Desulfuromonas acetoxidans are gram-negative obligatory anaerobic sulfur-reducing bacteria. Aerobes and facultative anaerobes possess specific enzymatic antioxidant system which defenses them against toxic and mutagenic compounds or detrimental influence of the oxygen. One of the most crucial components of it is catalase. It's assumed that lack or low activity of this system' enzymes of the obligatory anaerobic microorganisms, such as sulfur- or sulfate-reducing bacteria, causes they high sensitivity to the influence of oxygen or toxic compounds, such as transition metals. The influence of FeSO4, FeCl3x6H2O, MnO2, MnCl2x4H2O, NiCl2x6H2O and CoCl2x6H2O on catalase activity of sulfur-reducing bacterial D. acetoxidans cells has been investigated. The highest activity of investigated enzyme has been observed under the influence of 0.5 mM, 1.5 mM and 2.0 mM of NiCl2x6H2O, FeSO4 and CoCl2x6H2O respectively on the second day, 1.5 mM of MnO2 on the third day and 0.5 mM of FeCl3x6H2O and 1.0 mM of MnCl2x4H2O on the fourth day of growth in comparison with control samples.
Key words: Desulfuromonas acetoxidans, sulfur bacteria, antioxidant defense, cata-lase, transition metals.
Nowadays applying of ecological biotechnologies is one of the most crucial directions in solution of the problem of different toxic metal ions environmental pollution, which is a result of negative anthropogenic influence. Investigations of effective biological mechanisms of harmful compounds detoxification by different microorganisms is one of the ways of it's development . Transition metals, such as Ferrum, Manganese, Nickel, Cobalt, Argentum, Cooper, Cadmium, Zinc, Molybdenum etc are necessary in the micromolar concentrations for normal functionality of microorganisms while their growth and functional activity are inhibited under the influence of millimolar concentrations of these metals . Despite that an exorbitant quantity of bacteria possesses effective defensive mechanisms that protect them against negative toxic xenobiotics influence. It determines their resistance towards high metal ion concentrations in the surrounding environment .
dismutases, some glyoxylases, aci-reductone dioxygenase, and methylenediurease . Cobalt is a constituent of vitamin B12 and other corrinoids that are widespread coenzymes . This metal also possesses a significant role in the regulation of enzymes activity, especially these which are involved in the regulation of aminoacids transamination . It was investigated that Ferrum and Manganese can be used as a final electron acceptors in the processes of anaerobic respiration, such as dissimilative Fe3+- and Mn4+ - reduction that is carried by sulfur-reducing Desulfuromo-nas acetoxidans bacteria.
D. acetoxidans are gram-negative obligatory anaerobic sulfur-reducing bacteria that inhabit sulfur containing aquatic environments. These bacteria belong to the д - Proteobacteria class .
Sulfur- and sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) have a significant meaning in the maintenance of ecological stability of surrounding environment. They are able to control transfer of metals in aquatic sediments by the hardly soluble metal sulfids creation. The process, which is held by the sulfur cycle reducive stage bacteria, represents an effective mechanism of biological remediation of overconcentrated heavy metals environmental pollution . SRB possess a unique potential of spontaneous removal of metals and sulfates from the surrounding environment during the process of sulfides bioprecipitation.
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide radical, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radical etc are toxic to all living cells. They are produced as a result of prolonged influence of oxygen or toxic xenobiotics, such as heavy metal ions, on the cell. ROS cause amino-acid residues modification, proteins' sulfhydryl groups oxidation, peptides' connections cleavage, release of metal from metaloproteids, nucleic acids depolymerization, point mutations, polysaccharides and unsaturated fatty acids oxidation etc [2, 6]. Aerobs and facultative anaerobs possess an enzymatic antioxidant defensive system that prevents the consequences of this toxic and mutagenic compounds and toxic oxygen influence. One of the most important components of it is catalase (hydrogen peroxide: hydrogen peroxide oxidoreductase). This enzyme causes the two-electron H2O2 cleavage with O2 and H2O production. In this case H2O2 is used as electrons donor. Catalase belongs to the enzymes that support their activity during long time and almost don't need the activation energy. It was investigated that catalase could join four NADFH+ molecules. As a result it is defended against inactivation and enzyme activity enhances. Catalase hardly influxes inside the cell and loses it's activity in the extracellular surrounding, especially because of high proteolytic enzymes activity .
Aerobic microorganisms possess an effective cascade functioning complex of defensive enzymatic and non-enzymatic systems that cleavage reactive oxygen species and synthesize DNA reparation enzymes and antioxidant defense regulations .
of Desulfovibrio genus. There are D. desulfuricans, D. vulgaris, D. oxyclinae and D. gigas .
Despite that, it isn't investigated enough in sulfur-reducing bacteria.
That's the aim of our work was to investigate the influence of different valences transition metals compounds, such as FeSO4, FeCl3x6H2O, MnO2, MnCl2x4H2O, NiCl2x6H2O and CoCl2x6H2O on catalase activity of bacterial Desulfuromonas acetoxidans cells.
The object of investigations was sulfur-reducing Desulfuromonas acetoxidans bacterium that was extracted from Yavoriv sulfur aquatic field (Lviv region), obtained in the pure culture and identificated at the Department of Microbiology of Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Ukraine. Bacteria were cultivated in the modified Postgait C medium [3, 5] during four days under the anaerobic conditions and temperature +30°С with addition from 0.5 to 2.5 mM of FeSO4, FeCl3x6H2O, MnO2, MnCl2x4H2O, NiCl2x6H2O and CoCl2x6H2O into the growth medium. Control samples didn't contain any investigated metal compounds. After the second, third and fourth day of bacterial growth cell-free extracts were obtained by the following technique. Cells were washed by 0.9% NaCl solution and disintegrated on the ultrasonic homogenizer at 22 kHz at 0°C during five minutes. Cell debris were sedimented by centrifugation at 5635-8800g at 4°C during 30 minutes. Catalase activity was measured spectrophotometrically with wave length 410 nm by the quantity of cleavaged hydrogen peroxide . Reaction mixture contains 2,8 ml of 0,5% Н2О2 solution and 0.1-0.2 ml of cell-free extract, diluted by n times with concentration 1 mg of protein per 1 ml. Incubation was carried out during 5 minutes. Reaction was stopped by 1 ml of 6% (NH4)2MoO4 solution. Probe that contains Н2О instead of cell-free extract solution served as a control.
' min-mg of protein 110,6-t-V-C where АЕ410 - difference between Е410 of control sample and Е410 of probe; 4 - the overall volume of reaction mixture, ml; n - solution of cell-free extract, times; 110.6 - constant, determined by the callibration curve; t - time of incubation, minutes, V - volume of cell-free extract, added to the reaction mixture, ml; C - protein concentration in the probe, mg/ml.
Protein concentration in the cell-free extract was determined by Lauri method .
The crucial statistical indexes were calculated on the base of direct data, such as arithmetical mean (M) and standard deviation of arithmetical mean (m). Student coefficient was calculated for the estimation of validity of difference between statistical characteristics of two alternative blocks of data. The difference was claimed to be valid under the index of validity Р>0,95 . Statistical calculation of results were carried out by the Origin and Excel programs.
Catalase activity of sulfur-reducing D. acetoxidans bacteria cell-free extracts has been investigated under the influence of different concentrations of ferrous (II) sulfate, ferrous (III) chloride hexahydrate, manganese (IV) oxide, manganese (II) chloride tetrahydrate, nickel (II) chloride hexahydrate and cobalt (II) chloride hexahydrate during four days of cultivation.
Addition of different FeCl3x6H2O concentrations caused the highest activity of investigated enzyme (61,36±0,77 umol/minxmg of protein) on the fourth day of growth under the influence of 0.5 mM of investigated metal salt hydrate (fig. 1, A). It increased by 2.2 times on the second, by 3.8 times on the third and by 5 times on the fourth days of growth under such influence of ferrous (III) chloride hexahydrate on investigated bacterial cells in comparison with control samples. Increase of FeCl3x6H2O concentration by 2.5 mM in the growth medium caused the catalase activity decrease by 2.5 times on the second day of cultivation and increase by 2.7 and 3.9 times respectively on the third and fourth day of growth in comparison with control samples.
Obviously, increase of duration of ferrous (III) chloride hexahydrate influence on D. acetoxidans cells caused the enhance of catalase activity. It is possibly could be explained by reactive oxygen species production, especially of hydrogen sulfide creation under the influence of investigated metal salt. It was investigated that existence of unconjugated Ferrous ions, sulfides and sulfhy-dryl groups in bacterial growth medium enhances peroxide radicals production that significantly increases bacterial antioxidant defensive system activity .
