Researching pediatric illness: From left, Jack Falk, Batchelor Foundation trustee; Steven E. Lipshultz, M.D., chairman of pediatrics; Tracie L. Miller, M.D., Micah Batchelor Research Award recipient; Pascal J. Goldschmidt, M.D., dean of the Miller School of Medicine; Sandy Batchelor, Batchelor Foundation trustee; Jon Batchelor, executive vice president of the Batchelor Foundation; and Dan Ferraresi, Batchelor Foundation trustee.

The Micah Batchelor Award for Excellence in Children’s Health Research was established by the late George E. Batchelor, a renowned aviation entrepreneur and philanthropist, in memory of his grandson, Micah. Started with a $5 million endowment, each year at least $300,000 is awarded to a Miller School of Medicine investigator conducting research in children’s diseases and working in the Batchelor Children’s Research Institute. This is one of the largest awards nationally for children’s health research.

To learn more, click here.

Family donations can be combined whether or not the family members are employed at UM. E-mail unitedway@miami.edu for advice regarding how spouse/partner donations can be combined. There is still time to make donations online for 2006 tax deductions and payroll deductions for charitable deductions for 2007. UM’s United Way campaign continues through this Friday, December 8.

Benefit verification forms being mailed this week
Now that Open Enrollment has concluded and you have selected a healthcare plan, the 2007 Open Enrollment Benefit Verification forms are being delivered via interoffice mail this week. When you receive your form, carefully review your 2007 benefit elections and make sure all the information is correct. If there is incorrect information, fax a copy of the form with the corrections to 305-284-4568.  All corrections must be received at Benefits Administration by 5 p.m. Friday, December 15, 2006.

ACC offers faculty opportunities abroad
The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) International Academic Collaborative announces three opportunities for UM faculty to collaborate with colleagues from other ACC institutions. In the summer of 2007 participate in an overseas faculty collaboration in Africa studying post-conflict reconciliation and reconstruction in Uganda, Rwanda, and South Africa. The deadline to apply for this opportunity is Thursday, February 1, 2007. In the summer of 2008 lead a summer study abroad program with faculty members from at least one other ACC institution. In the summer of 2008 lead an overseas faculty collaboration focused on a specific country or region with a faculty member from at least one other ACC institution. The deadline to apply for these two opportunities is Sunday, April 15, 2007. For more information, visit www.miami.edu/studyabroad/acc, e-mail lazzeri@miami.edu, or call 305-284-6359.

City on a scarf: Glexis Novoa's From Murano Grande, 2003 appears on a limited number of signed silk scarves currently available for purchase benefiting The Lowe Art Museum.

Only 250 scarves will be produced. They are available only through Friends of Art to supporters of the Lowe Art Museum and friends, family, students, and alumni of the University of Miami. Each scarf is available for $250. Proceeds go to the Lowe Art Museum. Send a check for $250 made out to Friends of Art to the Lowe Art Museum, 1301 Stanford Drive, Coral Gables, FL 33124-6310. For more information, call 305-284-6756 or e-mail FOASCARF@aol.com.

In addition, the Lowe Art Museum gift store is offering its annual employee and faculty holiday discount of 20 percent on all purchases of $5 or more from Tuesday, December 5 through Thursday, December 21. Find unique gifts for art lovers of all ages: coffee table books, one-of-a-kind jewelry designs, exquiste stationery, creative educational toys, and much more. Add to your holiday ornament collection with limited edition Patricia Breen Design 2006 holiday ornaments. The museum store is closed on Mondays.

Want to reduce your stress and relieve pain?
The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences' Division of Complementary Medicine at the Miller School of Medicine offers an Acupuncture Pain and Stress Reduction Clinic to the University community. Treatments, offered on both the medical and Coral Gables campuses, can give you more energy, relieve pain, and help you stay calm. Call 305-243-4751 for an appointment.

