twins for years for insights into the genetic and nongenetic factors that influence the development of autism. One of the most powerful ways to do so is to study twins (both identical and non-identical) where at least one of the pair has autism. This approach allows us to look at how often both twins receive a diagnosis of autism. Study of identical twins, who share 100 percent of their genes, then helps us determine the degree to which autism is inherited, or genetic; and comparison to fraternal twins, who share around 50 percent of their DNA, allows us to understand how environmental influences add to the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
But until now we've had only three, small twin studies, which together looked at just 66 twin pairs–a number too small to produce reliable conclusions. Still, these studies were the best we had, and theysuggested that when one identical twin develops an ASD, the chance of the other twin developing the disorder is as high as 90 percent. These same studies showed little to no overlap among fraternal twins – leading to the conclusion that inherited genes alone produced the risk.
Now comes the game changer. The California Autism Twins Study (CATS) is the largest ever study of twins with ASD, with scientifically reliable information on 192 twin pairs, both identical and fraternal. It was conducted by a group of renowned researchers in collaboration with the AGRE team. AGRE clinical staff collected DNA and helped perform the home-based diagnostic and cognitive testing on many of the participants, using scientifically validated research measures for diagnosing ASD.
So what were its dramatic findings?
It found that when one identical twin develops autism, the chance of the other twin developing the disorder is 70 percent. More surprisingly, it documented a whopping 35 percent overlap among fraternal twins. This is strong evidence that environmental influences are at play. Moreover, the 35 percent "both twins affected" rate is higher than the 3 percent to 14 percent overlap between different age siblings. (i.e. If one child in a family has autism, there is a 3 percent to 14 percent chance that a younger sibling will develop it.) This suggests that there are environmental influences uniquely shared by twins–for instance, in the womb and perhaps during birth.
In other words, we now have strong evidence that, on top of genetic heritability, a shared prenatal environment may have a greater than previously realized role in the development of autism in twins
This has important implications for future research. For instance, is there a particular time period during the pregnancy when a child's brain development is particularly vulnerable to environmental influences? And what might these influences be? Already we have evidence implicating such factors as advanced parental age, maternal nutrition, maternal infections (especially flu) during pregnancy, and premature and/or underweight birth. Indeed, multiple-birth pregnancies are themselves associated with increased risk of developmental disorders such as cerebral palsy and autism.
Only by further studying these issues can we begin to provide parents and parents-to-be with the reliable guidance they seek and need. Autism Speaks is currently investing in several studies that are exploring how environmental factors increase the risk for ASD. As we go forward in these endeavors, we greatly value your input. So please write and share your comments on our blog and website. For more on the study, read The Womb as Environment.
On July 5th, NBC Nightly News came to Andy Shih, Autism Speaks' vice president of scientific affairs, for perspective on the game-changing California Autism Twins study. To view the clip please visit here.
More national television media coverage of the ground-breaking results of the California Autism Twin study–research made possible by the Autism Speaks Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE) and Autism Speaks' supporters such as you.
The $72,000 Question
How much are behavioral and medical treatments costing your family? These costs, and the fact that many therapies used to help individuals with ASD do not have strong scientific support of their effectiveness, are the subjects of a six-page feature article in the October issue of Scientific American.
In the article, author Nancy Shute reviews the myriad therapies that are frequently used by families in search of help for autism's challenging symptoms. One therapy with consistent evidence-based support through randomized controlled clinical trials is early intensive behavioral therapy therapy. As the article noted, a study published in Pediatrics in November 2009 and led by Autism Speaks' Chief Scientific Officer, Geraldine Dawson, Ph.D. underscores the benefit for intensive early behavioral intervention in improving the outcomes of young children on the spectrum. Unfortunately this type of intervention can cost families over $33,000 per year and that is not quite half the total costs incurred by families. A Harvard School of Public Health report places the average total medical and non-medical costs of autism at approximately $72,000 per year.
Autism Speaks was highlighted several times in the article. First, the substantial contribution of private foundations to funding autism research was noted– $79 million in 2007. Second, an analysis of Autism Speaks' research investments showed that about 27% of our research funding went to investigating treatments. The search for causes received 29% and basic biology received 24%, with the remaining 9% of funding going to research to improve diagnosis.
