WalletHub recently analyzed innovation nationwide to compile a list of the Most Innovative States. Maryland ranks second among the 50 states and Washington D.C. in WalletHub’s report, reinforcing what many in Maryland already know: Innovation thrives here. Here are five reasons why innovation flourishes in Maryland.
1. Workforce
Maryland has the highest percentage of professional and technical workers. This workforce fills local STEM positions that drive technical and scientific advances globally. Maryland also has the nation’s highest concentration of employed doctoral scientists and engineers, fueling life science and bio health innovation in Maryland.
2. Research & Development
WalletHub’s research puts Maryland in third place in its rank of R&D spending per capita. When it comes to federal obligations for R&D, Maryland ranks higher than any other state. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and Johns Hopkins University Applied Research Lab are just two of Maryland’s 350 research centers that regularly introduce new research and technologies.
3. Share of Tech Companies
Maryland is dense with IT companies, putting it as the second highest share of technology companies in WalletHub’s analysis. Together, Maryland’s 11,280 information technology businesses create an innovation hub. In addition to supporting the private sector, these tech companies drive innovation among the federal government, and annually secure $9.74 billion in federal contracts.
4. Resources
Home to 30 incubators and several research parks, Maryland offers entrepreneurs affordable facilities and puts a wealth of resources and opportunities at their fingertips. State-backed TEDCO also provides assistance and seed funding to Maryland startups through a variety of programs.
5. Location
Washington D.C., a hotbed of innovation itself, is a good neighbor to have. Maryland companies can easily collaborate with D.C.-based companies, as well as the federal agencies based in the nation’s capital. Additionally, Maryland’s central location on the East Coast makes it easy for entrepreneurs to access key cities, like New York, Philadelphia and Boston.
Innovation is helping build momentum for business in Maryland. On May 18, this momentum will be celebrated at the Maryland Governor’s Business Summit. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with business leaders, while hearing ideas that will inspire you and recharge your business. Sign up today!
It was 11 years ago when Greg Abel got the entrepreneurial itch and decided to leave his job in journalism. With a strong background in writing and plenty of agency experience, Greg went out on his own and formed a company, Abel Communications.
In recent years, Greg has proven that Abel Communications is a leading public relations firm in the Baltimore Metropolitan area. The company has exceeded expectations by jumping from two to 15 employees over the past six years. In the last nine months alone, eight new workers have joined the team.
While Greg wants his company to be successful, he is most focused on giving back to the community. By growing his business in Baltimore, Abel shows that anyone can become a business owner in Maryland, hire local employees, and have those workers feel that they are making a difference.
Greg Abel sat down with MDBizNews to talk about his entrepreneur experience, giving back to Baltimore, and the future of Abel Communications.
What made you take the leap and start your own company? Prior to starting Abel Communications, I’d spent 15 years working in various roles across journalism, sports marketing, agency PR and corporate communications. Having experience at places like Advantage International, which was an international sports marketing agency, and as PR Director at a publicly-traded company gave me the confidence and depth of experience I felt I needed to start something on my own.
I also never felt comfortable working for someone else. I think I’m a bit of an oddball, someone who doesn’t fit in naturally inside other corporate cultures; so I wanted to start something of my own. It wasn’t so much a desire to be an entrepreneur as much as it was finding a way to feel comfortable in my own shoes. But through the experience of creating something I became an entrepreneur and that has been a phenomenally rewarding journey.
Why did you decide to locate your company in Baltimore, Maryland?
I’m a Baltimore native. I grew up in Owings Mills and went to college in Virginia at James Madison and worked in D.C. for about 5 years. But for the last 15 years I’ve lived in Baltimore City and it’s my home.
As much as Baltimore has big-city problems, I feel an allegiance and loyalty to it. I’d like to be a part of the solution rather than another homeowner or business owner who moves away and leaves Baltimore’s challenges to someone else. So that provides a great source of pride and grit to our firm – we are proudly based in Baltimore and being here is deeply entrenched in the fabric of who we are and how we work.
Abel has seen significant growth in the past year. Tell us about the new positions and why you decided to expand your team.
There was a time, not that long ago, when we could keep clients very happy mainly by delivering media relations. This remains core to our work but any communications firm that wants to remain both relevant and strategic in the 21st century needs to be fluent in digital and social media and visual story telling.
This trend has played a major role in our growth. We’ve invested by hiring a new director of social and digital media, a graphic designer, and a photographer/videographer. In addition, we continue to hire outstanding PR talent who have come to our agency as we’ve added new clients and expanded relationships with existing clients.
What is unique about Abel Communications?
Our culture, collective spirit and Baltimore pride drive this agency.
The culture is creative and open but also very much focused on business results. We encourage our staff be courageous and inquisitive—‘always ask why’ is one of our mantras. Another is that we are consultants and not order takers. We regularly challenge our clients’ assumptions and encourage them to invest in new ways to reach audiences.
Finally, we celebrate Baltimore through both our client work and team outings. For example, we just started working with the Maryland Film Festival (MdFF) on the launch of its new theater, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Parkway in the Station North neighborhood. About half of our clients are based in and around Baltimore.
We celebrate our city and neighborhood with regular outings into Hampden or R House over in Remington. We close the office on Opening Day to celebrate spring and the start of the Orioles season. Employees are encouraged to use the day to head downtown to be part of the game, or just enjoy Baltimore in a way that makes them happy.
Where do you see Abel in the next five to ten years?
We want to continue to grow and work with ambitious clients that are growth oriented. While we’re always going to be headquartered in Baltimore, we want to be known nationally as a phenomenal agency.
Abel Communications has a great team and I take a lot of pride in that. In the next five to ten years I want to maintain my sense of responsibility to these incredible professionals and ensuring that they have a career that is fulfilling and challenging.
New clients help that by providing new opportunities and challenges, so that’s where I see my focus.
What is one piece of advice you would give local entrepreneurs?
Even when you’re alone, you never have to go it alone. Find mentors and peer counseling groups. And if you can’t find one, you can create one.
Instead of facing a new challenge alone, find someone who has been there before and ask them how they handled it – this approach alone can save you years of frustration.
One of the best things I’ve done for myself is join an organization called PRSA Counselors Academy, which is a national organization of PR agency owners and senior leaders. There’s an annual conference that I haven’t missed for five years because it’s people in a similar line of work in different markets, all sharing their ups and downs. It’s fantastic for learning and making professional connections, so I can’t recommend this kind of activity highly enough.