Under the influence of ferrous (II) sulfate the highest catalase activity was observed on the second day of bacterial growth with addition of 1.5 mM of metal salt in the growth medium. It equaled 28,52±0,34 umol/minxmg of protein (fig. 1, B). Increase of metal salt concentration in the growth medium from 0.5 to 1.5 mM caused the enhance of catalase activity by 2.1-2.5 times on the second and by 42-80% on the third day of growth respectively in comparison with control samples. Activity of investigated enzyme decreased by 65% under the influence of 0.5 mM of FeSO4 and by 3.3 times under the influence of 1.5 mM of investigated Ferrous salt respectively on the fourth day of growth. Catalase activity increased by 2.4 and 1.5 times on the second and third days and decreased by 3 times on the fourth day of growth respectively under the influence of 2.5 mM of FeSO4 in comparison with control samples. Possibly, increase of duration of investigated metal salt influence doesn't cause toxic effect on investigated bacterial cells. As a result, catalase activity as one of the mechanisms of antioxidant defensive system decreased.
Fig. 1. The influence of (A) ferrous (III) chloride hexahydrate and (B) ferrous (II) sulfate on catalase actvity of cell-free D. acetoxidans extracts during four days of cultivation.
Obviously, Fe2+ as a final products of dissimilative Fe3+- reduction are necessary for supporting of normal cell functionality of D. acetoxidans bacteria .
Results of nickel (II) chloride hexahydrate influence on catalase activity of sulfur-reducing D. acetoxidans bacteria are presented on the fig. 2, A. The maximal activity of investigated enzyme was observed on the second day of growth under the influence of 0.5 mM of NiCl2x6H20. It equaled 30,49±0,63 umol/minxmg of protein. Catalase activity was higher by 2.7; 2 and 1.7 times respectively on the second, third and fourth days of growth in comparison with control samples under the influence of this metal salt hydrate concentration. Increase of NiCl2x6H2O concentration to 2.5 mM caused the increase of catalase activity by 67 and 32% respectively on the second and third days of growth compared with control samples. On the fourth day of growth it decreased to the control samples level.
Possibly, high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide are produced on the first stages of different concentrations of nickel (II) chloride hexahydrate influence on investigated bacteria.
As a result, high catalase activity was observed during the second day of D. acetoxidans bacteria growth under the influence of NiCl2x6H20.
Addition of different CoCl2>6H2O concentrations into the growth medium caused the highest catalase activity of sulfur-reducing D. acetoxidans bacteria under the influence of 2.0 mM of investigated metal salt hydrate on the second day of growth. It equaled 38,68±0,59 umol/ minxmg of protein (fig. 2, B).
Fig. 2. The influence of (А) nickel (II) chloride hexahydrate and (B) cobalt (II) chloride hexahydrate on catalase activity of cell-free D. acetoxidans extracts during four days of cultivation.
Catalase activity increased by 3.4; 2.6 times and by 86% respectively on the second, third and fourth days of growth compared with control samples under the influence of investigated cobalt (II) chloride hexahydrate concentration. Unlike NiCl2>6H2O influence on investigated enzyme activity of D. acetoxidans, increase from 0.5 to 2.5 mM of cobalt salt hydrate concentration caused the increase of investigated enzyme activity in comparison with control samples during the whole investigated period of cultivation. It increased by 3, 2.6 and 1.8 times respectively on the second, third and fourth days of growth in comparison with control samples under the influence of 2.5 mM of cobalt (II) chloride hexahydrate.
Obviously, increase of Cobalt ions concentration in the bacterial growth medium causes the intracellular ROS content enhance on the first stages of metal-bacteria interaction. It is caused cell defensive mechanisms activation, especially activation of antioxidant system as a reaction to stress, caused by transition metal long-term exposure. Possibly, high Co2+ concentrations are more toxic to investigated bacterial cells in comparison with Ni2+.
Catalase activity changes of sulfur-reducing D. acetoxidans bacteria under the influence of manganese (IV) oxide have been investigated. MnO2 and FeCl3>6H2O are strong prooxidants. That's why catalase activity was the most high under the influence of these compounds in comparison with all other investigated transition metals influence. Addition of manganese (IV) oxide into the growth medium caused the maximal activity of investigated enzyme under the influence of 1.5 mM of Mn4+ on the third day of growth. It equalled 56,32±0,67 umol/minxmg of protein (fig. 3, A). Under such conditions investigated enzyme activity increased by 4.6 times in comparison with control samples. Increase of MnO2 concentration from 0.5 to 2.5 mM caused the inhibition of catalase activity by 1.4-1.8 times on the second, 4.3-4.1 times on the third and 2.3-2.2 times on the fourth days of cultivation in comparison with control samples. Obviously, existence of MnO2 in the cultural medium causes the intensive reactive oxygen species production. It causes an activation of catalase synthesis as the mechanism of cell defense against an oxidative stress.
Decrease of investigated enzyme activity possibly is caused by partial manganese (IV) oxide cleavage and Mn4+ involving in the process of Mn4+ - reduction, which is held by sulfur-reducing D. acetoxidans bacteria. In this process they support themselves with the energy and Mn2+ that are needed for bacterial cells normal physiological and biochemical functionality [8, 9].
Under the influence of manganese (II) chloride tetrahydrate the highest catalase activity of sulfur-reducing D. acetoxidans bacteria was observed on the fourth day of growth with addition of 1.0 mM of metal salt hydrate in the growth medium. It was 36,62±0,70 umol/minxmg of protein under such growth conditions (fig. 3, B). Investigated enzyme activity increased by 2.9 times under the influence of this concentration of MnCl2>4H2O in comparison with control samples. Increase from 0.5 to 2.5 mM of metal chloride hexahydrate concentration in the growth medium caused the increase of catalase activity by 2.6-2.3, 2.6-2.4 and 2.8-2.7 times respectively on the second, third and fourth days of cultivation in comparison with control samples. Under the influence of MnCl2>4H2O catalase activity was lower in comparison with the influence of MnO2 that is strong prooxidant.
Fig. 3. The influence of (А) manganese (IV) oxide and (B) manganese (II) chloride hexahydrate on catalase actvity of cell-free D. acetoxidans extracts during four days of cultivation.
Catalase activity of D. acetoxidans bacteria almost didn't change during four days of bacterial growth under the influence of different manganese (II) chloride hexahydrate concentrations. Possibly it could be explained by the fact that increase of MnCl2x4H2O concentration and duration of it's influence cause the toxic effect on cell's enzyme functionality, activity of reparation systems, microbial transport systems etc. Possibly, catalase activity increases as one of cell defensive mechanisms against negative influence of reactive oxygen species which are produced because of MnCl2>4H2O long-term exposure on the cells of investigated bacteria.
Thus, the highest catalase activity of sulfur-reducing D. acetoxidans bacteria was observed under the influence of 1.5 mM of MnO2 and 0.5 mM of FeCl3>6H2O respectively on the third and fourth days of cultivation in comparison with control samples. Under such conditions it was higher by 2 times in comparison with the influence of other investigated transition metal compounds. Under the influence of NiCl2>6H2O, FeSO4 and CoCl2>6H2O the highest catalase activity was observed on the second day of growth with addition of 0.5 mM, 1.5 mM and 2.0 mM of investigated metal salts respectively. Under the influence of MnCl2>4H2O the maximal activity of investigated enzyme was observed with addition of 1.0 mM of metal salt hydrate into the growth medium. Obviously, ferrous (III) chloride hexahydrate and manganese (IV) oxide that are strong oxidants, served as prooxidants towards sulfur-reducing bacterial D. acetoxidans cells.
As a result, the activity of their antioxidant defensive system, in particular catalase activity, was maximal under such influence. Effect of other investigated transition metal compounds caused lower investigated enzyme activity. Possibly, it shows that NiCl2>6H2O, FeSO4 and CoCl2>6H2O possess less toxic effect toward the cells of investigated bacteria in comparison with FeCl3 >6H2O та MnO2.
It was shown that sulfur-reducing Desulfuromonas acetoxidans bacteria possess antioxidant defensive system activity, in particular catalase functioning, under the derimental influence of different concentrations of transition metals, despite that there are obligatory anaerobic microorganisms. The influence of such transition metal compounds as FeSO4, FeCl3>6H2O, MnO2, MnCl2x4H2O, NiCl2x6H2O and CoCl2x6H2O on catalase activity of investigated bacteria has been investigated. The maximal activity of investigated enzyme has been observed under the influence of 0.5 mM, 1.5 mM and 2.0 mM of NiCl2>6H2O, FeSO4 and CoCl2>6H2O respectively on the second day of growth, 1. 5 mM of MnO2 on the third day of growth and 0. 5 mM of FeCl3>6H2O and 1.0 mM of MnCl2>4H2O on the fourth day of bacterial cultivation in comparison with control samples. Under the influence of different concentrations of ferrous (III) chloride hexahydrate and manganese (IV) oxide catalase activity was higher by 2 times in comparison with the influence of other investigated transition metal compounds.
1. ЛакинГ. Ф. Биометрия. M.: Высшая шк., 1990. 352 с.
2. МеньшиковаЕ. Б., ЛанкинВ. З., ЗенковН. К. и др. Окислительный стресс. Прооксиданты и антиоксиданты. M.: Слово, 2006. 556 с.
3. Розанова Е. П. MeTC^i культивирования и идентификации анаэробных бактерий, восстанавливающих серу и ее окисленные соединения / Институт микробиологии АН СССР. M., 1979. С. 123-136.
