Hi  Rob,

Best wishes to you for the  New Year. 
A quick update on issues we discussed earlier. 

1) We had discussed a collaboration whereby I would help get
submm intereferometric data for SING targets with SMA. It is of
course clear that this program would work best if I was at the CfA.
as those closely involved with SMA would likely get to do first
science in testing mode. I had talked to Paul Ho, the SMA project 
scientist about potential projets.  Right now I have applied 
for a Clay Fellowship, SIRTF fellowship  and SMA postdoc position 
and I have to see what happens. 
Another option is for me to be bassed somewhere else and 
still apply for observing time in collab with you when there is a 
call for  proposals. This may mean getting data more slowly than 
if I were at the SMA, but it may be worth a shot.
 

2) Single dish submm fluxes

I think in preparation for SMA  it would be good to get
sinlge dish  submm data for SINGS targets. If no one is 
doing this yet,  I would like to look into this. Do you have
a prioritized  list for SINGS target for which you want
submm-complete SEDS?   If these are to be used as template 
for high Z systems, they have to be *representative*. 
Thus it may even be good to include in submm sample, in 
addition to SINGS  targets,  some more dusty  mergers and 
ULIRGs.


3)  OVRO data 
As I mentioned earlier, there is little overlap between SINGS 
and our OVRO survey MAIN (Molecular Gas in Active and Inactive 
Nuclei). There are  about 10  galaxies including  3351, 4321,
4536, 4569, 4736, 5033, 6946 + a few archival  for which we
could bring  2" multiple line transitions CO 1--0, 2--1, 
HCN 1--0 .   But this is not a substantial contribution.

If you are interested in high resolution observations for a 
sub-sample which you are not following up with BIMA/SONG team 
we could  propose at OVRO on Jan 15 and start to get the 
data for a few. I am at AAS and  we could  discuss this if you
make a priority list.  


4) Regarding jobs  

I am on the STScI  shortlist for a tenure track faculty position, 
but even if I get it, it is 50% support 50% research. I think it may 
perhaps be better for me to have a 100% research positions right
now so I can get a lot of good science done in next few years.
From being at OVRO, I know that technical support  work can in
peak periods take 80% of one's time.  So I would like to also apply 
for good postdoctoral positions and high  on the list, is the  one 
you mentioned you are offering.  I know there will be a lot of applicants, 
but I hope you will consider my application which I will send shortly.
I am conducting large survey projects which require completion 
before they can be published. Thus while I have adequate conference
proceedings showing results, I do not have a long list of journal 
papers. I am focusing on finishing up papers in next 6 months, 
so this will improve.  I  attach a paper I submitted to ApJL yesterday. 
The second paper (II) is to follow shortly and the preprint is 
available for review. 



Best Regards, 

Shardha