Las Vegas QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson Michigan's top player on their 2018 board has confirmed he will visit Ann Arbor again for the Spring Game. He will be in town with his mom and teammate TE Brevin Jordan.
Orlando QB Joe Milton is also expected to visit during the Spring Game. Joe and DTR seem to be the only two QB's Michigan is pursuing this year.
4 Star GA cornerback Christopher Smith visited A2 yesterday.
Don Brown had 3 Dudes of the Day yesterday: Gary, McCray and Long.
The 24/7 Crystal Balls have been coming in for Michigan since Ryan Hayes (#1 player in the state) visited last weekend. Right now its 91% for Michigan and 9% ND. Ryan is 6'7 and 260 pounds. Hopefully, Michigan can lock him down early.
Ken Griffey, Jr. said on the radio this week that if he didn't turn pro he would have gone to Michigan to play baseball. That would have been great for the program!
from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2017/03/michigan-thursday-recruiting-news-and.html
Listen up, local collectors! Mike Wolfe, Frank Fritz, and the rest of the American Pickers team is returning to Maryland.
The History Channel’s hit reality show is planning to film throughout the region this May. As Mike and Frank travel across the country in search of valuable antiques, they will stop by once again to meet with interesting Marylanders and their forgotten relics. The series last visited Maryland in August 2015.
While on their journey through America’s basements and barnyards, the duo ‘picks’ everything from vintage advertising signage, to antique gaming machines, to old rodeo items. During this trip, the Pickers are especially hunting for things that are different or unusual that they have never seen before.
As a reminder, the American Pickers crew only picks through private collections—that means no flea markets, auctions, businesses, or anything open to the public. If you or someone you know has a sizeable collection, or an item that represents a unique part of American history, now is the time reach out.
Call 1-855-OLD-RUST (653-7878) and leave a message, or send an email to AmericanPickers@cineflix.com with your name, phone number, location, and description and photos of your collection.
Listen up, local collectors! Mike Wolfe, Frank Fritz, and the rest of the American Pickers team is returning to Maryland.
The History Channel’s hit reality show is planning to film throughout the region this May. As Mike and Frank travel across the country in search of valuable antiques, they will stop by once again to meet with interesting Marylanders and their forgotten relics. The series last visited Maryland in August 2015.
While on their journey through America’s basements and barnyards, the duo ‘picks’ everything from vintage advertising signage, to antique gaming machines, to old rodeo items. During this trip, the Pickers are especially hunting for things that are different or unusual that they have never seen before.
As a reminder, the American Pickers crew only picks through private collections—that means no flea markets, auctions, businesses, or anything open to the public. If you or someone you know has a sizeable collection, or an item that represents a unique part of American history, now is the time reach out.
Call 1-855-OLD-RUST (653-7878) and leave a message, or send an email to AmericanPickers@cineflix.com with your name, phone number, location, and description and photos of your collection.
A judge has ruled that the Silverdome will have to be blown up/knocked down. It's become a an eye sore and it's way past time to tear this old girl down. A judge approved the destruction on Tuesday and the Silverdome's owners have until June 9th to apply for the permit. As you know, the Silverdome once hosted a Super Bowl, WrestleMania, A number of concerts, and the former home of the Lions and Pistons.
Michigan commit and former teammate of Aubrey Solomon, Otis Reese took a visit to Georgia last weekend and will take a number of trips this Spring and Summer. At this point, I'm not concerned about a flip. On a side note, start thinking about the defensive line of Solomon, Gary and Hurst next season. That sounds pretty good to me!
5 star CA WR Amon-Ra St. Brown has brothers at ND and Stanford and could stay close to home but wants to visit Michigan and Ann Arbor.
The Spring Game won't be on TV live and BTN will show it at 3:00. You will be able to watch it live on BTN2Go.
I know we don't follow basketball recruiting here too often, but Michigan is in the race for a 5 star 6'11 PF named Mo Bamba. We don't see Michigan getting involved to often with 5 star guys, so this recruitment is one you might want to keep an eye on. Mo seems to be down to Duke, UK, Texas and Michigan.
from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2017/03/wolverine-wednesday-is-going-to-blow-up.html
To high schoolers choosing a college, Ice Cream University sounds like a fun place to get an education. For juniors with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, who are attending schools in Baltimore or Harford counties, Ice Cream University is indeed a possibility.
This unique program – born from a partnership between Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., and TIC Gums, in Belcamp, Md. – provides hands-on instruction from Cornell’s Department of Food Science as well as food industry experts. This year marks the fifth consecutive year TIC Gums has held Ice Cream University and according to Business Development Manager Tim Andon, it’s a way for the company to serve the community they’ve called home for decades.
“As a graduate of Cornell and a lifelong Marylander, I wanted to give back to this area and spark a passion for food science among area students,” Andon said. “This is a career that not a lot of people are aware of, but it plays a really important role in our lives. Food accessibility and the process from farm to table are areas that students can make a future in.”
Modeled after Cornell’s Introduction to Food Science class, the Ice Cream University course covers the production of ice cream from marketing to launch. Held on Saturdays from March 11 to April 8 at TIC Gums’ Texture Innovation Center in White Marsh, the program teaches 17 lucky students how to develop an ice cream flavor in a quasi-commercial setting. At the same time, the fledgling ice cream connoisseurs get a taste of food science and marketing. For the course’s “final exam”, the finished ice cream products are presented to a panel of experts who judge both the ice cream and the marketing proposal. The winning product is then sold to the public at Broom’s Bloom Dairy in Bel Air, Md.
Combining both science and business components – from designing and naming the product flavor, to creating a theme and a marketing pitch – Ice Cream University gives students a taste of several industries as potential college and career choices. It’s a novel approach to learning and, as Andon points out, the value of the program goes far beyond ice cream. “We’ve had participants who chose to go into food science because of this program,” he said. “We’ve even had a participant attend Cornell’s program as a result.”
For Andon and his TIC Gums team, it’s a time commitment that’s well worth the effort.
“Volunteering our time on these Saturdays isn’t for company publicity or credit,” Andon said. “This is the right thing to do for the area my family and I grew up in.”
Today is going to be cloudy and rainy again. Most of the storms could come through during the evening commute, but at least it will be warm again.
Here are eight things to know to get your day started.
