Whether it’s finding ways to bring everyone to the dinner table or delivering a dose of sunshine to a rainy day, it sometimes takes a dash of clever to overcome obstacles like busy schedules to create quality family time. To celebrate the everyday ingenuity that happens in homes nationwide, the Kenmore(r) brand has launched Genius Tips – a creative collection of real-life, inspirational ideas from families across the country. Anyone can be inspired by – and add to – the ideas and solutions that are meant to celebrate the many ways Americans bring their families together.

Here are three Genius Tips for making family time happen in new ways:
Create fun dinner table topics. Play “high, low” around the dinner table by asking each person to share the “high” point of the day as well as the “low” point. This ensures you know what’s happening in each other’s lives and can be a great way to laugh, offer advice and support one another. Even if your family shares one meal together a week because of hectic schedules, this tip ensures your connections continue to grow and be strengthened.  

Establish no tech hour. Unplug from the digital world and reconnect. Take a cue from airlines and designate anything with an on/off switch as off limits for an hour – especially for mom and dad. During that hour, break out board games, read together, or go for a family walk. Let everyone come up with ideas for fun things to do together.

Bake some memories. Get everyone involved to bake some delicious treats for sharing. Keep it simple and use refrigerated cookie dough slices the kids can decorate, or make a batch of your favorite boxed brownies. Step up the family fun by trying to recreate some of Grandma’s homemade recipes. Either way, spending time together in the kitchen creates treasured family memories and something delicious.

Have these ideas sparked some of your own? Family time, among other Genius categories such as designing on a dime, staying energized throughout the day or even keeping your kids’ rooms organized, are all available to learn from and add to at www.facebook.com/Kenmore. Beyond learning and sharing, your ideas could win some great prizes.

To enter, participants are asked to submit an idea in the category of their choice and every month, the idea with the most Facebook community votes is awarded a $3,000 Kenmore gift certificate. Quarterly, an independent panel of judges will select the top idea to be in the running for the ultimate prize – a trip to Chicago to have your Genius Tip featured in an upcoming Kenmore advertisement. Share your Genius Tip today!

WASHINGTON — A senior Republican senator has asked the Justice Department to explain why its civil lawyers filed court papers questioning prosecutors’ conclusions that an Army researcher mailed the anthrax-laced letters that killed five people in 2001.

In a letter this week to Attorney General Eric Holder and FBI Director Robert Mueller [3], Sen. Charles Grassley of Iowa said the department’s decision to quickly retract the contradictory filings “has produced a new set of questions regarding this unsolved crime.”

Grassley, who’s among several members of Congress who’ve been outspoken skeptics about the FBI’s conclusion, homed in on a development first reported collaboratively in July by PBS’ “Frontline,” McClatchy and the investigative newsroom ProPublica.

The Justice Department’s civil lawyers said July 15 in a major court filing in the case that Bruce Ivins, a now-deceased Army anthrax researcher whom the FBI has tagged as the killer, lacked access in his lab to the “specialized equipment” needed to dry wet anthrax spores into airborne powder that could be easily inhaled.

After hearing from the FBI and the department’s Criminal Division, the civil attorneys persuaded a federal judge in West Palm Beach, Fla., to permit 10 revisions to their position so it conformed with the FBI’s determination that Ivins did have equipment available to do the job.

Grassley, the ranking Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee and a longtime FBI critic, said he wanted a briefing to “determine why it appears, at the least, that the right hand and left hand of the (Justice Department) do not know what the other is doing.”

Justice Department spokesman Dean Boyd declined to comment on the letter, but said the department and the FBI “stand behind their findings that Dr. Ivins had the necessary equipment” to prepare the powder needed for the attacks and are confident they “would have proven his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at a criminal trial.”

The brouhaha developed as department lawyers sought to persuade a federal judge to dismiss an eight-year-old suit by the family of Bob Stevens, a photo editor for American Media Inc., in Boca Raton, Fla., who was the first person who died from the attacks.

The suit accuses the government of negligence, charging that it failed to adequately secure stocks of anthrax, one of the deadliest biological weapons, at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases at Fort Detrick in Frederick, Md.