4. Barton L., Hamilton W. Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria. Environmental and Engineered Systems. New York, USA: Cambridge University Press, 2007. 558 p.
5. Biebl H., Pfennig N. Growth of sulfate-reducing bacteria with sulfur as electron acceptor // Arch. Microbiol. 1977. Vol. 112. P. 115-117.
6. Brioukhanov A. L., Thauer R. K., Netrusov A. I. Catalase and superoxide dismutase in the cells of strictly anaerobic microorganisms // Microbiol. 2002. Vol. 71. N 3. P. 281-285.
7. Cavet S. J., Borrelly G. M., Robinson N. J. Zn, Cu, Co in cyanobacteria: selective control of metal availability // FEMS Microbiol. Rev. 2003. Vol. 27. P. 165-181.
8. Dworkin M., Falkow S., Rosenberg E. et al.The Prokaryotes: Proteobacteria:Alpha and Beta Subclasses. 3rd edition. Minneapolis. USA: Springer, 2006. Vol. 5. 964 p.
9. Eric E., Derek R. Dissimilatory Fe (III) - reduction by the marine microorganism Desulfuromonas acetoxidans // Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 1993. Vol. 59. N 3. P. 734-742.
10. Garity G., WintersM.. Searles D. Taxonomic Outline of the Procariotic Genera Bergey's Manual of Systematic Bacteriology. 2nd edition. Michigan. USA: Springer-Verlag, 2001. 41 p.
11. Lowry O. H., Rosebrough N. J., FarrA. L., RandallR. J. Protein determination with the Folin phenol reagent // J. Biol. Chem. 1951. Vol. 193. P. 265-275.
12. LuckH. Catalase // Methods in enzymatic analysis / H.-U. Bergmeyer ed. London: Academic Press, 1963. P. 855-894.
Microbiol. Rev. 2003. Vol. 27. P. 239-261.
14. Schmidt T., Schlegel H. Nickel and cobalt resistance of various bacteria isolated from soil and highly polluted domestic and industrial wastes // FEMS Microbiol. Ecol. 1989. Vol. 62. P. 315-328.
15. Silver S., Phung T. Bacterial heavy metal resistance: New Surprises // Annu. Rev. Microbiol.
1996. Vol. 50. Р. 753-789.
Desulfuromonas acetoxidans - грамнегативні облігатно анаеробні сірковіднов-лювальні бактерії. Для захисту від токсичних і мутагенних сполук й усунення токсичного впливу кисню в аеробів та факультативних анаеробів існує ензиматична система антиоксидантного захисту, однією з найважливіших складових якої є каталаза. Припускають, що відсутність чи низька активність ферментів даної системи в облігатно анаеробних мікроорганізмів, зокрема сірко- та сульфатредукуючих бактерій, зумовлює їхню підвищену чутливість до кисню та дії токсичних сполук, зокрема перехідних металів. Досліджено вплив FeSO4, FeCl3>6H2O, MnO2, MnCl2>4H2O, NiCl2>6H2O та CoCl2>6H2O на активність каталази сірковідновлювальних бактерій D. acetoxidans. Виявлено максимальну активність досліджуваного ферменту за впливу 0,5 мM, 1,5 мM та 2,0 мM відповідно NiCl2>6H2O, FeSO4 та CoCl2>6H2O на другу добу, 1,5 мM MnO2 на третю добу та 0,5 мM FeCl3>6H2O і 1,0 мM MnCl2>4H2O на четверту добу культивування, порівняно з контролем.


Saffron Walden Town will be playing their football in the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division next season after gaining the all-important point needed against Great Yarmouth Town to secure promotion.
The Bloods went into the game needing a result to clinch third place in the First Division, while Yarmouth, after dropping five points in their two previous games, had to win.
Walden got the goal they needed when Shaun Avis poked home Jamie Solkhon's header. However, the Bloods' season has been anything but straight forward and Saturday was no different.
James Crane was sent off for an off-the-ball incident, leaving Walden to play almost 30 minutes with 10 men. Yarmouth duly equalised to set up a nervous finish for the 762 fans packed into Catons Lane.
Brave defending, most notably from Solkhon, who took a boot to the face for his troubles, a challenge with resulted in a red card for Yarmouth, saw out the task as Walden secured promotion.


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Auburn University Home
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Giving to Auburn's Art Museum
Members and donors provide essential support that enables Curators to bring a wide range of visual art programs and exhibitions to the Auburn community. Auburn's art museum relies heavily on the generosity of donors, as a majority of our exhibitions, educational programs, and outreach activities are privately funded. This generosity goes beyond financial support in the forms of participation at events, promoting the museum, and strengthening relationships throughout the community.
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By giving to the Auburn's art museum, you are investing in our future and allowing us to achieve our goal of changing lives through the transformative power of art. The most common methods of giving are outright gifts of cash and gifts of art to our permanent collection, but some donors choose to contribute in more unique ways, such as gifts of life insurance, bequests, trusts, or securities.
Regardless of what method of giving you choose, all gifts to JCSM are tax-deductible as allowed by law.For more information on how you can strengthen Auburn University through support for programs and exhibits at JCSM, call 334-844-1675.
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Join us today, 5–6 p.m. in the Grand Gallery for a hypertufa demonstration by Montgomery-based visual artist, author and Auburn alumnus Greg Brown.
Hypertufa—ideal for creating lightweight and durable art—features prominently in Brown's eclectic series of decorative masks currently on display in "Creative Cadences: Works of Roger and Greg Brown," which includes a diverse collection of paintings, prints and sculptures by Greg and his brother, Roger. Demonstration attendees are encouraged to explore the exhibition, on view through Nov. 3 in the Bill L. Harbert Gallery and Gallery C as part of the museum's ongoing celebration of the Alabama bicentennial. The hypertufa demonstration and the exhibition are both free and open to the public. #GregBrown #hypertufa #JCSM ... See MoreSee Less
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It may be July 5, but the fireworks are still very much aglow in "Fire and Water: Prints by Florence Neal." Visit the museum today or this weekend to see these and many other mesmeric prints by Neal now on view in the Wadsworth Gallery.
This exhibition is presented in part with generous support from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the Alabama Bicentennial Commission, in recognition and celebration of the 200th anniversary of Alabama statehood in 2019.
"Liberty Fireworks," 1987; "July 4th on the East River," 1985; and "Brooklyn Bridge 100 Years," 1983; editions: 7/20, linoleum cut, partial gift of the artist and museum purchase with funds donated in honor of Edward W. Neal, Class of 1950 @ Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art ... See MoreSee Less
Alabama artist Mary Virginia Hall's images of homes along Alaska's desolate Arctic coast are provocative, eerie and yet strangely inviting. They beckon viewers to wonder, "What lies within? A healthy household that is warm and inviting? Or one that is cold and dark, succumbing to deterioration within as well as without? Hope or despair?" Hall's exhibition, "Dwellings: Alaskan Photographs by Mary Virginia Hall," is on view now through July 28 in the Corridor Gallery.
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Mary Virginia Hall, "Hanging Fixture," 2014, K3 pigment ink print on cotton rag. Courtesy of the artist. ... See MoreSee Less
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Welcome to Our New Museum Director, Cynthia Malinick January 22, 2019
Exhibition Celebrating Alabama Roots of Brothers Roger and Greg Brown Opening May 2 April 22, 2019
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Supergirl 2x11 "The Martian Chronicles" Season 2 Episode 11 Sneak Peek - WHITE MARTIANS ATTACK THE DEO — Armek (guest star Terrell Tilford), a White Martian, descends on National City intent on taking M'gann (guest star Sharon Leal) back to Mars to face her punishment as a traitor. Hank (David Harewood) and Supergirl (Melissa Benoist) determine the best way to keep M'gann safe is to bring her to the DEO. However, when it is revealed that Armek shape-shifted into M'gann and is now loose in the building, the team realize he could be disguised as any one of them. David McWhirter directed the episode written by Gabriel Llanas & Anna Musky-Goldwyn (#211).


The Edwards County Health Organization (ECHO) has been active in Edwards County for approximately 17 years. It was formerly known as the Chronic Disease Risk Reduction Advisory Board Coalition. Various organizations and members have belonged to ECHO over the years.


My boyfriend and I recently stayed at Bali Garden Beach resort for 7 nights! It was my boyfriends first ever time in Bali and I wanted it to be memorable for him- and it sure was thanks to Bali Gardens! Service was amazing, rooms were clean, gardens are beautiful and there is literally NOTHING i can fault!


Mr. Tom (Toshibumi) Hanada, 97, peacefully passed away on Sept. 1, 2018. Tom is survived by his wife of 75 years, Frances Hanada, the greatest love of his life; daughters Vivian (Robert) Takahashi and Janet Hanada, and son Ronald (Sandy) Hanada; grandchildren Charles (Theresa) Bahn, Gunner (Yoon) Bahn, Chelsea (Patrick) Cooley, and Kelsee Hazama; and great-grandsons Thomas and Dexter Bahn. Funeral service will be held at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier, California on Sept. 20, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. Burial service will immediately follow.