Kevin Gausman has been named the Orioles' Open Day starter. Chris Tillman, who has started the first game of the season for the team for the past few years, will likely start the season on the disabled list. The O's will take on the Blue Jays on Monday at 1 p.m. ESPN.com
United Airlines has come under fire for barring two young girls from wearing leggings on a flight. The airline doubled down on its policies Monday, tweeting that the passengers were not allowed to board the flight because they were a part of a special program that allows family members of United employees to fly for free. Therefore, the passengers were representing the company at the time. Other airlines took to Twitter to lob insults at United. NBC News
Michigan is looking to be in a strong position for 6'3 Atlanta Westlake 4 star cornerback Myles Sims. Myles is looking to make a decision soon and has a final 4 of Michigan, Florida, Georgia, and Clemson. 6'3 corner, yes please!
Instate recruiting last year had a ton of skill positions athletes like DPJ and Ambry Thomas. This year its all about the offensive line. Ryan Hayes is the #1 recruit in the state and he is offensive lineman out of Traverse City that just took a visit to Ann Arbor and really loved it. Jalen Mayfield is a 3 star OL from Grand Rapids and was committed to "rowing his boat" in Minnesota before he got an offer from Michigan. He de-committed from rowing and seems like a likely flip candidate. It continues to be important to lock down the state!
IMG via Chicago OL Verdis Brown visited this past weekend.
#1 TE in the country NY TE Jeremy Ruckert seems to be seriously considering two schools, Michigan and OSU. One school uses TE exclusively and other doesn't. Seems like a no brainer.
Reports are that Jordan Kovas is back in Ann Arbor and helping with Spring Practice. It seems Jordan is ready to take on his next chapter of being football coach.
Michigan Basketball big man Mark Donnal is officially transferring for his graduate year. This was expected as he participated in Michigan's senior day. After the Oregon game, I expect that Wager and Wilson are going to be back in Ann Arbor for another year.
from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2017/03/michigan-tuesday-recruiting-and-other.html
Don Brown had a presser on Friday after the first day of spring ball and a couple of interesting sound bites:
The next walk-on starter?: (bold is mine) “The Sam-Mike-Will thing: getting Mike McCray back. (W)robo, Mike Wroblewski, there’s another guy where I’m watching him in practice last year [and] just can’t even believe it’s the same guy. You talk about a self-made football player, but a guy who knows it all. Here’s—I’ve never had to do this before. He’s telling the secondary, making their on-rights and lefts call, he’s making the tight call, he’s making the detach call for the outside linebacker and it’s finally like, ‘Hey Robo, you need to shut up and let those guys make those calls themselves.’ ‘Oh yeah, Coach, yeah, yeah, yeah.’ That’s how well he knows the scheme. So him and Devin Bush and Mike McCray. Furbush was good.
Who is going to replace Peppers?:Khaleke Hudson was our VIPER today. Arrows up; really excited about him. Glasgow was a VIPER today. Josh Metellus as well.
Who is going to replace the seniors at CB?:Obviously they (Hill and Long) get first dibs and if they can hold onto it, great. They’re such young guys, just let ‘em compete and it’ll take care of itself. I’m really not—you know, I joked around last fall and said I’m not afraid. “We’ll get it, we’ll be settled, we’ll have our packages down, and we’ll have a very, very solid group that’ll be able to compete at a high level despite the age. I’m not worried about that at all. I’d rather be talented and young than not, than the alternative; have a bunch of veterans and you’re going, oh my god, what am I gonna do? I’ll take the alternative and be happy with it.
Michigan on Friday also lost another guy to transfer when Kingston Davis decided that the RB position was full and he isn't interested in playing FB. If the rumors on Shelton Johnson are accurate, this would get Michigan back to 85 scholarship players. The loss of Kingston doesn't really hurt the program but would have loved to see him stay and play some FB.
The Michigan offensive line is far from cemented but on the first day of spring practice, one configuration was moving Cole back to LT (from center), LG Bredeson, C Ruiz (true early enrolled freshman and could still be a HS senior), RG Onwenu, and RT JBB.
One a side note, I guess Oregon was better then I thought. I thought you were going to have to be Golden State to beat Kansas in KC, I was really wrong.
from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2017/03/michigan-monday-don-brown-speaks.html
Frederick’s art community can’t get enough of artist Heather Clark’s collaborative public art project that has transformed a fire-damaged building into an interactive piece that is as beautiful as it is functional.
Sky Stage, a 136-person open air theatre in the heart of Downtown Frederick, is the result of a collaboration with M.I.T’s Digital Structures Research Group, the Frederick Arts Council, AmeriCorps, and the community. Clark utilized M.I.T’s custom geometry-generating algorithm to remodel the pre-revolutionary war building into a stunning work of art that hosts myriad events throughout the season.
The popularity of Sky Stage’s programs such as literature nights, music series, plays, and open mic nights have prompted the community to demand another season from the Frederick Arts Council that will run events through July 2017. Sky Stage committee member, Andrea Baker, said neighborhood involvement makes Sky Stage unique.
“The community aspect is the best part about this space,” Baker said. “We are actually giving the community a stage to do whatever they want. They directly dictate what performances happen in this beautiful, artistic space. The collaborations that come out of Sky Stage are really amazing.”
The outside of the building is covered in what Clark calls “a living river” of drought-resistant plants that are sustained through recycled rainwater. The inside of the structure is an open-air amphitheater where artists can showcase their talents among a mix of the original stone walls and the new plant life. Clark says it is buildings like this that fuel her work.
“As an artist, I am inspired by underutilized and vacant spaces in our communities,” Clark said. “The building that Sky Stage is in had been boarded up for six years after suffering a devastating fire where it lost its second story and roof. The project grew out of my desire to transform this beautiful underutilized space in a dramatic way, by bringing a living sculpture and community performances into the space.”
The arts council is beginning a public arts planning process to map out how more of these interactive projects can be done in Frederick to meet the community’s needs.
Sky Stage is available for rent from the public and openings are still available for this season. For more information visit www.skystagefrederick.com or go on Facebook and Twitter.
On a cold morning late last year, a crew loaded barrels of Tobacco Barn Distillery’s rum onto the USS Constellation, where the swaying of the boat helped age the rum by giving it more direct contact with the barrel. A crew met again last week to remove the barrels and replace them with new ones, which will age through early 2018.
