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431 – Lower Buff Falls

Accessibility – Easy+

Height – 60′

Distance – 0.6 miles (out and back)

Beauty – 6

Photo rating – 6

Solitude – 5

GPS Info: LAT 35.42626 LONG -83.15686

Last Updated – 02-10-2019

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Lower Buff Creek Falls is a 60-65 foot waterfall on Buff Creek a short distance from Buff Creek Road. Accessing it is a matter of a short trip on the river left side of Buff Creek. The route is mostly a mix of climbing boulders and walking along the bank. I didn’t see any signs indicating this was private property but there are houses on the other side of the creek. Don’t let the ease of accessing this lower falls fool you. If you intend to get to the upper waterfall, you will be in for a difficult climb to get above Lower Buff Falls.

To get to the trailhead, start at the McDonald’s on Skyland Drive in Sylva turn right onto old US19/23 and follow this for 2.7 miles to Buff Creek Road and make a left. Buff Creek Road will follow Buff Creek upstream from this point. At 1.6 miles, the road makes a hard left where an old overgrown road branches off to the right. This is where we parked.

The hike begins on the logging road and follows Buff Creek up on river left. Pretty much from the moment we crested the first hill we could see Lower Buff Falls, it was just a matter of climbing over the rocks in the creek to make our way to the base. The total hike was less than 0.3 of a mile with minimal elevation gain. As I said, this was the easy part of what is a very hard hike.

As you’re standing at Lower Buff Falls you will see that the entire valley is hemmed in by steep hillsides and cliffs. This is where is get’s tricky. If you are continuing to Buff Falls, click HERE to see where you go next.

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Rivers and drainage system of rajasthan

Rajasthan – Drainage System

  • Rajasthanis biggest state in area with 5.5 percent population but only 1 percent water resources of the country. State is divided in to 13 watersheds and 59 sub-watersheds. Most of the Rivers originate from the Aravali hills and flow either in east or west. Those Rivers flowing in east merge with Yamuna. Those flowing in west fall into Gulf of Khambhat or lost in desert.

Rivers and drainage system of rajasthan

  • The state encompasses a huge area of the Thar Desert. As a result, there are very few rivers in the western part of the state. The Aravali Range acts as the water divider in the state of Rajasthan . This ancient mountain range has divided the river system of Rajasthan in two halves.

  • Chambal and Luni are the two main rivers of Rajasthan. Chambal is the only perennial river of the state, which enters Rajasthan at Chaurasigarh, after originating from the northern slopes of the Vindhya Range. This river flows along the eastern border between Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Fed by its tributaries, Chambal flows northwards across the state and meets the Yamuna River.

  • Luni, one of the major rivers in Rajasthan, originates from the Aravali Range, 7 kilometer north of Ajmer. This is the only river that flows across the western part of Rajasthan. The river flows to Gujarat, where it drains at the Rann of Kutch. Luni is a seasonal river, which is also comparatively shallow than other rivers of the state. This river is also supplemented by many tributaries, which flow from the Aravali Range.

  • There are also other Rajasthan riversmm, which flow across the state. Most of these rivers are seasonal. Ghaggar is the intermittent stream, which flows through Rajasthan and disappears at the heart of the Thar Desert. Some of the other important Rajasthan Rivers are Kali, Banas, Banganga, Parvati, Gambhiri, Mahi, Kakni, Jokham, Sabarmati, Katli, Sabi and Mantha.Rivers and drainage system of rajasthan

  • Smaller streams and their tributaries drain the west and south of the Aravalli axis. Rivers Luni, Sukri, Banas, Sabarmati and Mahi are most significant. These streams are non-perennial in nature. On the eastern side of the watershed, the river Chambal is joined by the river Banas along with its main tributaries like Khari, Moshi and Morel on the left bank and Berach, Bajasen and Golwa on the right. The river Chambal ultimately joins the river Yamuna in Uttar Pradesh.

  • The inland drainage system is the most characteristic feature of the drainage system of Rajasthan which is that nearly 2 per cent of the area of the state. Nearly all this area lies west of the Aravalli range. In this part Kanti basin, Sota and Sahibi basin, Barah basin of the Luni basin are found in large number of separate drainage basins. The desert tract in the western part soaks all the water of these rivers.

  • The river Luni which rises at Ana Sagar at Ajmer is the only significant water course in this area is and flows towards the southwest for a distance of about 32 km through the districts of Jodhpur, Barmer and Jalor in the semi-arid tract west of the Aravalli range., the river has a small catchment area of about 32 sq km at the source at Talod Road. A small tributary joins from the Pushkar valley and the basin of the river widens. Near Ajmer, the river flows down the Aravalli slope and after 10 km flows towards the southwest. This river drains the total catchment area of about 34,866.40 sq kilometers. It recieves many smaller hill torrents from the western slope of the Aravalli range, like Lalri, Ghuhia, Bandi, Sukri, Jawai, Jojri and Sagai, all joining on the left bank. Up to Balotra the water of river Luni but lower down it becomes more and more saline till the river drains near the Rann of Kutch. The river Luni increases in width at Jodhpur district rather than deepening the bed. This is because the floods develop so quickly due to the nature of rainfall that the river has no time to rub the bed. The River Luni spills over the country and occasionally damages the railway line to which it actually runs parallel from Luni Junction to Gole during the rainy season.

  • The southern and the eastern part of Rajasthan, south, southeast and east of the Aravalli range receives more than 80 cm rainfall and has some important streams. The river Chambal is the largest stream and is joined by some tributaries like the Banas, the Kali Sindh, and the Parbati. The river Chambal is a perennial river while its tributaries might occasionally turn completely dry and exhibit their stony beds. The river Chambal rising from the northern flanks of the Vindhyan scarps near Manpur (884.4 m) in the south of Mhow runs for about 325 km through a long narrow and steep gorge which overhangs the valley on both the sides rising about 60 m to 90 m above the valley floor. The river falls at 505 m near Chaurasigarh to Kota. The river Chambal is joined by its first major tributary – river kali Sindh near Monera village. Another tributary Parbati joins about 48 km downstream. Taking a straight course for about 212 km, it bends southeast at Pinahat and flows to join the river Yamuna near Muradganj, after a total run of about 965 kilometres. For a length of about 153 km the river flows entirely in Rajasthan. the river forms the boundary between Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh from Palia to Pinahat for about 241 km. it forms the boundary between Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh Before joining the river Yamuna in Uttar Pradesh. In Rajasthan two other tributaries Kurai and Banas join the Chambal river on the left bank.
  • The Banas river flows through the heart of the Mewar Plains. Its chief tributaries are Berach, Kothari, Khari, Dhoond and Morel. The river Banas rises from the catchment area lying between Kankroli and Nathdwara and flows towards the east as far as Mandalgarh and further it flows towards the northeast up to Tonk where it again turns towards the east and finally this river turns at right angles and flows south to join the river Chambal. The upper reaches of this stream are hilly and have good rainfall.

River Basin Areas in Rajasthan State

S.No.                          Name                                     Basin Area (Sq.Km.)

1                                 Shekhawati                           9691

2                                 Ruparail                                 2550

3                                 Banganga                             9949

4                                 Gambhiri                                4934

5                                 Parvati                                    1891

6                                 Sabi                                        4615

7                                  Banas                                    46902

8                                  Chambal                                31229

9                                 Mahi                                       16598

10                                Sabarmati                              4118

11                                Luni                                        69580

12                                West Banas                                     1835

13                               Sukli                                       994

14                               Other Nallah of Jalore         1775

15                               Outside Basin                       135603

TOTAL                                  342264

Other Rivers Originating in Rajasthan

Banganga River – originates from Bairath in Jaipur district, flows through Ramgarh, Dausa and Baswa about 164 km and enters Vair tahsil Bharatpur and then into Agra district of Uttar Pradesh.

Sukel River – Originates at hills of Jalor and falls in Rann of Katchh.

Jakham River – Originates at Chhoti Sadri in Chittorgarh district, Rajasthan.

Som River – Originates at Bichhawara (Jhadol) in Udaipur district, Rajasthan.

Kantli River – Originates at Khandela hills in Sikar district, Rajasthan.

Kakney River – Originates at Kotri hills in Jaisalmer district, Rajasthan.

Kothari River – Originates at Dewas (Jhadol) in Udaipur district, Rajasthan.

Sabarmati River – Originates at Padrara (Gogunda) hills in Udaipur district, Rajasthan.

Lakes of Rajasthan

Rivers and drainage system of rajasthan

  • Saline Water Lakes

Sambhar, Deedwana, Pichhola, Panchpadra, Lunkaransar

  • Sweet Water Lakes

Jaisamand, Rajsamand, Fateh Sagar, Udai Sagar, Ana Sagar, Nakki, Pushkar, Siliserh, Kolayat, Balsamand

  • Saline Water Lakes

Sambhar Lake:-
Situated – on the border of Jaipur and Nagaur districts
Length – 32 Km ; Breadth – 3 Km to 12 Km
Max. Lake Area – 234 Sq. Km
Districts- Jaipur, Nagaur
It is the largest Lake of Rajasthan
It produces/makes 35 crore tons of common Salt (Nacl, No2 So4)
Salt is manufactured by Solar Evaporation method from March to July

Deedwana Lake:-

Situated – near Deedwana Town in Nagaur district
Length – 4 Km; Breadth – 2 Km
District – Nagaur
Depression is surrounded by sand dunes/Hills but in west surrounded by isolated spur of the Aravalli.
Bed of the depression shows the presence of block clay.

Pachpadra Lake:-

Situated – near Pachpadra in Barmer district
Districts – Barmer
Area – 25 Sq. Km
Area of salt pits in this lake – 5000 Sq. m
Its salt corresponds more to the sea salt

Lunkaransar Lake:-

Situated – near Lunkaransar Town in Bikaner district
Area – 6 Sq. Km
District – Bikaner
Mainly sodium chloride (Nacl) is produced.