Artfully Done Campus facilities personnel admire UM's latest sculpture after they installed it last Monday near the Richter Library and Starbucks coffee shop on the Coral Gables campus. The work is by Linda Howard and is titled Kuan, 1976. It is a gift of The Martin Z. Margulies Foundation and is part of the campus sculpture program.

Extended operating hours at Richter Library
The Otto G. Richter Library will provide extended 24-hour service to students and faculty through Wednesday, December 13. The circulation desks on the first and second floors will remain open and fully operational, and access will be available to all study spaces, microfilm United machines, photocopiers, and computer stations on the first and second floors. The Stack Tower will be closed from 12 to 7:30 a.m. during the extended hours period. The library will close at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, December 13. For more information, visit www.library.miami.edu.

Register for course on domestic violence
The Employee Assistance Program, in conjunction with the Professional Development and Training Office, is conducting a free Lunch and Learn seminar on the subject of domestic violence on Wednesday, December 13, from 12 to 1 p.m. at the Professional Development and Training Office, Dominion Parking Garage, suite 155, on the medical campus. Participants will receive one hour of continuing education credit and will meet the domestic violence course requirements for their professions. To register, visit netlearning.miami.edu. For questions about registration, call 305-243-3090. For questions about course content, call 305-284-6604.

Postmenopausal clinic opens Wednesday
The Division of Reproductive Endocrinology of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology announces the opening of its new postmenopausal clinic on Wednesdays beginning December 6 at Cedars Medical Center, suite 5, on the medical campus. If you are over the age of 40 and are experiencing menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and osteoporosis, schedule an appointment or participate in ongoing clinical trials. For more information, call 305-243-8642.

Toy drive to benefit Miami Children's Hospital
The Miami Children's Hospital toy drive is under way and will benefit its children's cancer ward. The University's involvement in the effort is coordinated by the Frost School of Music. Those who wish to participate should drop off toys for children ranging in age from infants to 18 years old. Gifts can be delivered to the McKnight Building, suite 202, on the Coral Gables campus. The last day to donate is Thursday, December 14. For more information, call 305-284-5816.

Fashion fundraiser to aid The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis
Saks Fifth Avenue and The Fur Salon at Bal Harbour will host a luxurious evening to kick-off Destination Fashion benefiting The Buoniconti Fund To Cure Paralysis, the national fundraising arm of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, and to honor the 2007 Women of Substance and Style. Enjoy cocktails, hors d'ouevres, and a fashion presentation of magnificent furs on Tuesday, December 5 at 6:30 p.m., featuring designer Salon on Two in Bal Harbour. To R.S.V.P., call 305-993-6217 or e-mail balharbourevents@s5a.com. Ten percent of evening fur sales will benefit The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis.

Exclusive pre-sale opportunity for Blue Man Group show
The Blue Man Group, perhaps best known for their successful theatrical productions that combine comedy, music, and multimedia artistry, are offering a special pre-sale opportunity to the UM community for their performance on Tuesday, February 27 at 7:30 p.m. in the BankUnited Center on the Coral Gables campus. Ticket sales to the general public begin on Saturday, January 6, but members of the UM community can obtain tickets now by visiting www.ticketmaster.com and entering the passcode "MEGASTAR" when prompted. Ticket prices range from $45 to $85 (plus applicable fees). For more information, visit www.BankUnitedCenter.com.

On Latin American elections: Richard Feinberg speaks at 12 p.m. today.

Today, Monday, December 4 “Recent Elections in Latin America: Results and Implications.” Richard Feinberg, professor at the University of California, San Diego and author of more than 150 articles and books on trade and investment, globalization, democratization, and non-governmental organizations, will speak in Memorial Classroom, 125K, at 12 p.m. To R.S.V.P., e-mail umclas@miami.edu or call 305-284-1854.