Ten years ago this week, I started writing this column with Lovella when Mildred Becker decided to retire from some of her duties. The column has changed little over the years but has done a fairly good job of chronicling the museum history and our activities. In our first column we discussed the October fundraiser and guess what. It is time for our October fundraiser.
If you have visited or driven by the museum, you have noticed the building has started.
Our membership drive is going well. We mailed out renewals two weeks ago and we have received many so far. RENEW TODAY AND HELP WITH THE NEW ADDITION.
We have a board meeting this Wednesday at 2 pm at the museum. Public is welcome to attend and provide input into our planning and our discussion of current projects,etc.
We will be received an exhibit on Quanah Parker prior to the fundraiser on the October 26 and it will be on display thru November.
On Sunday, October 20, The museum will honor Lipscomb County Businesses who have had 50 or more continuous years of operation. Dorothy Schoenhals has coordinated this THC project to recognize these businesses. The businesses are Ragan Locker (1946), Love Grocery(1955), Born Machinery(1936), Landers Oil(1909), Booker News(1927), Fronk Oil(1947), and Miller Supply (1963). When you shop these businesses, please congratulate them on their golden birthday.
You may be aware that we have an exhibit in the pioneer room featuring Ms. Joe Imke with some of her winning prizes. This article describes her hobby of entering contests and because of this she was a member of the Texas State contest club and served as the State Treasurer. She explained in her article that the nicest part of the Association of Contest Clubs was the sponsoring of the "Win siders" a portion of the three dollars dues paid by the members is given to the guying of stamps for the use of shut-ins in their contest work.
At the time of writing this article she had been entering contests for ten years and was averaging a win a month. She stated "I have fun working on the entries and when I mail them I forget them. Then if I win I am happy but if not I'm not disappointed."


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Sustainability Projects Corporate Social Responsibility
Projects Projects Completed
Ethiopia, with a population of approximately 107 million, is the second-most populous country in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).it is one of the world's oldest civilizations, and is one of the fastest growing economy.
HCSC
In recent years, Ethiopia has been one of the fastest growing economies in Africa. The Ethiopian economy has navigated the global economic crisis better than most developing countries. The current account deficit was 8.7% of GDP in 2011 and GDP growth was 8.8% in 2011. Inflation was recorded as 25% in 2011.
The current democratically elected ruling party, the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) has governed Ethiopia since 1991.
Over the past two decades, there has been significant progress in key human development indicators:
Primary school enrolments have quadrupled and child mortality has almost halved;
The poverty headcount, which stood at 46% in 1999/2000, fell to 39% in 2004/5.
PPC Expansion in Ethiopia
In 2010, the Government launched a five-year Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP), which is geared towards fostering broad-based development in a sustainable manner. The plan seeks to double the GDP and agricultural production, and to increase electricity coverage from 41% to 100% and access to safe water from 68.5% to 98.5%.
Since 2003, the government has embarked on a housing reform programme. Some 11 000 apartments have been completed, providing individual ownership of affordable quality housing.
Investment in Ethiopia (SENS)
In July 2012, PPC and South Africa's Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) jointly acquired a 47% equity stake in Ethiopia's Habesha Cement Share Company (HCSC).
HCSC is the first cement share company of its kind in Ethiopia, with more than 16 000 local shareholders. The company is planning to build a state-of-the-art cement plant with an annual capacity of 1.4 million cement tons at a cost of US $130 million to supply the fast-growing Ethiopian cement market.
The HCSC plant, which is currently operational, is located 35km north west of Addis Ababa close to Holeta town in Oromia Regional State. Cement production is planned to commence early in 2014. The plant's immediate future development plan includes an option to double the capacity to 2.8 million ton per annum.
During the initial construction phases PPC will assist HCSC by providing operational and technical expertise and with the training of plant personnel at the PPC Academy in South Africa.


Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has extended his contract until 2020, the Premier League club said on Thursday.
Mourinho joined United at the start of last season and led them to the League Cup and Europa League titles in his first year in charge.
"I am delighted they feel and trust that I am the right manager for this great club for the foreseeable future."
United, who are second in the league table behind local rivals ManchesterCity, have the option to extend Mourinho's contract by a further year.
India's top shuttlers PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal could be pitted against each other in the US$350,000 India Open 2018 Badminton Championship, to be held in New Delhi from January 30-February 4.
The men's section could see a repeat of last edition's summit clash with world champion and holder Viktor Axelsen and Kidambi Srikanth seeded first and second.
In the women's event, two Indian stars can well run into each other in the summit clash if Sindhu lives up her billing as top seed and Saina pulls off an upset in the semi-final.
Defending champion Sindhu has received top billing for the tournament. The World Championship silver medallist will begin her campaign against Denmark's Natalia Rohde and barring any surprises her real challenge will come in the form of former world champion Ratchanok Intanon in the semi-finals.
In the bottom half, fourth seed Nehwal will face another Dane, Sofie Dahl in the opening round and fifth seed Beiwen Zhang will be her likely opponent in the quarterfinals.
There is a realistic possibility of an all-Indian final, with either Spain's Carolina Marin or China's Gao Fangjie standing in the 27-year-old London Olympic bronze medallist's path.
Coming to the men's event, Srikanth will open his campaign against Hong Kong's Lee Cheuk Yiu while world number 10 HS Prannoy will face a qualifier in his opening match.
Among the other Indians, Singapore Open champion B Sai Praneeth will face Rajiv Ouseph of England in the opening round while Commonwealth Games' gold medallist Parupalli Kashyap will begin his campaign against Hans-Kristian Vittinghus of Denmark and Ajay Jayaram against Indonesia's Tommy Sugiarto.
In the men's doubles, Indonesia Masters quarter-finalist Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty will meet Hong Kong's Chang Tak Ching and Hee Chun Mak while national champions B Sumeeth Reddy and Manu Atri will challenge sixth seeds Ong Yew Sing and Teo Ee Yi of Malaysia.
The Italian FA's federal tribunal has fined Lazio 50,000 euros ($62,090), saying it was "objectively" responsible for the distribution by fans of anti-semitic stickers showing Holocaust victim Anne Frank wearing the jersey of city rivals AS Roma.
She died in the Bergen-Belsen camp aged 15 and her diary recounting the family's time in hiding became a centerpiece of Holocaust literature.
The tribunal said Lazio did everything in its power to prevent discriminatory material being introduced in the stadium, noting the stickers were too small to be detected.
However, Lazio was still held "objectively" responsible for the incident as the supporters' representative, the Italian FA said on Thursday (www.figc.it).
The tribunal opted not to ask Lazio to play two matches behind closed doors as the Italian FA prosecutor requested, as this would also punish fans who did not play a part in what happened.


When Rhode Island proprietors secured the original Lyndon township grant, the area was covered in forests and woodlands with the Passumpsic River providing needed drainage for the flood plain and waterfalls for potential power for grist and saw mills. The charter of the town of Lyndon was signed by Governor Thomas Chittenden in 1780.
It seems likely that the name Lyndon was chosen to honor Josias Lyndon, (1704–1778) a former governor of Rhode Island and friend of many of the proprietors. Many of these men served with the 2nd Rhode Island regiment, 1st division including Israel Angell. The original proprietors secured the grant as a business venture and had no intention of settling it. Some of the men held high positions of rank including Jonathan Arnold, William Greene (Rhode Island governor) and the President of Rhode Island College later Brown University, James Manning (minister). They needed men in search of free land, who would clear each proprietor's grant in return for a portion of it. The town was surveyed in 1781 by Jonathan Arnold, Daniel Cahoon and Daniel Owen. Settlement began in 1789. By the 1790 census, twelve families with 59 residents made their home In Lyndon. These families installed roads, mills, homes, barns, fields, crops, churches, and schools.
The village of Lyndon Corner was incorporated in 1792; Lyndon Center in 1794. Lyndonville was incorporated in 1866. The village of Lyndon Corner was about 2 miles (3.2 km) south of Lyndonville. Hotel Lyndon was built there in 1807. It became a tavern and burned in 1897. About 1867, the Connecticut & Passumpsic Rivers Railroad bypassed Lyndon Corner and Lyndon Center. This resulted in business moving to Lyndonville. The bypassed villages became residential and are no longer distinguished as separate villages - they both gave up their incorporated village statuses in 1962.
During a centennial celebration in 1891 an iron box was buried as a time capsule but could not be found during a 1991 ceremony. The Lyndon Outing Club held an annual winter festival in the late 1930 to early 1940s. The festival consisted of dog sled races, cross country and ski jumping competitions, and sulky races on cleared streets.
Lyndon shares a rich history with nearby Burke. Local historical figure Elmer Darling, master of Burklyn Hall, greatly influenced both the Lyndon and Burke communities. Theordore N. Vail, of AT&T historical fame, had an elaborate residence on Vail Hill in Lyndon on the current site of Lyndon State College.
"In 1905 Eber W. Cobleigh donated $15,000 to erect a public library building in Lyndonville. The site of the Silsbury Livery Stable at Main and Depot Street was authorized for purchase at the annual town meeting in March and the library building was completed in late 1906. Plans for the building were drawn by William J Sayward, a member of the well known firm that had designed the Boston Public Library. The library was dedicated and opened to the public in January, 1907."
