ONLY 1 WEEK LEFT!!!!

Now that Manny, Amina, and I have discussed all the great things to do in Chicago, is everyone ready for the Annual Conference to begin? Have everything packed and ready to go (don't forget your sunscreen it's 97 degrees today in Chicago)?! Hope so!!

Only 1 week left before the Annual Conference gets underway. What's that you say? You thought the conference begins on June 16? Well, it does but if your in Chicago early then check out these wonderful Pre-Conference Sessions set to begin on June 15 at McCormick Place (Lakeside).

Here's a breakdown for Wednesday's Pre-Conference Sessions.
Start your day off right. Enjoy a wonderful continental breakfast to give you that energy till lunch. Remember to drink plenty of coffee (that's the KEY)!!!!

Breakfast will be at 7:00 a.m.!!!!



YUM!!

Also, don't forget to register!!

Online registration has now ended.

On-site registration will take place between 7:00am and 5:30pm

For those who plan on taking the RPVI, get ready with this great exam practice and preparation workshop!!!





The RPVI workshop will be between 8:00am and 5:00pm with breaks and lunch in between.

Thinking about having your lab accredited? Then you must attend this FREE (registration required) ICAVL accreditation workshop!!!




"REMEMBER TO KEEP YOUR ANGLE AT 60 DEGREES OR LESS AND PARALLEL TO THE WALL"
-EFS

ICAVL accreditation workshop will be between 1:00pm and 4:00pm

Last but not least, check out the Hemodialysis-Pre and Post-op sessions.
Learn about anatomy and pre-operative scanning, various scanning techniques, flow volume measurements, physiologic changes after AVF creation, and much much more....





The Hemodialysis-Pre and Post-op Session will be between 1:00pm and 4:00pm.

See you next Wednesday!!!!

Mannan

Did Someone Say They Have a Sweet Tooth?

Sorry for the lack of updates recently folks. It was finals week last week at Rush University and thankfully this Saturday the class of 2011 is graduating. Yay!

So today we have a guest blogger and fellow Rush University senior Amina Ahmed who will talk about her favorite places for sweets in Chicago.

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Did Someone Say They Have a Sweet Tooth? by Amina Ahmed
Today I have dedicated my focus to a topic that is near and dear to my heart… sweets. By definition it is something that is pleasing to the eye, ear, or taste buds. The “Windy City” has many establishments to entice a multitude of taste buds.



Garrett Popcorn Shop has been an iconic Chicago-based, family-owned and operated company since 1949. All of their hot popped corn is privately grown. They have decorated tins of Chicago sports teams and the beautiful Chicago skyline to take home as souveniers.



Another major Chicago-based delicacy is Frango Mints. Frango Mints are well known for their superior mint chocolate and they can be found at Chicago Macy’s stores (formerly known as Marshall Fields).



If you were looking to be surrounded by nothing but beautfiul displays of desserts and dessert flavored drinks then The Lobby at the Pennisula Hotel is your spot. The Lobby offers amazing desserts twice per day: during Afternoon Tea Time (in the afternoon) and The Chocolate Bar in the evening.



Afternoon Tea Time serves aromatic teas, lovely tea sandwiches, and cute little desserts.



On the other hand, The Chocolate Bar offers a BUFFET of chocolate-based delicacies. The Lobby also features a beautfiul view of the Magnificent Mile.



Other tasty alternatives just around the corner of the Mag Mile are the Hendrickx Belgian Bread Crafter and Sprinkles.



Hendrickx Belgian Bread Crafter offers many different types of croissants. Some of their unique croissants include pistacchios and almonds.



Sprinkles serves gourmet cupcakes and they are located on the same block. Originating from California, Sprinkles was the first company to turn cupcakes into an upscale experience.



They have a wonderful assortment of cupcakes to suit every person.



If you are looking for a low key stroll down the famous Taylor Street in Chicago, italian ice with fresh fruit maybe just the simple treat your looking for.



Italian ice is essentially a frozen dessert made with fruits, juices, or purees. It's perfect for the summer!

So fulfill your cravings!! Enjoy!!!!

-Amina

Chicago's McCormick Place

View facing south.

Happy Memorial Day folks!

Just a brief post about McCormick Place, which is where the 2011 SVU Conference will be at. Built in 1958, McCormick Place is the nation's largest convention center with a total of 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space.

McCormick Place consists of several buildings, so I just wanted to clarify exactly where the conference will be.


View facing north.

The conference will be at Lakeside Center. Lakeside Center is easy to identify in-person because it's next to Lake Michigan and it's the only building at McCormick Place that is painted black.



The Hyatt Regency McCormick Place is the most convenient accommodation for the conference because of its proximity and the fact that it's connected to the Lakeside Center via a skybridge.

Make your hotel reservations at:
https://resweb.passkey.com/go/VascularUltrasound



Here's a map to really hit the point.