Finally, two clinical programs of Autism Speaks were featured. The Autism Treatment Network (ATN) was highlighted for its one-of-a kind registry of children on the autism spectrum and the various medical conditions that accompany autism such as sleep disturbances and gastrointestinal disorders. The ATN enables network clinicians to identify best practices in medical care for autism. These practices are released as published guidelines for used by practitioners everywhere. The Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE) was also featured along with one of the founding scientists and ongoing advisors, Daniel Geschwind, M.D., Ph.D. As we learn more about the genetic risk for ASD, this registry of families with at least two affected children, becomes an increasingly important resource for scientists and clinicians. AGRE families participate in multiple surveys, provide samples for genetic analysis and creation of cell lines that can be shared with other researchers seeking to understand the biology of autism and evaluate new treatment possibilities.
Now, back to the $72,000 question. Autism Speaks is in a unique position with its focus on science and research in conjunction with a strong government relations team. Easing the financial impact of autism requires insurance reform, which is underway in many states. However, we need treatments that have withstood the rigors of scientific testing to put forth for insurance coverage. The successful interplay between scientifically-validated treatments and insurance policy is a long and arduous road but one that Autism Speaks is uniquely poised to travel.
Luncheon Honors Autism Speaks Supporters, Ed and Matthew Asner
On July 19, a luncheon was held in Los Angeles to honor actor Ed Asner and his son Matt. Phillip Hain, Executive Director of the Los Angeles Chapter opened the program by giving an overview of what the chapter does in the community and talked about some of the local events. Attendees then heard from Dr. Clara Lajonchere, Vice President of Clinical Programs, who talked about the advances in science that have been made by Autism Speaks and its predecessor, Cure Autism Now, and how the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE) has helped researchers be more efficient and collaborative with their studies. Marianne Toedtman, Associate Director of Family Services, talked about her challenges as a mother of a son on the spectrum, Family Services programs, and the current state of Family Services at Autism Speaks, particularly the Baker Summer Camp Program.
Ed talked about his involvement with Autism Speaks and how much work has been done since his son Charlie was diagnosed more than two decades ago. He implored the guests there to support Autism Speaks' efforts in advocacy, family services, and science.
Matt told the attendees that when he was a teenager he was mad at his dad a lot, because his dad was the kind of guy who always took a stand on something and stuck to it, no matter what the cost was, to himself or others. And often the price he paid was very high. But now he realizes that his father set an example. Having both a brother and son affected by autism, Matt has become a passionate voice for our kids on the autism spectrum, fighting for their right to a fair and equal education in Los Angeles public schools. He noted that attending the Los Angeles Walk Now for Autism Speaks a few years ago gave him the feelings of hope and empowerment to help others.
Councilman Tom LaBonge presented Ed with a proclamation from the city of Los Angeles and Phillip gave Matt a piece of artwork created by a teen with autism, as a thank you for his continuing efforts and support.
Geri Dawson Reflects on AGP Phase 2 Results
By Geri Dawson, Chief Science Officer, Autism Speaks
Science moves so slowly and is so labor-intensive that we don't often have moments to celebrate an achievement or breakthrough that has resulted from our investments. With this week's announcement of Phase 2 results from the Autism Genome Project, we are celebrating such an achievement.
Several years ago, when I was a professor at the University of Washington, I remember a phone call from Andy Shih, Ph.D. (Autism Speaks VP, Scientific Affairs) who asked if he could take my colleague, Jerry Schellenberg, and me out to breakfast. Over coffee, Andy described to us an idea he had: Would we be willing to collaborate with other scientists around the world and add the genetic data we have been collecting to a combined database? While each of us at that time had been working independently to try to discover autism risk genes, we knew that ultimately we would need much larger samples to deal with the significant heterogeneity that exists in autism spectrum disorder. After a lot of discussion and questions, Andy convinced us that this would be a worthwhile effort and thus we became part of what became known as the "Autism Genome Project," or the AGP. Eventually, Andy talked with over 50 groups worldwide and cajoled each of them to join the effort. What ensued was a series of monthly conference calls, complex negotiations and agreements that Andy helped broker, the creation of a combined database, and yearly meetings during which the goals for analysis and future data collection would be discussed. Today, the AGP is considered a driving force in autism genetic research.