"Construction of Burklyn Hall began in 1904, while Mr. Darling was operating the Fifth Avenue Hotel, on Fifth Avenue and 23rd street in New York City. When his hotel, with an astonishing thousand rooms, was first built just before the Civil War it was deemed too far uptown to be practical. But the city was growing faster than anyone could have imagined and the hotel prospered, largely as a result of Mr. Darling's lavish and tasteful hand. Yet by the turn of the century, the hotel was already too far downtown, and so Mr. Darling began to plan his retirement home amidst the land and people he so loved.
He had acquired Mountain View Farm in 1883, and steadily added to its land and buildings since then. He had long ago chosen the site for Burklyn Hall, so named because the knoll with commanding views was right on the Lyndon/Burke town line. He had studied architecture at MIT himself, and chose the neo Georgian style, an homage to the English tradition of a century before, embellished with pilasters, columned piazzas, Palladian windows and a balustraded roof.
He hired a New York firm to complete the design, while the actual construction was hired out locally. An exception was to be the plumbing. Mr. Darling wanted the very best, and had a New York firm furnish those and other fixtures.
Limestone for the foundation was quarried near the site, and the massive granite blocks for the foundation above grade came from Kirby. Over three hundred thousand board feet of lumber went into the construction, nearly all of it was cut on the property and milled nearby. Some of the finish work was done by artisans hired from elsewhere, such as Italian plasterers. Special amenities included a central vacuum system, an elevator, refrigeration, and an Old English Pub in the basement. It was, in the words of Elizabeth Brouha, "a restrained and elegant expression of the romantic dream of feudal paternalism in the Age of Opulence." The architects estimated the total cost was $80,550.
Mr. Darling chose his special shade of yellow for the exterior, as he did with most of the other outbuildings of the estate. Sixty-nine pilasters, eight entrances, and a piazza on three sides accent the exterior, a conservatory and a magnificent greenhouse were added in 1910. When the building was completed in 1908, Mr. Darling quit the hotel business and moved in. Although he never married, he did not live there alone. His unmarried sister, Miss Louise Darling, lived there as well and presided over the many social functions. It is easy to imagine the gaiety of these occasions as one enters the central hall, which is modeled after the Longfellow House in Cambridge. Other main rooms are to the left and right, each of the nine fireplaces has its own distinctive mantle and type of marble, the main hallway fireplace is accented by the Darling coat of arms, "Deo Donum," God's gift, and so it surely seemed.
The only imported wood is the beautiful rich mahogany paneling of the dining room. Particularly notable is the native birch paneling in the breakfast room. This is where Mr. Darling and Miss Louise took their morning repast, one sitting in Burke, the other in Lyndon. On the second floor there were four special guest chambers; Egypt, Franconia, Brighton and Willoughby, named for the views the room afforded, and each with its own decorative motif and matching sterling silver service. There were a total of ten bedrooms on the second floor, and twelve on the third!
It was, perhaps, because Mr. Darling had no wife and children of his own that the nearby residents became, in a sense, his family. A great annual occasion was his Christmas party for local children. Hundreds were brought to the party by sleigh, and each got a gift from Santa Clause. There were more parties for the adults throughout the holiday season, but such grandeur and celebration could not last forever. Miss Louise Darling died in 1925, and Elmer Darling followed her in 1931. After their brother Lucien died in 1937, the estate changed hands several times. It was owned by the state for a while, and endured some institutional years as a college dormitory. We are delighted to see Burklyn Hall's former elegance restored by the present owners."


Final call! See you in Guangzhou on Dec. 6!
The coming new year is the Year of the Dog and will mark the 40th anniversary of the beginning of China's policy of reform and opening-up.
EHang released a video of the latest test flights of their Autonomous Aerial Vehicle (AAV), the world first drone capable of carrying human passengers.
The time has come to ring out the year of the rooster and ring in the year of the dog, and it's customary to send and receive greetings from your family and friends from home and abroad.


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The Wisdom Tree- Where Mysticism, Science and Philosoph...
Movies with Meaning, by Brent Marchant, TGRN Movie Corr...
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Movies with Meaning, by Brent Marchant, TGMN Movie Correspondent
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Portrait of a Woman in Transition
Removing oneself from a difficult situation can be a challenging task. Numerous impediments can infringe on the process, not only making it difficult to execute, but even to launch. That prospect can be exacerbated even further for those in the public eye, their words and deeds scrutinized in virtually every detail. Consequently, transitioning out of such circumstances may be truly daunting, as illustrated in the new hypothetical historical drama, "Spencer" (web site, trailer).
In talking about this film, there's one important consideration to bear in mind up front: this is a work of speculative fiction involving real-life individuals, not a literal chronicle of historic events. From the very beginning of this picture, an electronic graphic in the lower corner of the screen refers to "Spencer" as a fable about a tragic truth. Thus viewers who expect something else out of this offering will be sorely disappointed. This is a caution that audiences ignore at their peril.
It's 1991, a decade since the fairytale marriage of England's Princess Diana (Kristen Stewart) and Prince Charles (Jack Farthing), heir apparent to the throne. Despite that romantic beginning, things have soured between them. Rumors of affairs, incessant quarreling between Charles and Diana, and disapproval of the Princess as a persistent complainer by the royal family have circulated widely, despite efforts to maintain a blissful, problem-free public façade. However, internal pressures have been mounting for some time, and it has taken quite a toll on the Princess, bringing her near a breaking point.
While on a 1991 Christmas holiday visit with the royal family at Queen Elizabeth II's Sandringham Estate, Princess Diana (Kristen Stewart), already on the outs with her in-laws, seeks to make the best of a tense situation in "Spencer," now playing in theaters. Photo by Pablo Larraín, courtesy of Neon.
Challenges aside, the royal family has gathered at the Sandringham Estate of Queen Elizabeth II (Stella Gonet) for the Christmas holidays, a time during which all controversies have supposedly been declared off-limits in favor of three days of feasting, hunting and celebration. For Diana, however, merely attending the event is a strain on her composure, some might even say her sanity. For some time, she has largely bottled up her feelings, resulting in a stockpile of unexpressed anger and frustration. Her husband's affair with Camilla Parker-Bowles (Emma Darwall-Smith), the never-ending expectations of meticulously fulfilling often-silly royal protocols and her own battles with eating disorders have left her exceedingly distraught. Add to that the disdain felt for her by her in-laws, and you've got an emotional time bomb waiting to explode.
Given how circumstances have been unfolding, Diana has begun to wonder what the future holds for her marriage and her place within the royal family. The Windsor clan suspects this, too, fearing that her "delusional" state of mind may cause her to go off the deep end, a concern that has prompted the appointment of long-trusted aide Maj. Alistair Gregory (Timothy Spall) to oversee the weekend's festivities and to keep the rebel Princess in line. Because of this, however, Diana has come to resent this deliberate attempt at handling. She has even quietly pondered the possibility that she might – either metaphorically or literally – befall a fate not unlike that of Anne Boleyn (Amy Manson), one of King Henry VIII's wives, who was executed when she fell into disfavor with the monarch – and who has now begun appearing in visions to the troubled Princess.
To compound matters, Sandringham is located next to the Spencer Estate, Diana's now-shuttered childhood home, where she enjoyed many years as a fun-loving, carefree child (Kimia Schmidt) and teen (Greta Bücker). She desperately wants to visit the property, if for no other reason than to attempt to relive those fond memories. But, like so many of the other rigid restrictions placed upon her, she's forbidden from going there due to the dangerous, rundown state of the manor house, yet another frustration that weighs heavily upon her.
This is not to suggest that Diana is without sources of comfort. For example, she relishes her time with her sons, William (Jack Nielen) and Harry (Freddie Spry), both of whom she positively adores (and vice versa). She also enjoys the company of two servants who serve as personal confidantes, her dresser, Maggie (Sally Hawkins), and the estate's head chef, Darren (Sean Harris). She even develops a sort of arm's-length rapport with Maj. Gregory, though, in true deferential fashion, he keeps a discreet distance, despite efforts to quietly look out for her best interests.
Over the course of the holidays, Diana's interactions with these kindreds prove quite valuable, most notably in helping her retrieve, strengthen and develop her lost sense of personal power. She refuses to be kept captive by a thoroughly dysfunctional family, making her feelings known in deliberately defiant ways. More than that, though, she also refuses to allow herself to be held hostage by her own fears and apprehensions. She's resolved to be herself, much as she was in her youth, free from the burdensome restrictions heaped upon her for the sake of appearances, to truly become the independent, self-determining individual she has always wanted to be. That may come at a high cost, but it's what she needs if she's to be at peace with herself and the future that awaits her.
While on an impromptu visit to her shuttered childhood home, Princess Diana (Kristen Stewart) seeks to relive fond memories of her youth in director Pablo Larraín's new speculative historical drama, "Spencer." Photo courtesy of Neon.
