Two Treats for Audiophiles

I have two podcast links to share with you today.

First, please check out a link to my MCG Tech Fair presentation that I gave on March 11, 2009. My topic was Alternative Teaching and Learning Tools. Click to Launch the Podcast.

Next, a link to this week’s Augusta Arts podcast. After a lengthy intro and news update, a good interview with Rob Nordan, Music Director of the Columbia County Civic Orchestra, of which, of course, I am a member. Rob discusses our upcoming concert on March 28th and the Mozart Concerto for Two Pianos.

Enjoy, and attend next week’s free concert if you can!

And Spring has Sprung!

It’s March in Augusta. Today begins Daylight Saving’s Time, and I’m ready for Spring! Augusta has one of the most interesting seasonal blooms around. Just last week is was frosty and cold, yet there were signs of spring hinting of what was to come. By this week, the buds on the trees are blooming, my hydrangea is emerging from its winter slumber, and it is now 80 degrees. In one short month from now when the world tunes in for the Master’s Tournament, the culminating event of the season, it will seem that we’re already into summer. The azaleas will be going off like botanic fireworks from another land, the firethorn will be burning your eyes, and of course, the wisteria will be providing purple accents in the woods. Spring in Augusta, is simply amazing!

I’m working on a couple projects right now. I’m completing a presentation for the MCG Technology Fair this Wednesday entitled, “Alternative Teaching and Learning Tools”. I’m preparing for my March 28th concert with the Columbia County Civic Orchestra, and I’m entering the final legs of my fellowship program. I’m starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel on that path!

So, Happy Spring, Merry Daylight’s Savings Time, and enjoy your spring! I know I will.

ERIC

What I Learned in Vegas

I’m back from my trip to Las Vegas for the APTA’s record breaking Combined Sections Meeting. Tons of people, tons of things to do. Tons of work to do as well. I’m kind of ashamed to admit that I didn’t go outside from Monday to Thursday! Overall I had a great time with the exception of limited connectivity. I really enjoyed the hard-core networking at the premier conference of the year.

Top 5 Things I Learned in Vegas

1. It only takes a few people with a lot of energy to change the way things are done.
2. To say the word “stabilization” in reference to the spine, is to place an errant construct upon it.
3. It’s very cool to skip out on a 2.5 hour dress rehearsal, but still get to participate in an awards ceremony.
4. People playing the slot machines look very similar to those in vegetative states.
5. I really need to visit Las Vegas again when I’m not in work mode…much to do…

I attended some great session, but perhaps my favorite content was presented by Tim Flynn and Kornelia Kulig, looking at clinical applications of radiological images in the context of manual therapy and spine care. Dr. Kulig used MRI’s to observe segmental motion during manual therapy techniques, and Dr. Flynn presented data where fluroscopic images were used to observe the way that proposed “unstable” spines moved. We sure have a lot to learn about the way spines work, but we already know that spinal fusions are a bad idea.

Overall, great week, great people, great trip!

Getting Ready for Vegas!

I’m getting excited for next week’s trip to Las Vegas for the APTA’s Combined Sections Meeting (CSM). The first conference I’d ever attended was a CSM in Boston while I was in PT school. It was loads of fun and I expect this one to be even better. Looming large on the agenda is the release of the APTA’s new brand for the profession, Move Forward (link is pdf). It will be interesting to see how this goes over, and how the efforts of this lengthy project play out and influence the business of physical therapy. I will be working with the APTA’s Public Relations department as part of my PR role with the Orthopaedic Section.

In other news, President Obama may have lifted the APTA’s prized brand just days before the release. Check this screen shot I grabbed from Whitehouse.gov!

It seems Obama is able to get a slogan rolling out quicker than the APTA. Not surprising. It’s all about the resources!

If you’re going to Las Vegas, drop me an e-mail or DM me on Twitter. See you there!

ERIC

Blog Down Blues

So my blog, NPA Think Tank, is down right now.  Stuff like this gives me, well….angst.  I have no idea how long it’s been down or what the problem is.  Let’s hope it’s not a big deal.  In the meanwhile, if you’ve happen to stumble here, my apologies.

I’ve been planning to move the NPA Think Tank blog to WordPress, as this one it.  I’m doing this as part of a larger plan to bring on some guest authors and really get some good content flowing.  Let’s just say, this lights the fire and I’m totally done with hosted solutions.

By the way, if you haven’t, check out the shoulder page at Physiopedia.  There’s some good work being done there.

Later,

ERIC