Thanks folks and have a happy Memorial Day.
-Manny :)

SVU OFFERING FREE SHUTTLE BUS TO NAVY PIER!!!

SVU will provide a FREE shuttle bus to and from Navy Pier on Friday evening, June 17. The SVU Shuttle Bus will leave the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Hotel at 7:00pm, and leave Navy Pier at 10:30pm to return to the hotel. Don't miss out on this GREAT oppurtunity to spend a Chicago summer night on the lakefront! General Admission is free, but there's so much you can do there to enjoy yourself!

Take a ride on a 15-story Ferris wheel.



Take a 7-minute ride on Navy Pier's prize attraction and see stunning views of Chicago's skyline and lakefront from the 150 foot-high Ferris wheel. The current Ferris wheel was modeled after the very first Ferris wheel, which was built for Chicago's 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. The Pier's Ferris wheel has 40 gondolas, each seating up to 6 passengers. In the evening, the Ferris wheel's 40 spokes, spanning a diameter of 140 feet, are illuminated by thousands of sparkling lights. Ticket prices are $6.00 but check out the combo packages to save money.

18 Hole Miniature Golf Course



Pier Park Miniature Golf course is one of the newer attractions at Navy Pier and gives you a chance to practice your putting skills on an 18-hole Chicago-themed course that courses its way around the base of the Ferris Wheel.

Cruises



Go sail the Tall Ship Windy at Navy Pier's resident 148-foot long ship. Several 90-minute cruises are offered throughout the day offering you breath-taking views of the city from Lake Michigan. Windy holds up to 150 passengers per cruise and passengers are encouraged to help raise and trim her 11 sails and often take turns at the ship's wheel. Tall Ship Windy is docked near the west end of Festival Hall, across from RIVA Restaurant (you can't miss it). Cruises are available daytime and evenings from May to October.

Seadog I, II, IV and Extreme



Are you ready for an amazing speedboat experience? Seadogs I, II, and IV offer
30-minute Lakefront Speedboat Rides and 75-minute Architectural Tours along the Chicago River. If you don't mind getting wet and don't get sea sick then you have to ride on the Seadog EXTREME! The EXTREME is a jet-propelled thrill-ride, and is 30% faster. The boat makes 180°-360° spins, slalom runs and sharp twists and turns! All Seadog boat rides depart daily from the Pier’s Dock Street.

Take the Architectural Tour along the Chicago River



View of Chicago River looking East from Michigan Ave.

Trump Tower lies adjacent to the Chicago River.



View of Trump Tower looking up.

Although SVU will be offering a FREE shuttle for Friday, June 17, there will not be a firework show on that day. However, if you're in Chicago early or want to go to Navy Pier after the AC Conference ends, there will be a FREE firework show on Wednesday June 15 at 9:30 pm and Saturday June 18 at 10:15 pm.



For more information on entertainment, ticket combo deals, dining, and shopping. visit www.navypier.com

Stay tuned for my next blog post featuring NFL legend Joe Theismann and his campaign "Find the AAAnswers" as he will be speaking at the AC Conference.

Have a nice Memorial Day Holiday!!!

Mannan V.

Visit Barack Obama's House (sort of)

Barack Obama's house is located in the historic south side neighborhood of Hyde Park. It was in this humble neighborhood where the president lived and taught law at the University of Chicago nearby.



The president's official home address is:
5046 S Greenwood Avenue
Chicago, IL 60615

Unfortunately, the Secret Service keeps tight security around the neighborhood and no one is allowed to drive by the house or even stroll past it.

Despite this, the president's home is now one of the hottest landmarks to visit in Chicago. Some bus companies offer tours of the Hyde Park neighborhood with "stops at Barack Obama's home".

Check out Gray Line Chicago's "South Shore Tour" ($23) for a trip through the president's neighborhood:
Gray Line Bus Tours

There is one particular company that may offer a better view of the president's home. Bobby's Bike Hike is a company that specializes in touring Chicago on bikes. They have several tours that include sightseeing and even eating.

One particular tour they have is the Historic Hyde Park Tour ($45). The tour starts at 8:30am Friday, Saturday, or Sunday and covers about 22 miles worth of biking. Their stops include the University of Chicago campus, Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House, and a stop at Barack Obama's house!!!

Even if Barack Obama's house seems unaccessible, many tourists opt for areas the Obama family have been to. Here's the official list of Obama-related sites in Chicago:

Restaurants:
Spiaggia: The restaurant Barack and Michelle Obama went to on Valentine's Day in 2008. Barack's favorite dish is the wood-roasted scallop.
Topolobampo: Awesome restaurant by Top Chef judge Rick Bayless.
R.J. Grunts: A more casual restaurant frequented by the Obamas.
Sepia: Another fine dining restaurant. A favorite of Michelle Obama.
MacArthur's: Fine southern cuisine.

