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Understanding the buildings of London through drawing…
my instinctive way to understand a building is to draw it as I am observing it. I think it is part of my architectural background of design sketching that I draw to think…. rather than observing first and drawing second. Anyway here are a few scribbles of some iconic buildings of London.
If I haven't said before I am having a few days in London after BCN and so one might think that this is a bit of trip prep.
BTW I am loving seeing Alissa Duke's trip prep on her blog (she is also going to London as well as BCN) www.alissaduke.com/
However…this sketching is actually work - how cool is that… I have an exciting illustration project that I am working on at the moment and this is preparation for that. Ok…back to work.
Happy Monday everyone… oh! it is cold today in Sydney!
Martin Creed
Work No. 2630 UNDERSTANDING, 2016
Red Neon, Steel
Approx dims: 21 3/5 x 50 x 2 1/8 ft / 658.6 x 1524 x 66 cm. Base 25 x 25 feet at top / 33 x 33 feet at bottom
Presented by Public Art Fund, May 4 – October 23, 2016 at Pier 6, Brooklyn Bridge Park
Courtesy the artist, Gavin Brown’s enterprise New York/Rome, and Hauser & Wirth
Photo: Jason Wyche, Courtesy Public Art Fund, NY
© Martin Creed 2016
...to liberate the children of men
from the darkness of ignorance,
and guide them to the light
of true understanding.
Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 79
Our text-book tackles the history, aesthetics, culture (and much more) of video games (now in stores)
photographer: xergs
location: malasag cdo,Philippines
Living gives you a better understanding of life. I would hope that my characters have become deeper and more rounded personalities. Wider travels have given me considerably greater insight into how cultural differences affect not only people, but politics and art.
--Alan Dean Foster--
During this record heatwave Elvis has decided to do his part and provide the world with the following lifesaving information - Elvis Kennedy's Guide to Understanding the Color of Your Pee and How it Can Be Used to Save Your Life.
First developed by Elvis during his Tour de France days as a guide to be used during cycling in the summer months, it has since been adopted by athletes of every sport, as well as working stiffs who must deal with heat and dehydration in their daily grind. It's especially useful for photographers working long hours in the baking sun.
With the general public now facing record temperatures this guide can be used by every man, woman and child as a quick and easy, down and dirty, handy-dandy, post on your bathroom mirror and on your refridgerator - guide to see if you have been drinking enough fluids.
Study this chart and you'll never look at your pee in the same way again. Ever.
Drink more water. Save yourselves. Elvis cares.
For more go to www.elviskennedy.com
The same sliced and chromed column in front of Pecci Museum, Prato.
This photo is an explanation for the other one (Pecci) as you can see the monument
from a clearer point of view.
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La stessa colonna affettata e cromata di fronte al Museo Pecci di arte moderna a Prato.
Questo scatto è un po' una spiegazione dell'altro (Pecci, accanto) potendo vedere la colonna da un punto di vista + chiaro.
And there it was, the moment of rapture and understanding, being one with the surroundings and seeing it how it really is
It was a fun RP and I recommend others to stop by and have a chat next week!
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Amara exits the elevator after an odd fumble with the buttons and waves to the sister. "Good evening Sister. How are you tonight?"
Darkness Odigaunt looked up from her book, "Hey, not too bad, you? Here for the class?"
David Valentino steps into the room and smiles at Darkness, approaching the desk and setting a shiny red apple on it, before winking and heading to a desk.
Amara nods, "Yes. Even brought something for notes." She'd tap her hip back which SL is not rezzing yet before taking a seat.
Myya Loire grins as she sees who the teacher's pet is, sitting all up in the first row, "This the adult education class?" she asks, eyeing the big kid in leather.
David Valentino turns and smiles at Myya, then shakes his head.
Darkness Odigaunt sat up and looked uneasily at the apple, "Is that going to explode like, halfway through class?" She nodded and stood up, "No notes tonight, really. Not for the first class. This is us, have a seat."
David Valentino: "Sorry..this is the Kama Sutra class. Adult education is down in the alley."
Myya Loire pops a squat and kicks David's chair "Oh... sorry... not..." she says, totally planning on all sorts of mischief, but then... she wasn't there to play, she was there to learn, "You don't have to be Christian for this class, right?" she asks the teacher.
David Valentino smiles at Darkness, "Naw..that's prime grade A apple. A serpent gave it to me, but I thought you could use it more."
Darkness Odigaunt shook her head, "Nope. We're going to start with that probably, but not stay just with one religion anyway."
Amara rolled her eyes at David. "Kama sutra...like you need to be a class for that. Be mindful not to be struck by lighting David; I will not try to revive you if the good Lord decides to punish you for that." Since the book was not needed, Amara placed it back in the bag and waited.
Myya Loire nods and tugs at the cross on her necklace that was so not appropriate, "Alright, cause, like I'm a Brooklyn Russian Jew, Bukharin and Russian... old school." she wanted to make that clear so that there wouldn't be any question as to which side of the debate she'd be falling on who Jesus died for... someone else's sins... not hers.
David Valentino laughs, "Naw..god and me got an understanding. he leaves me alone and I do the same for him." He then turns back to watch the good sister with humorous interest.
Darkness Odigaunt nodded, "Maybe you can help when we get to Judaism then." She smiled and checked the dial over the door, "We'll start soon, doesn't look like anyone else is coming."
David Valentino notices the quotes by T.S. Elliott and Poe on the wall and arches a brow.
Myya Loire fiddles with a bit of paper on her desk, tearing off little pieces and turning them into tiny projectiles. She lines them up along the edge and takes careful aim for the back of David's collar.
Amara asks, "So we'll be starting with Christianity today I assume, Sister? Or general discussion about religion as it were?"
Darkness Odigaunt looks back, "Okay! No, we're sort of just going to start generally. Like, how much people know." She leaned back on her desk, "So... how much do you know?"
David Valentino feels some mini paper projectiles bouncing off his collar and hitting his hair and frowns, hoping the good sister breaks out the ruler soon.
Teyh Saunders tries to slip into the classroom quietly, keeping to the back of the classroom as he tries to move along the back wall. Half way across, he would stop, folding his arms across his chest, listening closely and smiling at the Sister.