Meanwhile, Clara Lajonchere, Ph.D. (Autism Speaks VP, Clinical Programs) was spearheading an effort to create a database of multiplex families called the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE). She was leaving most of us collecting similar samples in the dust as she quickly assembled the largest private genetic individual data base that exists. Her ability to form partnerships with families, engaging them in the process of scientific discovery, was a model for us all. Not surprisingly, Clara readily agreed to join the AGP since AGRE's basic premise was "collaboration and data sharing."
Fast forward to this week when the AGP published the largest and most comprehensive study of copy number variations (CNV) – small deletions or duplications in our genome that can disrupt gene function – in autism families. By comparing CNVs found in 1,000 individuals with autism with those from 1,300 individuals without autism, the AGP reported the following:
- Several novel ASD genes were discovered, and many genes previously implicated by other studies were confirmed. Some of these genes are involved with communication between neurons, while others help regulate cell growth and how they respond to environmental stimuli.
- It was confirmed that autism risk genes are rare variants in our genome that occur very infrequently or not at all in the general population, and each person with ASD may have a unique risk gene or set of risk genes. Some of these genes are "highly penetrant" meaning that, if you carry this risk gene, you very likely will develop ASD, whereas other only raise the risk for ASD and need to combine with other genetic and/or environmental risk factors to cause ASD. Some of these are inherited, but many appear "de novo" meaning that they only exist in the child and not the parents.
- In the not-so-distant future, we will start to see more comprehensive genetic testing being conducted in the clinic to provide parents with information about whether their child may be at risk for ASD, so they can watch for signs or better understand the cause of their child's ASD. It will be important to consider carefully what tests are appropriate and interpret them in a manner that is responsible and helpful for parents.
- Although the fact that so many rare genes can be related to risk for autism seems to form an overwhelmingly complex picture of autism, there is a path forward: These genes appear to cluster around specific biochemical pathways in the brain and, thus, point to new directions for developing drugs that could potentially help recover function of these pathways. This is good news for families.
Most of all, I see the publication of this report as a celebration of the fruitful partnership between the families and the scientific community. While Autism Speaks staff like Andy and Clara helped create and implement unique and productive scientific endeavors like the AGP, ultimately, it is the families who contributed their time and literally a part of themselves that is helping us put together this puzzle called autism piece by piece.
Human Genetics at IMFAR
Guest staff blogger: Vlad Kustanovich, Ph.D.
Genetic research is one of the exciting avenues of investigation that was highlighted at this year's IMFAR meeting. The section on human genetics started with a description of the largest study of autism twins to date. This study, described by Dr. Joachim Hallmayer, has concluded the data collection phase and is beginning to shed new light on how much autism can be explained by genes and how much by environment. Because identical twins share 100% of their DNA while fraternal twins share only approximately 50%, geneticists can compare the relative contribution of genes and environment, since it is assumed that for each twin pair, the environment is the same. Clearly, both environment and genes are involved but this study may help to identify to what extent.
Dr. David Ledbetter described his effort to gather anonymous genetic information on chromosomal microarays from hundreds of thousands of patients with autism spectrum disorder and developmental delay. He is doing this by forming partnerships with over 120 clinical labs throughout the U.S. Dr. Ledbetter, a world-reknown expert in cytogenetics, has the knowledge and respect of the scientific community to achieve the goal of creating data standards and pooling information to show which chromosomal changes are most often identified in these groups. Deletions in regions on chromosomes 16 and 22 are identified consistently. Although still rare, an understanding of altered genes in these regions may lead us to identify new subtypes of autism.
Other talks focused on studies of brain and face development (since these happen at the same time) in families with autism from the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange, an update from the Autism Genome Project, and a fascinating talk from Sun-Chiao Chang (working with Dr. Susan Santangelo) on sex-specific effects in autism spectrum disorder. Ms. Chang identified several genes which seem to have an effect only in males, possibly helping to explain the common finding that there are four times as many males with autism as there females.
To read complete coverage from IMFAR, please visit http://www.autismspeaks.org/science/science_news/imfar_2010.php.


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Canyons Named Top 10 Resort in North America
SKI Magazine's annual survey of ski resorts has recognized Canyons Resort as one of the Top 10 resorts in North America for the second consecutive year.