Sweet Water Lakes

Jai Samand Lake:-

Built by – Maharana Jai Singh in the year 1691
Breadth – 1 Km to 8 Km, with circumference of 50 Km
It is a manmade lake/artificial lake
It is the largest fresh water lake of Rajasthan
It contain seven islands inhabited by Bhils, they use rough boats, called Bhil for transportation
Two canals (i) Shyampura, (ii) Bhat canals built for irrigation purposes

Raj Samand Lake:-

Built by – Maharaja Raj Singh of Udaipur in 1662 A.D.
Length – 6.5 Km ; Breadth – 3 Km
Districts – Raj Samand district
It is used for irrigation
It is feed by Banas feeder canals
Raj Samand is famous for one of the largest literary works ever inscribed on stone.

Pichhola Lake:-

Built by – Banjara in the 15th century
Renovated by – Maharaja Udai Singh in early 20th century
Length – 7 Km ;Breadth – 2 Km
Situated – Near Udaipur city
Fateh Sagar and Swaroop Sagar are parts of the same lake

Fateh Sagar Lake:-

Situated – In North of Pichhola Lake
Area – 3 Sq. Km
It is a artificial Lake
It has a small island which has been made a public park with a fountain

Udai Sagar Lake:-

Built by – Maharana Udai Singh between 1559 and 1565
Situated – 15 Km east of Udaipur
Length – 4 Km ;Breadth – 3 Km
It is the site of famous meeting between Maharana Pratap and Kunwar Man Singh

Ana Sagar Lake:-

Built by – Ana Ji the Lord of Ajmer in 1137 A.D.
Situated – Ajmer city
It emperor Jahangir built Daulat Bagh (Subhash Garden) near this lake
Emperor Shahjahan built 378 m log ‘ Baradari’ on the lake to have a scenic view.

Nakki Lake:-

Situated – Near Mount Abu
Area – 9 Sq. Km
Deep – 35 m
It is a small Natural Lake

Pushkar Lake:-

Situated – 11 Km west of Ajmer City
Area – 3 Sq. Km
It is small Natural Lake
It is of an irregular elliptical shape surrounded by hills except in the east
Around its bank are big temples cenotaphs and bathing Ghats.
Hindu submerges the ashes of their departed relatives in the lake, as it is considered to be very holy.

Siliserh Lake:-

Situated – 12 Km west of Alwar City
Area – 10 Km
It is a small Natural Lake
It is surrounded on all sides by low hills
King Jai Singh of Alwar built a system of canal irrigation from this lake in early 20th century

Kolayat Lake:-

Situated – Near Kolayat Town about 48 Km South West of Bikaner City
Here is the famous Kapil Muni Ashram
Every year on Kartik Purnima, there is a fair attended by Hindu worshippers.

Bal Samand Lake:-

Situated – About 6 Km from Jodhpur City
It is a large Artificial Lake
It has got a small palace & small pavilions living on its banks.
It is just near the famous Mandore Gardens.

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Floating Across Scotland

Location: Isle of Skye; Small Towns Across Scotland

It’s been a long time coming, but here’s a video of our trip across the countryside. As usual, you can get the video from YouTube or on Vimeo. Pick your favorite, and check out our first foray into drone footage!

Rainy Season in Viñales

Current Location: Viñales Valley, Pinar Del Rio, Cuba

Cuba is gorgeous all the time, but it isn’t always easy to explore. Considering how much it rained while we were in Vinales (it starts at 4pm and continues for 2-3 hours), we were overjoyed to find beauty in the downpour. Even when it rains, there’s a particular elegance to the provincial life there, the way the palm fronds thrash about in the wind. Check out this short video vignette of Vinales rainstorms.

PSA: From September 7-10, Hurricane Irma swept over much of Cuba. Even in a place that is no stranger to severe weather, many homes and businesses were destroyed and lives were lost. Reports indicate that more than 100,000 homes were affected. Construction materials were out of date and sparse even before the hurricane, and prices are out of reach for so many Cubans living in poverty. This post is in solidarity and support for the rebuilding efforts.

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China 101- The Most Important Meal of the Day

Location: Jian’ou, Fujian Province, China

I can say with much sincerity that one of the things we miss the most about China is the food and the food culture. Especially breakfast, which I think most Chinese people would agree is the most important meal of the day. One of the most common responses I get to photos from our journey is: “That’s what you guys ate for breakfast!?”

In Jian’ou, breakfast is the time the city hummed with life. Everyone would venture out to one of the hundreds of local breakfast shops to start their day off right (and maybe catch up on a little gossip and get a glimpse of the resident foreigners). More people would routinely eat out for breakfast than lunch or dinner combined. And seriously, what do Chinese people eat for breakfast? If you’re coming to China expecting a piece of toast, bacon, oatmeal, pancakes, or some cereal in the morning you’re going to be sorely disappointed.

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The Dancing Ladies

Location: Jian’ou, Fujian Province, China

When we were living in China, one of the greatest things we noticed were the different forms of exercise. Not having widespread affordable healthcare available to the entire population makes keeping one’s body fit (even into old age!) a huge priority. It was so admirable to see how active elderly people in our community were. They would do play ping pong, pool, or badminton. They would also wake up early to perform Tai Chi sequences on their roofs and climb mountains (often times backwards, as is the tradition in China). They would take advantage of the local terrain whenever possible- living in a mountainous region made it easier- and it was oftentimes a community effort. The best part was, they would always find new ways to make it fun.

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Location: Angkor Wat, Kingdom of Cambodia

Even though it’s been a few months, our memory of Cambodia has yet to fade. The other young people we met at the hostel were kind, generous with their time, and great to talk to. They were some of the first people we spoke to in English after leaving China, and our eagerness to make friends showed. But our experience there wasn’t just about cheap beer, swimming pools, and markets.

Cambodia is home to the Angkor temple complex, an astounding relic known the world over. One can easily spend a week going from ruin to ruin and seeing the testament to human engineering and spirituality. People make pilgrimages to the place for good reason, especially Angkor Wat.

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Hello, Toyko

As you know, V and I have been very busy these past weeks. We have left our post in China and moved to other points west, finally settling down in familiar Columbus, Ohio. And as I am sure you have assumed, dear readers, I’ve taken some time to put together a few videos from our time in Southeast Asia. I’m still solidifying the projects, but each of them provides a brief window into our experiences. We saw some crazy, amazing, beautiful things, and I’m really excited to share all of it with you.

However, we’re going to try this a little bit different. Instead of doing the video sequences in the order of our travels, I won’t. These ones are a little more poetic and a bit more varied than the previous ones. As a result, I’ll just release them as they’re done. Maybe they’re short, or long, or about a brick in the wall of a monastery, or an entire city in macrocosm.

I’m also working out a documentary. I’m not entirely sure if it will come to fruition, but I’m scripting it a little bit now. It’s going to focus exclusively on our China experience. Stay tuned.

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China 101: Taking the Train

Taking the train in China is serious business. Especially during the holidays, they are often jam packed with weary travelers. However, they can also be one of the most fascinating ways to transport you on your voyage. You can see a great deal of China’s incredibly vast landscape through the massive train windows. While on our latest adventure, we took many different types of trains (soft sleepers, hard sleepers, sitting, standing, etc.), as well as the high-speed train from Xi’an to Shanghai. We took these trains through many different types of climates, from frigid Harbin to sub-tropical Fuzhou. K made this video to give you a quick sneak peak into our experiences!

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China 101: Gong Fu Cha (Tea Ceremony)

“The art of tea is a spiritual force for us to share.” – Alexandra Stoddard

People may think that the British get unruly if they miss their cuppa in the afternoon, but the idiom is “for all the tea in China” for a reason: the tea ceremony is an institution here. It has been for over 400 years. People organize society around it. It is a time of day when families get together and share what’s on their mind.

As you might know, there are few things I love more than tea. And I’m pleased to say, that in China, they do tea drinking right. They appreciate it, they revel in all the flavors, and most importantly they use it as an opportunity to connect. Tea drinking is a communal process. The tea ceremony is a gathering where all of the stratifications of society fall away, and–for a brief moment–all are equal. Everyone has tea, billionaires and beggars alike. People hash out business deals, wedding plans, lunch menus, and so much more over this miraculous little leaf.

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Jennifer Marie Ryan

Women Flower

Funeral Service

11 a.m.
Saturday, October 1, 2016

Ryan, Jennifer Marie, 31, Johnstown, went to be with the Lord, September 25, 2016, at home. Born September 23, 1985 in Oil City, PA. Daughter of Arthur L. Ryan and Janet (Hockins) Allen. Step-daughter of Jeffery Allen. Preceded in death by her beloved grandfather, Arthur L. Ryan Sr., and great grandfather Frederick Hockins. Survived by children, Frank M. Wadsworth and Taniyah N. Wadsworth; paternal grandmother, Elaine A. Ryan, Pinellas Park, FL; Gloria and Gary Parkope, Johnstown; Uncle, Robert (Rikki), Seward; and Uncle, Richard (Jessica), Pinellas Park, FL. Jennifer graduated from New View Academy in Piscataway, NJ, in 2003. She then relocated to Johnstown to attend Hiram G. Andrews and become a Nurse’s Aide, which she enjoyed until she became ill. She will be greatly missed by her many aunts and uncles, nieces, and many friends. A celebration of life service will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at Oakland United Methodist Church, Rev. Randall Bain officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be to the funeral home to help with expenses. A private burial will take place. The family would like to offer their thanks for all the prayers and wishes. Arrangements in care of Hindman Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., 146 Chandler Ave., “Exclusive Provider of Veterans and Family Memorial Care.” Condolences may be made at

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HipHopWired Featured Video

The Bad Boy Family Reunion Tour continues to impress and leave audiences in awe with its guest features and surprise appearances, but no one saw this one coming. During the Newark, NJ stop of the tour the crowd was shocked when former Bad Boy and P. Diddy’s 90’s co-d, Shyne made an impromptu appearance during the show… kind of.