David Valentino raises a hand but doesn't wait to be called on, "Religion came about as ways to explain the unexplainable, then to give hope for an afterlife because of the fear of death, and finally, as a control method.”
Amara hummed. “My view of religion’s been more about finding guidance for things. The mentality of ‘What would this person do?’ in a certain scenario rather than strictly adhering to certain beliefs.”
Teyh Saunders began to put together from the various responses that the question was about religion, raising his hand from his standing spot in the back of the room and waiting quietly to be called upon.
David Valentino eyes Amara, "That sounds more like spirituality than religion."
Darkness Odigaunt nodded, "Pretty good. That's about the definition of general religion," to David. She pointed to the woman beside him, "That's good too. Still right, but a completely different right." She nodded to Teyh as he walked in, then to allow him to speak.
Amara nods. “I suppose it does. I've seen some times in life that make me question Christianity but at the same time accept it if that makes any sense. There are things out there that religion cannot explain, but a deeper belief can…or rather it tries to.” She turned behind her to see who the sister was nodding to.
Myya Loire has no idea anyone is behind her, doesn't think raising your hand is required in an adult education class and so just puts in "We're all going up the same mountain, just taking different paths."
Teyh Saunders lowers his hand slightly, closing his eyes as he speaks. "Religion is variant, it depends on the religion in question. Christianity is the worship of the 'Lord Jesus Christ' who sacrificed himself on the cross to absolve us for our sins...then you have Daoism, which is a religion as well yet has nothing to do with Jesus Christ and instead focuses on the Tao - the Great Mother - more of a state of being rather than a physical being. So in a sense, a religion is the ethics and morality that is within the minds of most human beings that they follow and relate most closely to. Typically involving worship of some kind, but not always." He himself was a Daoist, having converted long ago...yet he felt respect for other religions as well - thus why he was here.
Darkness Odigaunt turned and started writing the replies, hesitating and just writing just the last part of Teyh's, "Right, right. I liked the mountain analogy." She stepped back, the four different answers standing out against the fading chalk from classes past, "So, David, I think you said something about spirituality, right? So, what's the difference between spirituality and religion?"
David Valentino smiles, "Spirituality, is more of an inner essence, or set of morals and beliefs, while religion is more teachings, drilled in through repetition, and usually with punishments and rewards thrown in, in order for a few to control the many."
Darkness Odigaunt tapped her lip ring with the piece of chalk, "Interesting thought... Anyone have any others?"
Myya Loire: "Religion is a set of doctrines handed down along with dogma and traditions based on ancient text that's been re-interpreted with each generation," she chimes in.
Darkness Odigaunt nodded, "That's a little more objective."
Teyh Saunders thought for a moment, clearing his throat as he did. "Well...the line between spirituality and religion can at times be blurred and marred. If one follows the Christian God, the texts and the ethics set forth by said texts of their own volition...is that religion or spirituality?" He shifted his weight slightly, moving to the desk in front of him and leaning upon it. "Does the actions of the group associated with a religion or spiritual calling really determine which is which? Or is it instead the service that it renders upon those who follow it what determines that?"
Amara smiles. “I like how David worded that. I think spirituality warrants a broader sense of awareness where as religion sorta confines you to what is and what isn’t. Certain things cannot change and must not be meddled with in certain religions while in spiritual beliefs this restriction isn’t always there. I'm speaking in terms of most religions, not just Christianity.”
David Valentino nods to Amara in agreement, then turns toward Teyh, "Sadly..I think the longer a religion survives, the less it bumps up against spirituality. Though there are always exceptions. But mankind corrupts all eventually."
Myya Loire shakes her head, "There are different interpretations in all religions... those who conform and those who readjust the view based on their human experience..."
Darkness Odigaunt set the chalk down, then pointed Teyh to a desk, "It's going to be short tonight, but not that short." She leaned against one of the less chalked areas of the board, "This is a great discussion. They're similar, but there are certain things an established religion needs."
Teyh Saunders closes his eyes once more, letting off a small 'hmm' sound at David's words. He would shift into the seat, being a bit uncomfortable there. "Sorry...standing problem." He murmurs, looking up at the Sister now.
Amara chuckles, “Well what do the established religions have over spirituality movements…besides more followers and texts to be followed?”
David Valentino shrugs, "Power and money."
Myya Loire: "Tradition!" Myya adds, "And family history."
Amara shook her head. “No, it’s more than that. A corporation has money and power but ya don’t see people lining up on a given day to worship them, now do you? And folks can stray from their family traditions without losing faith in their religions. There’s something else that separates them.”
David Valentino arches a brow, "I see many people lining up to "worhsip" corporations every day."
Myya Loire adds, "You might think you break from your family traditions, but you're fooling yourself... what you grow up with stays with you forever."
David Valentino sighs, "Corporations just preach a different sermon than religions."
Darkness Odigaunt smiled, "Great guesses." She wrote the two on the board, "To be no longer considered a cult, a group needs a million followers." She hesitated, "Well, last I heard. I doubt it changes much. Laws are just a part of it. You can have a completely oral history and tradition and still be considered a religion." She shook her head at the next guess, "No, while it helps in the real world, in theory you can be a religion with no money or power. Granted, if a person had no money whatsoever." She smiled at the woman in the back, "Tradition is part of it, but it doesn't have to be. You don't have to bea religion to have those."
Myya Loire looks a bit confused..."You don't have to be a religion to have tradtions, but you can't be a religion without traditions... then it's just... what?"
David Valentino eyes Darkness, "Show me one religion that doesn't end up being about money or power. Even the small ones usually evolve into control..which equals power of a sort."
Teyh Saunders lifts his eyes up, shaking his head slightly. Most Daoist monks were poor folk, though they had their traditions and beliefs. "The force that can be forced is not the eternal force. Daoism doesn't focus itself on power or control, but instead in passivity. Searching for the inner peace within one self that allows us to be one with the Great Mother - Tao, which is all and nothing."
David Valentino mumbles, "Sounds like a spiritual calling or belief rather than an organized religion then. Eastern philosophy and all that stuff."
Myya Loire shakes her head... "Just gotta have folks... I guess."