The annual survey of more than 20,000 skiers and snowboarders reviews nearly every aspect of resorts ranging from access (Canyons was ranked #5) to terrain parks (#11), lodging (#7) and dining (#10). The complete list of rankings is listed in SKI Magazine's October issue, which hits newsstands this week.
"We are grateful to our guests for honoring us with their high marks," said Canyons general manager Mike Goar. "It's a testament to the hard work of our 2,000 guides (employees). When you combine their extraordinary service ethic with these great mountains, we treat our guests to an 'Experience of a Lifetime.'
"Since 2010, Canyons Resort has been transformed by more than $75 million in infrastructure investments. Enhancements have included the only enclosed heated-seat chairlift in North America ("Orange Bubble Express"), 300 prime acres of intermediate and advanced trails at Iron Mountain and a makeover of Canyons Resort Village headlined by the award-winning Farm at Canyons Restaurant and the Waldorf Astoria Park City.
"Canyons' focus on constant improvement, coupled with its immense terrain, clearly resonates with SKI readers. We're forecasting an even brighter future for the resort now that it's under the Vail Resorts umbrella," says SKI publisher Andy Bigford.
Canyons Resort is scheduled to open to its first season under Vail Resorts ownership on November 29, 2013. For the first time ever, Canyons will welcome the Epic Pass, the most valuable ski and snowboard season pass in industry history, offering unlimited and unrestricted skiing at 12 North American resorts as well as five days in Austria (Arlberg), Switzerland (Verbier) and France (Les 3 Vallees). The Canyons guest experience will be further enhanced this year by the implementation of Epic Mix, the free mobile application that allows guests to track vertical feet, earn pins, share photos and more.
CANYONS RESORT ACCOLADES FROM A to Z
- Access (Canyons ranked #5 in SKI Magazine Readers' survey).Just 35 minutes from Salt Lake International Airport, Canyons is one of the closest ski resorts to an international airport in North America. With convenient airport transportation, and then free year-round bus service to historic downtown Park City, two other world-class resorts and shopping, who needs a car?
- Après Ski (#13). Only Canyons boasts Ski Beach, the place to be when the lifts close at 4 p.m. daily. Look for the lifeguard chairs, multiple outdoor decks, creative cocktails and activities to keep the kids entertained, too.
- Dining (#10). The Farm at Canyons was voted Best New Restaurant in Utah and continues to dazzle guests with regionally sourced, seasonal, sustainable cuisine – and a wine list that's 400 bottles long. With another two dozen dining choices from kosher to southwestern, every palate and diet is sure to be satisfied.
- Family Programs (#10). Think of Canyons as your ultimate family getaway. We cater to the youngest set with daycare starting at 6 weeks old; and on-snow Canyons Cubs programs starting at 2 years old. Your family might also enjoy a private mountain guide to show you the most appropriate terrain, a horse drawn sleigh ride at dusk, a Zip Tour adventure or a guided snowshoe hike.
- Guides (#17). You deserve to be pampered on your ski getaway, so whether it's the lift operator brushing snow off your chair, a wine recommendation from one of our servers or an extra smile from the Canyons Resort Spa, our guides create extraordinary experiences daily
- Lifts (#15). New since 2010, the Orange Bubble Express and Iron Mountain Express helped Canyons jump a dozen spots in "lift rankings" in SKI Magazine's annual survey.
- Lodging (#7). Nine lodging properties suit every budget and need, including two AAA four-diamond hotels (Grand Summit Hotel & Hyatt Escala Lodge) and the only alpine Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. As a bonus, there are full kitchens in the majority of our 1,700 village rooms.
- Terrain Parks (#11). Skiers and snowboarders love the creativity that Canyons' terrain parks offer. Progress from boxes on Painted Horse to big air in Transitions. Best of all, the gnarliest features are hidden in our trees in the form of the Elwoods natural terrain park and six natural half pipes that offer something for skiers and riders of every ability.
- Weather (#17). Canyons averages 355" of The Greatest Snow on Earth, with champagne-dry powdery conditions from November to April – plus upgraded snowmaking just in case!
- Zip Tours & Off-hill activities (#12). Looking for a break from skiing or snowboarding? Canyons offers a winter Zip Tour, horse-drawn sleigh rides, guided snowshoeing, winter hiking, two spas and five year-round pools. Canyons Resort village is a destination unto itself on and off the mountain.