To characterize Diana's life as a tragedy, as the film's opening graphic suggests, is, in some ways, an understatement. To be sure, her accomplishments for the betterment of humanity are undeniable. However, those achievements came about in a very public arena, one that often demanded much of her at a high personal cost. And, when she finally attained the personal independence she craved, her ability to enjoy it was cut short at an all-too-young age. Nevertheless, for what it's worth, she successfully managed to realize it at least for a time by taking the requisite steps needed to reach that goal.
Specifically, this came about by significant adjustments in Diana's beliefs, and that's crucial given the role they play in manifesting the reality we experience. It's not known whether Diana was familiar with this school of thought, yet, as the experiences in this film illustrate, it's apparent she learned how to make use of it to her benefit. And, considering what she was up against, that was no small order.
At the top of Diana's list was a need to take back her personal power. The many demands placed on her were so daunting that she lost much of her ability to direct or control her fate. That loss, combined with the many extenuating distractions that burdened her, left her emotionally depleted and decidedly embittered. However, if Diana were to salvage a life for herself, she would have to refocus her beliefs to bring them into line with her wants and needs.
A number of components were part of this process. For starters, she needed to assert her desire to be her authentic self and to concertedly live her life with a sense of personal integrity. This meant following her heart and pursuing the free-spirited nature of her own wishes, not following the stuffy dictates of archaic royal practices and traditions, a maverick streak that ran afoul of her in-laws' rigid, pompous sensibilities. By ignoring her own needs, she was suffocating under the weight of expectations that didn't suit her. This stifling of her desires subsequently caused them to accumulate to a dangerous level, prompting them to emerge in an intense, exaggerated manner. It's understandable why onlookers would be troubled by this. But it's also understandable how this relentless build-up and denial of her true self negatively affected her. Change obviously had to come, and she wisely chose to make it happen.
To reach that point, though, she had to overcome the fears and limitations that were holding her back. These hindrances are themselves belief based, so those elements had to be altered as part of Diana's personal transformation. Achieving this required a Herculean effort on her part, given how many forces were working against her. But, despite the many opposing factors, their presence also helped to steel her resolve, to push her in surmounting these fears and limitations to allow her true self to rise up and emerge.
As she attempts to deal with a cheating husband, disapproving in-laws and an array of ridiculous royal protocols, England's Princess Diana (Kristen Stewart) struggles to contain her composure amidst mounting pressures in director Pablo Larraín's new speculative historical drama, "Spencer." Photo by Pablo Larraín, courtesy of Neon.
With this piece of the puzzle in place, Diana was able to discern which aspects of her existence needed to be discarded. In particular, this meant leaving behind what no longer served her and embracing the aspects of life that enriched and fulfilled her life. In some cases, that even called for willful acts of defiance to assure that she rid herself of what was now clearly expendable. This is quite a liberating experience for anyone, but it had to be especially gratifying for someone who was saddled with so much extraneous baggage on so many fronts.
Through all of this, Diana was wise enough to recognize that she required guidance in carrying out these plans, and, fortunately, she had many confidantes to draw upon in this regard. This was plainly obvious in her consultations with Maggie and Darren. But it also became apparent in her dealings with her sons, especially young Prince Harry, who, like his mother, could clearly see the writing on the wall where the royal family was concerned (which explains a lot when it comes to the real-life Prince's very public and intentional disengagement with his relatives). These intimate discussions and interactions helped Diana determine what mattered most in life, giving her the power to make the necessary decisions and alter the essential beliefs required to implement these changes for the better. And isn't that something we all ultimately want for ourselves?
There's a big difference between fable and chronicle, and that seems to be the point on which many viewers are misunderstanding this historic "what if" saga about one of the world's best known and most celebrated icons. At a time when the storied marriage of Charles and Diana was quickly dissolving, we see a frazzled bur determined woman in transition, fighting to protect her own identity and the well-being of her children under the crushing weight of traditions and expectations that did not suit her. However, as this story unfolds, viewers see a side of the beloved People's Princess that is not always the most flattering or in line with their impressions but nevertheless depicts her honestly as an authentic human being seeking to keep herself from being consumed by the toxic environment surrounding her. Director Pablo Larraín's latest is thus more of a hypothetical character study, presenting events and situations where the kinds of issues Diana was experiencing are depicted despite a lack of verified substantiation. To be sure, some of those incidents are a little melodramatic, with symbolism that can be a trifle heavy-handed and obvious at times. Yet, when considered within the narrative context in which they're included, it's understandable why they were made part of the story. In this way, much of what the filmmaker has done here for Diana is similar to what he did for First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy in "Jackie" (2016), both pictures being about women who experienced tremendous tragedy in their lives and how they attempted to cope with their circumstances.
The crowning element of this film, of course, is the stellar performance of Kristen Stewart, a portrayal that easily makes clear why she's currently the leading contender to win this year's Oscar for best actress. But there are many other fine attributes here, too, from production design to costumes to an excellent supporting cast and more. This theatrical release reinforces filmmaker Pablo Larraín's status as one of the best directors working in the business today. It's indeed unfortunate that this offering has become so misunderstood in a number of circles, but it truly is one of this year's finest, as long as viewers appreciate why it is the way it is.
The Princess of Wales was an inspiration for many. However, it's often overlooked that she was also a real-life person, one with her own faults, challenges and needs. As a larger-than-life figure, though, many forget that individuals such as Diana are fundamentally much like the rest of us, and they deserve the right to engage in the kinds of personal pursuits we all readily enjoy. Making the transition from one's public self to the private side of life might be challenging, but it's a birthright we're all entitled to enjoy, even when one is a princess. Diana may not have had much of an opportunity to fully savor such a possibility, but we can only hope that she enjoyed what she experienced – just as it should be for any of us.
A complete review is available by clicking here.
Celebrating a Life of Living One's Passions
It's been said that life is too short to spend it doing things we dislike, something that many of us can probably attest to. The thought of living out our days engaged in what gives us pleasure is one that far too many people speculate about but never see through. But it is possible if we put our hearts and minds to it, as evidenced by the life experiences of someone who followed her own path and believed in fulfilling her dreams, a story told in the delightful new documentary, "Julia" (web site, trailer).
Who would have thought that a middle-aged woman with a lilting voice, an eccentric demeanor and looks that didn't exactly match those of an idealized 1960s housewife would become a pop culture icon? But that's precisely what happened with chef Julia Child (1912-2004), who brought the joy of cooking and eating into the mainstream at a time when most Americans gave it precious little thought. Through the publication of her seminal cookbook Mastering the Art of French Cooking with collaborators Simone Beck and Louisette Bertholle and her myriad television appearances, she brought a new appreciation for the art of the kitchen into the lives of many, serving as meticulous instructor, courageous mentor and eclectic culinary tour guide. In the process, she also single-handedly gave birth to the television cooking show and lent ample credibility to the value of the struggling public television network. And her infamous love of butter at a time when most health care professionals were calling it the Great Satan helped contribute to re-evaluations of this once-taboo food (and sent margarine stocks tumbling). These are noteworthy accomplishments for someone who didn't discover her true calling in life until well into middle age.
Julia Child shows off one of her signature pastries on an episode of Julia Child and Company as seen in the charming new documentary, "Julia." Photo by Jim Scherer, courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics.
This superb, finely detailed documentary about the French Chef treats viewers to the antics of a truly American original, one whose animated and quirky presentation style was as delicious as what she was preparing in her kitchen. But this signature manner didn't come early in life for Julia. After graduating college, she explored various options for fulfilling her sense of adventure, a quality that set her apart from many other women brought up in traditional, conservative backgrounds. Following the tried and true was not for her. She wanted something different and that was truly her own.
Julia's first grand adventure came when she joined the OSS, a forerunner to the CIA. She worked as a secretary in Asia during World War II, an experience that led to her meeting the love of her life, Paul Child. Julia fell madly in love with him and followed him everywhere in his various posts, first in Asia as a military man and later in Europe as a State Department official. She thoroughly enjoyed the diversity of her life and travels, as well as the artistic and intellectual stimulation that came from her involvement with Paul. But it wasn't until he was posted to Paris when her life finally came into focus.
With Julia's first taste of French food, she instantly fell in love, a romance to rival that of her relationship with her husband. She became so enthralled with French cuisine that she enrolled in the famed Cordon Bleu cooking school, where, as a woman, she stood out in a room full of male students. However, Julia was determined to succeed, and so she hung in there, despite the obvious prejudices directed her way.
While living in Paris, Julia Child (center right) honed her cooking skills while under the tutelage of Chef Bugnard (center left) at the Cordon Bleu School, one of her experiences detailed in the new documentary, "Julia." Photo by Paul Child, © Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University, courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics.
Not long thereafter, Julia met her colleagues Simone and Louisette. Together they launched an impromptu cooking school of their own, Ecole Des Trois Gourmandes, primarily for Parisian housewives who wanted to become more skilled in the kitchen. But this was just a prelude to a bigger project. Simone and Louisette were compiling a French cookbook for an American audience, but, to make it work, they needed the assistance of someone who could translate the text and recipes properly and put the information in a context that homemakers across the pond could understand. The result was a culinary magnum opus that the trio's original publisher rejected but that was subsequently picked up by another house, where editor Judith Jones helped turn the unconventional manuscript into a blockbuster title whose popularity and sales have persisted to this day.