The taped – or DVR’d – appearance was played on the silver screen for all to see and featured the Brooklyn rapper – minus the payot curls – dipped out in black and rocking the mic to “Bad Boyz” from his hometown of Belize.

You’d think with all the bad blood between Diddy and Shyne because of the infamous nightclub shooting of ’99 might’ve still been lingering. But with the 16th anniversary of his debut album, Shyne, having crept up the man who was once criticized for being a Biggie soundalike let it be known that it’s been “an honor and a privilege to be a part of one of the greatest record companies ever.”

And Puff Daddy’s reputation for mending fences with artists he’s allegedly screwed over continues to grow. Don’t be surprised if you see Loon or J. Lo take the stage along side Poppadiddypop in the near future.

Now if only Diddy could get around to getting that Biggie hologram off the ground and running… or bopping.

Photo: WENN

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Previewing Nuggets-Jazz, Raptors-Nets and Clippers-Mavericks

With four series getting underway Monday and the other four Tuesday, previews will be released on those corresponding days.  Below are previews for the Nuggets-Jazz, Raptors-Nets and Mavericks-Clippers series, all of which tip off Monday.

10:30 AM PT playoff basketball is very nice.

Celtics-Sixers preview can be found here

No. 3 Denver Nuggets vs. No. 6 Utah Jazz

For two teams that have questions about the viability of postseason success, Aug. 8th’s double overtime thriller between these two certainly quelled some fears.  Donovan Mitchell played like the best player on a championship team, hitting tough shot after tough shot to keep Utah in it after controlling most of the game.  Jamal Murray – in his bubble debut – matched Mitchell at times after Michael Porter Jr. brought Denver back in the third quarter.  Denver just pulled it out, and they’re in good shape to do it again in this series.

If Utah’s lack of firepower wasn’t pressing enough, Mike Conley’s absence for what looks to be at least two games of this series only adds to it.  The chemistry between him and Mitchell had obviously been shaky throughout the year – Utah moving Conley to the bench prior to the league’s suspension generated more success for the Jazz.  But Conley was shooting 37.5 percent from three on 5.4 attempts per game, and given that Emmanuel Muiday is the replacement for Conley, it’s a much bigger loss than January would have indicated.

Jordan Clarkson has produced the instant offense Utah hoped for when they traded for him prior to the deadline, but the point of that trade was to support the offense when Mitchell wasn’t on the court.  The Clarkson-Mitchell duo had a net rating of -0.7 this season, and a brutal -6.6 net rating in 83 minutes during bubble play.

Utah’s best offensive lineup isn’t very good at offense.  It’s a group that will need Joe Ingles to be its second-best player, Royce O’Neal to emerge as a sharp-shooter and Rudy Gobert to, well, stay on the floor.

That should be doable against Nikola Jokic.  Denver won’t go small on Utah, play five out and force Gobert out to the perimeter much.  He’s not someone you’re going to feed, but pick-and-rolls with Mitchell or Clarkson could be an easy way to get buckets.  It forces Jokic to have to play defense, whether that be him hedging or dropping and going up straight up to contest.

The loss of Bojan Bogdanovic is crippling without Conley.  Things were going to be tough enough for Utah in this series without the Croatian sniper.  Conley at least provided a makeup for some of the shooting lost.

Denver is without key guys too, though.  Gary Harris and Will Barton aren’t expected to play for the Nuggets in Game 1 – Denver has been without them throughout the entire bubble thus far as the pair have been dealing with hip and knee injuries, respectively.  Counting Harris as a loss might be generous, his spot in the rotation might have been in question with the rise of Michael Porter Jr and PJ Dozier coupled with solid play from Monte Morris.  Harris’ shooting fell off a cliff during the regular season, making him a tough play for a team that has dealt with similar problems as Utah.

Porter Jr. might have solved those, though.  Now that Michael Malone is finally playing him, the 6’10 forward from Missouri is shining, and looks like the top five pick some projected him to be in the 2018 draft.  The skillset is the type that develops into a top ten player in this league someday.  He can get any shot he wants with his size, and make any shot with his scoring ability.

He’s the type of player that Murray probably never will be.  Denver’s playoff exits have been tied to their reliance on the offense Jokic creates, which can be figured out easily if a team seals the passing lanes and defends cuts.  That’s led Murray to have to create for himself and the team, and it hasn’t gone too well.

The problem is that Porter Jr. would thrive as the first option rather than the second or third.  Malone’s been resistant to fully turning him loose, which is odd considering Murray’s late arrival to bubble play.  In Murray’s first game back, Porter Jr.’s was 0-5 in the first half, and found themselves down 14 as a result. Porter Jr. then went on a tear in the third that got Denver back in the game, and he finished with 23 points.

Porter Jr. can’t get phased out like that, even if Denver gets back Harris and Barton and can use those guards off Jokic. He represents the highest ceiling the Nuggets can reach.  If Denver works through Murray or relies on Jokic too much, it allows Mitchell to become the best player on the floor, and as we saw last weekend, that can be trouble for Denver.  Even without substantial help, Mitchell can do what he wants.  He’s that good.

Malone’s unwillingness to give Porter Jr. a role elongates this series.  Denver doesn’t have to defend that well for Utah to struggle offensively.  They might actually not have to defend well at all.  The longer Porter Jr. doesn’t play, the more time Mitchell has to go off.

It will have to take a superhuman effort from Mitchell to win this series though.  He’ll have Torrey Craig on him, who’s done a good job in the past.  Combine that with the workload that he will have – which is a large one even with Conley on the court – and it’s tough to see Utah posing a real fight.  But they did last Saturday, and it was all because of Mitchell’s stardom.  If that’s what he can do alone, then his potential with an actual surrounding cast (which a player like Bogdanovic would be featured in) is scary to imagine.  For now, our viewing of that will be delayed.

Prediction: Nuggets in 6

No.2 Toronto Raptors vs. No.7 Brooklyn Nets

Despite being the 2-seed vs. the 7-seed, this series feels like even more of a mismatch than Magic-Bucks, with Orlando having at least some hope in attempting to contain Giannis Antetokounmpo (more on that series tomorrow).

The Nets are just trying to get to next season with a large part of their rotation not even in the Orlando bubble due to various injuries and COVID-19.  With that, it’s probably best to just look at this series in terms of how Brooklyn could put up a fight.

They’re going to need massive games from Caris LeVert, who has shined in the absence of heavier ball-handlers like Spencer Dinwiddie and Kyrie Irving.  In their loss to Portland Thursday night, LeVert showed what he was capable of: taking on a No.1 scorer role and doing it in a way that was efficient and translated to winning.  LeVert went toe-to-toe with Damian Lillard, who was at the peak of his powers, and almost won.

Part of that could be pinned on LeVert literally not being guarded – Portland’s defense was pathetic in the do-or-die match.  Imagine what LeVert might’ve been able to do if they weren’t trying.

He will certainly face increased defensive pressure against Toronto.  No team is longer and has the plethora of wings the Raptors do.  Options range from OG Anunoby, Pascal Siakam, Terence Davis or even someone like Norman Powell.  Those guys are all lockdown defenders.

If LeVert is neutralized, Brooklyn is toast.  Massive shooting performances from the likes of Joe Harris, Rodions Kurucs and company would have to be in store.  Perhaps there would have to be a Jamal Crawford game, which would be incredibly entertaining, hilarious and also be the most Toronto thing ever.

Toronto should dominate this series and it shouldn’t be close.  But, if LeVert continues to stay hot, it could be a really good sign of things to come for the Nets, whether he’s on their roster or not next year.

Prediction: Toronto in 4

No.2 Los Angeles Clippers vs. No.7 Dallas Mavericks

It’s a testament to how good the Western Conference is, but for Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks to draw this matchup in the first round is just unfair.

Dallas felt like a way better team than one that will likely go home in the first round.  (Arguably) The best offense of all-time according to various metrics should not be facing the team that should win the title right off the bat.  A team that had a top five finisher in MVP voting should be making serious noise.  Dallas felt better than a one-and-done postseason showing.

The Clippers are a disastrous matchup for the Mavericks.  No one is going to stop Doncic – which is just an asinine thing to say about a 21-year-old – but Los Angeles has arguably the two best wing defenders in the league to put on him.  While Dallas didn’t post the highest offensive rating ever this year without others aside from Doncic producing, he’s the engine behind the car.  It’s a pretty fast one, too.

It seems unlikely that the others are going to make the Clippers really pay.  Despite having snipers like Kristaps Porzingis, Seth Curry, Maxi Kleber and others, it’s tough to get them the looks they’re used to if Doncic is getting clamped.  The Clippers don’t have to send so much help on the Slovenian star – Leonard and George can probably handle it.  That allows the other defensive menaces to stay closer to their guys – the shooters that Doncic so frequently kicks out to.  The shots that typically go down for Dallas may not in this series.

That’s the just offensive half.  Dallas finished the regular season 18th in defensive rating and had the second worst number – an ugly, ugly 120.6 – throughout the eight seeding games.  Their best defender is Dorian Finney-Smith, who had a good year but wasn’t allowed to reap the credit for it given his team’s performance – his effort just didn’t matter.  Doncic and Porzingis typically have their feet glued to the court.  Seth Curry will get picked on because of his size.  Kleber is surprisingly switchable and athletic on the defensive end – him against a Marcus Morris or JaMychal Green isn’t the disaster the other matchups are.

Doncic is going to have to pull some seriously special stuff in this series to keep Dallas around.  Him against Leonard or George pits a top four offensive player against a top one to three defensive player.  It’s a fascinating matchup, and the winner of it determines the series.  If Doncic can take on either of them, then no one ever would have been as good as he is at this age.  It would be historical.  It would probably break the league.  Doncic might get anointed the league’s best player right then and there.