Tobacco Barn Distillery and Historic Ships of Baltimore plan to make on-loading and off-loading of rum a new annual tradition in Maryland. But there’s not much that’s new to the process of getting the rum onto the ship. The crews load rum on and off the Constellation the same way that sailors did hundreds of years ago. (If you missed our Facebook Live video of team removing a barrel, check out the video, below).
Want to try Tobacco Barn Distillers’ Constellation Rum? Launch parties, happening in correlation with Light City, are planned for Sunday, April 2 and Monday, April 3, between 7-11 p.m. onboard the USS Constellation. Admission to the Constellation is free during the event, and Constellation Rum will be available to sample and purchase. A portion of proceeds will go to Historic Ships in Baltimore. Old Line Spirits, Blackwater Distilling an the Baltimore Whiskey Company will also be joining Tobacco Barn Distillers during the event.
Scott Sanders, a retired rear admiral and partner of Tobacco Barn Distillery, says the aging of rum on the Constellation is part of a renaissance happening in Maryland’s spirits industry. Once a leader in the nation, Maryland’s industry slowed during and following prohibition, but has seen record growth since 2008, according to the Maryland Distillers Guild.
“We’re the only state that’s doing this,” Sanders said of the unique aging of his company’s rum.
Tobacco Barn Distillery is in good company in Maryland, with several new distilleries joining in the renaissance, including Lost Ark Distilling and McClintock Distilling, both of which opened in late 2016.
The American Distilling Institute has chosen Baltimore for its Annual Craft Spirits Conference & Vendor Expo, another sign of the local distilling renaissance. During the expo, scheduled April 3-6, Maryland will have the opportunity to showcase the unique and high-quality sprits made right here in Maryland.
In golf, some days you just can't make any putts and sometimes in basketball the shots just don't fall. Last night was one of those nights for the Wolverines.
The game was hard to watch as neither team for awhile looked like they could throw the ball in the ocean from the beach. Michigan got caught playing up to Oregon's pace and at times the game looked more like a YMCA match up then an NCAA Sweet 16 game. I can't remember Michigan ever shooting that many air balls from 3.
With the up tempo pace and Michigan getting into foul trouble, I believe all the games the Wolverines have played in the last 3 weeks caught up with them. They looked tired and just didn't have the bounce they have had in other games. I was really upset that Robinson (Michigan's worst defender) was trying to check Oregon's best player.
With that said, this team had a very good finish to the year and should be proud of how far they got in the tournament. When you can leave the program as a senor with a banner hanging in Crisler, it was a good year. Congratulations guys!
BTW, I had no problem with the last shot. That is the guy I wanted with the ball in his hands. Interesting how Spike's career comes to and end in the same building Michigan was playing in.
Kansas is really going to be hard to beat in KC.
Michigan's Pro Day is today. I hope all the guys make a great impression.
Michigan also opens Spring Practice today. It will be great to see what the coaches have in mind on the offensive line, WR and with the DB's.
Georgia DB Chris Smith will visit A2 on March 29th.
from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2017/03/michigan-friday-sometimes-shots-dont.html
Michigan is playing tonight with house money and that is a great feeling to have. They have gotten hot at the right time and being lead by senior point guard Derrick Walton who continues to make his mark on the Basketball World.
You can talk about plane crashes, white collar smack, or even the lose at home to a poor Ohio State team. Those are just temporary motivation tools, tonight and hopefully on Saturday, this team is playing for itself. A few months ago we were talking about them not making the tournament and now they are in the Sweet 16. This team shouldn't be here and I hope they enjoy every last second of the ride they have been on.
I haven't watched any Oregon games the past year, but I did see some of their last game against Rhode Island. The second half was a very hectic, almost non-organized back and forth down the court. It wasn't pretty basketball by any means and I'm hoping we see them panic again after losing their best player and big man Chris Boucher.
When Oregon plays within themselves they want to play very much like Michigan does but run a little bit more. Shoot a bunch of three's, get in transition, and get some easy buckets at the rim. This game will be more like Oklahoma State then Louisville for the Wolverines. Michigan will have to play great transition defense. I like the match of Coach B and his staff tonight. They really made a great in game adjustment against Louisville and I hope we see them out coach the Oregon crew tonight.
I don't know if Michigan will win tonight, but as a Wolverine fan I sure have enjoyed the ride the last couple of weeks!
Michigan's Pro Day is on Friday and all 32 teams will be in attendance to look at a host of Wolverines eligible for the NFL draft.
Friday is also the first Spring Practice. Will be great to start hearing who might make an impact this Fall.
from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2017/03/michigan-thursday-sweet-16.html
It's been awhile since we have had some good recruiting information, hopefully that is about to change with the start of Spring Practice on Friday. As you might imagine, players want to see the campus, talk to the players, but they also want to see what a Jim Harbaugh practice looks like.
4 star NY TE Jeremy Ruckert will be in this weekend for a visit. He has visited ND and Wisconsin and is getting close to a decision. Jeremy is ranked the #1 or #2 TE in the country.
NJ WR Jahan Dotson is also planning a visit to Ann Arbor next month.
TX DB Trent Gordon visited last weekend for his Spring Break and called his visit "great".
GA CB Chris Smith will be visiting soon.
Michigan has offered 4 star St. Louis 2018 DE Ronnie Perkins
DTR released his top 7 and Michigan is in it. With Cal, Florida State, North Carolina, Oregon South Carolina, and UCLA. Most expect this to be a UCLA and Michigan battle, with UCLA holding a slight lean at the moment.
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-As I'm sure you have seen, Jimmy is now doing Planters Peanut commercials. Rock Star
-There is some buzz that DE Shelton Johnson might not be on the Spring Roster. Johnson would be a Junior next season and is from Delray Beach, Florida. He wore #7 last year with Shane Morris. Which means both guys that wore #7 could no longer be on the team.
from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2017/03/wolverine-wednesday-recruiting-blitz.html
Guest feature: Julie Oberg is the Communications Director for the Maryland Department of Agriculture. Follow along with MDA @MdAgDept and Maryland’s Best @MdsBest.
Did you know that most of life’s necessities – food, fiber, clothing and shelter – start with agriculture?
March 21 is National Agriculture Day, which recognizes and celebrates the contributions of agriculture to American society. To coincide with this national celebration, Governor Larry Hogan has declared March 19-25 as “Maryland Agriculture Week.”
From the mountains of Western Maryland with its dairy farms and hay to Central Maryland with its greenhouse and livestock industries to the Eastern Shore’s acres of corn and poultry – Maryland truly grows something for everyone.