Today, Monday, December 4 “Thyroid Cancer.” UM/Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center presents an educational program led by Carmen Solorzano, M.D., associate professor of surgery and chief of the Division of Endocrine Surgery. The event will be held at UM/Sylvester at Deerfield Beach, 1192 East Newport Center Drive, Suite 100, from 12 to 1 p.m. Admission is free, and a light lunch will be served. To register, call 1-800-545-2292. For more information, visit www.sylvester.org.

Tuesday, December 5 “Democracy and Reform in Latin America: How to Build More Competitive Economies.” The Center for Hemispheric Policy hosts a panel discussion from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables featuring panelists Richard Feinberg, Álvaro Vargas Llosa, and John Williamson. Feinberg is professor of international political economy at the Graduate School of International Relations and Pacific Studies and is director of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Study Center at the University of California, San Diego. Vargas Llosa is a senior fellow and director of the Center on Global Prosperity at the Independent Institute in Washington, D.C. Williamson is senior fellow at the Institute for International Economics in Washington, D.C. To R.S.V.P., e-mail alana.gutierrez@miami.edu. For more information, visit www.miami.edu/chp.

Tuesday, December 5 Book Presentation and Signing. Elizabeth Aranda, assistant professor of sociology at UM, will discuss her book, Emotional Bridges to Puerto Rico: Migration, Return Migration, and the Struggles of Incorporation at Books and Books in Coral Gables at 6 p.m.

Tuesday, December 5 “The Elusive Nature of Mathematical Knowledge.” The Department of Philosophy presents the Friends of Philosophy Dialogue with Otavio Bueno, professor of philosophy at UM. Bueno’s research concentrates in philosophy of science, mathematics, logic, metaphysics, and epistemology. He has published more than 80 papers in journals and collections and is the author of two books, Constructive Empiricism: A Restatement and Defense and Elements of Paraconsistent Set Theory. His talk will be held from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in room 140 of the Learning Center on the Coral Gables campus. For more information, visit www.miami.edu/phi or call 305-284-4757.

Tuesday, December 5 Sixth Annual Robert Russell Foundation Lecture. The Sue and Leonard Miller Center for Contemporary Judaic Studies presents a lecture by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin titled “Tzedakah Is Not Charity.” The event takes place in the Merrick Building's Miller Center on the Coral Gables campus. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., and the lecture is from 8 to 10 p.m. To R.S.V.P., e-mail ccjs@miami.edu or call 305-284-6882. The event is free and open to the public.

Wednesday, December 6 “The Political Economy of Low Ambition: A Hard Look at Trade Agreements.” The Center for Hemispheric Policy hosts a trade roundtable from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables featuring Mario Marconini, visiting fellow and president of ManattJones Marconini Global Strategies, São Paulo, and Donna Hrinak, director of corporate and government affairs at Kraft Foods Latin America and former U.S. ambassador to Brazil, Venezuela, Bolivia, and the Dominican Republic. Regular admission is $30, but UM faculty, staff, and students are free with valid identification. To R.S.V.P., e-mail isabel.artime@miami.edu. For more information, visit www.miami.edu/chp.

Wednesday, December 6 “The Neurobiology of Trust.” The Department of Psychology and the College of Arts and Sciences present a lecture by Paul J. Zak, associate professor of economics and founding director of the Center for Neuroeconomics Studies at Claremont Graduate University. The lecture will be held in the Flipse Building’s fifth-floor conference room 502. The event begins at 11 a.m. Professor Zak’s work draws upon the social sciences, life sciences, health sciences, and humanities. For more information, e-mail mikem@miami.edu.

Wednesday, December 6 Gail F. Beach Memorial 2006-2007 Visiting Lectureship Series. The series hosts Yimin Zou, associate professor of biology for the neurobiology section at the University of California, San Diego. Zou will present “Wnt Signaling in Axon Guidance” at 12 p.m. in the Lois Pope LIFE Center's seventh-floor auditorium. For more information, call 305-243-7108 or visit www.miamiproject.med.miami.edu/x381.xml.