The craziest part is that it’s not totally, 100 percent inconceivable either.  If Doncic single-handily won this series for Dallas, we’d just go “Oh, he’s just doing this a lot earlier than we expected to.”  It’d be stunning, but it also wouldn’t be that surprising either.  If anyone can do it, it’s him.

The problems on the defensive end for Dallas just seem insurmountable.  Not only do they not have anyone for Leonard, but they don’t have anyone for basically anyone else on the Clippers roster either.  That team is juggernaut offensively at their best, and they’re going to finally be that in these playoffs.  Remember how daunting their closing lineup was last year with the Lou Williams-Montrezl Harrell two-man game?  Take that and add Leonard and George as your wings, who can also emerge as 1A and 1B scorers if they want to do so.  This team has top-end talent and depth – it’s a rare combination in a league dominated by stars.  Because of that, this series should be a breeze for them.

Prediction: Clippers in 5


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2018-07-19 Country Roads, Take Me Home.

Good Morning!

I’m beginning to notice the sunrises in the morning. That means the earth is still orbiting the sun. That’s good news, is it not? It’s also good news that we have never been closer to our Lord’s return than we are today. One day, my friends, He will appear to take all believers with Him. Can you imagine this? Do you long for this day as one aches for a childhood home? Those of us who are old enough can recall John Denver’s “Country Roads” and the powerful sense of place. Has it been awhile since you have felt that way about heaven? It has for me.

All of this ties in with yesterday’s post of reminder. I forget the gospel every day. I wander away. Eventually, I find myself much farther away than I thought possible in such a short period of time. It’s like drifting with a tube on a lake. The wind may not seem significant, but it can soon carry you far enough that you find it very difficult to get back. Using this imagery, can we see how it might be possible that we get so far away that it seems impossible to get back? I can. I know Christians that have wandered so far that they lose hope. I know some who are dead today because they went back into their addiction. I suppose that is why some Christians might take their own lives.

It doesn’t have to be that way. While hardly anyone ever returns to their roots, like the Blue Ridge Mountains of West Virginia in Denver’s song, we are so much closer to our home in Christ than one can possibly understand. Heck, most people simply ache for their roots and never bother even try go home again. Why? Maybe it’s because they think they can’t. Perhaps that is true for some. For a Christian, however, nothing could be further from the truth. God is right there beside us. All we need to do is turn to him.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

You remember the story of the prodigal son, don’t you?

Luke 15:20 And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.

Have you wandered? Do you need to return home? Is there something about this message that makes you want to ignore it? Is there something in your life that you are putting or allowing between you and your Father? My advice? Deal with it and return home.

Right now. This very moment. Yes, the journey back may be long, but our Father will meet you wherever you are. Cry out to Jesus.

Father stir your children. We are prone to wander. Call us back. Holy Spirit don’t let us rest and get comfortable when we stray. Unsettle our spirits so that turn our eyes to Jesus. Amen.

Copyright © 2018 Scott Powers

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Consumer Marketing Associate Manager - Warzone

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🇺🇸 Santa Monica, CA

Your Mission

As an Associate Consumer Marketing Manager - Warzone, you will assist in managing the communication strategy, creative process and production/execution of all marketing materials for the assigned brand. You will partner directly with the Manager/Director of Consumer Marketing and other cross functional teams to ensure all product strategies, brand and company objectives are met in all consumer facing marketing assets. You will oversee day-to-day management of external and internal creative partners and help manage the approval process of all creative materials within Activision headquarters and with the game development team.

The right candidate must have the ability to think ahead, work independently, but also contribute cross-functionally to benefit the business, drive go-to-market plans and have the confidence to speak up and lead. While impeccable project management skills sit at the core of this role, this individual will also need to contribute at the strategic level with a data-driven approach to drive all marketing initiatives, interface with our development partners and lead agency partners.

A passion for video games is a mandate, and experience with innovative marketing programs and brands that do this as well. Video game category experience is great too (although not mandatory).

Priorities can often change in a fast-paced environment like ours, so this role includes, but is not limited to, the following responsibilities:

  • Assist the Manager/Director of Consumer Marketing in the managing of global marketing plans, creative executions and production process of all communication vehicles for Call of Duty Live Ops, including but not limited to: TV and digital advertising, out-of-home, gameplay trailers, documentaries, visual identity, packaging, digital commerce, retail, trade, media, events, social and CRM.
  • Assist with developing highly effective, insights-driven creative briefs, driving projects forward with key stakeholders across the organization through completion.
  • Champion a Consumer Marketing point-of-view in the development of creative approaches and concepts to ensure all communications and advertising materials deliver on strategy.
  • Support ongoing growth marketing efforts by developing and executing against evolving creative strategies that combine creativity with analytics to yield increasingly effective results
  • Work with product and analytics teams to define/conduct hypothesis-driven analyses and A/B tests on audience, creative and messaging to inform future marketing efforts
  • Manage annual production budget by reviewing Agency estimates for services, managing costs versus budgets, and tracking overall spend.
  • Communicate and motivate cross-functional teams around a single marketing strategy.
  • Day-to-day management of external creative agencies and internal creative partners.
  • Collaborate with key development studio personnel and cross-functional partners to develop go-to-market strategies and creative asset development.
  • Coordinate with key Digital and Physical Commercial teams and Retail and Sales personnel on trade and consumer marketing programs, retail merchandising and sales materials.
  • Able to learn new emerging markets quickly and adjust to changing market dynamics and competitive landscapes.

Player Profile

  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • 3+ years experience in brand marketing, creative agency account management (or equivalent client-side position) or video game industry
  • Experience in Performance Marketing, Brand Marketing, Content Marketing, Branding/Visual ID Development, Digital Marketing/Social required.
  • Live Ops/Live game marketing experience preferred
  • Must be proficient in traditional and digital media planning, including programmatic and growth.
  • Demonstrated experience in project management, analysis and the ability to work across multiple teams
  • People/agency management experience
  • A passion for gaming and entertainment, while understanding current industry and cultural trends
  • Excellent analytical, verbal, and written skills
  • Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills
  • A self-motivated, results-oriented, creative problem solver
  • Extremely organized, prepared, detail-oriented
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
  • International marketing experience a plus

Our World

Activision Blizzard, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATVI), is one of the world's largest and most successful interactive entertainment companies and is at the intersection of media, technology and entertainment. We are home to some of the most beloved entertainment franchises including Call of Duty®, World of Warcraft®, Overwatch®, Diablo®, Candy Crush™ and Bubble Witch™. Our combined entertainment network delights hundreds of millions of monthly active users in 196 countries, making us the largest gaming network on the planet!

Our ability to build immersive and innovate worlds is only enhanced by diverse teams working in an inclusive environment. We aspire to have a culture where everyone can thrive in order to connect and engage the world through epic entertainment. We provide a suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional and financial well-being for ‘Every World’ - we’ve got our employees covered!

The videogame industry and therefore our business is fast-paced and will continue to evolve. As such, the duties and responsibilities of this role may be changed as directed by the Company at any time to promote and support our business and relationships with industry partners.

Activision is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.


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25% of GP appointments potentially avoidable

Here is a new report from NHS Alliance. Here is a summary.

you can download the full report here Making-Time-in-General-Practice-FULL-REPORT-01-10-15Avoidable GP Consultations Budens in General Practice

A new report published today argues that perhaps 27% of GP appointments could potentially be avoided if there was more coordinated working between GPs and hospitals, wider use of other primary care staff, better use of technology to streamline administrative burdens, and wider system changes.

The Making Time In General Practice study by NHS Alliance and the Primary Care Foundation was commissioned as part of the work NHS England is doing with its partners to implement the NHS Five Year Forward View, and expand and strengthen GP services and primary care across England. The report was overseen by a steering group including the Royal College of GPs and the BMA GPs’ Committee.

The report finds that a significant amount of GP time could be freed up if family doctors were not having to spend time rearranging hospital appointments, and chasing up test results from local hospitals. This accounted for 4.5% of appointments in the study, an estimated 15 million appointments if repeated across England.

The report also estimated 1 in 6 of the patients in the study could potentially have been seen by someone else in the wider primary care team, such as clinical pharmacists, practice nurses or physician assistants, or by being supported to meet their own health needs.

The report states:

  • 6.5% of their appointments could have been seen by another professional within the practice;
  • 5.5% could have been seen by community pharmacy or the patient could have been given support to deal with the problem through self-care, and;
  • 4% of appointments might have been dealt with through social prescribing / navigation.

In July, NHS England launched a £15m scheme to fund, recruit and employ clinical pharmacists in GP surgeries.

The study argues that the reduction of bureaucracy in general practice should be made a national priority; freeing up time for practices to work together, improving communication between general practice and hospitals, unlocking the potential for the whole system to work together, as well as supporting changes and improvements within individual practices. In particular the report calls for streamlined payment systems that GPs use, to simplify and speed up how much time practice managers spend on entering data.

Immediate practical steps to cut down on bureaucracy suggested by the report include:

  • Patients who are unable to attend a hospital appointment should be able to re-book within two weeks without going back to the GP.  Booking and rearranging hospital appointments should be simpler without the patient needing to go back to the GP;
  • Practices should employ a wider range of staff within the practice team, with the decision on the type of staff left to the discretion of individual practices and federations;
  • NHS England will work with doctors to streamline communication, particularly between hospitals and practices, and reduce the workload of processing information within practices;
  • Practices should free up time for GPs and other leaders in the practice to think through how they can work differently, learning the lessons from the PM’s Challenge Fund sites and the Vanguard sites as they become available – creating the ‘headroom’ needed to plan new ways of working and clinical innovation, and;
  • GP federations should be funded to work across their practices to build practical social prescribing projects that offer real alternatives to taking up GP time with patients whose needs can be better met by other kinds of support in the wider community.