Thank you SKI Magazine readers, and to all of our skiers and snowboarders!
The 2013-14 season opens Fri., Nov. 29. Book your vacation today at www.canyonsresort.com.


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Finding the best rates for flights
Seems to be alot of world travellers around here. How do you all find the best rates for flights? I don't fly out much if at all so I just hop on one of the flight search engines and see what comes out. I always thought this was optimal until I joined the Virgin America Elevate club and suddenly I'm inundated with offers for flights with lower prices than what I can find on the search engines.
I did a bit of research and a lot of people claim that flight search engines only give out lowest advertised prices - and not the lowest price the airline is truly willing to give out. Given that how do you get the "real deals" for flights? I may need to leave the country in approx. 1 or 2 weeks and given that timeframe it looks like a lot of flights are in the high range. After my Virgin America experience it seems like airlines reward loyal customers - should I place all my eggs in one basket or is there a better way to get good deals?


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NSPCC: Sheer scale of Savile abuse 'beggars belief'
Peter Watt, director of child protection advice and awareness at NSPCC said Savile is one of the most prolific sex offenders the organisation has dealt with in its 129-year history. He said:
It's clear Savile cunningly built his entire life into gaining access to vulnerable children. The sheer scale of Savile's abuse over six decades simply beggars belief.


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News: Nate Dogg's Family Ignite Messy Battle Over Estate, "Grandmother Is Only Involved - For The Money"
Monday, Sep 3, 2012 5:37PM
A year after the tragic passing of West Coast hip-hop artist Nate Dogg and his memory is not yet resting in peace as reports claim family members are torn apart over his estate.
Reports of the family problems surfaced online Monday (September 3) afternoon.
Nate Dogg's kids are 100% against having their grandmother or their stepmother in charge of their late father's estate ... so says Dogg's daughter. As TMZ first reported, when the rapper died in 2011, he didn't leave a will to divvy up his assets ... so his wife Latoya Calvin took charge. His kids didn't agree and asked the court to nominate an attorney named Alex Borden instead -- but no cigar. Latoya filed new legal docs this week, requesting Nate's mother, Ruth Holmes, also be named as co-administrator of his estate ... a move that does not sit well with Nate's children. (TMZ)
The late rapper's daughter claims her grandmother only has self-interests in the estate.
Dogg's daughter, Auncrane Hale, tells TMZ her grandmother is only involved in the filing for the money, saying, "Ruth doesn't have my best interest or the interest of my brothers and sisters." Auncrane says that if Latoya and grannie Ruth are the head honchos, they won't give the kids one single penny. She says Latoya "didn't even show up to Nate's funeral" and says that Ruth "was never a grandmother" and has withheld money in the past. A judge has yet to rule. (TMZ)
In July, reports emerged in relation to his six children arguing over a $200,000 real estate.
When hip-hop singer Nate Dogg died last year, he didn't have his affairs in order. There was no will and no instructions as to how things should be divided amongst his children and other surviving relatives. just as a family feud started brewing, a lawyer was hired to handle the legal wrangling. According to documents filed in L.A. Superior Court, Nate Dogg's Pomona, California home was appraised and said to be worth $350,000. When Nate Dogg passed, he still owed $150k in mortgage payments. The documents also name Nate's six children - 2 boys and 4 girls - who will inherit their father's estate. Along with the $200k in real estate, the children will get all of Nate Dogg's money made off his music catalog. (Black America Web)
West Coast rapper YG spoke to SOHH last year about his connection to one of Nate Dogg's sons.