“Maryland’s vibrant agricultural industry is a critical component of our state’s economy, and our farmers go above and beyond to provide fresh, quality food that is accessible, affordable, and safe for our citizens,” said Governor Hogan. “I encourage all Marylanders to take a moment to recognize and celebrate our farmers and the essential role they have in our daily lives.”
There are 2.1 million farms in the United States, a country with nearly 319 million people, and agriculture products remain the nation’s top export. Each American farmer today feeds more than 155 people – a dramatic increase from 25 people in the 1960s. Here in Maryland, one-third of the land mass – over 2 million acres – is farmland. In 2015, the top commodity sectors were poultry (broilers), greenhouse and nursery, corn, and dairy.
Here are 10 suggestions to help citizens recognize National and Maryland Agriculture Week:
1. Watch Maryland Farm and Harvest on Maryland Public Television or online. The hit series, now in production for a fifth season, puts a human face on farming by showcasing personal stories about farmers, their work with the land and resources, production of food and fiber for our society, challenges, hopes and dreams, and their future.
2. Take It from Maryland Farmers: Backyard Actions for a Cleaner Chesapeake Bay. This helpful education campaign provides homeowners with information and tips from farmers that they can use to do their part to help improve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
3. Plan your garden and repair lawns with certified seeds. Check out the University of Maryland Extension’s Grow it Eat it website. Spring is almost here and now is the time to plan for your gardens and lawns.
4. Visit a winery. Maryland has six wine trails and 70 wineries that offer more than 400 different wines. Touring a winery or a vineyard in the countryside, tasting some of Maryland’s fine wines, and enjoying the company of friends are wonderful ways to spend a springtime day.
6'8 Kalamazoo Forward and Michigan signee Isaiah Livers had a great Monday. In the morning, he was named the Michigan Gatorade Player of the Year in the afternoon he was named Mr. Basketball for Michigan.
Isaiah averages 18 points and 14 boards per game and will take on the #1 team in the state Grand Rapids Christian in the playoffs tonight. Coach B has compared Isaiah's game to Caris Levert and is excited to get him on campus this summer.
Isaiah joins the likes of Manny Harris, Dion Harris, Robert Traylor, Chris Webber, Michael Talley, Terry Mills, Glen Rice and Antoine Joubert, all Mr. Basketball's to join the Wolverines. It's a special day when I can put "The Judge" in a post!
Michigan makes the top 10 for 2018 Frisco (Tex.) Wakeland 4-star OT Rafiti Ghirmai
I know Chris Evans is going to get all the press this year in the backfield, but lets not forget former 5 stars Ty Isaac and redshirt freshman Kareem Walker. Add in Higdon and Michigan continues to be loaded at RB. Spring Practice is just a few days away!
The FBI, Houston Police, and Mexican Authorities have cracked the case of year. They have found not one but two Tom Brady Super Bowl Jerseys. They found Tom's jersey from Super Bowl 49 and 51, plus a helmet from the Denver Broncos (which is believed to be Von Millers.) The Mexican Editorial Organization (OEM), a major newspaper publishing company, has identified the man allegedly involved in the case as Martin Mauricio Ortega. --- A law enforcement source told ESPN that authorities used footage from Fox, which showed Ortega entering the locker room and, with his back to the camera, reaching into Brady's bag and putting the jersey into a black plastic bag and leaving.
from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2017/03/michigan-tuesday-isaiah-livers-had.html
Moe Basketball as the team advances to the Sweet 16
Moe exposure, for a team that struggled early in the Big Ten season
Moe excitement as the Louisville game was back and forth
Moe money, hopefully he will come back but Moe Wagner is rising up draft boards
During the first half of yesterdays game, I thought Michigan was playing an NBA team. Louisville had length at every position. I can't remember a game where Michigan didn't want to shoot 3's because the other team was so long. At half time, I thought Michigan needed a 20 point half from Walton and a 15 point half from Irvin to win this game. If the 3's don't drop Michigan might get blown out.
Walton finished with 10 points on the night and Irvin had 11. The team was 6-17 from 3 point range for the entire game. If you look at the box score and didn't watch the game, those lines normally would equal DOOM.
It didn't and Moe Wagner wanted to prove he was the best big in a forest of bigs on the floor. He scored 26 points by getting mismatches, driving to the basket and shooting a couple of 3's. DJ had another great game and added 17 points.
Robinson didn't score and looked like he ran into a Mike Tyson punch. That is one of the worst black eyes I have seen in a long time. My guess is, his vision was not sharp and neither was his jumper.
Michigan's bench scored 3 points, MAAR - Walton - Irvin - Robinson combined to score 27 points and Michigan won the game.
Hat tip to Coach B and his staff !
Michigan plays Oregon on Thursday night, lets hope they continue this streak and get Moe wins!
On a side note, the Michigan - OK State game looked like an NBA game on Friday. Lots of scoring and not much defense. Illinois loved the game so much, the next day they hired OK. State's head coach.
from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2017/03/michigan-monday-baseketball-team-gets.html
The NCAA tournament committee didn't do the Wolverines any favors in today's match up. I don't know much about Oklahoma State, but I know they have a high powered offense and Michigan will need to continue its hot shooting and play some good defense! Louisville is on deck for a second round match up of the Championship Game from a few years ago if the Wolverines can get by OK State.
Good luck to the team this weekend!
Jourdan Lewis has pled not guilty to the domestic assault charges
Michigan has offered the Green twins CB/S from Desoto, Texas in the 2018 class. Now that is what I call a combo recruiting package!
Looks like Michigan is doing a Spring Combine, similar to the NFL Combine:
Proud to announce top position performers of 2017 Michigan Football Spring Combine. Offense led by Chris Evans, defense led by Rashan Gary! pic.twitter.com/hAQKJo07Lc
Jourdan Lewis an expected high NFL draft pick has been charged with domestic violence, assaulting his 20 year-old girlfriend.
Police were called to Lewis' residence in the 3000 block of Signature Boulevard about 1 a.m. Wednesday, March 15, for a domestic violence call, Lige said.
Lewis' girlfriend called police and said there had been a physical altercation at the residence, according to Lige. Officers initially were unable to determine who was the responsible party at the scene, he said.
"It wasn't clear to the officers (Wednesday morning) if there was an assault, or who the aggressor was," he added.
Subsequent investigation led to a misdemeanor assault charge against Lewis, according to Lige. The Ann Arbor Police Department submitted a report to the Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office Wednesday morning. Charges were authorized by 4 p.m., according to records.