Dr Jonathan Serjeant, GP, co-director and co-founder of Brighton and Hove Integrated Care Service and National lead for NHS Alliance’s Accelerate programme, argues that using today’s IT patients should be given more control over their own patient records rather than this burden staying with GPs.

Dr Serjeant said: “GPs and their colleagues are experts in listening, supporting and diagnosing their patients. This is what we’ve been trained to do, and what we want to do.

“If applied quickly, the recommendations set out in this report, particularly those around extending the GP team to incorporate other health professionals, will help reduce the current levels of bureaucracy GPs face on a daily basis.

“The end result is that GP time is freed up, and people have access to all their information whenever they need it.”

Rick Stern, chief executive of NHS Alliance, and a director of the Primary Care Foundation said: “This report documents how general practice is struggling with an increasing workload and the urgent action required to relieve this burden. We want to ensure that GPs and their colleagues in general practice are freed up to deliver the job they were trained to do and care so passionately about.”

Dr Robert Varnam, Head of general practice development for NHS England, said: “General practice is the bedrock of healthcare and NHS England commissioned this report because we are determined to support GPs in reducing the pressures they face.  The findings include helpful suggestions which should free GPs to spend more time with patients most in need and further ways to reduce the administrative burden.”

 For further information please contact Sarah Wrixon, sarah.wrixon@salixandco.com, 07976 747067 or the NHS England Media Team on nhsengland.media@nhs.net, 0113 8250958 (office hours), or 07768 901293 (emergency out of hours)

The full report is attached to this release, and is online at: http://www.nhsalliance.org/mediacentre/making-time-in-general-practice/

An audit of GP consultations was undertaken, with results provided from 5,128 consultations across England.

A survey of practice managers was also undertaken, to estimate the time taken by different types of externally mandated work. Results were provided by 250 practice managers.

The quantitative results were then discussed in detail through qualitative interviews and focus groups with clinicians and managers, including a roundtable event with NHS providers. There has been ongoing review of results and key themes by a national steering group with all the relevant professional bodies and leaders from seven organisations representing primary care have jointly signed a Foreword to the report.

  • Dr Chaand Nagpaul, GP Committee, BMA
  • Dr Maureen Baker, RCGP
  • Dr Amanda Doyle, NHS Clinical Commissioners
  • Dr Michael Dixon, NHS Alliance
  • Dr Nav Chana, National Associationof Primary Care
  • Russell Vine, Practice Managers Network
  • Dr Peter Swinyard Family Doctors Association

NHS England has launched a £15m scheme to fund, recruit and employ clinical pharmacists in GP surgeries. The scheme is an important part of the New Deal for General Practice and is the result of close collaborative work with Royal College of General Practice, the BMA’s General Practice Committee, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society and Health Education England. More details are available here – http://www.england.nhs.uk/commissioning/primary-care-comm/gp-action-plan/cp-gp-pilot/

NHS England is investing £1bn over four years (from 2015/16) in a primary care infrastructure fund, with £10million being used to kick start the initiatives in the GP workforce action plan, developed by NHS England, Health Education England, the Royal College of General Practitioners and the BMA GP committee. This complements work that is already underway to strengthen the GP workforce. Full details can be found here: http://www.england.nhs.uk/commissioning/primary-care-comm/gp-action-plan/

NHS Alliance is an independent, not-for-profit, leadership organisation representing progressive providers of care outside hospital. Neither professional body nor trade union, it is an entirely solutions focused organisation, unique in its approach bringing together more than 10,000 passionate individuals and organisations across primary care who believe innovation, connections and integration are key to the sustainability of a health service that remains free to all at the point of need.

The Primary Care Foundation was established in 2006 to support the development of best practice in primary and urgent care. The foundation specialises in carrying out reviews, based on analysing a range of data sources and examining local practice, that make local and national recommendations.  It also look for opportunities to share learning, building resources that can solve problems more widely across the NHS.  The foundation has worked with over 1,300 practices in the last 4 years on managing access and urgent care, using a specially designed web-based tool to prepare reports for practices, and discuss ways of making improvements.


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How Does Artificial Intelligence Help in Data Protection and HIPAA Compliance?

By Narendra Sahoo Cybercrimes have been prevalent in the financial industry for years. But, today hackers have shifted their focus towards the data-rich healthcare industry as their lucrative target. Despite stringent norms and regulations in place, data protection has been a huge challenge for the healthcare industry. With numerous data breach cases surfacing each year, it comes as no surprise that cybersecurity is today the top priority for the healthcare industry. The growing incidents have significantly raised concerns about data protection for the healthcare institutes handling patient information. For an industry, as highly exposed as the healthcare industry, Artificial Intelligence is the latest and the most advanced technology that seems promising for data protection. While the healthcare industry has already recognized the benefits of artificial intelligence in a broader spectrum on clinical fronts, it is now being seen as a technology appropriate for Data Protection in the industry. In today’s article, we have shared details as to how AI has been and can be successfully used in the healthcare industry on clinical fronts and how it can possibly be used for securing sensitive data to ensure Compliance to standards such as HIPAA.

AI in the healthcare industry

The role of Artificial Intelligence in the healthcare industry has been a huge topic of discussion with no sign of its adoption in the industry slowing down anytime soon. The application of AI technology on the clinical front has definitely been a huge success.   With the far-reaching potential of the technology, it has only made the industry’s level of efficiency more achievable today.  Witnessing the rapid integration of AI in healthcare is helping the industry become more productive and efficient. Simplifying the lives of the healthcare personals in performing tasks efficiently and with great accuracy, has transformed the way healthcare is now delivered. With far better clinical operations, healthcare outcomes, and an overall improvement in productivity has made the day-to-day life of healthcare practitioners’ easier and life-saving treatments far more accessible. Be it transforming the medical devices to being smarter, to revolutionizing clinical decisions, or advancement in healthcare delivery, the technology has significantly contributed to the development of the industry.

Benefits of AI in the healthcare industry

  • Medical diagnostic – The use of Artificial Intelligence technology has greatly helped diagnose patients with specific diseases.
  • Drug discovery – Many Healthcare and Pharmaceutical companies have leveraged the AI technology in drug discovery and reduced the lengthy traditional process of drug discovery.
  • Clinical trials – Most clinical trials are managed with no integrated solutions to track progress, data gathering, and drug trial outcomes. But, AI Technology is reshaping the traditional clinical trial process.
  • Improved patient outcome – AI technology has significantly contributed to improved patient healthcare outcomes.
  • Unrivalled assistance in surgery – AI has in a unique way been contributing to the healthcare practitioner in the area of surgery with great accuracy in the procedure.
  • Information management – AI has greatly helped in information management by facilitating greater accessibility of information such as expert insight, enhancing and extending the entire body of knowledge and thereby saving valuable time.

AI technology in improving healthcare data security

Artificial Intelligence is a technology that is helping the healthcare industry combat various challenges. Here is how the technology can help improve data security in the healthcare industry and prevent incidents of breach.- Advertisement –
Identify new malware threats
AI is a highly advanced technology that holds the capability of identifying emerging threats using predictive algorithms. It is a technology being explored by the industry to help institutes identify new and unknown malware threats. The technology helps recognize patterns of malware and proactively prevents future attacks.
Identify and respond to breach
AI technology has the capability of identifying the breach and responding to threats efficiently. The technology is much more efficient than traditional security measures. It constantly monitors the behaviour within the network and proactively flags anomalies as and when detected. Using behavioural modelling, the AI technology helps identify malware and takes automated measures to counter the impact. The technology helps augment human surveillance and enhances the security resources that help stay ahead of breaches.- Advertisement –
Address security challenges of smart medical devices
Smart medical devices designed by third-party suppliers often pose a threat to the integrity of the device and its security controls. This could have a damaging effect, leading to compromised data or vulnerabilities targeting patients, their data, and connected hospital. Fake medical devices used for gaining access to hospital networks and hold systems ransom could severely impact the healthcare institute in many ways. However, AI technology is the key to threat detection in medical devices. AI can help with data encryption and monitoring for malware, especially in the automatic identification of threats. It helps evaluate, control, and manage access to devices that connect with the hospital network. The technology diligently helps protect against vulnerabilities in systems, networks, and applications.
Augment human oversight and security shortcomings
The sheer quality of advanced technology like AI to combat security shortcomings is what can revolutionize the process of data protection in the healthcare industry. Artificial intelligence technology allows hospitals to process a massive number of data rapidly and efficiently, freeing professionals to focus on more intuitive and high-priority potential threats. The solution can significantly ease the pressure off the IT security staff and bridge the gaps by extending the capacity of the existing security measure with advanced AI technology. Automating the IT Security measures is one way of staying ahead of security threats and breaches.

Implementing AI in accordance with HIPAA compliance

The Healthcare industry is heavily regulated and requires institutes to implement security controls to safeguard sensitive patient data. This is when advanced AI technology can be used for implementing data-centric security measures. AI technology assures improved efficiency and data protection. It provides a holistic security measure that enables complete digital transformation. But, when implementing new technology healthcare organizations must also consider HIPAA compliance for it is essential that healthcare institutes stay compliant. Here is how institutes should implement AI technology considering HIPAA Compliance requirements:
  • Access management and control – HIPAA requires institutes to have in place access management to safeguard patient health information (PHI). Access should only be granted to relevant staff and those who need it as part of their job. Using AI technology will help transform access controls to be risk adaptive. The technology enables automated monitoring of systems and network access, thereby flagging anomalies and insider threats. Using the technology will be a major break-through in the security world for most healthcare institutes. With multiple layers of security, AI technology facilitates system integration that shall proactively minimize risk and improve the overall security more effectively.
  • Data governance and management – HIPAA law calls for high-level data governance and management. Healthcare institutes are expected to protect and manage the processing of PHI data. This is where and when AI technology can be used for data governance and management.  AI can be used to improve data management in areas such as data ingestion and data query performance. The technology enables data engineers to accelerate data management and improve database administration. AI also provides a potential advantage of improved data management with the automation of tasks that are repetitive in nature and somewhat predictable. The AI-enabled database can significantly improve accuracy and enable greater efficiency.
  • Data encryption – HIPAA requires healthcare organizations to use data encryption technology to protect sensitive patient information. It is the best way to protect against unauthorized access to PHI. Organizations should adopt technologies to encrypt data and secure access to data.
  • Updated policies and procedures – HIPAA requires updating of policies and procedures to comply with the requirements. When implementing new technology an organization must update its internal policies to ensure there are procedures established to support the use of new technology. So, those looking to adopt AI technology must ensure updating their policies accordingly to ensure compliance with HIPAA standards.
  • Business Associate Agreement (BAA) – Healthcare institutes/organizations must have in place a Business Associate Agreement before implementing any advanced technology for processing and securing PHI. Since AI solutions will be used for the secure processing of PHI, an organization must sign a BAA with the technology company before implementing the new AI technology.