With the publication of Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Julia made an appearance on a book review show on the public broadcasting affiliate in Boston. It was a program that mostly featured stuffy intellectual conversations and that few people watched. However, when Julia appeared on the show, she included a cooking demonstration with her interview, a move that proved to be pure gold, both for her and the show. The episode was a hit, helping to pave the fortunes of the eccentric chef and the underappreciated TV network. Before long, Julia had her own show, The French Chef, the first of many. She was quickly off and running.
In the ensuing years, Julia became a staple on public broadcasting, eventually reaching a national audience. She would go on to write additional books and eventually join the team of Good Morning America, enabling her to tap into an even larger viewership. In doing so, she celebrated the art of cooking, winning over countless converts to a subject that was once largely ignored by American audiences. And she did it all with flair, panache and her own brand of whimsical humor.
Julia Child (center), with colleagues Simone Beck (left) and Louisette Bertholle (right) at their impromptu cooking school, Ecole Des Trois Gourmandes, peel vegetables while preparing for class as seen in "Julia." Photo by Paul Child, © Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University, courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics.
Julia also made a name for herself off-screen. She was a committed activist on several fronts, becoming an ardent voice for the pro choice movement and AIDS victims. She was also a generous supporter of aspiring chefs, helping them to become more widely known and in developing their craft. But such mentorship was typical for Julia, as she incessantly pleaded with her audiences to approach cooking courageously, without fear of the process or even when it came to making mistakes, developments that she believed could always somehow be fixed. Indeed, she made quite an inspiring impression on those who followed her, and what a legacy she left behind.
Wouldn't it be great if we could all unreservedly follow our passions? Well, actually, that's entirely possible as long as we believe in the possibility, for that's the first step in realizing our dreams. And, for her part, Julia was truly a master at this. Even if she was unaware of this school of thought, and even if she often approached her dreams with an outwardly unassuming attitude, she nevertheless employed the principles of this practice with the skill and artistry of a culinary virtuoso.
In making this happen, Julia pushed the envelope of creativity, embracing beliefs that overcame any limitations that might have held her back. Of course, that came somewhat easily for her, given that she freely and totally gave in to her passions, pursuing them and the joy and power associated with them with unbridled abandon, qualities that became more than apparent in all of her endeavors.
Never far from the camera, Julia Child (left) poses for a picture taken by photographer Jim Scherer (right) in a photo shoot for her book, The Way To Cook, as depicted in the engaging new biographical documentary, "Julia." Photo by Jim Scherer, courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics.
Julia set quite an example in this regard. And it's one that can be translated into virtually any pursuit, provided we make use of the same principles and embrace the same kinds of fundamental beliefs as she did. We may not all wish to become master chefs, but we can certainly seek to become proficient in other endeavors requiring comparable levels of mastery, be it painting, writing, athletics or virtually any other venture. This truly is a classic case of following one's heart and relishing the enjoyment that comes from it.
But the example Julia set didn't end here. She also inspired others by taking on the task of cooking without letting fear get in the way. She found that many aspiring cooks were intimidated by the ways of the kitchen, that they were deathly afraid of making mistakes. Julia never let this stop her, though, and she made that point plainly known through her writings and television appearances. She routinely encouraged her followers to step up to culinary challenges without hesitation, for, if fear were allowed to creep into the mix, disaster could indeed follow. Instead, she urged readers and viewers to approach cooking courageously, without fear. She was not one to wallow in disappointment over kitchen errors. In fact, she saw missteps as learning opportunities so as not to repeat them or even to use one's creativity to make lemonade from proverbial lemons. Indeed, do-overs were part of kitchen life and shouldn't be viewed as the end of the world – that is, as long as we put beliefs in place to make such happy endings possible.
Julia Child poses with one of her favorite culinary ingredients, chicken, as seen in the new biographical documentary "Julia" from directors Julie Cohen and Betsy West. Photo by Brian Leatart, courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics.
Taken together, these qualities combined to forge Julia's destiny. She may have been a little late coming to it compared to most of us, but eventually she did. And, in doing so, she lived out her mission to be her best, truest self for the betterment of herself and others. Julia took a task that was generally seen as mundane and routine and elevated it to an art form, one worthy of celebration, appreciation and joie de vivre. She revolutionized our notions about cooking and eating and all for the better. She showed us what joy food can bring into our lives and our relationships with others, all served up with hefty helpings of happiness – and, of course, butter.
To call Julia one of a kind is indeed an understatement, and this film makes that abundantly clear. As they did in their documentary "RBG" (2018) about Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, directors Julie Cohen and Betsy West serve up another fine offering, a sumptuous buffet of all things Julia, including ample archive footage, recent interviews with friends and colleagues, and gorgeously filmed food that will send viewers on a beeline to the nearest gourmet restaurant upon leaving the theater. Fans of Julia and the art of cooking owe it to themselves to see this lovingly assembled tribute to an icon who accomplished and contributed so much and made it look easy – and fun. The film has been playing at film festivals and in limited theatrical release.
Cooking is an activity that can be viewed as a burdensome chore (something to be dutifully but unenthusiastically checked off our list of daily tasks) or as a joy to be richly savored (especially when one gets to eat the finished product!). Julia showed us the difference, as well as how to go about it in what many of us would likely consider the preferred manner. And, what's more, she did it with fun, eccentricity and many undeniably blissful rolls of the eyes. Given that, then, one can't help but ask, "Why wouldn't someone want to live his or her life like that?" Good question, if you ask me. We'd all probably be a lot better off if we followed Ms. Child's example and spent our days immersed in what gives us pleasure. After all, when the clock runs out, we wouldn't want to look back on our lives and wish we'd used more butter and less margarine.
Wrapping Up the 2021 St. Louis Film Festival
The Whitaker St. Louis International Film Festival recently completed its 2021 edition in its first-ever hybrid format with theatrical and virtual screening options. This flexible approach made it possible for viewers to screen over 90% of its more than 400 feature films and shorts in the traditional manner at multiple locations or from the comfort of their own homes. While some of the virtual presentations were available in Missouri and neighboring Illinois only, many others could be streamed nationwide, making it possible for movie fans to see some excellent films without being in metro St. Louis, an increasingly popular viewing option for many film festivals (and one that I heartily applaud).
Thanks to this format, I was able to screen a great number of films – 23 in all. The festival's 30th edition had its share of fine offerings, especially in the documentary genre. Below are summary reviews of some of my favorites from this year's festival.
"The Berrigans: Devout and Dangerous" (USA) (5/5)
Web site Trailer
In times of war and great social challenges, it can be difficult to remain devoted to one's principles – no matter how strongly we feel about them – when prevailing circumstances threaten to curtail our freedoms and our ability to express our feelings about them. Yet there are courageous, unflappable individuals who refuse to let such conditions stop them, as evidenced by the protests led by activists Philip and Daniel Berrigan and Elizabeth McAllister. In this superb documentary about the lives of these three heroic figures (two priests and a nun who walked their talk when it came to their Catholic values), director Susan Hagedorn chronicles the efforts of these anti-war advocates who destroyed draft records as a means of protesting US involvement in the Vietnam War, along with their activities in the civil rights movement and the early days of the AIDS crisis. They paid dearly for their actions, spending considerable time in prison, but they could not ignore their conscience in carrying out these acts of deliberate defiance. Through a wealth of archive materials and contemporary interviews with family members and those who worked with them (such as actor Martin Sheen and Pentagon Papers whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg), these three activists brilliantly come to life, both as advocates for their causes and as compassionate, committed individuals, all captured in a highly personal way. This material is supplemented with voiceover narrations of the brothers' writings read by Liam Neeson and Bill Pullman, adding an intimate and thoughtful dimension to their portrayals. We owe much to these virtuous champions, and this eminently moving film makes that abundantly clear. Winner of the festival's Interfaith Award for best documentary feature.
"A Sexplanation" (USA) (5/5)
In a culture so pervasively obsessed with sex as ours, it's amazing that it's simultaneously so hung up and ignorant about the subject as well. That's an intriguing paradox filmmaker Alex Liu wanted to explore. So, at age 36, the gay Asian-American director decided to make a documentary about it, one that he hoped would shed some light on this for society at large, not to mention himself, too. As someone who grew up with a shameful outlook about sex, both in terms of his individual orientation and the subject of eroticism in general, he wanted to get to the bottom of this conundrum, especially in light of his apparently robust libido as an adult. In his singularly humorous deep dive into this matter, he interviews a wide range of experts on sexuality and those who have contributed to shaping our collective views on the subject, including researchers, educators, counselors, scientists and religious figures, as well as family members, friends, and everyday men and women on the street across all ages, ethnicities and sexual preferences. The result is an eye-opening cinematic experience, one that offers significant insights and enlightened solutions for addressing willful bashfulness and broad-based ignorance, all served up in a delightfully whimsical, frequently hilarious offering punctuated with clever animation and frank though lighthearted conversations. The filmmaker's debut feature is a real treat that leaves little to the imagination while pointedly but tactfully informing audiences of all ages on so many different fronts.
