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When veteran running back Giovanni Bernard joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason it was immediately assumed hed fill the LeSean McCoy role from 2020.

In his role, McCoy touched the football a total of 25 times in the regular season. Not a big workload to replace if youre Bernard. And it seems in the early going, hes positioning himself in line to carry a much bigger burden than his predecessor did.

Speaking to Scott Smith, senior writer and editor of Buccaneers.com on the Locked On Bucs Podcast, my cohost James Yarcho asked about the new addition to the running back room. Unfortunately, Smith says hes doing a bang-up job.

He looks like hes fitting in really well, and that just makes this way more complicated for me.

Why would a veteran back doing a good job early on be a problem? Well, for the exact reason I wrote about at the top. If hes taking the McCoy role, there isnt much room before he starts eating into touches for other running backs.

Coach Arians said he considers both (Ronald Jones II) and (Leonard Fournette) starters, which I think is the case, Smith said. Thats kind of what it looks like. And then I know theyd like to get KeShawn Vaughn a little more action. So how do you divvy up all these touches?

Its a problem worthy of talented NFL coordinators and coaches like Arians and Byron Leftwich. Fortunately, with things returning to normal a bit more every day, theyll have a full training camp and three preseason games to help them see just how to best employ all of their talented running backs. Assuming of course, as Smith also pointed out, they can all maintain their health through it all.

I think its going to be a long time, well into training camp (and) right up to the season before we have a very good idea - you know, barring injuries of course - what kind of role is available to Giovanni Bernard. Or is he going good enough as a third-down back that you wont be able to keep him off the field and thatll cost the other guys some touches. Its a good problem to have obviously...

As problems come, this is the variety youd like to have. More talent than snaps, and a roster full of guys looking for titles, not Pro Bowls. Of course, theyd probably all appreciate getting both.

For more on this and to hear the rest of our conversation with Scott Smith, check out the Locked On Bucs Podcast.

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Bucs have a good problem in their running back room - Bucs Nation

DAVIE, Fla. -- Tua Tagovailoa brushed off a very rough Day 1 of Miami Dolphins minicamp -- one that included five interceptions -- as a product of emphasizing more aggression in the passing game.

It was the closest thing to real football for the Dolphins, who wore helmets for the first time this offseason, and offered small glimpses of what a new offense would look like for Miami. But the lasting memory was the defense's dominance against the quarterbacks; in addition to Tagovailoa's five, backup Jacoby Brissett threw two interceptions in fewer reps.

"Obviously, you want to be smart, but if there's a time to make mistakes, now is the time to make mistakes," Tagovailoa said. "We're just seeing what we can fit into holes, what we can throw into coverages, come into the film room and then learn from it."

Much of practice consisted of a torrential downpour, and the Dolphins never left the outside field. It was clear coach Brian Flores wanted them to play through the adverse circumstances.

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"Today the emphasis for us, quarterbacks, we wanted to be aggressive today within the pass game. We wanted to see if we could fit throws in, see what throws we could make under these conditions. We wanted to push the ball vertical down the field," Tagovailoa said. "There were some plays that didn't go our way, but those are plays we can take away from in the film room."

The biggest criticism for Tagovailoa as a rookie was his hesitancy to throw deep and throw to open receivers. That is going to be a priority in the new Dolphins offense, and Tagovailoa has to perform better than he did in Tuesday's practice.

After practice, Tagovailoa accepted responsibility for the rough day but overall viewed it as a learning experience rather than an indictment of where his game is right now.

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With 'some plays that didn't go our way,' Tua Tagovailoa opens Miami Dolphins minicamp with five interceptions and film to study - ESPN

NORWELL For years, Norwell Select Board member Ellen Allen worked on the detailed designs for the new library.

When she finally saw it in personlast week, it was quite anexperience.

"I have to say I was surprised how nice it was," she said. "I was really surprised. Even going through the detailed design phase, I didn't picture anything this amazing."

The new library opened on Monday, June 14,the first time Norwell has had an open library building since the pandemic lockdown began in March 2020. The schedule is 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Wednesday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. The library will open on Sundays in the fall from 1 to 5 p.m.

The new building dwarfs the old one, at three times the size, and emphasizes its connection to the surrounding forest, with large windows that provideviews ofthe greenery.

"It's really stunning and a big upgrade," Allen said.

March 31, 2021: Norwell's new library is nearly complete

More: Hingham town hall, library and senior center are reopening full-time to the public

The old library, that once occupied the same space as the new library, was in "really bad shape," Allen said. The new library is perfectly located for children in the nearby middle and high schools.

"It was way too small and it wasn't ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant. This addresses all of those things," she said.

The new library comes with nooks and crannies for people to read, to work on computers, or to just relax. That even includes two covered porches, one is screened. The town received a state grant for 40 percent of the cost.