Lewis will be arraigned through the 15th District Court at an unknown time and date. Misdemeanor offenders usually get notice through the mail and come to "walk-in arraignments" at the court.
As you know, Lewis is an All American CB and has been preparing for the NFL Draft. All domestic violence charges should be taken seriously and this comes at the worst possible time for the potential high NFL draft pick.
Jourdan tweeted this on Wednesday:
It's sad that somebody would want to control you so bad they would ruin your life over it.
He later deleted the tweet.
from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2017/03/michigan-thursday-jourdan-lews-faces.html
All lights are on Charm City as it transforms into Light City March 31-April 8. Baltimore’s nine-day Light City festival may be best known for its endless sensory experiences, including light displays and performances, but it also provides several intellectual experiences for national and local thought leaders through the Labs@LightCity innovation conferences.
With six areas of focus— health, green, education, social, design and food—a different Light City Lab will take place daily between April 3-8. Innovation, humanity, culture and technology will be key components of each lab, with each offering unique content and speakers specific to the subject matter of the lab.
In addition to integrating interactivity among guests, the one-day lab events will feature keynote addresses and panels that will dive into topics in innovation, ranging from “the gamification of education” during the EduLab to “the future of post-industrial American cities,” during the DesignLab.
Tickets to Labs@LightCity are currently on sale. As a sponsor of Light City, the Maryland Department of Commerce has been given a special discount code to share with our followers. Enter LCFRIENDS50 at checkout for a discounted ticket.
As each Labs@LightCity event draws to a close in the evening, downtown Baltimore will light up for the evening festivities, which includes more than 50 illuminated visual artworks, and a jam-packed music and performance schedule.
In 2016, more than 400,000 visitors headed to downtown Baltimore for the inaugural Light City celebration, generating $19.9 million in direct spending that rippled through the local economy, injecting another $13.9 in indirect impact.
It's a slow day for Michigan Sports. The Basketball Team is resting and preparing for the NCAA Tournament and we're still a week away from Spring Practice starting. So I'm going with the Dylan is smart post! :)
Congrats Dylan McCaffrey on N.F.F. Scholar-Athlete Award. Very impressed by your State Championships, Most impressed by your 3.9 GPA
With all the flight issues the Michigan Wolverines have had the last week, Coach B has decided to take a bus to Indy this weekend. Michigan plays OK State who has the #1 offense in the nation on Friday afternoon and if they get past them, will most likely face Louisville. As you know, Louisville is about 2 hours from Indy and I'm sure it will feel like a road game for the Wolverines if they make it to Sunday. No matter what happens this weekend, the Wolverines have had a strong year.
Coach B is resting the legs of the Wolverines this week as they prepare for start of the NCAA Tournament. Hopefully, the long bus ride will help with the legs as well.
Michigan Basketball finished #23 in the AP Poll.
The top prospect on Michigan's board, Dorian Thompson-Robinson was named the MVP at the LA Nike Opening/Elite 11 Event. DTR won the QB MVP and received an invite to the Elite 11.
A few guys making some noise in winter conditioning include: Big Mike Onwenu and DPJ.
from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2017/03/michigan-tuesday-hops-on-bus.html
Guest feature: Sarah Hansen is the STEM Communications Manager at UMBC. Follow along with UMBC on Facebook and Twitter.
Dean Bill LaCourse, of the College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences (CNMS), has been working for 20 years to build up a set of core analysis and imaging facilities at UMBC, open to the full UMBC community, local startups, and other institutions in need of these research tools. The campus celebrated the realization of his vision on February 24 with the Core Crawl, a special event where dozens of guests toured four core facilities, guided by their managers.
The Keith R. Porter Imaging Facility (KPIF), Nano-Imaging Facility, Research Graphics, and Molecular Characterization and Analysis Complex (MCAC) each offer unique tools to support scientific research, from mass spectrometry to scientific animations. The facilities’ most recent addition is a state-of-the-art transmission electron microscope recently donated by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Janelia Research Campus.
Tools like these “are all about the most fundamental aspect of science—observation,” says LaCourse, and they “leverage and extend our capabilities so we can look at everything from the atom to the ends of the universe.”
The four UMBC facilities are unique among similar facilities at other universities because their directors do much more than analyze experimental samples for researchers. “The leaders of these facilities really are your allies as you are trying to gain new knowledge,” says Karl Steiner, vice president for research at UMBC. “They bring their expertise to your problem and work with you to get somewhere you may not have known you could go.” He adds, “It’s not the newest and latest instrument that makes a facility successful—it’s the people who run it and work with you.”
One of those people is Tagide deCarvalho, manager of the KPIF, who stressed the teaching and learning aspects of the facilities. “I’m really interested in helping people at all levels,” she shared, “from sample prep, to instrument training, to experimental design.”
As university-based facilities, the labs are also able to provide low rates for instrument time, which is particularly useful for local start-ups. Before making a major investment in expensive equipment, new companies can get advice from dedicated staff and determine what instrumentation they might need down the road.
The Michigan Basketball team sure has had an interesting week. It started a week from Sunday when they blew out Nebraska in Lincoln. It ended yesterday, with a Big Ten Tournament Championship trophy. In between, they saw their plane slide off the runway at Willow Run, practice in Ann Arbor in the dark, Derrick Walton gets 5 stiches in his leg, borrow the Pistons plane to travel to DC hours/minutes before their noon tip against Illinois, beat Illinois in their practice jerseys and then make a run through #1 seed Purdue, Minnesota, and Wisconsin to the title.
They looked great at times and at other times struggled to find the basket. Many will point to the flight as being the big thing that bonded this team together, I would disagree. I think this team was playing very well going into the tournament and the plane crash just brought Michigan's story to the front page. It also gave the team some perspective that maybe they didn't have before. That playing ball in college is a pretty awesome thing and if you blink, you might miss it. I also believe the plane crash gave the Wolverines some extra jump in their legs when they needed it, playing 4 games in 4 days is very tough and you need all the motivation you can find. Walton and Irvin also knew they had one weekend to cement their basketball legacy and they did it.
Congratulations to the entire team! This was clearly a team victory and everyone from the scout team to the trainers deserve a round of applause for such a great run to the title!