Friday, December 8 The Miami Project Special Seminar Series 2006-2007. The Miami Project Special Seminar Series hosts James Hickman, director of the Nanoscience Technology Initiative Center at the University of Central Florida. He will present "Integration of Cells and Proteins with Silicon Devices via Surface Microengineering for Applications for ALS, SCI, Alzheimer’s and other Neurodegenerative Diseases" at 1 p.m. in the Lois Pope LIFE Center's seventh-floor auditorium. For more information, call 305-243-7108 or visit www.miamiproject.med.miami.edu/x381.xml.

Friday, December 8 “Defending Universal Revisability.” The Department of Philosophy presents Jennifer Fisher, assistant professor of philosophy at the University of North Florida. Fisher's book on the philosophy of logic will be forthcoming in 2007. Her specialties include epistemology, philosophy of logic, philosophy of science, philosophy of language, and pragmatism. The talk will be held from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. in room 110 of the Memorial Building on the Coral Gables campus. For more information, visit www.miami.edu/phi or call 305-284-4757.

Sunday, December 10 “Video Art versus Video Art: Why Video Art Misses the Point of Video Art.” The Department of Philosophy is proud to present the Third Annual Parodi Lecture in Philosophy of Art with Dominic McIver Lopes, professor of philosopy at the University of British Columbia. Lopes is a Distinguished University Scholar and author of Live Wires: A Philosophy of Interactive Digital Art, Sight and Sensibility: Evaluating Pictures, and Understanding Pictures. The talk will begin at 11 a.m. at the Miami Art Center, 5960 S.W. 57th Avenue, Miami. For more information, visit www.miami.edu/phi or call 305-284-4757.

Monday, December 11 “Prevention and Treatment of Skin Cancer.” UM/Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and Gilda’s Club South Florida present an educational program led by Robert Kirsner, M.D., professor and vice chair of the Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery. The event will be held at Gilda’s Club South Florida, 119 Rose Drive, Fort Lauderdale, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Admission is free, and a light dinner will be served. To register, call 1-800-545-2292 or Gilda’s Club South Florida at 954-763-6776. For more information, visit www.sylvester.org.

Tuesday, December 12 “Dealing with the Stress of Illness During the Holidays. UM/Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center presents an educational program led by Marianela Castellanos, social worker at The Courtelis Center for Psychosocial Oncology. The event will be held at UM/Sylvester at Deerfield Beach, 1192 East Newport Center Drive, Suite 100, from 12 to 1 p.m. Admission is free, and a light lunch will be served. To register, call 1-800-545-2292. For more information, visit www.sylvester.org.

Various Dates Grants.gov Electronic Submission Course. A computer lab training course is being offered to provide hands-on instruction for NIH electronic submission of proposals through www.Grants.gov. Trainers will walk participants through the process as well as provide tips for avoiding common errors. Attendees will gain a better understanding of the requirements for electronic submission, with an emphasis on finding and using the correct application package, following grant application instructions, and understanding the procedures for the internal routing of proposals. Scheduled course dates are Thursday, December 14; Wednesday, December 20; Thursday, December 21; and Tuesday, January 16. The course will take place at the Calder Medical Library's Electronic Classroom on the third floor. Registration is limited to 20 people and is required through NetLearning at netlearning.miami.edu. For more information, e-mail mvalero@med.miami.edu.

Thursday, December 7 “Ventanas en el Tiempo.” The Institute for Cuban and Cuban-American Studies and Casa Bacardi present an exhibit by Dominica Alcántara, who touches upon folkloric and Cuban heritage in her paintings, bringing to life Cuba’s magnificent sky hues, palm trees, royal poincianas, and sugar cane fields. The exhibit's opening night is from 7 to 9 p.m. in Casa Bacardi/Olga and Carlos Saladrigas Hall on the Coral Gables campus. Regular admission is $5, but UM faculty, staff, and students are free. The exhibit is on display through Friday, December 15.