Darkness Odigaunt shook her head, "Sorry, a bit nervous for my first class. Tradition falls in," she drew a circle and labeled it spirituality, inside, she drew smaller circles and labeled them 'religion', then wrote tradition out in spirituality. "It's here, I think." To David, she answered, "I said on paper. Besides, I don't think -any- are all about money and control. None of the ones that last, even something that asks you to pay a ton like scientology."
Teyh Saunders nods slightly. "Thus why I said it's marred and blurred between religion and spirituality. We have our holy grounds, our temples. But we do not say there is but one way to be one with the Great Mother..." He trailed off, allowing D to speak, keeping to himself now.
David Valentino shrugs, "As far back as the Summarians and Babylonians, the heads of religions used there followers to gain wealth and power. In some cases for political reasons. The rise of the Catholic religion is a prime example. They changed tenants as quickly as they were rewarded to do so in the middle ages and beyond. I don't mean to sound like religions don't do good as well. But they are flawed at their base level, because they are taught and decided upon by man. Spirituality is often a search within one's self..which is sounds like what the fellow in the back there is speaking of."
Myya Loire chuckles, "Yup... men... " is all she says.
Amara is quiet for some time as the others defend or debunk their views. "It's not always about money. In the end, you are just trying to get as many followers to see what you see. As a religion, a cult, a movement, or whatever, the base hope is that you get people to question themselves and reflect upon what they find."
Teyh Saunders leaned his head in his hand, sighing slightly. He wouldn't argue the point any further - that wasn't the point of why people were here today. He wasn't here to preach, but to observe
Darkness Odigaunt laughed at Myya and waved a hand, "It sounds like we're all coming from different views, but that's great. Civil debate's the best way to learn sometimes." She turned and wrote "morality", "But there's another concept that's related to these first two. What's your take on this one?"
Myya Loire couldn't help but quip, "Morality, it's what's for dinner."
Amara let out a sigh at the word written down. “This is what likely made me branch away from Christianity. I’m a scientist after all and I know first hand that those morals and the rules of morality can sometimes stand in the way of progressing things and bettering lives. At the same time, there are things I believe science is not meant to touch, even if theoretically it can. Morality in my opinion is how religion manage to keep their followers in line.”
David Valentino shrugs, "I think everyone has an iner voice, but I also think morality is taught from birth, and differently, depending upon your location, economic level and social boundaries."
David Valentino: *inner
Darkness Odigaunt raised an eye at Amara, "Uh... oh...kay." She nodded at David, "That's a good way of looking at it too."
Myya Loire flicks another bit of paper at David... "Rules are made to be broken... morals are made to bend and recover from..."
David Valentino expounds, "Morality two hundred years ago is far different than it is now for most of us. Twelve year old brides were not out of the norm. Now you would be a social and legal pariah…"
Darkness Odigaunt checked the time, "Why do you say that?" she asked Myya.
Myya Loire adds, "Well, Lot tried to sell his daughters so he could have a good nights sleep... and he was considered righteous by God... when Sarah turned back to witness the destruction of Gamora she got turned to salt... what's that about?"
Amara nods. "Back then, people didn't live that long either, David. Marrying young was normal. That view changed as humans started to live longer lives. You didn't need a young wife anymore but a virgin was still standard."
Darkness Odigaunt brushed the chalk off her butt, "Well, the Bible wasn't faxed down by God. She's," she headnodded at Amara, "Is right. A lot has changed since then. We don't know that God approved of Lot offering his virgin daughters to be raped was right, we know that Lot wanting to protect strangers in his home was."
David Valentino disagrees, "it was when a girl had her period and could breed. it was natural. But morals have changed over time to encompass the mental readiness of a bride as well. Morals change. We once looked upon black folks as animals, because it was taught to us to believe, morally, that we were superior. But times change as does or morality."
David Valentino smiles at Darkness, "The Old Testament is savage and brutal compared to the new…yet Christianity encompasses both."
Myya Loire quips..."Well, that's all biological... had to spread the seed... to make sure the kid was yours not someone elses you wanted a virgin and shit... " Myya backs up David a bit... and then adds..."um, from what little I've read of the new testament... the whole concept of questioning God or his minions is really really frowned upon... which is brutal in its own way."
Darkness Odigaunt shook her head, "You're thinking of the Old Testament. We can get into that next week though when we start on Christianity."
Myya Loire sneezed three times in a row, head tossed back, exhausted like she'd just had an orgasm... "Oh... anyone gots a tissue?"
Amara nods. "Yes, now we look at hybrids as animals, lower beings, or equals depending on our beliefs. I don't think the old Testament was brutal, Sister. Perhaps more honest..." She pulled a few sheets from her hip bag and offered them to the woman. "Bless you."
David Valentino hopes he doesn't have snot as well as spitwads on the back of his long coat.
David Valentino looks up at the good sister, "We do we search so desperately for answers? Why do we feel the need for religion? Won't all questions be answered when we die?"
Myya Loire dabs her nose with the tissue and wonders just how much longer the class was going to be as she had to leave soon.
Darkness Odigaunt erased a b it of the board, "Who's to say it's more honest?" She shrugged and walked back to her desk, "It's human nature. We wonder, we want answers now."
David Valentino nods, "And we fear. It's intriguing. And I apologize if I come across overly sarcastic. I envy true believers at times."
Amara leans forward. "Maybe it's because we are impatient, David. The dead stay silent about it ,and what happens after we pass away is something most of us want to know before we get there too."
Myya Loire tilts her head, "I envy idiots, life is so much simpler when you're ignorant..."
Darkness Odigaunt sat down, "Classtime is over. We can continue this disussion downstairs if you'd like, or next week."
Myya Loire: "Is there homework?"
David Valentino smiles to Amara, "I guess I'm more concerned about how I feel about myself here on earth than what waits beyind. I'll take the answers when i can see them and feel them, or go into sweet oblivion."
David Valentino nods to Darkness, "Thank you for giving us your time. I'll be more quiet next time..promise!"
David Valentino he stands and looks back at Myya and gives her a "bad girl" frown.
Amara starts to stand. "I don't believe we ever introduced ourselves to each other. i know David loosely, but that's it."
Darkness Odigaunt shook her head, "Bring a friend? I just want you to think about your religion, if you have one, your spirituality, and your morality. No problem, David, talking was always my favorite part of religion class in school
Darkness Odigaunt: ."