April 2019: Norwell Public Library says goodbye to its old home and prepares for move

More: School library to be named for former Milton school superintendent

Library Director Judy McConarty said the feedback on the new library has been purely positive.

"People are just wowed by this new library," she said. "It's light and bright and the wood is all a light maple. There are windows everywhere that bring the outside in. And people love the porches."

McConarty has been telling patrons they will have trouble finding a favorite spot because there are so many nice areas in the library. In addition to the forest surrounding it, there is a garden in the courtyard, which also serves as storm water management. Although everything has been planted, it will take some time before the courtyard blossoms.

October 2017: Norwell to vote on $15.4 million library project

More: North Quincy library branch set to reopen 2 years after abrupt closure

"I think people are surprised that it is as nice as it is," McConarty said. "One comment I received was Norwell really has a building to be proud of here. It's been a stream of people just saying this is fantastic, this is beautiful, this is so wonderful for Norwell."

In addition to the collection and the spaces in between, the new library also has multiple study and meeting rooms, a new feature not in the older, smaller building. The building also has a workshop, that can accommodate classes from quilting to coding, as well as a local history room. There is also a bright and welcoming children's section,she said.

The library trustees must pass new policies on how the rooms are used before reservations can be made, McConartysaid.

Duringthe summer,live programming will return to the library.

"The space is for people," McConarty said. "As you walk through the library, there are an abundance of resources for people. Soft seating or study tables and chairs, outdoor seating, the study rooms and meeting rooms, there's just an abundance of space for people to study and gather."

Where: Norwell Public Library

When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Wednesday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday

Resources: Wi-Fi throughout the building, reading spaces and public computers

Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible.If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Patriot Ledger subscription.

Reach reporter Wheeler Cowperthwaite at wcowperthwaite@patriotledger.com.

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New Norwell library officially opens at triple the size of its predecessor - The Patriot Ledger

Dr. Zsolt Garami, medical director of the vascular ultrasound lab at Houston Methodist Hospital, puts it very straightforward: Transcranial Doppler (TCD) is one of the least understood, rarely utilizedand potentially most valuable tools available for monitoring brain circulation.

THE PROBLEM

TCD was introduced by Aaslid in 1982. Thanks to the addition of power M-mode Doppler (PMD) in 2000, TCD can detect not only the presence of blood flow, but also its depth, direction and resistance (DDR), he explained.

"TCD provides great sensitivity in detecting foreign particles, known as emboli, as small as 40 microns in diameter present in the blood cell stream," he said. "As a noninvasive, safe and cost-effective method for evaluating cerebrovascular circulation, TCD is the 'stethoscope for the brain.'"

Emboli detected on TCD are referred to as HITS (high-intensity transient signals) and the TCD machine provides both a visual and auditory signal of their presence. Emboli traveling up the carotid system pass from deep in the brain, generating unique sound and images.

"Even with all its benefits, TCD is underutilized as it requires a trained sonographer to perform an exam," Garami noted. "In addition, interpretation of the captured signal is not taught in school, leaving only experienced physicians able to understand the value of the data provided by the detailed waveform images."

PROPOSAL

NovaSignal is a medical technology and data company that offers NovaGuide, a cerebrovascular monitoring system.

The company worked to attack TCD's primary shortcomings. The fully automated, robotic NovaGuide minimizes the need for a trained sonographer, and its AI algorithms assist with the reading of the captured waveforms.

Dr. Zsolt Garami, Houston Methodist Hospital

"The robotic probe pods automatically identify the acoustic window in the temple that allows for the pulsed Doppler ultrasound to view blood flow in the brain," Garami explained. "This acoustic window varies from individual to individual, leading to variability in manual exams, even when performed by well-trained sonographers.

"NovaGuide eases that burden by automatically identifying the signal," he continued. "Furthermore, once the signal is acquired, NovaSignal has introduced novel AI algorithms to further aid in the interpretation of the cerebral blood flow velocity waveforms."

MEETING THE CHALLENGE

NovaGuide opens the opportunity for "green" medical staff, nurses without any TCD training or experience, to learn and use the robotic TCD system in just a few hours, Garami reported.

"With four billable clinical codes assigned to TCD, NovaGuide is economically suitable for big academic hospitals as well as small practices," he noted. "Specifically, for those centers with TCD experience, NovaGuide provides an automated solution to ease the clinical burden of longer exams. Additionally, if the site does not have the expertise required, NovaGuide provides access with just a few hours of training.

"TCD's sensitivity in detecting emboli presents an advantage for PFO tests where agitated air is deliberately injected into a systemic vein and shown passing into the cerebral circulation via the hole in the heart," he added.