"I'm a big fan of Nate Dogg," YG told SOHH. "Nate Dogg's son is like my little brother's homeboy, we're cool. So I'm gonna do something for him and when he passed away, I tweeted, "Rest In Peace Nate Dogg" a couple times and everybody re-tweeted it. I grew up listening to Nate Dogg, Snoop Dogg, the whole 213. Nate Dogg is a f*cking legend. And that sh*t is f*cked up but it's life. I've known Nate's son for about two years or so. I used to stay in these apartments out in Long Beach and his son used to stay out over there. He was real cool with my little brother. So I've known him for about two years." (SOHH)


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Recent Posts
Monthly Archives: February 2012
21st Feb – Preparing for the New Zealand Nucs
Some of our Poly Nuc hives, ready for use. For the past few months we've been preparing for the New Zealand nucs. thousands of new frames have been made, hundreds of nuc hives have been painted and … Continue reading
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By Allan F. Burns
University of Florida
Dear Colleagues: This is the last column I will write as President of the Society. I will hand over the Presidency to Merrill Eisenberg during the Friday business meeting in Seattle April 1st. The business meeting also includes the recognition of student awards and the presentation of the Sol Tax award with comments by this year's winner of that award, Michael Angrosino. The Sol Tax award honors a member of the society who has given extraordinary efforts to SfAA. I hope to see you at the business meeting for this and other awards and discussion. When Merrill takes over as President, the Society will be well poised to be of better service to all members. Merrill brings enthusiasm, skills as a leader, and the kind of inspiration that I know will keep the Society moving forward in good directions. One thing I didn't know until I became president is that there is an official (and very large) hand-hewn gavel that the President is given to safeguard for the time of their presidency. I don't believe it symbolizes power as, first of all, this was the first I had even laid eyes on it, and so previous SfAA presidents have evidently wielded power without resorting to the gavel. One of the elders of the society, and I can't recall who, said that they thought the gavel was created by Margaret Mead. In that case, perhaps the gavel symbolizes that saying, "walk softly and carry a big stick," since many of us can recall Dr. Mead strolling through meetings with her staff. Could it be that the gavel was cut from the same tree? I prefer to think of the gavel as a gift that helped the Society stay together under difficult conditions, a legacy of an applied social scientist that ensured that this voluntary association could flourish in the intersection of applied anthropology and allied disciplines.
One of the most enjoyable things I have done as president is to write notes and letters of appreciation for members who have donated to SfAA. We have a development committee, headed up by Doug Feldman with the help of several other members. Gifts to the society have been growing in the past several years, and we are now seeing the results of the new activities these gifts have created. Some of our members have been able to endow funds for SfAA use, so that the awards and activities are now guaranteed for the future. Among them are the Peter K. New Student Award, the Valene Smith Tourism Poster awards, the Michael Kearney Memorial Lecture, the Robert Hackenberg Memorial Lecture, and most recently the Human Rights Defender Award. I would like to thank our many members who have developed these awards with the endowments to back them up. There is not room to list everyone here, but the generosity that the endowments illustrate is quite spectacular. The Society is slowly emerging as one of the most effective professional associations for achieving development support. It has been especially rewarding to see how many of you have added ten or twenty dollars to dues renewals, a few hundred dollars for particular awards, or even more to the "Friends of SfAA." In the past, donating to a professional association like SfAA would seem an odd thing to do, because even though our dues are remarkably low, the Society has generated income through journal subscriptions and other activities to be the nimble and rewarding association that we enjoy. But giving an extra gift, whether small or large, is a more activist position to take. A bequest of part of an estate, for example, ensures that the applied perspective of someone continues to be a source of inspiration and activity long into the future. The Peter K. New Award is certainly in this category: Peter's legacy and inspiration have now influenced dozens of young scholars, many of whom have gone on to influence the fields of health, education, and other applied arenas. A gift is also a way of giving back. All of us realize that the quality of our lives is better through belonging to SfAA, either in our instrumental activities such as grants, employment, or projects, but also through the inspiration we count on as members of SfAA.
Gift giving will be increasingly important as other revenue streams become restricted in the future. The "open access" movement and digital availability in publishing and journal distribution is already having an effect on the number of subscriptions that we receive each year. Our dues remain very low, but even when they are increased they are designated to cover the everyday operations of the Society. The annual meetings have been successful, but we all recognize that growing the size of the annual meetings quickly begins to dramatically change the society. The voluntary contributions and gifts, whether small or large, are an appropriate and practical way that all of us who are members can help SfAA to flourish in the future. The 75th Annual meetings of the Society will be held in 2015, and part of that meeting will celebrate and honor our founders. Margaret Mead was one of them, and who knows, maybe we can find out if the SfAA gavel fell from the same tree as her staff. That will be a good year for the past presidents to pledge continuing support for SfAA.