David Valentino snickers, "She said loosely"
Myya Loire waves, "Name's Myya, I run the bookshop up in Apoc... and I'm taking a couple of online college classes. I was hoping I could get you to sign a form or two so I can get credit for the class."
David Valentino nods to the good suister, "I'll try and round some folks up. Perhaps I can put a schedule up on at the bar. Lord knows most folks that come drinking could use some education."
Amara rolled her eyes. "Not in that fashion, you pervert. One of your lost children was an acquaintance of mine. Regardless, I’m Dr. Amara Dubois, CEO for the Ashagi Labs branch. Nice to meet you, Myya. I enjoyed this session and I will be sure to try and bring my wife along to the next class.”
Darkness Odigaunt nodded, "I can, if it'll do you any good, Myya." She nodded to David, "Adult's classes fridays at this time, kid's Wednesdays."
David Valentino nods, "I'll send Sally and Tunny your way then for the Wednesday classes."
Myya Loire pulls out the form and hands it over to the good sister, smiling sheepishly as she's getting college credit for not much... still, she would be getting her degree, first in her family, in a couple of years. "Thanks sister."
Darkness Odigaunt signs the form, "I'll keep them safe for a little while for you."
Amara weaves through the desks to call the elevator. "Until next Friday, Sister. Have a nice evening."
David Valentino moves toward the door, "The apple really is just an apple Sister. " He smiles at her letting the double meaning come in, then looks to Amara, "I loved your viewpoints. An intelligent and beautiful woman is enough to make me believe there truly is good. Well…almost."
Darkness Odigaunt pokes the apple again, "Cookies and milk for ya in the fridge downstairs. Thanks for coming."
Inspired by one of my favorite Flickr photographers: www.flickr.com/photos/je_est_un_autre/2519152913/in/set-7...
The exhibition "Understanding AI" shows how neural networks are structured and offers visitors the opportunity to train neural networks themselveswith via interactive stations.
Credit: Ars Electronica / Robert Bauernhansl
MEXICO CITY - U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Kevin McAleenan and Chief of Mexico Tax Administration Service Osvaldo Santin signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Cargo Pre-Inspection Program and Unified Cargo Processing, in Mexico City, Mexico, March 26, 2018. This MOU states the bilateral commitment for the further implementation of cargo-pre inspection and UCP programs, through which Mexican customs officers and CBP officers will work together to inspect and process cargo shipments. Official DHS photo by Jetta Disco.
"Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better."
Albert Einstein
Heading out on vacation, see you soon; have a great week!
Photo captured via Minolta MD Rokkor-X 50mm F/1.7 lens. In the city of Redmond. King County, Washington. Late October 2015.
Exposure Time: 1/200 sec. * ISO Speed: ISO-800 * Aperture: F/2.8 * Bracketing: None
This picture was taken at open air exhibition dedicated to Blocade of Leningrad during WWII. Blocade lasted for 872 days, over 600.000 died of starvation. This man took part in the exhibition, he wears uniform of those days. I think we can see strong emotions on his face.
(News and useful links found at bottom of description)
Read the inspiring MayDay Rally speeches! #1 by Howard Woodhouse
I’ve come here today with several questions:
What is a University?
What are some of the defining characteristics of a public university like the U of S?
Shouldn’t a university provide universal, or rather inclusive, forms of understanding to those who come to learn?
Hence, a place where there is a balanced relationship between teaching, learning, scholarship, and research?
Certainly, these have until recently been defining characteristics of public universities.
So, in light of these, let us imagine a family from Saskatchewan who wish to send their daughter to the U of S.
There are two immediate questions they have to ask: first, can we afford to send our daughter to the U of S; second, how much choice will she have in her undergraduate programs?
To the first question, the family will soon learn that Saskatchewan universities have the second highest fees in the country, according to Stats Canada.
To the second question, the daughter will soon learn that among the programs under threat by TransformUS are those in languages, mathematics, philosophy, religion and culture, art, music, and drama.
In other words, a liberal arts education may well be expunged together with the critical thought which it develops.
As a result, the sons and daughters of the people of Saskatchewan who pay for the U of S are being robbed of a pillar of university education.
And what, one might ask do senior administrators have to say about this state of affairs?
Bearing in mind that their numbers have increased by more than 100% since the year 2000 and that their salaries amount to $4.74 million?
In December, the president offered some encouragement by stating that “the university missions are teaching and learning and discovery, and any dollar spent on administration is a dollar that isn’t going to the core missions” (SP, 10 December 2013, p.A2).
This is a frank admission that senior administrators do not carry out any of the core functions of the U of S.
However, at the GAA last month the president stated that she did not know what educational quality means and was mistrustful of its use.
This is another frank admission, one that reveals either an ignorance of pedagogical practice or a dismissal of its importance.
Considerable research shows that educational quality requires classes small enough that dialogue can take place among faculty and students, enabling critical thought in which all knowledge claims can be questioned.
But, of course, the practice of questioning knowledge claims by faculty and students has its dangers for those in power.
When questioned by a student at the same meeting, the president ruled out not only a debate about TransformUS but also any further discussion of the alleged deficit in the university budget.
Is this a trend we can expect from senior administrators, namely the abandonment of reason in the one place in society where one should expect rationality to be sovereign?
Today’s rally demonstrates that some of us – students, faculty, staff, alumni, members of the public – are aware of the need to defend the core values of the university before they are frittered away for a few pieces of gold.
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Some News Articles and videos a regarding the Rally and issues that lead to it:
Rally held opposing TransformUS plan of action (Video and Article on Global News):
globalnews.ca/news/1305395/rally-held-opposing-university...
As rally takes place on campus, NDP raises concerns about University of Saskatchewan's overhaul plan (Video on The StarPhoenix)
www.thestarphoenix.com/news/rally+takes+place+campus+rais...
U of S should face elephant in room (The StarPhoenix): www.thestarphoenix.com/should+face+elephant+room/9794892/...
U of S upheaval unwarranted (The StarPhoenix): www.thestarphoenix.com/upheaval+unwarranted/9799333/story...
Campus May Day rally protests looming cuts (The StarPhoenix):
www.thestarphoenix.com/business/Campus+rally+protests+loo...