"Without the hole, the air would be filtered out by the lungs. We are currently conducting a research trial with NovaGuide to prove that this indirect diagnostic mode is the most sensitive test for PFO and not as uncomfortable as swallowing a tube in sedation for the cardiac ultrasound."

At Houston Methodist Hospital, NovaGuide exports clinical reports to the PACS system for easy viewing and interpretation of the final reports.

RESULTS

There have been several clinical scenarios at the hospital where NovaGuide has provided concrete clinical evidence to help support the management of patients. A few specific examples revolve around the use within the operating theater for cardiac procedures.

"It has been well established that embolization occurs during a variety of cardiac procedures and the use of TCD can inform on how to change clinical practice to reduce these perioperative emboli and reduce stroke risk," Garami explained.

"Multiple protection filters were developed to clean the blood flow from these materials. TCD helps to test these and, even early in development, to decide which could be more effective to use.

"I believe this technology has the ability to improve outcomes of those procedures, as it is the only tool able to provide real-time information about embolization during manipulation of the procedure," he continued.

"In addition to emboli monitoring, we are currently using the system to assess and compare pre- and post-procedure cerebral hemodynamics to ensure the operation has accomplished the necessary clinical impact by restoring improved cerebral blood flow."

This can be done in real time at the bedside, before the patient is removed from the operating room.

"In addition to the operating room, the use of the NovaGuide has applications in the recovery room, intensive care unit and on the floor, as it provides bedside hemodynamic monitoring, a distinct advantage when compared to 'static' radiological images like CT, MRI, DSA, etc.," Garami said.

"Within these environments, TCD has many well-accepted clinical uses: vasospasm detection after intracranial bleeding, detecting large vessel occlusion in stroke/TIAs, detection of intracranial stenoses, PFO bubble test ... The list can be endless to utilize this technology."

ADVICE FOR OTHERS

TCD provides unique access to monitoring of cerebral hemodynamics in the large arteries of the brain and the ability to monitor emboli events. The technology is a noninvasive, safe and cost-effective method for evaluating cerebrovascular circulation, and complements existing "static" imaging, Garami advised.

"Unfortunately, the technology has been limited due to the difficulty in signal acquisition leading to some negative opinions by nonusers," he noted:"'I do not want to know about this emboli;it has no clinical manifestations,' or, 'The results are user-dependent and cannot be trusted.'

"The obvious retort is, 'Explain to me what kind of emboli do good when going up into the brain? Do you know what is going on in your brain?'

"We have long waited for changes to come to TCD, and we are excited about the opportunity to see the technology continue to expand," he concluded.

Twitter:@SiwickiHealthITEmail the writer:bsiwicki@himss.orgHealthcare IT News is a HIMSS Media publication.

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Houston Methodist uses AI brain ultrasound to reduce open heart surgery complications - Healthcare IT News

ZEELAND, Mich. The expansion project for Spectrum Health's Zeeland's campus is well underway and expected to be completed by the end of 2021.

The new addition will house a new surgical facility and will add 9,100 square feet to the hospital.

We moved into the current hospital campus from the former Pine Street location 15 years ago this past April, shared Joe Klesney, chief operating officer, Zeeland Community Hospital. Since that time we have been expanding services, acquiring advanced equipment, renovating spaces and modernizing most aspects of care to meet the progressing needs of the community. This is, however, the first expansion in which we have had to change the actual footprint of our campus.

Officals say the new main floor will have a new main lobby, registration area, mail room and space for grounds keeping.

The new space will have a renovated waiting room inside the surgical department with updated equipment in operating rooms as well.

Advancements in technology through the da Vinci Surgical System (robotic surgery) and other improvements make common surgeries less invasive, allowing patients to heal quicker and at home where they would rather be, commented Thomas Visser, MD, Zeeland Community Hospitals chief of surgery. Zeeland Community Hospital has worked hard to bring and keep those services local, so patients avoid traveling far from home. Our updated surgical unit is the natural next step in offering our patients the most convenient care possible. It shows people how committed Zeeland Community Hospital is to the community.

Medical staff will also have updated work stations, increased storage and larger rooms for patient recovery.

Our outstanding team is dedicated to providing safe, exceptional care to each surgical patient we treat, said Marnie Pierce, surgical services manager, Zeeland Community Hospital. To now have the facility upgraded to match the caliber of our caregivers is a dream. Were excited that leadership and the board recognized the need, and we cant wait to start working in this space."

Plans for a grand opening are already in the works.

The new addition is designed with current and future patients in mind, Klesney added. The benefits of this space align with and support the Spectrum Health mission of improving health, inspiring hope and saving lives.