Shop:
57th Street Books: The Obama family spent a lot of time perusing the books in this store. This is also where Barack Obama spent a lot of time studying on Thursdays.
Maria Pinto Boutique: The first lady is frequently seen wearing design's by Chicago's Maria Pinto.

Do:
Promontory Point: The Obama family spent a lot of time along Chicago's famous Lake Shore Drive (the lakefront area of Chicago). In 2005 Barack Obama once mediated a dispute on replacing the limestone slabs at Promontory Point.
Chicago White Sox: The president's favorite baseball team.
University of Chicago: This is where Barack Obama taught constitutional law from 1992-2004. Michelle Obama also worked there as the Vice President of University of Chicago Medical Center.

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When you come for the SVU Conference, why not take a presidential side tour while you're here?

Have a great weekend everyone,
Manny :)

Take a Class at The Second City in Chicago

Chicago is home to one of the oldest and best improv comedy clubs in the world, The Second City. Opened in 1959 by a group of students from the University of Chicago, The Second City has long been the training grounds for some of the most successful actors, writers, comedians, and directors in the country.

The Second City is the largest training center for improvisation and acting in the country with 13,000 students a year at schools in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Toronto. Cast members tour all over the world providing entertainment and laughter.


Alumni from The Second City

Some of the most notable alumni from The Second City include Tina Fey, Steve Carrell, Amy Poehler, Bill Murray, Dan Akroyd, Bonnie Hunt, Mike Myers, and Stephen Colbert.


Tina Fey talking about her favorite Chicago restaurants.

So when you visit the SVU Conference this year, here are some entertainment options at The Second City.

1) Take a drop-in improv class ($15).

This is for people who know nothing about comedy and just want to have fun and meet new people. This 2-hour class is different than what they have for serious students. No registration is necessary. Just drop by either Sunday 6-8pm or Wednesday 10pm-midnight.

2) Take a walking tour ($15).

Take a humorous and historic walking tour of Chicago’s beautiful Old Town neighborhood. Every Sunday at 1pm and every Wednesday at 4pm.

3) See a show ($16-$22).

Watch a show. June 12th-25th there are shows running every night at 8pm.

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For calendar of shows or to buy tickets or reserve a spot on the tour, check out The Second City's website at:
http://www.secondcity.com/

-Manny :)

Beautiful Chicago: A City in a Garden

When Chicago was first incorporated as a city in 1837 it chose a Latin phrase “Urbs in Horto” as its motto meaning “A City in a Garden”.


My neighbor's garden back in 2009.

Once a swampy outpost, Chicago has had a long history of landscaping and horticulture innovation. Back in the day many horticulturalists had to find ways to fight the freezing winters and crazy winds. Many immigrants created humble gardens or found ways to import exotic plants. In the 1850's laws were enacted to unify agencies and resources in order to create the nation's first comprehensive park and boulevard system.


Walking towards Millennium Park.

Today Chicago has over 500 parks covering over 7,300 acres. Chicago's largest park, Lincoln Park, gets over 20 million visitors a year making it the second most-visited park in the U.S. after New York's Central Park.

The parks are run by the Chicago Park District (CPD). CPD is the oldest (established in 1934) and most well-financed park district in the country. Chicago spends more money on its parks than any other city in the United States (yay higher taxes!). CPD is in charge of overseeing 33 beaches, 9 museums, 2 conservatories, 16 lagoons, 10 bird and wildlife gardens, and a harbor system with enough capacity to hold 5,000 boats. According to a CPD 2008 financial report, CPD is also in charge of 534 baseball fields, 10 ice-skating rinks, 618 tennis courts, 44 soccer fields, 372 volleyball courts, 2 zoos, and 228 sandboxes (I wonder who had to count those!).



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In 1989 a resurgence of Chicago's “City in a Garden” motto was spearheaded by former Chicago Mayor Richard Daley.


Walking along State St. near the Chicago Public Library.

The mayor's goal was to beautify the city to attract its most important resource: human talent. It was the mayor's hope that making Chicago an attractive city to live in would bring in residents, investors, employers, job seekers, and tourists.

Richard Daley's plans seemed to have worked when in 2001, Boeing chose Chicago as its new metropolitan headquarters over Dallas and Denver.


Walking through Wrigleyville for a Cubs game.

Since 1989 $5.2 billion has been spent improving Chicago's walkways, parks, and streets. 300,000 trees have been planted throughout Chicago since then as well.


Some random shops around Chicago Ave.

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For more information about the Chicago Park District check out:
http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/

For an awesome history book of Chicago's parks, check out The City in a Garden: A Photographic History of Chicago's Parks by Julia Sniderman Bachrach.

*****

Yayyyy...it's half way to Friday. :)

-Manny

Disclaimer: Chicago's beauty subject to change based on weather, temperature, windiness, rain, cloudiness, etc.