TransformUS plan to cut $25.3M from University of Saskatchewan spending (The StarPhoenix): www.thestarphoenix.com/news/saskatoon/TransformUS+plan+mi...
Campus rally pans U of S cuts(CKOM):
ckom.com/story/campus-rally-pans-u-s-cuts/330558
Free Academia at USask:
freeacademiausask.blogspot.ca/
U of S cost-cutting a ‘disaster,’ Killam Prize winner says (The StarPhoenix):
www.thestarphoenix.com/entertainment/cost+cutting+disaste...
U of S distanced from noble ideal (The StarPhoenix):
www.thestarphoenix.com/touch/story.html?id=9424521
University of Saskatchewan Faculty Association VOX (USFA):
Nestlé Research Center studies behaviour to understand drivers of pleasure and healthy food choices.
Understanding and Meeting the Needs of LGBT Elders
April 28, 2010, 12:00pm – 1:30pm
To watch the event, click here: www.americanprogressaction.org/events/2010/04/LGBTElders....
We need to address lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender inequality and implement change to ensure that, "we will all be able to live out our final years surrounded by the people we love in exactly the way we choose," Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) told attendees at a CAP Action event yesterday.
Baldwin was joined at the event, "Understanding and Meeting the Needs of LGBT Elders," by a panel of experts that included Michael Adams, executive director of Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Elders; Ineke Mushovic, executive director of the Movement Advancement Project; and Percil Stanford, chief diversity officer at the American Association of Retired Persons. Director of the Women's Health and Rights Program at CAP Action Jessica Arons gave introductory remarks and CAP Action Senior Vice President for External Affairs Winnie Stachelberg gave introductory remarks and moderated.
The event centered around research and recommendations detailed in a new report, "Improving the Lives of LGBT Older Adults," which was released in March 2010 by SAGE and MAP in partnership with the American Society on Aging, the Center for American Progress, and the National Senior Citizens Law Center.
"The LGBT movement today is focused on our headline issues" such as repealing "Don't Ask Don't Tell," working toward marriage equality, and passing the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, Stachelberg said. But there are many more important issues that need urgent attention, such as LGBT elders. A "lack of full LGBT equality has real impact on real people's lives" and LGBT elders in particular face "challenges and obstacles that their straight peers do not" due to a lack of relationship recognition and employment benefits, she said.
All older adults face challenges as they age, but LGBT elders' lives are made even more difficult due to legal inequalities, as well as "homophobia and a hostile health care system" that amounts to institutional discrimination, Baldwin said.
To paint a clearer picture of "inequality in the eyes of the law," she cited the example of Harold and Clay, an older gay couple who lived in Sonoma County, California together for more than 25 years. They outlined their relationship in their wills and powers of attorney, but when Harold was injured and admitted to a nursing home, Clay was not allowed to visit him or take control of his partner's estate. Local authorities referred to them as roommates instead of partners, auctioned off their belongings, and Clay spent the next four months unable to visit his dying partner.
"The cruelty of these cases is unconscionable...but we can and we must take steps to make sure" this type of injustice does not continue, Baldwin said. The way to bring public attention to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender elders is by "putting a face on the issues we talk about...these are real people," she said. It is important for policymakers to hear these stories and know it is a human injustice.
But real stories are not enough. "We need a voice, and we need visibility to tell our stories. But we also need data," Baldwin said. If you cannot prove inequality or discrimination through statistical data, it is impossible to successfully argue that change is needed and pinpoint the specific fixes that would help the most. Questions about sexual orientation and gender identity must be added to general government health surveys to overcome this problem.
Repealing the Defense of Marriage Act, also known as DOMA, will give equal access to federally provided health and income benefits, Baldwin said. She also wants reforms that will put these Americans on an equal footing with their heterosexual counterparts, stressing that "discrimination will not be tolerated."
Patients in the healthcare system must be treated with dignity and respect. Staff at nursing homes, hospitals, and other health care facilities need to be educated about LGBT issues and trained to provide this population with the same level of care afforded to others.
Short of fully repealing DOMA and enacting marriage rights for gay couples, federal programs such as Medicaid and Social Security could be amended to include same-sex couples. These couples currently receive 24 percent less in annual Social Security benefits than their heterosexual married counterparts, despite the fact that gay couples pay into the system at the same rate as straight couples.
"The time to address these issues is now," Adams said. The Baby Boomer generation is starting to enter their senior years and this is the first generation to have lived openly LGBT lives. They are also two times as likely as their heterosexual counterparts to be single and four times less likely to have children, which reduces the chance that they have someone who can help care for them in their later years. Those who do have close family members are also in a bind, because their families are often not legally recognized. Our current laws do not provide any protections to these families of choice, and are instead based upon the presumption of heterosexual marriage.
Cumulatively, these challenges negatively impact LGBT seniors' financial security, health and wellbeing, and social and community connections.
The report offers a host of recommendations to minimize or eliminate these negative outcomes, Adams said. One approach is to create a legislative model that includes "permanent partner" benefits in Social Security, Medicaid, family medical leave, hospital visitation, inheritance laws and estate taxes, and other policies. Congress should also pass nondiscrimination laws that include public accommodations—which include nursing homes and hospitals—and should work with health care providers on nondiscriminatory policies and cultural competency training.
Making sure that LGBT elders have healthy, secure, and rewarding lives requires reaching out to the mainstream aging community. The AARP has taken in a lead in this area, as Stanford described in his remarks. "What we do, we do for all," he said. He further said that, "as an organization, we're certainly committed to social change" and we "cannot afford to segregate based on color, sexual orientation, gender identity" or anything else.
Keynote speaker:
Rep. Tammy Baldwin, (D-WI)
Featured panelists:
Michael Adams, Executive Director, Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Elders
Ineke Mushovic, Executive Director, Movement Advancement Project
Percil Stanford, Chief Diversity Officer, American Association of Retired Persons
Moderated by:
Winnie Stachelberg, Senior Vice President for External Affairs, Center for American Progress Action Fund
Fresh beans on sale in a Rwandan market. Land consolidation is helping farmers increase efficiency and production. The production of beans has increased by 30% in the past 4 years. www.ciatnews.cgiar.org/?p=7981
Credit: ©2014CIAT/StephanieMalyon
Please credit accordingly and leave a comment when you use a CIAT photo.