The anthrax attacks killed five people in New York, Connecticut, Washington, D.C., and Florida, sickened 17 others and forced an estimated 30,000 people to take extended antibiotics therapy as a precaution. The $100 million, eight-year hunt for the perpetrator has been described as the most complex investigation in the FBI’s history.

In his letter, sent Wednesday, Grassley said the Justice Department’s initial filing in the court case “seemingly eliminated” the government’s circumstantial case against Ivins, who committed suicide in 2008 after learning that prosecutors planned to seek his indictment on five counts of capital murder.

Grassley said he found the department’s contradictory filings “particularly troubling” because a National Academy of Sciences panel in February called into question the FBI’s assertion that genetic sequencing had definitively traced the source of the anthrax powder to a flask in Ivins’ lab. He noted that two USAMRIID scientists, in sworn depositions in the suit, disputed the FBI’s conclusion that Ivins could have made the powder in his laboratory.

Grassley also asked for an update on a prolonged investigation into news leaks that publicly identified another former USAMRIID microbiologist as a subject of the FBI investigation. That microbiologist, Stephen Hatfill, ultimately filed a privacy infringement suit against the government and obtained a $5.8 million court settlement.

One of the anthrax-filled letters was addressed to Democratic Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont, the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, who also has expressed skepticism about the FBI’s finding that Ivins was the perpetrator.

Anthony Hubbard, the 26-year-old ex-convict who played for Frederick Community College and who left the Iowa program before ever suiting up, has landed at Morgan State.

Hubbard, who served nearly four years in prison after being convicted for his role in a home robbery, was on the campus only a month this summer before deciding to transfer to a school closer to his Woodbridge, Va., home.

Todd Bozeman says he believes in second chances. (AP Photo)

“Everybody I talked to told me Anthony was a good kid,” Morgan State coach Todd Bozeman told The Des Moines Register. “People make mistakes in life. Some of us get more attention than others. But everybody deserves to move on. I made a mistake in my professional career, got another chance and made the most of it.

“All I can say is Anthony wanted to come back closer to home. People change their minds sometimes. Things happen and we welcome him with open arms.”

Hubbard, a 6-5 guard, received his GED in prison and then attended Odessa (Texas) and Frederick (Md.) junior colleges before picking Iowa over 50 other Division I scholarship offers.

Since he never played for the Hawkeyes, he’ll be eligible immediately at Morgan State. Hubbard could be a difference-maker for the Bears, who were picked by Sporting News to finish second in the MEAC. Bozeman landed at Morgan State in ’06 and has led the Bears to two NCAA Tournament appearances in the last three years.

Stories in recent weeks surfaced that perhaps Hubbard, because of his troubled past, was pushed to leave Iowa. Hawkeyes coach Fran McCaffery says that wasn’t the case.

“Things happen in recruiting,” McCaffery told The Register. “I don’t take anything personally. I still think the world of the kid. I think he’s going to be great. I hope he gets his degree, has two good years and then hopefully plays some professional basketball.

“He decided to transfer. That was it.”

Read more: http://aol.sportingnews.com/ncaa-basketball/story/2011-09-03/former-iowa-recruit-anthony-hubbard-transfers-to-morgan-state#ixzz1X8Kz4RtR

Merritt says The Midlantic Round Table Business Symposium is an all-day event that offers Business Owners in Frederick Maryland and surrounding counties an opportunity to meet with top professional presenters and hear experts addressing topical issues relevant to today’s business! You will also have the opportunity to obtain fresh ideas, share personal stories, interact with peers, exhibitors and the presenters.  The symposium is an opportunity to put business owners in direct contacdt with the following business experts: Certified Business Coach, Business Financial Advisor, Employee Benefits Specialist, CPA/Tax Specialist, Business Attorney, Business Marketing & Sales Consultant and a Business Insurance Advisor. There will also be exhibitors offering services to business owners. 