Scientific Integrity
The Department of Interior is the first federal agency to comply with President Obama's March, 2009 directive to all executive departments and federal agencies to develop policies and procedures on scientific integrity. The Department of Interior was quick enough to recognize that integrity is not only necessary in scientific discovery or documentation, but also in the scholarship of analyzing, advocating, or making public what scientists do. I have been in contact with Dr. Alan Thornhill, one of the Scientific Advisors at DOI regarding the new policies, especially as they might affect our members who work at DOI or who work in other federal agencies who are developing their own policies themselves. I include his message here and invite you to look into the policy manual:
I am pleased to announce that today the new Policy on Integrity of Scientific and Scholarly Activities of the Department of the Interior (DOI) was officially announced. To review the policy, please visit the DOI Departmental Manual here: http://elips.doi.gov/app_dm/ and look for Part 305: Chapter 3, or try this: http://elips.doi.gov/app_dm/act_getfiles.cfm?relnum=3889
This policy reaffirms Interior's commitment maintaining integrity in DOI scientific and scholarly activities because scientific and scholarly information considered in DOI decision making must be robust, of the highest quality, and the result of as rigorous scientific and scholarly processes as can be achieved. Of particular interest to professional associations, the policy provides clear guidance for federal employees who wish to engage with the communities of practice represented by professional societies.
This new policy covers all Department employees, including political appointees, when they engage in, supervise, manage, or influence scientific and scholarly activities, or communicate information about the Department's scientific and scholarly activities, or utilize scientific and scholarly information in making agency policy, management, or regulatory decisions. The policy also covers all volunteers, contractors, cooperators, partners, permittees, leasees, and grantees who assist with developing or applying the results of scientific and scholarly activities.
Roll out of this policy will begin immediately and training for employees and others who are covered by this policy is under development.
Best wishes -
Alan Thornhill
This is the letter that went forward from the SfAA and other Scientific Associations.
15 February 2010
The Honorable Ken Salazar
U.S. Department of the Interior
1849 C Street, NW
Washington DC 20240
Dear Secretary Salazar:
The undersigned scientific and professional societies, representing thousands of scientists and resource professionals, many of whom are employed by your Department, thank you for your support of scientific integrity through the recent adoption of the Department of Interior's Scientific Integrity Policy as part of the Department Manual. We especially appreciate the acknowledgement of the benefits of full participation in professional and scholarly societies.
We welcome your commitment to scientific integrity through this policy and we stand ready to work with the Department's agencies to ensure that our nation's resources are managed openly and scientifically. The Department's scientists and managers deserve to work in an environment where scientific findings are appreciated and valued, when concerns about misuse of science are openly expressed, they are not met with retribution, and where decision-makers apply them properly.
Policy is about making decisions that consider different values while obeying and implementing the mandates of the law. If a strong scientific foundation exists that indicates that a certain policy alternative will result in undesirable consequences to some resources if implemented, it is not an abuse of science if that policy alternative is selected as long as the decision makers acknowledge the science but choose the alternative based on the importance of other values. We cannot expect that good science will always result in a minimization of impacts to resources in policy decisions. However, far too frequently, policy makers have abused science and masked the true reasons behind recent policy decisions. We expect the new policy will help to make the process of weighing science, values, and the requirements of the law more transparent, more true to the best available science, and thus more effective at fulfilling the mission of the Department. We are especially grateful to see participation in professional societies encouraged in this new policy. Scientific and professional organizations play many important roles, including sharing information through scientific and popular publications, facilitating expert networks, providing an independent and science-based perspective on relevant government policies, and offering professional development and certification programs. Such organizations also allow agencies to maintain a diverse and highly qualified professional workforce, help to develop a higher degree of public confidence and trust in professional abilities, and provide greater agency visibility and enhanced professional reputation. Full participation in professional societies is an important part of a scientist or resource manager's career and professional development.
Leadership in professional societies is crucial to many resource professionals' careers and should be encouraged, rather than hindered by the federal government. Thank you for recommending the removal of barriers to your employees serving as officers or on governing boards of such societies. In recent years, some federal agencies have chosen to enforce a policy that prohibits employees from serving on the boards of outside organizations under any circumstance, or have created conditions that make it virtually impossible for their employees to serve. We look forward to changes in these policies in light of your announcement.