See more here:
Spectrum Health Zeeland expansion project to be completed by end of year - Fox17

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Puzzle Break, the first U.S.-based escape room company, is officially announcing its virtual professional development series, Excellence Unlocked. Created after nearly a decade of astute observation, research and data pulled from Puzzle Breaks own game operations, these half-day workshops capture the fun and excitement of escape rooms and foster honest conversations about areas of opportunity as well as hone collaborative skills in real-time at the individual and team levels.

One of the most intriguing things about Excellence Unlocked, and Puzzle Break overall, is the level of deep research and meticulous planning that has gone into every detail of the experiences from the game play to the training of our facilitators, said Nate Martin, CEO and Co-Founder of Puzzle Break. This isnt just theoretical data pulled from an old textbook every statistic and key learning is based from a decade of closely observing the teams that have walked through our door.

How It Works

Using an exclusive formula conceived by the Puzzle Break team, Excellence Unlocked takes teams through a variety of collaboration-based, virtual escape experiences designed to challenge and refine the groups communication tactics and problem-solving skills. Each workshop includes four game segments, two discussion periods and a final debrief that recaps the experience and gives teams the opportunity to discuss lessons learned.

Led by specially-trained senior Puzzle Break facilitators, the discussion periods are strategically placed throughout the day and provide an open forum to deliberate on team progress, collaborative successes, and actionable opportunities for improvement. Facilitators are present throughout the entire experience and monitor the teams performances closely to unearth specific trends and recommend further collaboration strategies that go beyond game play.

At the end of the workshop, participants are provided take-home reports that further analyze both individual and team performances, strengths and weaknesses, along with individually-tailored roadmaps for ways each person can apply what was discussed in a workplace setting.

The Puzzle Break Method

Excellence Unlocked and Puzzle Breaks entire suite of offerings are structured around four fundamental keystones: Leadership, Amenability, Creativity and Vulnerability. The Puzzle Break team identified early on in their own escape room research that each keystone was observed in every successful team, and they were significantly lacking in the least successful teams. With this in mind, the Excellence Unlocked puzzle experiences were crafted to help teams identify the strengths and levels of each keystone that team members hold in effort to grow and build up the team as a whole.

As employers continue to grapple with scattered and hybrid workforces, Puzzle Breaks mix of in-person experiences, virtual team-building adventures and now Excellence Unlocked professional development workshops are revolutionizing how teams can grow and bond even while physically apart. And with more cutting-edge offerings set to launch later this year, Puzzle Break is ushering in the next generation of team-building experiences for every type of workforce.

These workshops extend far beyond any other professional development workshops that only leave team members with oversimplified key learnings, said Martin. Not only is the curriculum content superior to anything available on the market, but the virtual capabilities add massive value to meet the needs of a complicated, uncertain workforce. Plus, its fun as hell.

Teams and companies interested in Excellence Unlocked workshops can inquire here or email booking@puzzlebreak.com.

About Puzzle Break

Puzzle Break was established as the first American Escape Room company in 2013 by Nate Martin the founding father of escape rooms and Dr. Lindsay Morse. Headquartered in Seattle, Puzzle Break has physical escape room locations in New York, Massachusetts and on Royal Caribbean cruise ships around the world. In addition to its virtual escape room offerings, Puzzle Break has also operated workplace team-building challenges in a pre-COVID world at offsite meetings, retreats and corporate events for Fortune 500 companies across the US.

For more information please visit http://www.puzzlebreak.us.

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Puzzle Break Leads The Future Of Professional Development In Virtual Escape Rooms - Business Wire

Freak Power in the Rockies is how Hunter S. Thompson described his planned takeover of Aspen and Pitkin County, Colorado. There, in 1970, he decided to run for sheriff, and while his plan never panned out, the strange power of this Rocky Mountain town persisted, even as Aspen became increasingly expensive.

Today, a certain freak power remains, thanks to Aspens offbeat, longtime local residents, amplified by the energy from visiting international jet-setters. Surrounded by the majestic Elk Mountains, when walking a few short blocks within the downtown core, youll pass the poshest pot shop ever, a world-class art museum, and likely some celebs. There are escapes to be found, too, atop said museum, inside hotel lobbies, and always down staircases (skip the stilettos, ladies). Should you find yourself in one of the most iconic outdoor playgrounds in the world this season, here are the restaurants to provide all the freaky, fancy, and classically Aspen sustenance to keep you fueled for your own adventure.

Update June 2021: Despite its fame, Aspen is still a small ski town where the majority of locals rely on tourism. When the pandemic hit, it hit hard. But by the time the 2020/21 ski season kicked off last November, Aspen Snowmass bounced back thanks to stringent travel guidelines and operational protocols that kept visitors safe and lifts spinning. As the town heads into summer, Aspen is bracing itself for whats expected to be the one of the busiest seasons ever. After reaching the milestone of green-level restrictions in May, restaurants are coming back at full capacity from a well-deserved, off-season break.