Here’s a partial sample of what you will gain from attending this event: 5 Ways to Grow your Profits The essential mindset a Small Business Owner needs to succeed How to gain control of the financial puzzle—a Road Map for the business owner Business Insurance 101 Simplifying your essential business insurance coverages: General Liability, Property & Workers Comp Putting Social Media to work for you & gaining marketing efficiency in the current competitive marketplace The most advantageous tax planning for your particular business type The unique opportunity you have as a business owner to fund a tax-free retirement What if there’s not a buyer willing to pay your asking price when you get ready to sell? How small family-owned businesses can potentially save up to 50% on their health insurance premiums Individual vs. Group Health Insurance—which is best for you and your business? Tips for collecting more receivables The advantages and benefits of Buy/Sell Agreements, Key Man Insurance and Succession Planning.  How to gain leverage with your bank loans and leases How to be prepared for the possibility of an outside audit.

For more information, visit http://www.business-symposium.com.

Photo Courtesy of Wagner

Colder temperatures, snow, and ice can do some damage on the exterior of your home, especially to wooden decks. Harsh winter weather can deteriorate the wood, ruin the look, and depreciate the value of your deck. Take extra care of it now so that your deck is in tip-top shape for backyard BBQs in the spring. There are three steps to winterizing your deck: First, you should give your deck a good wash. There are a number of substances that can get on your deck during the summer that could cause problems during the winter. For example, mold and mildew can cause erosion on various types of wood. Cleaning the deck can also prevent dry rot, which is wood decay caused by fungi. Start by removing furniture and planters for storage. Moisture between caught between the deck and planters or furniture can seep into the wood during the winter and stain the surface. Sweep off dirt and debris while making sure to clear the space between the planks for ventilation. A leaf blower can help you clear the surface quickly. Then wash your deck with deck soap – you can find specific formulas for each type of wood. After washing, give it a good rinse with the hose. The next thing you want to do is restore the deck by stripping and refinishing the wood. It is important to strip and refinish the deck before staining to ensure sealants adhere to the wood and cover evenly. Power washing the deck is recommended to remove old paint and stains. Make sure to maintain a consistent distance from the surface of the deck at all times to produce a smooth surface. The last and most important step is protecting the deck with water repellant stain. Stains or sealants prevent water, snow, etc., from penetrating the wood and causing decay. Ask your hardware or home improvement store about the best high-quality stain for your type of deck. Using a paint sprayer, such as the new Wagner Power Painter with EZ Tilt Technology, can make staining faster and provide a professional finish. A paint sprayer can also help you cover those hard to reach areas like railings, posts and underneath the deck. Spray on a non-windy day to prevent overspray, keep a consistent distance away from the surface, and maintain a steady speed while spraying. The deck is one of your home’s greatest assets. Prolong the life of your investment by winterizing it each year. For more project tips and information about what tools to use, visit www.wagnerspraytech.com, www.wagnereztilt.com or follow @WagnerSprayTech on Twitter.

Local Frederick Physician, Donald W. Kress, M.D., FACS

Women choose to have breast implants to enhance their appearance, make clothing fit better, and improve their self image.  But occasionally, a troublesome infection called a biofilm can cause a condition called Capsular Contracture.   

 “Capsular Contracture can completely ruin the effect of cosmetic surgery by causing one or both breasts to become hard, unnatural and sometimes painful,” explained Donald W. Kress, M.D., FACS and Medical Director and Founder of the Kress Cosmetic Breast Center in Frederick, Maryland.

 Now the Kress Cosmetic Breast Center is the only surgical center in the greater Mid-Atlantic region to offer a non-surgical treatment for this troublesome complication.  Named “The New Aspen After Surgery Non-Surgical Treatment Program,” Dr. Kress has treated approximately 40 women from all over the East Coast.

 “We’ve had extremely good success rates for all but the most severe (level four) cases of Capsular Contracture,” said Dr. Kress. He added that even for those severe cases,

“The New Aspen After Surgery Non-Surgical Treatment Program” does provide some relief from the discomfort.

 Breast implants are the number one cosmetic plastic surgery procedure in the United States, with more than 300,000 procedures performed in 2009.