While the Scientific Integrity Policy makes important strides in protecting the integrity of science within the Department of Interior, there is still work to be done. The policy does not address key issues, such as peer review or whistleblower protections, identified in President Obama's March 2009 memorandum regarding scientific integrity in all federal agencies. Our organizations stand ready to work with you to incorporate these, and other important topics, into future iterations of the policy or into other Department documents and procedures as appropriate.
Thank you for your strong public support for scientific integrity in the federal government. The undersigned organizations look forward to seeing the general principles elucidated in your policy translated into action at the agency level.
American Fisheries Society
American Institute of Biological Sciences
American Society of Agronomy
Coalition of Natural Resource Societies
Crop Science Society of America
Ecological Society of America
The Ornithological Council
River Management Society
Society for Applied Anthropology
Society for Conservation Biology
Society for Range Management
Society of American Foresters
Soil Science Society of America
The Wildlife Society
Annual meetings: Seattle and beyond
The annual meetings in Seattle are quickly approaching, and Program Chair Darby Stapp has put together a compelling and insightful program for all of us. The program promises to put us in touch with the edgy world of Seattle and the many NGO's and businesses that are part of that scene. For anyone who hasn't had the opportunity to eat NW Coast salmon, you are in for a real treat. You will probably never be able to eat farm raised salmon again after the meetings are over! And we are already looking forward to getting back to the East coast in 2012 in Baltimore, Md. The 2012 meetings promise to be especially interesting with the great participation of University of Maryland applied anthropologists, the many applied social scientists working in the greater Baltimore area (including Washington, D.C., New York City, and more), and the enjoyable venue of Baltimore itself. Finally, the SfAA Executive Board has reviewed venues for the 2013 meeting and has chosen Denver, Colorado as the site for those meetings. If you are interested in developing something for either Baltimore or Denver, let me or any board member know and we will work to use your suggestions.


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Washington Redskins
Reed Doughty - #37 - S
|6' 1"/ 206 lbs.
|Greeley, CO
|Northern Colorado
|Years played
|2006, 6th round, 4th pick by Redskins
Assessing where Redskins, Seahawks, Bills stand
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Redskins begin process of remaking O-line
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Would Haslett consider 3-4 for Redskins?
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Eagles hire April to coach special teams
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Redskins hire Haslett to coordinate defense
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Redskins' Bugel retires after 32 years in NFL
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Rooney Rule has failed yet again
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Could Redskins' Portis, Campbell both be gone?
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Redskins introduce Shanahan as coach
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Shanahan becomes Redskins' new head coach
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No surprise: Redskins fire Zorn
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Redskins' Campbell prepares for unknown future
There have been no indications that QB Jason Campbell will be a Redskin next season, though it's difficult to say what will happen to him until a new coach is hired.
The Washington Redskins have re-signed Doughty to a one-year contract.||||||| Wednesday's move was essentially a formality. Doughty had little choice but to sign the tendered contract after the signing period for restricted free agents ended April 15. He has already been a regular participant in offseason minicamps and workouts. Doughty was a sixth-round pick in 2006. He has played in 45 games with 16 starts over four seasons. He returned from back surgery in 2008 to play in 15 games last year, starting nine.
Doughty has a high ankle sprain and probably will be listed as doubtful Sunday against the Chargers.||||||| The Redskins have little to play for in their season finale, so it makes sense for them to play it safe with Doughty.
Doughty has a high ankle sprain and probably will be listed as doubtful Sunday against the Chargers.||||||| The Redskins have little to play for in their season finale, so it makes sense for them to play it safe with Doughty.
The Washington Redskins are switching their starting strong safety, giving Doughty the job and demoting Chris Horton.||||||| The Redskins' defense ranks last in the NFL in third-down conversions, allowing opponents to convert 51 percent of the time. Doughty, a fourth-year player, hasn't started a game since Oct. 5, 2008. He missed most of last season with a back injury.
Doughty has re-signed with the Washington Redskins. The signing Wednesday means he will return for a fourth season with the team and is expected to back up Chris Horton. Doughty became an unrestricted free agent before the start of free agency.||||||| Last year, Doughty played in only four games because of a back injury. His teammates voted him the winner of an annual award given to a player who overcomes injury and displays courage under difficult circumstances. Doughty has a hearing deficiency that requires him to wear hearing aids at meetings and rely on hand signals and lip-reading while on the field.