Cyber-attacks and a data breach can cost a fortune for healthcare organizations and patients. In an evolving security landscape, using traditional measures is no longer enough to ensure security. Latest, AI-driven security solutions are today the need of the hour for the healthcare industry to ensure Data Protection. AI solutions help create a robust, modern security system that ensures complete end-to-end data protection. Despite certain barriers in implementation, AI technology facilitates healthcare organizations and their cybersecurity team to-
  • Identify new unknown threats
  • Quickly respond and isolate data breaches
  • Protect medical devices
  • Extend the existing capacity of security resources
So, implementing AI-driven solutions as a cyber defense will go a long way in helping organizations secure sensitive data. Besides, the growing cyber-security threats make it all the more essential for the healthcare industry to implement AI technology to proactively protect and respond to cyber threats.  Implementing the AI technology will not just keep PHI data safe, but also ensure HIPAA Compliance. Read more:
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Dr. Ilana Goldberg, DC

Holistic Health Provider

Dr. Ilana Goldberg, DC, is a holistic health provider. Dr. Goldberg is also a sought after speaker, especially on the topics of functional medicine, hormone balancing, stress management, weight loss, and natural approaches to a healthy body. Her own experience with serious disease (she was diagnosed with MS in 2006) shaped her desire to practice natural holistic medicine without the use of drugs or surgery. An alumna of the College of William and Mary, Dr. Goldberg attended Western States Chiropractic College in Portland, OR. After graduating in 2001, she has devoted her practice to helping people find natural solutions to complicated health issues.

Dr. Goldberg has given seminars and radio programs across the country on the topics of natural wellness, preventative healthcare, and optimal health. She has done extensive post-doctoral coursework in a wide range of techniques and therapies and is a regularly featured writer in Your Health Magazine.

Treatments and services include a combination of acupressure, individualized nutrition counseling, exercise testing, blood work, hormone testing, and supplements. Dr. Goldberg has felt the desperation of a dismal health prognosis, and now has a deep desire to help others in the same position realize that there is hope and healing in their future. Many of our patients have experienced truly amazing results as they regain optimal health. Our office is a place where miracles happen every day, and we invite you to join us!

Dr. Ilana Goldberg, D.C., serving Northern Virginia, Maryland, and

Washington D.C.

Contact us!


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Fashion FIRST day of Spring!!

Happy First Day Of Spring!!!

I have a new tradition for the 1st day of Spring!  I got a really ugly  beautiful white elephant gift this year that is a ceramic plate with flowers and butterflies on it.  I loved it and decided I’d make lemon bars on the first day of Spring and put them on my plate!  I’ll take a picture for sure.  It’s the little things, right? (: Last post I was “post play” and I look at that last picture of me and I look very tired!  I’m slowly feeling like my normal self.  Being in charge of the play was similar to running a marathon I decided, only harder.  It took everything out of me!  I’m glad it’s over and I don’t think I’ll do it again, but I’d like to…  I told my husband that if I didn’t do a play I should do a fitness competition instead!  Another crazy thing I’ve always wanted to do.  I found a great blog called honeywerehealthy.blogspot.  She’s close to my age and just did a competition.  She has great information on everything I’d need to know.  We’ll see (:  My husband gave me a compliment yesterday and said you always do well at whatever you do.  I tried to tell him that doesn’t everyone do that?  And he said no.  A lot of people live by the NEVER TRY NEVER FAIL motto.  That’s from the movie ROBOTS.  Wise words to live by!  So…if I DID do a fitness competition, I wouldn’t fail, right? O.K.  last post I said I was doing a 4 day FAST!!  I did it.  It may sound crazy, but I felt so out of whack that it made me feel better, eventually.  The 1st day was the hardest because you know you still have 3 days left.  I felt a little light headed on day 2 (imagine that?), but day 3 and 4 were fine with fruit, veggies, and protein.  It gave me motivation to keep up the healthy eating.  I feel much better.  Weekends are the hardest!  So, my advice with this FIRST day of Spring is to sit down and make NEW goals for yourself.  Goals that are SMART! Smart-Goals Think about those 5 things as you set your goal and of course write down a REWARD.  That’s the BEST part!  And if you mess up, reroute yourself and try again.  I failed a little bit in February and March with my ONE treat day a week goal.  Oh well.  Starting now I’m back on!  Only candy at movies too!  During play week I was eating anything and everything.  Here’s a new favorite SONG that is perfect for your SPRING running.  Watch the video.  The guy is even running on a treadmill.  I love it!  I’ll end with two photos as well.  These pictures were taken within 20 minutes of each other.  Right after my workout and then after a quick shower and change!  Not much goin’ on with the hair.  (:  Have a wonderful weekend!  Our family is getting ready to go out of town and I couldn’t be more excited!!  Relaxation, Happiness, Fun.  I do like to work too!  That’s for Rob (:  P.S.  I cleaned the mirror after the 1st photo! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozsmSlvGHv4 IMG_6330 photo-86

What’s on my mind

New month!  I always like to change up my picture and background!  I have a lot on my mind these days.  I don’t know how I organize my brain sometimes!  I have thoughts about EXERCISE, NUTRITION, and FASHION today.

EXERCISE:  My gym is revamping the personal training department, which is GREAT!!!  It will be a lot more organized and professional.  I’m looking forward to being more involved and increasing my clientele.  I also decided to start up my MOM workouts again.  I volunteer and teach a boot camp class at my church.  I thought about dropping it, but I miss seeing my friends and I enjoy putting together workouts!

NUTRITION:  Ahh, my nemesis!  Currently, I have a very determined spark in me!  I’m doing a 4 day cleanse right now and already on DAY 3.  I LOVE it!  That is very crazy to say because I’m starving, but sometimes I really need a kick in the pants.  I’ve been a slacker for too long.  Healthy eating this whole month!  One treat day on…HALLOWEEN!!!  I’m a candyaholic!  I’ll post the details of my cleanse on SATURDAY when I’m all done!  Good nutrition is REALLY the MOST important healthy impact you have on your body!!!

FASHION:  I follow this cute girl’s blog called Pink Peonies.  She has great style and the way she displays her blog is so pretty.  One problem with her site is most of what she models is WAY over the top expensive!!  I was shocked when I liked one of her tops

and discovered it was only $36.00.  The website is called ShopSosie.  SOOOOOOO cute!!!!  Here are a few things I LOVE!  I’m wanting long tops lately to wear with leggings and boots.  They have tons!

img_4369_3 img_9794_2 img_0790_1 img_2758_1

I also want to change my hair color soon!  I’m not a blond nor do I wish to be one.  I found this color from a friend of mine who is amazing at coloring hair.  She will have to try it out on me!!  Slightly daring?

19e3c40885a28341334bc9b9cac4bb5f That’s all for today!!  I have a busy night with kids all over the place.  Enjoy the fall leaves and breathe the yummy air.  Life is beautiful!!

I love this!!  My LIFE!

7 week shape up plan

I need to kick it in high gear for the next several weeks.  I’ve always got some sort of action plan in my brain.  I just need to DO IT!!!  I require a little motivation, just like everyone.  I came up with a point system and if I stick to my plan 95% of the time I will reward myself!  Most likely that will be in the form of a clothing item of sorts (:  Of course (husband) it will be something I REALLY NEED!!!  The real reason I need to get serious with my fit life is I’ll be blissfully enjoying THIS in 7 short WEEKS for a VERY MUCH REQUIRED R&R trip!!!

1-WATER (64-80 ounces) at least daily.  Vitamins and supplements everyday!!!

2-NO white sugar or white flour

3-Stop eating each day by 7:30 p.m.

4-Aim for 7 hours of sleep every night

5-Keep a food diary

1-Jamie Eason’s Live Fit plan starting on WEEK 6, which includes running 4 days a week as well.

Sounds simple enough?  Another BIG deal I’m going to do is…..DITCH THE SCALE!!!!  I know I’ve always thought the scale was a good indicator of weight loss, but I’m trying a different approach to things.  I’m going to take a picture of me each week (I probably won’t post them :)) and track my progress by how my clothes fit.  We’ll see.  Here is the point system.  I’ll do my workouts ALWAYS.  I only need help with PART 1!  So, 5 points for everyday.  That equals out to be 245 points for 7 weeks.  I can miss 12 points to keep it at 95%!!!  Let’s do this.

I think that’s about it for today.  I need to post about a TON of smoothies and LEGIT treats SOON.  Life is a little crazy busy for the next few weeks around here.  Kids are all over the place.  Yesterday a few friends came over for dinner.  Check out this awesome carrot cake I made from scratch.  It was YUM!!

2013-03-03_18-30-12_420The kids were having us dress up with them too!

2013-03-03_18-28-25_139I agree with this quote!!