Michigan will play at 12:15 on Friday in Indy vs. OK State. The game will be on CBS. Another early tournament game for the Wolverines! OK State finished winning their last 10-14 games but did lose their last 3 games.
from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2017/03/michigan-monday-struggles-to-find-right.html
It was great to see Michigan on the floor yesterday afternoon in their practice jerseys and miss matched shoes. I don't know if they are going to beat Purdue today at noon but a hat tip goes to the players and coaches on playing with less then perfect conditions prior to the game. I also like that they are firmly in the NCAA tournament which about 6 weeks ago was in serious doubt. Well done guys, keep playing hard!
In news that was expected, Devin Asiasi is headed to UCLA to resume his career. He will be in the NFL in a few years.
I was a bit more surprised with this news: Jake Fruhmorgen is going to transfer to UF. I haven't heard his name in weeks/months and my guess is Jimmy and staff didn't make his transfer to A2 a priority. Jake is not a grad transfer and would have to sit out a year.
Huber Heights (OH.) Wayne 2018 four-star WR L'Christian Smith will visit Ann Arbor this weekend.
Seems Ambry Thomas will wear #1 next year
from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2017/03/michigan-friday-michigan-playing-with.html
Tomorrow is Harriet Tubman Day and Maryland is planning to celebrate in a big way. After years of planning and preparation, the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center is officially open for business.
The center will host a special invitation-only event tomorrow to commemorate its completion. This weekend’s grand opening celebration, held on March 11-12, will welcome the public inside for the first time to learn about Tubman’s early life and her role in the fight for freedom.
Tubman was born in the 1820’s near Cambridge, Maryland, minutes away from the new visitor center. After escaping slavery in 1849, she returned to Maryland multiple times to help bring hundreds of slaves to freedom through the Underground Railroad network. Tubman’s perseverance plays a pivotal role in Maryland’s history, making her an American hero and a force to be reckoned with.
Two centuries later, we honor Tubman’s journey by opening this one-of-a-kind destination, where we will revisit her accomplishments for years to come. I am proud of the work that Maryland Commerce has done, in collaboration with several state agencies and the National Park Service, to make this center a reality.
Take the time to visit Dorchester County this month, including the surrounding Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park. You won’t be disappointed.
As you have heard by now, the plane carrying the Michigan Basketball team slide off the runway yesterday at DTW in high winds. My first thoughts were, 1 - is everyone ok? 2- is Austin Hatch ok? That young man has gone through hell and I didn't want another bad plane experience for him. I was a bit relieved to hear he was not with the team and was in class when this happen.
It was also reported the team had to practice in the dark yesterday, due to a power outage.
The Michigan Basketball team might be a bit tired and banged up today as they are leaving for the airport at 6:00AM and playing Illinois in DC at noon. The Big Ten should adjust the schedule. Good luck to them today!
The word is out on 6'9 400 pound IMG offensive lineman, he already has a write up in SI. He was the guy that a Hawaii coach found working out in Australia and attended one of Michigan's satellite camps. He is now at IMG and learning how to play football. He hasn't played a down yet, but it is already clear he is going to be a beast and will have an offer from every major program in the country.
Former Michigan 2018 commit Jalil Irvin has committed to Auburn.
Manny Being Manny alert! Manny Harris has signed a 10 day contract with Dallas.
OK 2018 safety Josh Proctor just got a Michigan offer.
from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2017/03/michigan-thursday-thank-goodness-austin.html
In Western Maryland, residents and businesses can experience the rural beauty, small town charm, and now some of the fastest internet speeds on the market from not one – but two – companies launching Gigabit service in Washington County.
It all started in the fall of 2015 when Antietam Cable Television announced a new project to make Hagerstown the first privately-funded Gigabit city in the state. Phase One began in early 2016 and ultimately provided internet speeds that are 100 times faster than what the average American household or business has access to. This initial phase provided groundbreaking internet service for 6,000 homes and businesses in downtown Hagerstown.
Now, as Antietam Cable gears up for Phase Two, which will expand their service to the Town of Boonsboro and add 5,000 homes to their service area, they face competition from New Frontiers Solutions who recently announced they will also offer “GigaCity Gigabit” services to downtown Hagerstown. Ultimately, this means more options for residents and businesses to enjoy a beautiful Western Maryland location while staying competitive with cutting-edge technology.
“We offer freedom from the shackles of data caps and under-performing service,” said Clint Wiley, president of New Frontiers Solutions. “We strive to deliver and experience on par with the Amazons and Apples of the world. We want our customers to value their experience with us.”
Between the two companies, Western Maryland will have more than 11,000 homes with access to 1000Mbps internet service in both Boonsboro and Hagerstown by fall of 2017.
“This is the right investment at the right time and will have a positive impact in the communities we serve,” said Brian Lynch, president of Antietam Cable. “Phase Two is a continuation of Antietam’s commitment to enhance the lives of our customers with state-of-the-art technology and the best customer experience.”
Adidas has been on a bit of a roller coaster ride lately. They lost the Michigan and NBA contracts but have been doing well with the very popular Yeezy and Ultra Boost sneakers. They have now grabbed #5 in your program but #1 in your heart, Jabrill Peppers.
Pep signed a multi-year deal with Adidas this past weekend. Congrats Pep and get that money why you can!
Peppers draft status continues to be in the eye of the beholder. I have seen it as high as #7 in the draft and some are saying he has a 2nd to 3rd round grade. I would suggest he not attend the draft due to the large prediction window, but would be surprised if he wasn't taken high in the second round at the lowest.
Michigan has offered Corvallis (OR.) Crescent Valley 2018 four-star ATH Talanoa Hufanga
Michigan has offered 2018 Frisco (Tex.) Wakeland 4-star OT Rafiti Ghirmai
Spring Practice starts March 24th
The buzz from the Combine is that Malik McDowell had a few terrible interviews with some of NFL teams. It seems his whole life changed when he picked MSU over Michigan during that hat presentation on NSD. I can only speculate that Michigan would have made him a better Defensive Lineman. It seems he picked MSU because they would let him do what he wanted to do.
Derrick Walton wins Big Ten player of the week and is named to the Big Ten's 2nd team.
from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2017/03/michigan-tuesday-peppers-signs-with.html
The Wolverines were impressive at the NFL Combine this weekend. The events go through today which will lead up to Michigan's pro day. The Wolverines were impressive in the bench press and the 40 yard dash. Here are a few 40 times:
Worm didn't run due to an injury. Pep had a good time, I think he would have liked to run a 4.45, I thought Ben's time was really good.
