Author: Emily Gautreaux

Mississippi River Stopping Louisiana From Coastal Restore

The Mississippi River isn’t nearly as muddy as it used to be, and that could be bad for Louisiana coastal restoration. According to a recent article written by nola.com, “A new study indicates the concentrations of sediment in the lower Mississippi River have decreased by more than half in recent decades. That’s not good for Louisiana, which depends on a constant supply of river silt, sand and mud to rebuild land on its ever-eroding, ever-sinking coast.”

Although this is devastating news for coastal restoration warriors around Louisiana, there are many who are prepared for what this new study shows. The article written by nola.com also reveals, “The Mid-Barataria and Mid-Breton diversions the state Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) plans to build in Plaquemines Parish would channel sediment-rich water from the Mississippi into estuaries and bays that have been starved of sediment by the river’s levee system. The two diversions, which would cost a combined $2 billion, are expected to restore marshes lost to erosion, subsidence and sea level rise.”

For more information on the coastal restoration future for Louisiana, click here.

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$1 Million Pledge for Tulane Brain Institute

The Tulane Brain Institute at Tulane University has received a generous donation of $1 Million made by the Priddy Family Foundation.  The Priddy Family Foundation was founded in 1963 by the parents of Tulane alumnus Robert Priddy, a businessman and former president of the foundation.  The donation was made specifically for the research of brain science.  Tulane says it will also fund competitive awards as incentive to faculty for research support.  Criteria for the awards would include a project’s potential to increase community awareness of the Brain Institute and help to draw financial support from other competitive national funding agencies.

The Brain Institute was established in 2016 to coordinate neuroscience endeavors at Tulane.  Scientists working at the Tulane Brain Institute are hoping to answer some of today’s most important questions about the brain and nervous system. There are discoveries being made in Tulane labs everyday and they are leading to greater understanding of and development of potential treatments for brain disorders including Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases, stroke, PTSD, anxiety and depressive disorders, and developmental disorders such as autism and ADHD. The Brain Institute hopes to build on these accomplishments, invest in neuroscience research across the University, and enhance the national reputation of Tulane in the area of brain science. To learn more about the Brain Institute click here.

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Travel Tips to Save Money

These simple travel tips will help everyone save money from the newbie traveler to the seasoned explorer no matter your budget.  It’s happened to every one of us, you might just not know it.  Same room, same property, but you paid $100-$1000 more and you didn’t even know it.  What’s the difference?  Maybe only a few days.  Maybe it was the method in which you booked.  Read on to hone in on some of the best tricks of the trade in hotel booking.

  1. Don’t Only Search By Price

The hotel offering the lowest price doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting the best deal.  There are usually hidden fees and inclusions that add up to more value than another property.  For example, is the WiFi free?  Does the property offer a continental breakfast in the morning?  Paying for those two items alone may place your payment above another property’s.

Bottom Line: read the fine print.

  1. Be Patient and Hunt Flash Sales

There are several periods throughout the year when the property you are eyeing will offer flash sales for you ton score discounted hotel rooms.  For example, Expedia.com offers discounts up to 30% on its mobile app.  Individual hotels offer frequent discounts on their social media sites as well.

Bottom Line: stalk that hotel

  1. Loyalty Programs Pay Off

Many properties reward those who keep coming back.  Hilton Honors, Marriott Rewards….the number of programs are as endless as the number of hotels.  Sign up with a hotel you have been happy with in the past and make it a point to revisit it next trip.  Special rates can add up!

Bottom Line: stay loyal

  1. Utilize a Travel Agent

Travel agents affiliated with large agencies have pre-negotiated preferred rates with tons of hotels and resorts.  They can help to find the best deals and many times even upgrade your room or get you beverage credits. And did you know that typically, using a travel agent is FREE?!?!  What’s there to lose?

Bottom Line: ask an expert

Click Here for more Tips

New York Style Summer Salad

Food Network’s recipe is the perfect summer salad for a backyard patio party.  This no-hassle, no-fuss recipe pulls a punch when set up buffet-style.  Lay out the greens and toppings in small, ornate dishes and have everyone prepare their own salad by throwing whatever they want, and in whatever amount, into their own bowl.  Set out several dressing options at the end of the table and everyone is happy!  BONUS: use Food Network’s recipe below for a creamy, homemade ranch.

Salad Ingredients

3 cups mixed salad greens
8 whole romaine leaves
1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
One 14-ounce can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
One 4-ounce can pitted mixed olives
2 red bell peppers, sliced
2 yellow bell peppers, sliced
4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and sliced
2 avocados, sliced
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
8 ounces fresh mozzarella, cubed
1 English cucumber, halved then sliced
1 bunch asparagus, blanched and sliced into pieces
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
8 radishes, halved
Salt and ground pepper
Salt and ground pepper

Homemade Creamy Ranch Ingredients

Herby Ranch Dressing:
1 cup (real) mayonnaise
1/2 cup buttermilk (more as needed to reach desired consistency)
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup Italian flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano
3 teaspoons white vinegar
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
Salt and ground pepper

Ranch Directions:

Combine the mayonnaise, buttermilk, sour cream, parsley, chives, oregano, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce and salt and pepper to taste in a bowl. Chill for a couple of hours before serving.

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Grants Available for Coastal Resiliency Projects

Coastal Resiliency Grants

In an article recently released on govtech.com, it is stated that the federal government is providing $30 million in grants for coastal resiliency projects which could benefit south Louisiana. The articles states, “Areas eligible for matching grants include much of the coastal U.S., including the entire southern coast of Louisiana.”

Land Lost in Louisiana

“In less than a century, Louisiana lost nearly 1 million football fields of land,” said Sen. John Kennedy, R-La. “Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav and Ike exacerbated our land loss. We’re in a David versus Goliath battle to save our coast. This partnership will help us strengthen our coastal communities and protect the habitats that are so unique to Louisiana.”

What the money will be used for

The article discussed possibilities of what the money would be used for stating the following, “the money will be aimed at helping restore, increase and strengthen natural features that protect coastal communities. That includes features such as marshes, beaches, coral reefs, mangroves, forests and barrier islands that help minimize the impact of storms. The restoration projects will focus on threats such as increasing water levels, river flooding and coastal erosion. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the program will benefit local economies while sustaining habitats and wildlife.”

For more information on the federal grants and coastal resiliency projects, click here.

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Best Travel Planning Websites

Travel planning can sometimes be a stressful situation. However, these days there are so many different booking options. There are also so many websites or featured ads promising you the best deals. Forbes.com released a travel planning friendly article that has your best interest in mind when it comes to sorting out the most user-friendly trip booking websites that you will want to use when planning your next adventure.

This article states, “No matter what type of experience a traveler is looking for, nor the type of travel they’re after — from hotel suites, to villas or condos, car rentals, flights, cruises and beyond — there’s something available out there for everyone. But, only a select few online destinations make the cut for consideration as some of the world’s best travel Websites.”

If you are ready to dive into the world of travel planning and already have your next adventure in mind, click here for a list of the top 10 best travel planning websites.

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