Running Friends

You’ve laid your running clothes out the night before and set your alarm for some obscene hour in the 5:00’s and no matter how early you get to bed, when you hear that annoying ringing in your ear your first reaction is to….hit off and roll over and go back to sleep, RIGHT??  This is when my #1 MOTIVATOR comes in…FRIENDS!!!!!!!!  If you do not have a running buddy, you are missing out!  For years I ran solo with my ipod of hundreds of songs and I thought life was great.  I found a few other girls that ran and my first reaction was that I’d be too slow for them and that I would have nothing to say to them, or it would be too hard to talk anyway.  Quite the opposite occurred.  I was slower in the beginning, but running with someone faster pushed my level up a notch and I got used to running faster.  As for the talking part, that has never been a problem.  Get a group of 5 busy Mom’s together and you could talk for 20 miles, easily. I look forward to meeting my friends to run or go to the gym.  I’ve almost become dependent on them, in a good way.  The other day I set my alarm to go to the gym solo and I can’t tell you how different my mood was.  It was much much less exciting and I started to think of every excuse in the book to delay my exercise for the day and I LOVE TO EXERCISE!  So, my #1 advice for anyone trying to lose weight or get into a regular exercise routine, FIND A FRIEND!!!!!  You will LOVE it so much more and be more motivated to stick to your plan when you know you have a friend waiting for you in the cold dark!!

This is a good time for me to post about my exercise friends because I NEED to take a break from my workouts.  This is not by my own choice but because I clumsily stumbled on the road while running a few days ago and my right foot completely gave out and crumbled beneath me.  So sad.  The pain got worse as I limped home, not even a mile out.  I was planning on an 8 miler.  Disappointing.  So, I am off my feet for awhile with a very swollen and bruised foot.  I have a compression sock on that covers my whole foot and ankle and I’m taking Aleve.  My Mom tells me to go in to see if it’s broken, but it doesn’t hurt as bad 2 days later so I’m guessing it’s not broken.  I have been injured plenty of times before and every time I hate it, especially when I’m on a training schedule for a marathon, but THIS WILL ALL BE BUT A BRIEF MOMENT!!!!!  I’m going to eat better than ever and still do some weight training.  I thought of posting a picture of my foot, but it was so ugly I couldn’t do it.  I feel like I have the black foot like Adam Sandler in Mr. Deeds.

Here are a few pics of my exercise friends over the years.  THEY ARE THE BEST!!!!!!!

Trail runs...soon!

Snow or shine!

Girls weekend. Park City 1/2 marathon

Family 5K and stayed together the whole way!

1st Marathon ST. GEORGE!

Running friends!

Turkey Trot 10K in the single digits!

Relay run in the beautiful Sun Valley Mountains. SO SO FUN!!!!!

We met in the Bahamas when we both needed a running buddy. Still friends!

I want to lose 5 lbs.

Maintaining my weight has always been important to me.  I have never had a major weight problem.  I have however been pregnant 5 times and had to work to lose the last 10-20 POUNDS with many of my pregnancies.  For the majority of people (me included) this is not easy!!  I am a very DETERMINED and MOTIVATED individual.  Now that I am DONE having children I have a long-term goal to keep my weight within 5-7 lbs. of my desired weight.  I don’t have a problem throwing numbers out there.  I am 5’7″ and  I really like to weigh 130 or a little under.  My body would rather stay around 132-133.  Therefore, I am eternally trying to lose 5 lbs.  I don’t mind this challenge in life.  It is FUN? for me to try new diets and eating plans and of course EXERCISE to my hearts content.  As much as I love exercise, I know that the biggest influence for a healthy weight is….WHAT YOU PUT IN YOUR MOUTH!!  I have read with slight variations the ratio that exercise, nutrition, and genetics have on health.  Here is a great blog I found at carolinescott.org.   People have asked me what CLEAN eating is.  Once again I refer you to Tosca Reno.  Excellent website.  Here are some basic CLEAN eating tips!

Simple “Do’s and Don’ts” of Healthy Eating

What To Do

  • Eat more-5 to 6 small meals a day.
  • Eat breakfast everyday, within an hour of waking up.
  • Eat a combo of lean protein and complex carbohydrates at each meal.
  • Eat enough (2 to 3 servings) of healthy fats everyday.
  • Stay hydrated (about 8 glasses of water a day).
  • Keep clean, healthy foods close by and on hand at all times!
  • Depend on fruits and veggies for vitamins and minerals.
  • Try doing most of your shopping on the outside aisles of the grocery store…this is where the clean whole foods are mostly located.

What To Avoid

  • Avoid highly processed foods.
  • Avoid white flour and sugar.
  • Avoid foods containing unnecessary preservatives, additives and chemicals.
  • Avoid artificial sweeteners and sugars.
  • Avoid artificial foods in general!
  • Avoid saturated and trans fats.
  • Avoid sugar loaded beverages like soda and high sugar juices.
  • Limit alcohol intake.
  • Step away from the “super-size” menu!

I have seen this chart at 70% nutrition, 20% training, and 10% genetics as well.  It’s hard to believe that nutrition plays that big a role.  I believe it 100%.  I have trained and worked out like crazy and the only time I see real results is when I’m eating CLEAN!  By results I mean: pounds lost, clothes looser, mood up, body tight with more muscle definition, more energy and endurance during exercise and throughout the day.  I am far happier when I’m making smart and healthy eating choices.

I don’t have too many pics. of me when I was pregnant.  Here is one about 3 months after having a baby and one of me at the Bahamas 2 years after baby #4.  Next post will be how to stay motivated and determined to keep losing weight!!  Hang in there!

Me, 3 months postpartum

I miss the SUN!!!

100 Countdown Workouts-February 22, 2012

Hi there!  I have been a slacker blogger lately.  Here is the workout my class did this week.  It was great!!!

100 Walking rotation lunges with weight.  We did 50 holding the weight and twisting to one side with each step and then we did 50 cross over lunges holding weights.  When you step forward you cross the stepping leg over the other.  It is great for the butt!!

90 Deadlifts

80 Side Planks (40 each side)

70 One arm snatches (35 each side)

One arm snatch

60 Skaters

50 Push ups

40 Jump squats

30 Mountain Climbers

20 Burpees

10 SPRINTS (We ran around the church 5 times)

100 Jumping lunges

90 High sumos (up right row)

80 Full Sit ups

70 Tricep kick backs (35 each side)

60 Biceps

50 Bent over Rows (This got real tiring so I switched to one arm rows)

40 Frog Jumps

30 Push ups

20 burpees

We ran out of time or we would have ran 10 sprints again.

Finish with 3 sets of 2 minute planks!  Tough!

I need to blog about a 4 day cleanse I did.  That will be next SOON!!

Try something NEW!!

Do you like to exercise?  From what I hear, many people dread it.  I’m lucky that I love everything about it.  I seriously get that endorphin, natural high from physical exertion.  I love feeling strong and healthy.  If you are in an exercise rut think about trying something NEW!!!!  Get out of your comfort zone and get to some new classes at the gym.  No one is looking at you because they are all looking at themselves.  To get results, lose weight, or tighten up, you NEED to change your routine.  Do not think that the same 5 miles you run 3 days a week is going to do anything for you.  Yes, it is better than nothing, but you need to trick your body and work it out of the comfortable zone.  You’ll FEEL so much better….after.  I promise!  Here are a few of my FAVS at the gym.

BODY PUMP.  Do not be intimidated by weights.  They are the best way to get lean, toned muscles!

Love this quote!!

Super funny!!

When Zumba first came out I thought it would be the lamest, easiest “workout”.  It has now become one of my favorite classes that I always look forward to.  PLEASE give it a try!  I’m lucky one of my good friends is a Zumba instructor and I think she’s the BEST!!  You will have so much fun you won’t notice you’re sweating like CRAZY!!

A must!!

BODY COMBAT!!  If you love to workout with loud, awesome music you will love this class!!  Works your entire body and you feel totally tough and fit.  Once again, don’t be afraid to try something new.  Find workout buddies to help you motivate each other.  Download new songs to your ipod and MIX it up!!  Have you ever finished exercising and wished you didn’t do it?


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Make A Beach House More Energy Efficient – 10 Tips That Work

Here are some simple (and advanced) ways to start saving money on energy costs by making your beach house more energy efficient! While any one of these can save you money, the more ideas that you combine, the higher your potential savings will be.

Tip 1 – Unplug Unused Devices.

We all have the habit of leaving electronic devices plugged in all over the house, even when not in use. What you may not realize, however, is that these devices steadily draw some amount of electricity. Whether it is your TV, monitor, cellphone charger, your laptop and even your music system, energy is being consumed even while the devices are not in use. Get in the habit of unplugging them whenever you are not using them.

Bonus Tip – Make sure you don’t leave anything plugged in during the off-season that doesn’t absolutely need continuous electricity. Over the course of several months of “unused time” these devices could draw a decent amount of energy.

Tip 2 – Ventilate Your Beach House Passively

When the weather is nice outside, this is one of the best ways to keep your beach house cool. Allowing natural airflow through the structure will keep you from using too much energy trying to cool the house.

Whenever there is a breeze, you can open up the windows and doors to let the cool air flow right in and aerate the whole place. During the day, pull back the curtains and let the sunshine light the room and you’ll gain extra benefit by not having to use electricity for lighting.

Tip 3 – Air Seal The Thermal Envelope

If you really want to make an impact on your monthly energy use, invest a weekend in air sealing the countless cracks and joints both inside and outside the beach home’s structure.

Start with the windows and apply an energy efficient insulation filmOpens in a new tab.

Next, seal any cracks around the interior windows with latex caulk. You’ll want to do this on the inside and the outside, making sure to pay attention to joints where materials meet.

Make sure the weatherstripping around the doors do not allow air or light through.

Finally, grab some cans of Great Stuff foam spray and get to work sealing every pipe and wire entry coming into the house. If it is a visible area and you need a cleaner look, latex or silicone caulk can be used if the hole is not too large. I recommend you read Is My Home Energy Efficient? Here’s How To Know! to gain a full understanding of the importance of air sealing and opportunities that may exist in your beach house to improve efficiency.