Remember when we thought Darboh was the slow WR?
Ben also did 27 reps on the 225 bench press, which was #1 for the LB's.
Pep will also work out with the DB's today and might run the 40 again.
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Michigan Basketball also runs away from Nebraska on the road 93-57. Michigan was favored by 4 point going in and won by 36.
This team is really good when they play really well. Case in point, (thanks to twitter) Michigan has given the follow teams their biggest loss of the year:
For breakfast, most Marylanders stick with the usual offerings: a bowl of cereal, a cup of tea, or a travel mug filled with coffee.
Few, however, think about starting their day with a tall glass of kombucha.
The folks at Mobtown Fermentation are looking to change that by defining kombucha for the average Joe.
A fermented tea, kombucha is loaded with vitamins and acids that strengthen the immune system, along with probiotics that bolster digestion. Mobtown Fermentation brews their kombucha with green tea, giving it a light taste that’s easy to enjoy.
At their new space in Timonium, next to some of Maryland’s staple businesses, like Baltimore Coffee & Tea Company and Jeppi Nut & Candy Company, Mobtown Fermentation founders Adam Bufano, Sergio Malarin, and Sid Sharma are bottling the ancient health drink by hand to be distributed to more than 100 locations throughout Maryland and D.C.
Brothers Adam and Sergio were raised in a home that valued homemade health foods like grainy breads and sauerkraut, with parents who used their kitchen much like a scientist experiments in a lab.
“Our refrigerator was like a house of horrors at times,” Sergio said. “Our parents were always experimenting to see what worked.”
In college, Adam quickly sparked a passion for developing different flavors of fermented teas that he would share with his peers during taste tests. As a result, the most popular flavors of Mobtown Fermentation’s Wild Kombucha line were formed – mango peach, ginger grapefruit, elderberry, and apple spice.
With lots of practice, Adam was able to develop a brewing style that made his kombucha more desirable for the average customer.
“Our kombucha is more accessible than other brands on the market,” Adam said. “It’s light and bubbly without the vinegar taste that our competitors have and we only sweeten it with natural fruit juices.”
Once Adam perfected his unique-style of kombucha, his brother Sergio brought in his marketing and business skills from the University of Maryland, College Park to launch their product. They soon welcomed their friend Sid into the fold.
“Baltimore has the quickest access to major cities within a two-hour drive,” said Sergio. “Many west coast markets are saturated with kombucha products. Baltimore has a demand for this product and it’s where our passion for kombucha brewing began.”
In fact, demand is so high that Mobtown Fermentation sold out during a recent visit. It takes two weeks from start to finish to brew one batch of Wild Kombucha and the guys have already begun setting up larger fermentation tanks to meet the demand of their many customers like Whole Foods, Charmingtons, and Yoga Works.
“We want this product to be accessible to anyone looking for something different to drink that tastes good and is good for you,” Adam said. “From the classic glass bottle to the friendly flavor, this is a kombucha anyone will love.”
Michigan's all time leading rusher is back in the Big Ten as the RB coach for Indiana. He is leaving the same job at Syracuse. Many believe it will only be a few years until he is Michigan's RB coach. I would support that move!
Michigan Basketball plays at Nebraska this weekend and pretty much has locked up the 8th seed in the Big 10 Tournament which will be in DC for the first time.
The NFL Combine workouts start today and go through Monday, if your looking for a preview, check out the post from earlier in the week.
Enjoy your weekend!
from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2017/03/michigan-friday-mike-hart-gets-job-in.html
If you didn't know, Julia Louis-Dreyfus son plays for the Northwestern Basketball team. As you probably know, Northwestern hasn't ever made the NCAA Tournament. After last nights, Hail Mary buzzer beater win against the Wolverines, they are now unofficially making it to the tournament. Things like this happen in basketball and your welcome Northwestern. I guess this is a little payback for all the come from behind wins Michigan has gotten over Northwestern on the football field.
After that loss, we need a happy moment from Michigan's future QB, holding a Bo Schembechler signed football. This young man is the newest member of the Harbaugh family - John named after his famous Uncle.
Ohio State got a commitment from RB Jaelen Gill yesterday. He is rated the 37th player in the nation to ESPN.
4 star CB Myles Sims will visit Ann Arbor next weekend.
2018 Top100 DT Tyler Friday will take another visit to Ann Arbor.
U.S. News & World Report has recognized Maryland as one of the best states in the nation. In its inaugural “Best States” ranking, U.S. News & World Report analyzed data in seven key areas – education, health care, infrastructure, economy, government, opportunity, and crime and corrections – to determine the state’s composite score. In addition to ranking eighth overall, Maryland ranked among the top five states for education and opportunity.
In a summary of Maryland, U.S. News and World Report mentioned key factors contributing to Maryland’s top-ten position on the list—including the highest median household income in the nation and an esteemed educational system. The summary also called Maryland an “aerospace and defense hot spot” and referenced the state’s top ranking in the percentage of professional and technical workers.
“Maryland has made tremendous strides in turning our economy around, improving education, and working to ensure that every single Marylander has the opportunity to succeed,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “We have made incredible progress over the past two years, but there is still more work to do to continue making Maryland the very best place to live, work, raise a family, and retire.”
Let's first get to the light hearted news with the next public release of the next Jordan Michigan Sneakers:
These will release on 3/7 at a cost of $160. These are Air Jordan Low's 31's. or XXXI.
MSU's athletic department is on fire and the football program is one of the programs that continues to throw logs on that fire. Head coach Mark Dantonio finally made a statement on the situation. The latest if you missed it, was that LB Jon Reschke is taking a graduate transfer for his final year. Reschke was considered to be one of the Spartan's best players on defense and the rumor mill is saying he was thrown off the team after making some racial slurs.
This is a bit of a side note, but I know many of us are considering "cutting the cord" on our cable bill. The big question is how do I watch sports and Michigan Football? Many Michigan fans consider the best solution if your using Roku or another device is a subscription to Sony's PlayStation Streaming Service called Vue. It includes BTN and ESPN. (you don't need a PlayStation to use the Vue service). YouTube will now have a new streaming service in a few months that will include all the over the air stations (ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox) and will include ESPN and BTN. Which could be a good option as well. I believe Vue is about $40 a month, YouTube will be priced for about $35.
from The BIG HOUSE Blog http://mbighouse.blogspot.com/2017/03/wolverine-wednesday-more-sneaker-news.html