The following is an updated take on Aspens dining scene, highlighting the see and be seen hot spots and enduring staples all of which should be applauded (and amply tipped) for surviving the devastating effects of the pandemic over the past year.

Note: The inclusion of restaurants offering dine-in service should not be taken as an endorsement for dining inside. Studies indicate a lower exposure risk to COVID-19 outdoors, but the level of risk is contingent on social distancing and other safety guidelines. Check with each restaurant for up-to-date information on dining offerings. For updated information on coronavirus cases in your area, please visit the city of Aspen website or official state resources.

Katie Shapiro is a freelance cannabis and travel journalist who lives life at its highest and writes about it from her home base in Aspen. She is a senior contributor for Forbes and High Country columnist for the Aspen Times, with other work appearing in the Denver Post, Modern Luxury, Curbed, Thrillist, and more.

Note: Restaurants on this map are listed geographically.

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The 21 Best Restaurants in Aspen, Colorado - Eater Denver

If youre looking for horses and gorgeous outdoor expanses on the West Coast, youre in luckthere is a thriving tradition and history of guest ranches in California.

A classic dude ranch experience has the ability to truly capture the imagination. Whether youre ambling on a horse along remote trails, lazing on a lake while trying to catch fish, or gathering around a fire to roast smores, it all feels like a refreshing journey back to simpler times.

But when we think of dude ranches, we often conjure the vast wildernesses of Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and Texasclassic settings for these western escapes. There is also a thriving guest ranch culture and tradition in sunny California, however, as I learned on a recent visit to the historic Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort, set on 10,500 acres of rolling hills in Southern Californias Santa Ynez Valley, slightly north of Santa Barbara.

Alisal turns 75this year and in May joined the National Trust for Historic Preservations Historic Hotels of America, making it one of about 300 U.S. properties recognized for its history and authenticity. Alisal has been a working ranch since 1843 and opened for overnight lodging in 1946. What makes it a dude ranch? A dude ranch or guest ranch (they are one and the same, according to the Dude Ranchers Association) is an all- or mostly-inclusive ranch experience that typically offers activities and events such as horseback riding, hiking, swimming, fishing, rodeos, and live music. Many dude ranches date back generations.

That deep ranching history and soul can be felt throughout the entire Alisal experience, which also benefits from the comforts and luxury of modern updates, such as the private guest cottages that are being tastefully renovated (many are already completed) with a nod to Old West stylethe redone rooms are accented with artwork and artifacts from the Wild West as well as with luxury touches such as sumptuous bedding and comfortable couches upholstered and adorned with Ralph Lauren fabrics and Pendleton blankets and accessories.

On a recent weekend at the ranch, my husband, four-year-old son, two-year-old daughter, and I got to experience some of Alisals rich traditions. We kicked things off (as most guests should) with a 8:30 a.m. breakfast hayride (you can also opt to do the ride by horseback) to a reconstructed historic adobe house where a feast of eggs, bacon, pancakes, coffee, and juice were served to the soundtrack of live Western music and cowboy poetry. The ride was chilly on the way out (bring layers), but warm and pleasant on the way back and the kiddos loved it.

After an early start to the day with the hayride, we headed to the pool for some playing and lounging under the warm California suna great plus of Alisals location is the weather. We spent our afternoons tooling around the property by bike (there are loaners available to guests), petting goats, pigs, and ponies at the barn (a favorite for my son Niko), and doing walk-around horseback rides with a wrangler, a great option for the tiny riders.

Guests can also opt for guided horseback rides on 50 miles of trails; fishing and kayaking on the propertys 100-acre lake; playing golf on the two 18-hole courses, hitting some balls on the six tennis courts, or relaxing at the 6,500-square-foot spa.

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An added draw is Alisals robust culinary program. During our visit, we attended one of itsCalifornia Ranch Cookouts, a series of dinners hosted by celebrated California chefsours was led by Brooke Williamson, season 4 winner of Bravos Top Chef. Williamsonwas on-site cooking up a menu of seafood paella with oak grilled lobster, grilled quail with soy benito glaze,charred okra, and mixed chicory salad. The offerings were rounded out by dishes from Alisal chef Anthony Endy that includedsmoked beef and pork ribs, Santa Mariastyle (the local barbecue tradition) tri-tip, spice-crusted ahi tuna, and fire-roasted focaccia pizzas (a solid standby for picky kids).

The festive alfresco dinner, backed by live musicin our case, a classic cover band playing rock standards that our kids, OK and maybe us adults, too, had fun grooving tofeels almost like a casual wedding or a fun larger social event. Most diners get a little dressed up (we saw some cowboy hats and boots come out) and guests eat under a large white tent outside. Better still: The cookouts are no additional cost for guests, with future dates extending into the fall.