For more info: ciat-comunicaciones@cgiar.org
“When I was young, my mother always told me happiness was the key to life. When I went to school they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down “happy.” They told me I didn’t understand the assignment. I told them they don’t understand life.” John Lennon
I hiked up Soapstone mountain on Saturday morning, at the top there is an observation platform, from which one can look north over the hills to Massachusetts.
The platform is covered in graffiti. I was unable to get all the words in the top right corner into the shot, hence the quote in full, above.
I often wonder, if those whose artistic genre is graffiti, go everywhere with a couple of cans of spray paint, or did they wake up one morning and say, "I feel my creative juices flowing, I think I'll go to top of Soapstone Mountain and spray some graffiti.
During the virtual dialogical tour through the Ars Electronica Center's Understanding AI exhibition, students are not only given a basic understanding of this technological phenomenon, but also discuss the range of applications that AI brings and also which chances and which dangers are involved.
This virtual tour is part of Ars Electronica Home Delivery.
To find out more about Ars Electronica Home Delivery go here: ars.electronica.art/homedelivery/en/
Credit: Ars Electronica - Robert Bauernhansl
The Memorandum of Understanding renews and expands collaboration on global scientific and technological solutions over the next five years. The extended agreement reaffirms both agencies’ commitment to jointly address critical development and humanitarian challenges affecting the United States and developing countries through the generation and use of scientific research, innovations, and technologies and advances further interagency collaboration under the President’s Emergency Plan for Adaptation and Resilience (PREPARE). Specifically, the partnership will draw on NASA's Earth science research and space technology development to help inform USAID’s global programming.
Nov 13, 2019 -- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Plum Island Animal Disease Center where African Swine Fever (ASF) research is conducted by lead scientist Dr. Manuel Borca, and Senior Scientist Dr. Douglas Gladue, are patent holders of four promising platforms for live-attenuated African swine fever vaccines. They are working hard to find solutions to contain ASF and prevent its spread if it ever came to the USA, including understanding disease transmission, determinants of virulence and preventive vaccines. The scientists along with their research leader Dr. Luis Rodriguez, work at the Plum Island animal disease center, near Orient Point, NY, a high-security laboratory located off the coast of Long Island in NY operated by the Department of Homeland Security where high-consequence pathogens, not present in the US are studied. Dr. Borca and Dr. Gladue have studied the ASF virus and discovered several viral genes that are necessary for the virus to cause disease. Using advanced genetic engineering to remove these genes from the virus they have created viruses that when inoculated in animals do not cause disease but instead induce protection. Four of these viruses are excellent vaccine candidates that protect 100% of vaccinated animals with a single vaccine shot. Three of these vaccine candidates have been licensed from ARS to vaccine manufacturers for further development, and a fourth platform is currently undergoing licensing. The hope is that at least one of the vaccine candidates will be fully developed and ready to be used as part of a strategy to prevent and controls this devastating disease.
African swine fever virus (ASFV) is a devastating and deadly animal disease that is currently decimating the world’s population of pigs and threatening food security for billions of people worldwide. As its name indicates African swine fever originated in Africa but has affected other regions of the world over the years, including the Iberic peninsula and several countries in the Caribbean, where after decades of work and millions of animals destroyed, the disease was eradicated. Now the disease has escaped Africa again starting in 2007 with an outbreak in the Republic of Georgia that extended to the Caucasus region, parts of Europe, Russia and more recently to China and several countries in South East Asia. There is no vaccine available for ASF and disease outbreaks are currently controlled by on-farm biosecurity measures, animal quarantine, and slaughter.
The USDA Plum Island Animal Disease Center, work to protect against foreign agricultural diseases that could impact the nation's farm economy and export markets... and your food supply. In Addition to ASFV, Plum Island studies foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) and Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). Plum Island is located off the northeastern tip of New York's Long Island. USDA activities at Plum Island are carried out by scientists and veterinarians with the department's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). We're equally proud of our safety record. Not once in our nearly 50 years of operation has an animal pathogen escaped from the island. In 2003 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) joined us on the island, taking responsibility for the safety and security of the facility. Staff commute to work on one of two contract ferries from NY and CT.
For more information please see:
ars.usda.gov/research/programs-projects/project/?accnNo=431897
usda.gov
USDA Photo by Lance Cheung.
...of AUTO on my D50, not understanding what the mystical word aperture meant. Bokeh? Never heard of such a thing...
Today I scrolled through some of my 'old' stuff, or let's say stuff from my former self, from the days I hardly knew anything about photographing. There were some keapers, and I even had bokeh in many of them, how peculiar. I learned to look for bokeh in September this year... Quite the newbie here, oh yeah.
This summery one is taken in the last days of May this year. I remember that day, it was my first visit to our summer house for this year. And that is always special.
It is so much fun to go through older photos, done with the knowledge you then had. Before this autumn, the only thing I was aware of was angles and composition, those I knew how to do, those were the things I went for. Everything else was a big question mark.
So why this rendevouz today, why now? Because I'm supposed to be cleaning my appartment, getting all the christmas stuff on their places. I really don't wan't to do that right now, so I just sit here, surfing the net and postponing the hidious thing called cleaning up.
Excellent choice Hannah.
(Edit: whazup with my spelling today.... here becomes hear and knew becomes new... oh dear, someone get me a new brain for today....)
A quote of Albert Einstein declaring that he did not use his rational mind to discover the Laws of the Universe he published.
ODC2 - Symbolic
29/03/13
Peace, Love and Understanding! The symbol for peace, a rainbow, which in times like these symbolise the gay pride/rights to me, a smiley and some other odds and sods. Ella was playing in the backyard when I asked her to help me hold this.does that show.lol
Check out my Facebook page and hit the like button if you'd like 8)
Women and children from Mugeyo, a small village north east of Kigali, in Gasabo district take part in a survey aimed at understanding the links between agriculture and nutrition and determine the specific causes of stunting in children under two.
In Rwanda, agricultural production and GDP have increased yet 43 per cent of children under five suffer chronic malnutrition, and stunting in some areas is as high as 60 per cent. www.ciatnews.cgiar.org/?p=7981
Credit: ©2014CIAT/StephanieMalyon
Please credit accordingly and leave a comment when you use a CIAT photo.