Tip 4 – Make The Switch To LED Lighting

If you are still using incandescent lighting in your beach house, you are literally throwing money away at this point. The debate over LED lighting was resolved years ago and these days its hard to find other options at a hardware store.

Tip 5 – Supplement With Solar Power

One thing beach houses generally get plenty of is sunshine. You can invest in smart solar power solutions that will literally pay for themselves and save you money month after month on your electrical bill.

For great ideas on how to save money by supplementing your lighting with solar, read How To Get Started With Solar Power (Simple Solutions!)

I also recommend you read Seven Reasons Why A Solar Generator May Make Sense For You

Tip 6 – Add Insulation Under The Flooring

If your beach house is on stilts, then you have large area under the flooring that is exposed to the elements. You can significantly reduce your energy loses in the beach house by properly insulating the flooring. Before you do this, however, make sure that you take the time to properly air seal all of the joints as well as pipe and wiring entries into the structure. Insulation does not block air leakage.

Tip 7 – Automate Your Energy Savings

Ecobee smart programmable thermostat

You can take your energy savings to another level by adding some automation to the process. Just as the solar lighting will automatically turn on and off, you can use a smart thermostat to control your beach home’s air conditioning and heating system.

Programmable thermostats have been around for a while but the new smart thermostats take the frustration out of programming. You can set up schedules on your mobile phone to have the system automatically adjust temperatures throughout the day. You can even turn the system on or off remotely.

I have had these installed in my home for the past two years and have grown to really appreciate the level of control over my central air’s energy usage.

If you are interested in learning more, read my previous post on how to Automate Your Home Electricity Savings.

Tip 8 – See Inside Your Walls and Ceiling To Spot Energy Waste

Unless you designed and oversaw the building of your beach house, you really have no way to know how energy efficient it was designed. One of the best investments that you can make is an infrared camera attachment for your smartphone. These devices allow you to look into the walls and ceiling of the structure and quickly identify hot and cold areas where insulation or air leaks are negatively impacting your energy efficiency and, ultimately, your utility bills.

These are actually amazing devices. It can be surprising to walk around a home or beach house and see hot or cold spots that you would have otherwise easily overlooked. I think with a little diligence an investment like this could easily pay for itself in energy savings.

If you are wanting to know exactly where the waste is happening, consider investing in one of these. Amazon has models available for both iPhoneOpens in a new tab.

Alternatively, there are also inexpensive infrared thermometers that can help you identify hot or cold areas but they are more of a pinpoint device meaning you have to know exactly where to check in order to find a problem. This is the model that I purchasedOpens in a new tab.

Tip 9 – Wrap Your Water Heater

Water heaters and the piping that extends from them suffer heat loss. As that heat is lost, the system has to go to work heating the water again, using more energy. This is an endless cycle of a water heater and though you can’t stop it completely you can take some measures to slow the cycle down.

By insulating the water heater and piping, you can reduce that heat loss and save on your energy bill every month.

Tip 10 – Adjust Your Energy Usage Patterns

This is one I mention frequently in my posts, and there is a good reason for it. As much as having an energy efficient beach house will impact your utility bills, how you choose to use the energy that you consume stands to equally have an impact.

Gain a better understanding of how your energy usage patterns represent a significant portion of your monthly utility bills and how you can make minor adjustments to cut utility costs. Read Why Is My Electric Bill So High? Here’s The Answer!Opens in a new tab.

Implementing one energy saving idea can save you a little. Implementing several can save you much more. Beach homes are not meant to be a burden, they are meant to be enjoyed. By investing just a little time and effort into making your beach home more energy efficient you can relax in a more comfortable living space and really enjoy your investment.

Make sure to read my other posts on energy efficiency. Don’t let it just be a passing interest. Make it a quest!

All my best.

As a homeowner, I am constantly experimenting with making the structure of my house more energy-efficient, eliminating pests, and taking on DIY home improvement projects. Over the past two decades, my family has rehabbed houses and contracted new home builds and I've learned a lot along the way. I share my hard-learned lessons so that you can save time and money by not repeating my mistakes.

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Pierre Clément

  • Paris/ Bordeaux, France
Pierre Clement -1981, mostly dedicates his work to sculpture and installations. He permanently questions the notion of image and the means of representation. He is inspired by alternative cultures and underground Internet. His works highlight some particularities of our collective imagination: sci-fi, hacking, survivalism, satellite mapping, biotechnologies, military imagery, etc. They are heterogeneous in their forms and materials, but all appeal to similar methods: repetition, proliferation, encryption, overlap, replica, assembling. By meticulously examining their skeletons, the viewer is brought to question his own vision and certitudes.


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2019 Homestead Magazine

Homestead Magazine

Owl Creek Elk Refuge

+ Story by Richard Anderson
+ Photography by David Agnello & Tuck Fauntleroy

Ellis Nunn & Associates, Inc.

Two Ocean Builders

Willow Creek Interior Design

MountainScapes, Inc.

Altamira Fine Art

Building Character

Driving through Owl Creek, west of Jackson Hole Airport, little suggests a human presence besides occasional driveways meandering into the trees. Deer, elk, moose, even the occasional bear, are more common visitors.

One driveway leads to a well-maintained farmhouse with attached barn. The Ellis Nunn design dates to 2010, but looks like generations have added to it over the decades—exactly what the homeowners wanted.

“In the old days,” Nunn says, “your wranglers would do additions to the home.”

Some knew how to build with wood, others with rock. The result over time was a mixture of styles and elements.

Entertaining and Social Spaces

Nunn has a similar mix of talents. Known throughout the West for his custom log homes, he and project architect John Kjos worked closely with the clients to develop a hybrid style that combines logs with conventional framework, a feature of the main living space in Owl Creek.

Those logs, says Jed Mixter, co-owner of Two Ocean Builders, had to be split, hollowed and reassembled with the frame wall in between “so it looked like they’d never been touched.”

On the east end, the master suite “addition” uses hand-hewn logs, squared and coped for a simulated dovetail look. The “barn”—a three-car garage with overhead bunkroom—is covered in grayed, recycled wood.

Rustic Living

Rustic Living
Rooms are spacious with a mix of antiques, new pieces and custom works by local craftsmen. Warm colors offset the predominantly wood and earth tones of building materials and natural surroundings.

Entertaining & Social Spaces

Entertaining and Social Spaces
Rustic touches add warmth, such as the custom lighting fixtures in the kitchen and dining area or the Indian blanket patterns on upholstery and drapes. Ample windows offer views to the wooded north and the mountains beyond.

“Working with those old materials and making them look elegant … there’s negligible margin for error,” Mixter says. “It has to be done right the first time.”

That effortless-looking elegance extends to the grounds, where Sean Macauley of MountainScapes, Inc., was charged with making his landscaping disappear.

“They wanted the house to look like it was dropped straight into that site in the woods where it was built,” says Macauley.

Warm Hues & Tailored Lines

Warm Hues and Tailored Lines
With its plaster walls, weathered wood and classic textile patterns, the master suite offers a step back in time. Outside the family dining room, a recessed porch with its own fireplace offers ski chalet ambiance.

Mature forest was preserved and, where possible, enhanced to look like it had grown up around the homestead for a century. Much of the job focused on reclaiming disturbed areas. Two natural gaps in the canopy perfectly framed the Grand Teton and Teewinot, giving Nunn a starting place for the site design.

“The goal was to make it look understated, simple and clean,” Macauley says. Understated also describes the interiors by Colleen Walls and Rosanna Mitchell of Willow Creek Interior Design. At about 7,000 square feet, the house could have felt massive, but rooms are “all really very intimate and warm,” Mitchell says.

Contrasting Materials

Contrasting Materials
A flagstone patio with fire pit extends the living space into the outdoors. Three architectural styles, coupled with newer construction methods and materials (like solar panels), imply a home evolving over generations. The western wing was even built at a slight angle to the main lodge, enhancing the sense that it was an addition.

Even the great room—with stone hearth, two-story ceilings and a wall of windows facing the mountains—feels cozy. The volume impresses, but the dimensions, from the sitting area to the fireplace, for example, encourage close conversation.

Furnishings mix antiques with new pieces. An ancient-looking cobbler’s table is functional and appealingly curious, and some items were commissioned from local craftsmen.

“We try to use bright colors wherever we can,” adds Walls. In a home full of wood tones, ochres, greens and reds warm the rooms and add interest when winter whitens views.

Contrasting Materials

An expansive kitchen—with hearth-like stonework around the stove, flowing granite countertops and plenty of mingling room—divides the great room from an intimate family dining area that, in a pinch, can serve larger groups. Three upstairs bedrooms are similarly scaled. In the master bedroom, down a short hall from the social area, plaster walls and reclaimed wood-frame windows “feel like they could be 100 years old,” Nunn says.

Doors from the master suite, great room and dining area lead to a stone patio with fire pit. Macauley said the owners originally envisioned a fire pit in a forest meadow, but flexibility and ease of maintenance won out.

Warm Hues and Tailored Lines
“They knew what they wanted,” Mitchell says of the clients, as did the other principals. “They were very articulate and could describe exactly what they were after.”

Likewise, the team enjoyed working together.

“One of the wonderful things about Ellis’ firm is it really brings a collaborative approach,” Mixter says. “Their responsiveness and ability to react to the inevitable challenges … to working through those as a group, that makes the process very smooth.”


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Working for yourself presents significant challenges – whether you’re just dipping your toes into freelancing or have been at it for 30 years. With bespoke guides about setting up your business to managing your books to paying the taxman; or manuals on topics such as IR35, mortgages, retirement savings as well as templates for contracts and confidentiality, the IPSE Resources can help you grow your business.

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Joining IPSE as a HomeTouch carer couldn’t be easier. Just give us a few details about yourself and we'll activate your IPSE membership. Join now to access all the tools and services you need to make the running of your as easy as possible.