Also included are the Alisal rodeos, which take place every Wednesday and Friday evening during the summer and Friday evenings through the fall. They include roping, barrel racing, where riders and their horses compete to see who can ride a cloverleaf pattern around barrels the fastest, and sorting, in which teams of riders drive cattle into a pen.For intermediate and advanced riders who want to join the fun, they can take sorting lessons the day of the rodeo and participate in the competition. The events are followed by a western-style barbecue, live country music, and dancing at the rodeo arena.

Twice a year, typically in spring and fall, Alisal also hosts an immersive BBQ Bootcamp, a two-day program complete with grilling workshops, cooking demonstrations, and special receptionsa parade of barbecue meals and knowledge from regional cooks and chefs with a penchant for barbecue.

For us, visiting the storied property was a true break from the rhythms and rigors of our daily lives, something we were especially grateful for after the long pandemic months we have all been through. The combination of a laid-back atmosphere around the pool and property, endless activities, beautiful horses and farm animals, well-appointed luxury cottages, and innovative cuisine allowed us parents to enjoy and indulge while our young kids played, rode, and socialized to their hearts content.

The property is extremely family-friendly (a big draw of dude ranches in general) so there is no shortage of potential pals. Before and after meals when our kids were too antsy to remain at the table, they quickly joined forces with other younger guests who had a similar disinterest in sitting and eating. While we enjoyed some bites and sips of great food and drinks (the cocktails were particularly delicious), we watched our kids run around with their newfound ranch buddies.

On the way out, we tacked on a couple hours in the nearby Danish village of Solvang. The town dates back to 1911 when it was established by a group of Danish immigrants from the Midwest. They built many of the buildings to reflect classic Danish style and the more than 100-year-old outpost has become a slightly cheesy but utterly charming tourist stop. We had a casual outdoor lunch at Solvang Brewing Company, and fueled up for the rest of our drive with cold brew coffees fromGood Seed. We took the kids to OnederChild for some beautifully crafted toys and to the Copenhagen House for its Danish design pieces and the (kind of secret) LEGO room towards the back.

The moderate Southern California weather means that Alisal is open year-round, which is not always the case with dude ranchesmany shut for the winter due to weather. We went during April and while the weather was perfect, we will definitely return in summer or fall to experience a rodeo.

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Alisal lends itself to physical distancing: Youre outside more often than not. There are plenty of outdoor dining options with well-spaced seating for those who dont feel comfortable eating inside (eating indoors is also an option). I would honestly eat outside despite the pandemic because Alisal makes the experience so pleasant and fun with a large tent, occasional live music and plenty of lawn space for restless kids to run around on before and after meals.

Guests are asked to wear masks in common areas and the majority of patrons abided by and were very respectful of masking and distancing measures during our stay. Alisals mask policy may be updated after California officially reopens on June 15 and the majority of the states COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

All breakfasts and dinners as well as several activities are included in Alisals nightly rates, which start at $450 per night for a studio and at $950 per night for one of the newly remodeled 760-square-foot luxury suites.

Whether youre looking to get your ranch fix in Northern California, Southern California, or somewhere in between, grab your boots and check into these great ranches throughout the state.

Having opened to overnight guests in 1962, Greenhorn Ranch has served as an outdoor retreat in the Eastern Sierras for nearly 60 years. Located on 600 acres, the property offers horseback riding, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and archery in its scenic forested setting. Accommodations consist of a 12-room lodge, 16 cabins that can sleep between four and six people, and a 1972 Airstream camper for two. Events and activities include a weekly rodeo, barbecues and cookouts, bonfires with smores making, tequila and whisky tastings, live music, and line dancing.

Just northeast of Yosemite, Hunewill Guest Ranch offers three-, four-, five-, and seven-night packages that include the opportunity for guests to work cattle on horseback. This ranch is for serious horse lovers and is very focused on riding, so much so that pull-on cowboy boots are not optional. The property is open from late spring to late fall (for 2021, that means May 28 through November 13) and stays include all meals, horseback riding (kids must be at least six to ride), accommodations, and activities such as hayrides, cookouts, and square dancing. The guest cabins are simple and comfortable, far from the over-the-top luxury you can expect at ranches like Alisal.

The 158-year-old Rankin Ranch (a 31,000-acre operating cattle ranch still being run by the Rankin family) is set in the Tehachapi Mountains at the southern end of the Sequoia National Forest. Like Hunewill, this is a traditional, old-school ranch with simple lodgings that consist of seven duplex cabins (14 rooms total) that can accommodate up to 50 guests. Breakfast and dinner are served in the main dining room and a buffet lunch is served on an outdoor terrace overlooking the swimming pool. In addition to ample horseback-riding opportunities, guests can go hiking, fishing, biking, or just relax at the pool. The property also offers a daily childrens program from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. (with a break from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.) with planned activities such as arts and crafts, nature hikes, and scavenger hunts for kids ages 4 through 11. Babysitters are available for an additional fee.