For more info: ciat-comunicaciones@cgiar.org
COMM 335 Photojournalism in COMM 335 - Fall 2013 Photojournalism Benedictine University, Springfield, “We decide what is real and what is an illusion”
Class Objectives:
In today’s media landscape, an understanding of photography is crucial to most jobs. Copy editors, page designers, web designers and photographers have to create and evaluate images on a daily basis. The purpose of this class is to give you those skills.This class will stress many different skills. Learning the technical tools and software of a photographer will be covered at the start. We will focus on the creation of the highest quality still images. The class will focus on storytelling, since this is the primary purpose of professional photojournalism and many other specialized areas of photography. Anyone seeking employment in media must possess the ability to create and discern quality images and effective content. This class will stress actual production of photojournalistic material. Instructor Information:
Instructor: Gerald SchneiderOffice: lower level of Becker Library, extension 245 /Capital Area Career Center 2201 Toronto Road room 206 phone 529-5431 ext.162Email: jschneider@caccschool.org gschneider@ben.edu Office hours: 11:30 am - 3:00 pm M-F at the CACC office photography lab (217) 529-5431 ext 162 or by appointment MTW 8am-9amClass website: www.classes.
Required Material:
Text: Photojournalism6th Editionby Ken KobreISBN: 978-0-7506-8593-1
SLR or equivalent camera (digital preferred). The university does have a few cameras that can be checked out.USB Device with min. 2gb capacity, Proper Memory card.
Grades:
•Portrait photo - 100 points•Coverage photo - 200 points•Photo essay - 150 points•Shoot off - 50 points•Final - 85 points•Attendance - 15 points Photojournalist -50 points
Total: 500 points
Grading scale
500 - 450 A449 - 400 B399 - 350C349 - 300 D299 - 0 F
There is no rounding up of pointsAttendance policy:• Two or less classes missed - 15 points• Three classes missed - 7 points• Four or more classes missed - 0 points
I do not differentiate between excused and unexcused absences. Save your two “free” days for when you really need them.
There will be an attendance sheet for you to sign every day. The sheet is the arbiter on missed classes, so don’t forget to sign in.
Assignments
Benedictine Magazine - This will be a semester long project which will use photographs the class has created about our University.Cover design, articles about students and staff, sports, activities and school architecture will be the content to be published at the end of the semester. This will become a regular publication for the University with proper funding as generated by the class marketing activities. Most assignments will contribute to this final publication project. The students will learn from the actual production of a photojournalistic publication.
Portrait photo(s) - This is an image of a person that conveys something about that person. The photo should be done as an environmental portrait, not a canned one (like your senior photo). Proper lighting, composition, focus and exposure are part of the grade as well. An accurate cutline should also be included.This assignment will be one of our first in order to identify with each other and will be repeated for other University staff and students. You will also present your photo(s) to the class; it will count towards the grade.
Coverage photo(s) - This can be photos from a news event or a sporting event. Benedictine events are fine, as are any other venues (community activities, intramural sports, etc.) The key moment(s) should be presented as well as good lighting, composition, focus and exposure. An accurate cutline should also be included. You will have several of these assignments with multiple subjects or themes. You will also present your photo(s) to the class; it will count towards the grade.
Architecture - This project will capture the rich historical building on campus. You will also present your photo(s) to the class; it will count towards the grade.
Seasonal - This project will have a theme relative to a season or celebration. October, November and December are times when seasonal atmosphere can really effect the creative process. You will also present your photo(s) to the class; it will count towards the grade.
Photo essay - Each student will choose an event or person and record an in-depth photographic story. This assignment should contain quality images. It should be between ten and fifteen frames, effective lighting, composition, and editing (enhancement) are part of the grade as well. You will also present your photo essay to the class; it will count towards the grade.
Shoot today - Student will be assigned a topic at the start of class and then have the rest of the period to wander around campus to fulfill that assignment. The following class period, students will edit their shoot and present their images to the class. There will be several of these assignments when conditions allow. You will also present your photo(s) to the class; it will count towards the grade.
Photo Journalist research - This assignment each student will research a specific photojournalist and discuss his best photograph with the class
Quiz - Multiple choice, fill in the blank and short answer questions, which will cover the material from class as well as the material in the textbook. The quiz will be open book.
- Students need to have a decent camera; a SLR or equivalent. The university does have a few that can be checked out. Film cameras are OK, but processing costs are the student’s responsibility. All projects must be turned in as digital files, as well as all photos from a student’s shoot. Most film processors can burn you a CD with digital copies of your prints. You may also use the darkrooms at the Capital Area Career Center under the direction of lab assistants. See your instructor for details.
- All photos can be uploaded to the class Flickr site: www.flickr.com/groups/benedictinephotojournalism335/ (click to join the group) this is so we can learn from each other and get the experience of actually producing something. We will spend class time examining everyone’s projects. This website will be live to the world; anybody will be able to see your work. Being able to critique other photographers work and to benefit from others who critique your work is most critical. You must also have your original projects and photographs available for critique during class on your camera media card or USB device. The quality of your work and your participation during critiques is the most import part of this class.
About your instructor
Mr. Schneider has been a photographer for 35 years. He has served on the faculty at Southern Illinois University, University of Illinois, District 186 Springfield,Lincoln Land Community College, The Lincoln Institute, Lincoln Scholars, the Capital Area Career Center and the Springfield Art Association. He has administered a private photography business for 35 years. He has attended Southern Illinois University, University of Illinois, Illinois StateUniversity, Chicago State University, Royal Academy London, University ofNotre Dame . University Policies1. The search for truth and the dissemination of knowledge are the central missions of a university. Benedictine University pursues these missions in an environment guided by our Roman Catholic tradition and our Benedictine heritage. Integrity and honesty are therefore expected of all members of the University community, including students, faculty members, administration, and staff.Actions such as cheating, plagiarism, collusion, fabrication, forgery, falsification, destruction, multiple submission, solicitation, and misrepresentation, are violations of these expectations and constitute unacceptable behavior in the University community. The penalties for such actions can range from a private verbal warning, all the way to expulsion from the University. The University’s Academic Honesty Policy is available at http:/www.ben.edu/AHP and students are expected to read it.2. A student whose religious obligation conflicts with a course requirement may request an academic accommodation from the instructor.Students must make such requests in writing by theend of the first week of the class.
