... Going Mobile!

After years of cycling, walking and running, I've finally decided to at least get a driver's license. Ho-hum! Of course, this would facilitate (or legitimize) driving a four-wheeled transportation device. :0 This decision is not an easy one by any means. However rural living necessitates the repeated use of vehicles. I was so spoiled by the CTA and Pace that I never gave easily accessible public transportation a second thought in moving to the rural south. Anywho, I'll keep you updated on my progress!

Salut!

Global Health Conference

Unite For Sight 6th Annual Global Health Conference

"Achieving Global Goals Through Innovation"

Saturday, April 18 - Sunday, April 19, 2009

Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA

200 Speakers, Including Keynote Addresses by Dr. Jeffrey Sachs, Dr. Sonia Sachs, Dr. Susan Blumenthal, and Dr. Harold Varmus

NOW OPEN: Register Online For 6th Annual Global Health Conference

Interested in submitting an abstract for presentation? Submit your abstract online by September 15

Unite For Sight's innovative, high-impact conference is an idea incubator:

-Convenes 2,500 participants interested in international health and development, public health, eye care, medicine, social entrepreneurship, nonprofits, philanthropy, microfinance, human righs, anthropology, health policy, advocacy, public service, environmental health, and education.

-Provides tools to identify global problems, engage in social entrepreneurship, and create change and real solutions.

-Connects individuals, organizations, universities, the public, and communities, to collaborate on sustainable solutions.

-Inspires leadership, talent, and ideas.

-Encourages learning and innovation by providing a forum to share information and best practices across all disciplines of global health and international development.

-Harnesses enthusiasm, idealism, and innovation with practicality.

Saturday Morning Disappointment

After months of speculation, Senator Joe Biden has been selected as Senator Barack Obama's running mate for the upcoming presidential election -- rather than a candidate outside of Washington -- today. By the way, did y'all get "the text message"? While Senator Biden exceeds any qualifications for public office, I am skeptical of his role in a campaign that has instilled a call for change. (Hey, what's there not to like about a well-respected public figure who just happens to be Catholic?)

Senator Biden's most notable contributions include more than 30 years in the Senate, served at various times not only as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee but also as head of the Judiciary Committee, with its jurisdiction over anti-crime legislation, Supreme Court nominees and Constitutional issues. He is an insider.

It becomes clear that this decision was made to offset some of the weaknesses in Obama’s own résumé. For all his self-confidence, he worries that he could not beat Republican John McCain without help from a seasoned politician willing to attack. The Biden selection is the next logistical step in an Obama campaign that has become more negative.

August Care Team Volunteer Opps

Traveling Food Circus
Mondays, August 25th, September 1st,8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th

Our weekly project. Join us to distribute organic groceries thanks to a generous donation from Trader Joe's to Cabrini residents.

Cabrini Service Connector
1230 N. Larrabee
public transportation driving map
3:30pm-5:00pm


Oral History Project
Wednesdays, August 27th, September 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th & October 1st

Here's a project continuing for the next 6 weeks. Join us at Hostel International where we will work with HI/Chicago volunteers to create an Oral History Project for Hostelling International USA's upcoming 75th Anniversary. We will interview and record participants sharing their hostelling experiences.

Afterwards, gather with us for a light meal.

Hostelling International - Chicago24 East Congress ParkwayChicago, IL 60605
public transportation driving map
5:30pm-7:30pm

Ongoing ...


Team M3 - Chicago Student MentorRun
Enjoy your Saturday Morning on Lake Michigan!

With over 100 Chicago teens and their adult mentors training each Saturday morning at the Lakefront, we'd love your support to ensure our students are well-hydrated and encouraged to go the distance.

Contact Coach Cathy at cathy@mgrf.org

Need directions to a CareTeam event?
Click the links below each event address, or visit www.mapquest.comFor directions by public transportation,
visit http://yourcta.com.

StoryCorps ...

... not for the tender-hearted!

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=92650667

This morning's edition of StoryCorps made me think of my own Papi. So many people have made these types of journeys and have perished. As the product of two such souls, I thank their bravery and tenacity. Anywho, before I go on a tirade, I just melt whenever I hear the word "papi".

Zucchini Ricotta Cheesecake

In searching for new zucchini based recipes, I came across this new jem!

Thanks 101 Cookbooks!

Enjoy!

Ingredients:
2 cups zucchini, unpeeled & grated
1 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
2 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
1/2 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
2 shallots, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
zest of one lemon
2 large eggs, well beaten
1/3 cup goat cheese, crumbled
drizzle of olive oil

Preheat oven to 325F degrees, racks the middle. Butter/oil a 7-inch springform pan.

In a strainer, toss the shredded zucchini with the salt and let sit for ten minutes. Now aggressively squeeze and press out as much moisture as you can. Set aside.In the meantime, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, shallots, garlic, dill and lemon zest in a medium bowl. Stir in the eggs and continue mixing until well combined. Now stir in the shredded zucchini. Fill the springform pan with the ricotta mixture and place on a baking sheet. Place in the oven and bake for sixty minutes. If there is any moisture left on top of the cake at this point, carefully use a bit of paper towel to dab it off. Now sprinkle with the goat cheese and return to the oven for another 20 -30 minutes or until the goat cheese is melted and the cake barely jiggles in the center (it will set up more as it cools).

At this point, if the cake is baked and set, but the top isn't quite golden, I'll zap it with the broiler (just about a minute) to get a bit more color on top. Remove from the oven and let cool five minutes, then release the cake from its pan. Cool completely, serve at room temperature drizzled with a bit of olive oil and a few sprigs of dill.

Serves 8.