Another family-owned and operated ranch, Circle Bar B Stables is available just for horseback riding, or you can stay overnight in a deluxe room, private cabin, or an upscale two-bedroom, two-story hillside homestead. In addition to hiking and riding along the coastal mountain trails, guests at the Circle Bar B Guest Ranch & Stables have access to the pool, spa, and game room and will be provided with all daily meals (which are included in the rates). This ranch has the added advantage of being a stones throw from the Pacific Ocean, so visitors can combine their western-style ranch getaway with some beach time.

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Where to Go for an Authentic Dude Ranch Experience in California - AFAR Media

As a rookie picked in the fifth round, Darius Slayton led the New York Giants in receiving yards in 2019. Then the former Auburn standout did it again in 2020.

But if Slayton leads the Giants in receiving yards in 2021, it might be a bigger surprise than when he did so as a rookie.

New York has invested in its wide-receiver corps this offseason by signing free agents Kenny Golladay and John Ross and using a first-round draft pick on Floridas Kadarius Toney, a former Blount High School star.

Im excited about all the guys they brought in -- KT and John Ross and KG, Slayton said. Im excited about all the guys we added to the room. I think you should take a more-the-merrier mindset. Its never a bad thing to have a bunch of talented guys in one room.

Golladay missed 11 games with a hip injury in 2020 after catching 65 passes for 1,190 yards and 11 touchdowns in his second straight 1,000-yard season in 2019 for the Detroit Lions.

The Cincinnati Bengals used the ninth pick in the 2017 NFL Draft on Ross after he ran a 4.22-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. But he missed 37 of Cincinnatis 64 games over the past four seasons.

Toney caught 70 passes for 984 yards and 10 touchdowns in his final season at Florida.

The influx of new wide receivers could reduce Slaytons targets, or Golladay could draw the top cornerbacks in coverage throughout the season, decreasing the difficult of getting open for Slayton.

Slayton isnt analyzing the effect of the Giants acquisitions on New Yorks passing attack.

I dont really worry about it, Slayton said. I just try to go out and be my best every day I can be, and I plan to serve whatever role this team has in store for me.

Right now, Im just focused on trying to make sure I know all my plays, make sure I know all my assignments and make sure I make plays when my name is called.

Slayton caught 48 passes for 740 yards and eight touchdowns in 2019, when led the leagues rookies in touchdown receptions even though a hamstring injury delayed his NFL debut to Game 3 that season.

Before Slayton, no rookie from Auburn had caught more than five TD passes in the NFL, and it had been 68 years since Ray Pelfrey did that for the Green Bay Packers.

In 2020, Slayton caught 50 passes for 751 yards and three touchdowns as a 15-game starter.

In both seasons, Sterling Shepard and Golden Tate were deemed more likely to be the Giants top receiver. But they combined to miss 19 games over the past two seasons.

While Shepard had 25 more receptions than Slayton over the past two seasons, he had 259 fewer receiving yards and five fewer touchdown receptions.

When New York drafted Toney on April 29, Giants coach Joe Judge said he talked to Shepard about the pick. Shephard is preparing for his sixth season with the Giants.

If theres an older, experienced, vet player at a position, and we draft a player, I do talk to the players and let them know, Judge said. Last year when we drafted Andrew Thomas, I had a conversation with Nate Solder on the phone afterwards. This year after the draft, I called Shep. To me, its important to understand that, look, we are bringing in players to help this program and that the better each player plays, the more it helps each player on the team.

We dont look at any player on this program coming in as a threat or replacement. We look to go ahead and breed competition in this program, and the best players will play. But I do think theres merit to talking to your older, veteran leaders on the team and when you add someone at their position and just clarifying who youre bringing in and what the immediate plans are for that player.

Judge did not talk to Slayton about the Toney selection.

I would say (Slayton) is a veteran player, Judge said when asked last week about speaking with Shepard but not Slayton about the addition of Toney. Hes not in his first year right here, so hes got skins on the game right there.

In terms of Darius, everyones going to play to their strengths. Darius and Toney, will they be on the field at the same time? Different times? Different packages, different positions at times, but I think everybody on the team affects the other by the way they work and how they produce.

In terms of specifically that position, I felt it was necessary to talk to Shep specifically because when we drafted Toney the word in the press as he was reading those headlines was specifically hes a slot receiver, which, look, were not bringing in someone just to play one position. But I thought it was relevant at the time to contact Shep out of respect for how he is with our program to communicate that with him.