3. Benedictine University at Springfield strives to provide individuals with disabilities reasonable accommodations to participate in educational programs, activities and services. Students with a documented permanent or temporary disability requiring accommodations should contact Disability Services as early in the semester as possible. Disability Services works with students, faculty and other campus personnel in a cooperative and confidential effort to find appropriate solutions to each individual’s special needs.
To request an appointment or for further information please contact Disability Services at 217-525-1420 X 3306 or email springaccess@ben.edu. If you need help Email me jschneider@caccschool.org or gschneider@ben.edu Class Policies•All assignments must be turned in on the day they are due and at the beginning of class. Late work will not be accepted and there are no extra credit assignments. Assignments notturned in when they are due will result in a score of zero points for that assignment.
•Turn OFF all cell phones, beepers,.mp3 players, etc. If you are waiting for an emergency phone call, see me before class. Do not check messages during class time, but before class is fine.
•Please do not bring laptops/netbooks into class unless we are working with photoshop.Do not surf the Internet during class time. If you need to take notes on a computer, please clearit with me first.
•Respect your fellow students and teacher.Disruptions (such as talking with friends during class, doing homework during class, reading newspapers during class, etc.) will not be tolerated. • Do not be tardy to class. If you cannot make the start of class regularly, see me. There will be an attendance sheet for you to sign. Remember to sign in each class period.
•You are responsible for the material if you miss a class; either get the notes from a fellow student or see me during office hours. Do not email me something like: “Did I miss anything important?”
•Your campus email address will be the official way I contact you with course and/or academic performance information. Check your email often. “I didn’t get your email,” is not an excuse for missed work and/or information.
•Check D2L, the Twitter feed and the class website often. Your grades will be posted on D2L.
•Feedback on your projects will be during critique sessions.
Class schedule - COMM 335 MW 9:00 am - 10:15 am (3) (3105) room D 220
Week 1Aug. 26: Intro, class expectationsAug. 28: Camera basics / Photo gear/check out procedures/-Chapter 1
Week 2Sept. 2: Labor Day, no classSept. 4: 35mm SLR basics /Picture editing workshop/Chapter 2/research a photojournalist choose his best photograph and be prepared to discuss it at next class
Week 3Sept. 9: Quiz on camera operation and care/discuss photojournalistSept. 11: Project # 1 Shoot a portrait of someone in the class and write a brief biography about that student./-Chapter 3/research a photojournalist choose his best photograph and be prepared to discuss it at next class
Week 4Sept. 16: Basic composition and lighting - critique project 1/Chapter 4/discuss photojournalistSept. 18: Basic composition and lighting - Project # 2 Coverage of an event, activity, Benedictine staff or student story, Historical building on or off campus/research a photojournalist choose his best photograph and be prepared to discuss it at next class
Week 5Sept. 23: PhotoShop basics - critique project 2 /-Chapter 5/discuss photojournalistSept. 25: PhotoShop basics-Project # 3 Coverage of an event, activity, Benedictine staff or student story, Historical building on or off campus/research a photojournalist choose his best photograph and be prepared to discuss it at next class
Week 6Sept. 30: Portrait - Chapter 5/critique project #3/photoShop basics cont./-Chapter 6/discuss photojournalistOct. 2: In-class: Portraits / Photoshop / Project # 4 Coverage of an event, activity, Benedictine staff or student story, Historical building on or off campus/research a photojournalist choose his best photograph and be prepared to discuss it at next class
Week 7Oct. 7: Fall break, no class Oct. 9: Portrait photo due/critique project # 4/photoshop practice/-Chapter 7/research a photojournalist choose his best photograph and be prepared to discuss it at next class/discuss photojournalist
Week 8Oct. 14:Midsemester Break Oct. 16: Event coverage — Sports - Chapter 6 /Project # 5 Coverage of an event, activity, Benedictine staff or student story, Historical building on or off campus/photoShop practice/discuss photojournalistcritique project # 4/PhotoShop practice/-Chapter 8/research a photojournalist choose his best photograph and be prepared to discuss it at next class
Week 9 Oct. 21: Seasonal project #6 /Chapter 9/critique project # 5 /PhotoShop practice /research a photojournalist choose his best photograph and be prepared to discuss it at next class//discuss photojournalist Oct. 23: No class,
Week 10 Oct. 28: PhotoShop practice / Critique project # 6 /discuss photojournalist Oct. 30: Photo essay - Chapter 10/photoShop practice/research a photojournalist choose his best photograph and be prepared to discuss it at next class Week 11 Nov. 4: Shoot-today, project #7 / Chapter 11//discuss photojournalist Nov. 6: Shoot-today , photoshop project #7
Week 12 Nov. 11:Critique Project #7 / Chapter 12 Nov. 13: Final project presentation and discussion
Week 13 Nov. 18: Photo essay of seasonal activity/-Chapter 13 Nov. 20: In-class: write cut lines for photo essay
Week 14 Nov. 25: Photoshop lab/- Chapter 14 Nov. 27: Photoshop lab
Week 15 Dec. 2: Career Day Dec. 4: Open day (work on make up assignments) photoshop lab/-Chapter 15&16/Final Exam presentation Week 16 : Dec. 9 : Final Exam presentation Dec.11: Final Exam due
*Note: Changes to the schedule may occur during the semester, depending on access to labs and equipment.
Grading scale
500 - 450 A449 - 400 B399 - 350C349 - 300 D299 - 0 F•Portrait photo/pohtojournalist discussions - 100 points•Coverage photo - 250 points•Shoot off - 50 points•Final Exam - 85 points•Attendance - 15 points
Total: 500 points
Women and children from Mugeyo, a small village north east of Kigali, in Gasabo district take part in a survey aimed at understanding the links between agriculture and nutrition and determine the specific causes of stunting in children under two.
In Rwanda, agricultural production and GDP have increased yet 43 per cent of children under five suffer chronic malnutrition, and stunting in some areas is as high as 60 per cent. www.ciatnews.cgiar.org/?p=7981
Credit: ©2014CIAT/StefanieNeno
Please credit accordingly and leave a comment when you use a CIAT photo.
For more info: ciat-comunicaciones@cgiar.org