Piano talent: UM student Misha Dacic, who has already acquired international acclaim, performs next Saturday.

Saturday, December 9 Young Lions of the Piano. The Chopin Foundation of the United States in cooperation with the Frost School of Music presents Young Lions of the Piano, featuring Misha Dacic, a UM student who has been described as a “rock-star persona, classical pianist in the mold of Liszt” and Mei-Ting Sun, the 2005 National Chopin Piano Competition winner in solo and two-piano works. The event occurs at 8 p.m. in the Maurice Gusman Concert Hall on the Coral Gables campus. Regular admission is $20, student admission is $10. For more information and to order tickets, visit www.Chopin.org or call 305-868-0624.

Sunday, December 10 Lowe Art Museum Art Basel Champagne Brunch. The Lowe Art Museum's Annual Champagne Brunch, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., celebrates the closing of Art Basel Miami Beach and features the Humberto Calzada: In Dreams Awake exhibit. RSVP at 305-284-6981. Event access granted to those with Art Basel Miami Beach exhibitor’s pass, VIP cards, or press pass. The Lowe Art Museum is located at 1301 Stanford Drive on the Coral Gables campus. For more information, call 305-284-3535 or visit www.lowemuseum.org.

Sunday, December 10 Civic Chorale of Greater Miami. The community is invited to participate in the 37th traditional presentation of the Christmas sections of Handel’s “Messiah,” featuring Robert Gower, art director of the Civic Chorale of Greater Miami and associate professor of theory and composition at UM; Paul Whiting, associate conductor of the Civic Chorale of Greater Miami; and Lee Kjelson, artistic director emeritus of the Civic Chorale of Greater Miami. The Chorale will be accompanied by the Alhambra Orchestra and other special guests. The event occurs at the First Methodist Church of South Miami, 6565 Red Road, in South Miami, and begins at 2 p.m. with a rehearsal planned for all interested singers, followed by a 4 p.m. free concert. For more information, call 305-490-5930 or e-mail civicchorale.music@miami.edu.

Sunday, December 10 Simon Salz Memorial Concert. This concert, which will feature jazz great Ira Sullivan, will benefit the Young Musicians' Camp Scholarship and Development Fund. The Young Musicians' Camp, offered by the Frost School of Music, was founded by the late Simon Salz and his wife, Sarah. It will be held at 5 p.m. at Maurice Gusman Concert Hall on the Coral Gables campus. Tickets range from $10 to $40 (includes private reception). To pay by credit card, go to www.youngmusicianscamp.com or call 305-238-8937.

Sunday, December 10 Lessons and Carols for Christmas. The University of Miami's Collegium Musicum, under the direction of Donald Oglesby, will lead a candlelight service of lessons and carols for Christmas at the Episcopal Church Center on the Coral Gables campus at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served at a holiday reception on the Chapel patio immediately following the service.  For more information, call 305-284-2333 or e-mail fcorbishley@miami.edu.

Local political ethics “There are a lot of things that are not illegal, but they don't pass the smell test.” Sam Terilli, assistant professor in the School of Communication, on Miami-Dade County's ethics commission and the legal limitations that exist, making it easier for unethical behavior to be accepted. The Miami Herald November 27 Technology in class “If it's just a glorified tape recorder, I don't think there is much to it.” Andrew Green, lecturer of English composition, on the benefits and threats of utilizing new technology in the classroom. Green is participating in a project set up by UM's Instructional Advancement Center that allows instructors and students to use iPods and related tools in coursework. Florida Trend November 30 Catching the bug “It's on the uptick; most likely the flu season will be worse this year than last.” Robert Schwartz, M.D., chairman of the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at the Miller School of Medicine, predicting the strength of this year's flu season based on current statistical trends in South Florida. The Miami Herald November 30