The Giants have one practice left on their offseason schedule on Tuesday. After the summer break, the players are scheduled to report for training camp on July 27.

Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at@AMarkG1.

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Darius Slayton has more-the-merrier mindset about Giants receiver additions - AL.com

New year, new roster. With every new season comes a lot of change, even for teams that are able to retain most (or all in the Buccaneers case) of their starting lineup.

Because of these changes, there is always roster turnover. However, this may come as a surprise to some players, especially those that have been on the team for a number of years.

The NFL world is cut-throat, if youre not better than the next guy, your career might be in jeopardy. With the influx of rookies and free-agents, some of these veterans are going to need to fight tooth and nail to hold their spot against these newcomers.

Thats why Im going to be bringing out my crystal ball again to predict who I think might not be able to beat out their training camp competition to end up on the final 53 man roster.

While I dont think anyone from the starting lineup with end up losing their spot, there are some depth pieces that might be replaced by Week One, so lets dive in.

Now this might be a player that comes as no surprise. With the Buccaneers drafting Jaelon Darden in the 2021 draft, the writing is practically already on the wall for Mickens. He was signed during the 2019 season to act as a return man and an emergency receiver and was actually quite a spark in the return game throughout the 2020 playoff run.

He even stepped in as a receiver for a few games this past season and caught seven passes for 58 yards. Despite his success in limited opportunities, he just doesnt really have a place anymore on this loaded Buccaneers roster.

With the aforementioned Darden predictably taking over the return duties, Mickens could really only find his way as a receiver. However, if the Buccaneers have a spoil of riches anywhere on this roster, its in the receiving room, which would make it difficult for him to stick there. Because of this, Mickens may be wearing a different uniform in 2021.

The long time Buccaneer veteran might finally see his road come to an end in Tampa Bay. After serving as the third string quarterback since 2015, Griffin is finally being faced with competition that might oust him from his current position.

In the five years that Griffin has been in Tampa Bay, other quarterbacks have walked through the door to test his spot, but Griffin has always prevailed as the third option.

But, with the Bucs selecting Kyle Trask in the second round of the 2021 draft, it seems as if Griffin will find himself as the odd-man out for the first time. However, the fan favorite will forever be immortalized on the T-shirts of many Buccaneers fans after keeping Brady upright after the Super Bowl boat parade.

Ok so now this one may come as a surprise, but hear me out. Tampa Bay has a fearsome pass rush and one that ranks pretty high amongst NFL teams. However, outside of their starting duo of Jason Pierre-Paul and Shaq Barrett, theres not a lot of production.

One of the biggest culprits of this is Anthony Nelson, a talented run defender who just doesnt really add anything from a pass rush standpoint. Following the trend of bumping someone off the roster due to the draft, I think Nelson has the potential to be a depth casualty after the Bucs selected Joe Tryon in the first round.

After a season in which the Buccaneers only carried four outside linebackers, Nelson is falling to the bottom of that list and may lose out to another guy whose pass rush is stronger than his. While I would think Cam Gill gets the axe before Nelson, anything is possible when deciding between multiple players for the same spot.

For the final player on this list, I wanted to look at a guy who I am almost positive will be on the outside when the dust settles. While Watson was seen as someone who couldve been a diamond in the rough after coming out of the University of Pennsylvania, he never really amounted to more than a special teams player.

It isnt really his fault though as hes primarily been stuck behind more talented players like Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, DeSean Jackson, Adam Humphries, Antonio Brown, etc. which have pushed him to the bottom of the receiving depth chart year after year.

On top of this, a less than optimal connection with Tom Brady in 2020 and the addition of some special teams players through the draft forces Watson to fight an uphill battle. While he has shown flashes of being capable as the third or fourth option on an NFL roster, he just wont find that on an absolutely loaded roster.

Almost anything can happen in training camp, which means that there are probably a lot of surprises in store before the season begins. For the Buccaneers, I dont think well see many surprises since a good amount of their roster is already set.

However, the four players that Ive listed here are sitting in a potentially precarious situation due to the amount of depth that Tampa Bay will be bringing to the table. In the receiver room, the addition of Dardon and some other special teamers might mean the end for Mickens and Watson.

At the outside linebacker position, Joe Tryon is going to force someone out, it just depends on who that will be. While my belief is that Cam Gill will be the odd man out, we might see a surprise cut in Anthony Nelson just because his pass rush and pass coverage (which Bowles loves to do with his OLBs) is well below average.

As for Griffin, the addition of Trask and the re-signing of Gabbert is probably the end for him. While it will be sad to see some of these players go, just remember, they all got a Super Bowl ring out of it and probably wont be too sad to compete for actual playing time elsewhere.

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Predicting potential training camp cuts for the Bucs - Bucs Nation