 Dr. Kress, along with Dr. Roger Wixtrom, one of the world’s leading experts on both biofilms and breast capsular contracture, will be giving a lecture on this topic at the annual meeting of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons in Colorado in September.   

 Causes of Capsular Contracture

Biofilms, a type of chronic infection, is one of the principal culprits in Capsular Contracture.  Here’s how it happens: During breast surgery, a pocket is made for the implant. As healing occurs, the body forms a natural lining, or capsule, of fibrous tissue around the implant. The body is programmed to shrink scar tissue to some degree, so under normal circumstances, the lining of the pocket remains open, which allows the implant to look and feel natural.

 With Capsular Contracture, the internal scar around one or both implants tightens, causing distortion.

 “A biofilm infection can be started by a very few bacteria, because they have the ability to adhere to the surface of an implant and resist the body’s normal immune response. The most common organism to cause this infection was considered a harmless natural skin bacteria.  Knowing this allows us to modify our operating room techniques to prevent and deal with these bacteria, which should greatly reduce the incidence of contracture, explained Dr. Kress.

 “Unfortunately, there is a second source of bacteria which can cause the Capsular Contracture.  In our practice alone, we have seen three patients in three years who developed Capsular Contracture within weeks of having a dental cleaning, in spite of having stable implants for years.  This appears to be coming from mouth bacteria that enter the blood stream during these procedures and establish themselves on the breast implant(s).  This phenomenon is well-known for patients with artificial heart valves, damaged heart valves and artificial joints.  For years, dentists and physicians have been prescribing antibiotics for these patients prior to cleanings, Dr. Kress noted. 

 A Leader in Cosmetic Breast Surgery

Dr. Kress, who is also the Founder and Medical Director for the Frederick-based Plastic Surgery One, has 28 years of experience, and has devoted more than 50 percent of his practice to breast surgery.  He also has extensive experience in repairing and correcting problems from previous breast surgeries.

 A nationally-known Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Kress was one of a handful of national clinical investigators selected for Sientra’s “Gummy Bear” cohesive gel implants. In addition to breast implants, Dr. Kress’ practice includes breast lifts, asymmetry and reductions (including breast reductions for men).

 The Kress Cosmetic Breast Center and Plastic Surgery One are located at 1560 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, Maryland, 1-888-595-1955 www.plasticsurgeryone.com or www.KressCosmeticBreastCenter.com.

Since white bread usually is the star of the lunch box lineup, French Meadow Bakery has developed a tasty new sandwich bread as the perfect midday staple for children (and even adults) living with gluten intolerance. 

French Meadow Bakery Gluten-Free Sandwich Bread is light in texture and is so delicious, kids won’t even know it is missing the gluten. Made with fluffy egg whites and a sweet touch of honey, this all-natural bread is ideal for a hearty sandwich stuffed with delicious fillings or as a savory snack topped with cheese or peanut butter.

For a delicious, gluten-free lunch box, begin with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. To ensure growing children get plenty of protein, add a tasty dip made with Greek yogurt as a hearty and healthy condiment. Next, instead of the everyday sandwich, make savory Italian Dunkers (with zesty marinara sauce on the side) for an exciting change of pace. Kids will love the easy-to-eat and finger-friendly lunch, and moms will love serving a well-rounded, nutritious meal.

For more information about delicious products that make gluten-free meals-on-the-go possible, visit www.frenchmeadow.com.

Italian Dunkers
2  slices French Meadow Bakery Gluten-Free Sandwich Bread
1/4  cup Italian cheese blend
 Garlic powder
1/4  cup jarred marinara sauce

Turn on broiler to high. Sprinkle cheese over bread. Sprinkle with garlic powder, if desired. Broil on medium shelf for about 4-5 minutes, until cheese is golden brown. Slice into strips. Serve with marinara sauce.

Greek Yogurt Veggie Dip
7  ounces Greek yogurt
1  tablespoon light mayonnaise
2  teaspoons dried dill
1/4  teaspoon granulated onion
1/4  teaspoon beau monde seasoning