"Target: St. Louis Vol. 1" (USA) (5/5)
If watching this damning indictment of reprehensible clandestine activities by the US government in the 1950s and '60s doesn't leave you thoroughly appalled, you must not have a conscience, a soul or a shred of humanity in your being. Director Damien D. Smith's debut documentary feature tells the story of how the US military, in conjunction with various defense contractors, intentionally exposed residents of a predominantly African-American housing project in St. Louis to repeated open air dustings of toxic chemicals to determine what effects the substances would have on them, all without their knowledge or consent. The result was a host of serious illnesses, including rampant forms of cancer, that affected individuals at the time and many years later. What's worse, because of legal technicalities, victims were effectively unable to sue any of the parties involved. Through interviews with survivors of the testing, as well as researchers and advocates working to bring the truth to light, the filmmaker has produced a shocking release that is bound to leave viewers incensed about what transpired – especially when it's revealed that this sort of deplorable Third Reich-style form of experimentation may be only one such example of what our government had done (or could still be doing) without telling us. This is a powerful wake-up call, folks.
"Alien on Stage" (UK) (4/5)
When an amateur British theater company decides to do something different for its annual holiday charity production, the crew goes out on a limb to stage a work that's truly out of this world – a theatrical adaptation of Ridley Scott's sci-fi cinematic classic, "Alien." As audacious as this undertaking might be, however, the play's initial run in the company's hometown of Dorset is a flop. But, when the show catches the attention of documentary directors Lucy Harvey and Danielle Kummer, the company's fates change dramatically. The filmmakers help the amateur troupe secure an opportunity to stage a performance of the play in London's West End – and to a sold-out crowd at that. Thus begins this chronicle of an unlikely production brought to life both on stage and in this hilariously offbeat documentary. While the film could use a little more background about the principal players, this wickedly funny saga about a horror classic transformed into a campy romp provides meticulous behind-the-scenes detail, intercut with footage from the film original to provide context and comparison. Most of all, though, this is a fitting tribute to all the underdogs out there who are willing to stick their necks out and attempt the untried, all the while having fun and ultimately attaining unexpected yet much deserved success.
"Americanish" (USA) (4/5)
Though somewhat uneven, sometimes predictable and occasionally formulaic, this otherwise-delightful rom-com about the budding love lives of two Pakistani-American sisters (Aizzah Fatima, Salena Qureshi) and their immigrant cousin (Shenaz Treasury), along with the intrusive meddling of their overbearing mother/aunt (Lillete Dubey), pleases on virtually all counts. This charming debut feature from writer-director Iman K. Zawahry explores the triumphs and challenges of balancing career, impending marriage, entrenched tradition and evolving values, and it does so with insight, candor and gentle humor, successfully fusing the traditional romance and cross-cultural assimilation genres. Watch for more from this filmmaker given the great start she has had with this release.
"Delicate State" (USA) (4/5)
Imagine if you were parents-to-be, blissfully happy about the impending blessed event, when suddenly a devastating civil war breaks out. That's what happens to a young middle class couple living in an unidentified American city as they await the birth of their first child, all the details of which are meticulously recorded in a video diary filmed during the increasingly troubled pregnancy. After a somewhat slow and slightly unfocused start, writer-actor-director Paula Rhodes's debut feature soon changes lanes and tells a chilling story that grows ever-more compelling as it unfolds, leaving viewers on edge as they witness developments taking place in a simulated real-time context. The picture brings an added touch of realism to the narrative as it was filmed during the actor-director's own pregnancy, accompanied by real-life husband Charlie Bodin as the protagonist's co-star. The result is a startlingly eclectic mix of unnerving terror and relentless hope fused into one story with an all-too-familiar sociopolitical backdrop. Handily, this is one of the most unusual releases I've seen in some time, yet it offers us a potent cautionary tale that we had better take seriously if we expect our society to survive – or otherwise run the risk of lawless, uncontrolled collapse.
"A Matter of Perspective" ("Eine Sache der Perspektive") (Austria) (4/5)
How we perceive the nature of a particular situation ultimately depends on the perspective we each hold about it, even when those outlooks don't agree with one another. But how can that be if the scenario is fundamentally "the same" for all concerned? That's where the fallacy of this notion becomes apparent, and director Gerda Leopold's second feature does a fine job of illustrating this through a collection of interwoven stories (mostly of romantic and relationship matters) involving 10 characters whose paths cross in myriad synchronistic ways. What's most intriguing about these interactions, however, is how diversely the various participants in these scenarios view their circumstances compared to one another, despite their mutual involvement in them. Ironically, one of the film's greatest strengths is its reluctance to provide definitive resolution to many of the narrative's incidents, reinforcing the notion that, given differing perspectives, there often is no set answer that applies across the board. Admittedly there are some elements of this Austrian production that seem to be somewhat truncated, but that's a small price to pay for an otherwise-engaging film, one that features a fine ensemble cast and some inventive camera work, with cinematography aptly befitting the picture's subject matter. A delicious indie gem.
"My So-Called Selfish Life" (USA) (4/5)
A woman's life isn't complete until she has a child and becomes a mother, right? Well, that may be the traditional view, but, is it still true today? And, for those who have opted to go the childless route, why is there such a strong backlash against their decision? Don't they, as adults, have the right to make up their own minds? In light of this, director Therese Schechter, who has intentionally chosen to forego motherhood, decided to make a documentary on the subject, examining all of the implications involved, including those of a cultural, personal, familial, vocational and lifestyle nature. Through interviews with physicians, sociologists, researchers, advocates and women who have purposely chosen to go childless, intercut with clever animation and clips from movies and TV, the filmmaker presents an insightful look at the options today's women have – choices that previous generations largely lacked, an outlook that enabled the prevailing view about motherhood to become so firmly entrenched. While this offering may ruffle some feathers among traditionalists, the film nevertheless gives a big, polite middle finger to those who try to dictate terms to women based on arguments that amount to little more than "Because I said so." A real eye-opener, especially for those who continue to believe they have no choice in the matter.
"Shellfish" (USA) (4/5)
Mixing storytelling techniques can be a risky proposition when making a film, but, when they're fused seamlessly and in the right proportions, they can combine to work some cinematic magic. So it is in director Hunter Hopewell's debut feature about a student filmmaker (Hopewell) who attempts to shoot a feature movie excerpt in a week's time in order to win a competition awarding a generous production grant. Working with a ragtag filming crew while trying to conceal his efforts from his parents (who push him to give up this "foolish quest" and get a "real" job), the young auteur struggles against a host of production problems and comically insurmountable setbacks. The film successfully blends live action, stop action animation, claymation and a variety of other techniques to create a unique mix that all work together well, often yielding loads of laugh-out-loud moments. While it's true that the film attempts to fuse a few too many narrative threads and occasionally tries a little too hard to get its laughs, on balance, Hopewell has come up with an entertaining, professionally made and surprisingly touching project on a shoestring budget. If you're looking for a belly-full of chuckles, check this one out. Winner of the festival's Emerging Director Award.
"Soy Cubana" (Cuba/USA) (4/5)
Web site Film Clip
How frustrating it must be to have talent – and a tremendous gift to give the world – only to be thwarted by bureaucratic red tape and needless, outdated government restrictions. So it has been for many Cuban artists looking to showcase their talents abroad. Fortunately, though, there have been some lucky breakthroughs, such as those that occurred during a narrow window from 2015 to 2017, when cultural exchange relations between the US and Cuba were briefly relaxed, enabling artists like the Vocal Vidas – a Cuban a capella quartet – to slip through a visitation window that allowed the talented foursome to give three performances in Los Angeles. The process was not an easy one to negotiate, as the window of opportunity was in the process of closing, but the Vidas were able to pass through in time, to the benefit of everyone who saw them perform live and to those viewing this documentary about their storied odyssey. Directors Ivaylo Getov and Jeremy Ungar have assembled a delightful chronicle of their journey, including footage of their performances, as well as the complex process of securing visitation visas to perform in the US. The film features ample footage of their singing, both in the US and Cuba, as well as insights into their respective lives, both as performers and as individuals struggling to get by in the fiscally strapped island nation. A truly delightful, uplifting, inspiring watch.
"Voodoo Macbeth" (USA) (4/5)
When the Roosevelt Administration launched the Federal Theatre Project in 1935 as part of the government-sponsored New Deal program, that initiative included a Negro Unit specifically aimed at developing African-American theatrical productions. One of that unit's most auspicious undertakings was the staging of an all-Black cast adaptation of Shakespeare's Macbeth, set in Haiti instead of Scotland. To get this version of the play into production, unit heads Rose McClendon (Inger Tudor) and John Houseman (Daniel Kuhlman) hired a 20-year-old neophyte director named Orson Welles (Jewell Wilson Bridges) to bring it to life. Welles had a bold vision for this Harlem-based production, but he encountered endless challenges in making it happen, including multiple casting issues, funding obstacles initiated by a Congressman (Hunter Bodine) who claimed the play was "Communist propaganda" and the director's own obsessive, self-destructive behavior. Nevertheless, the cast and crew soldiered on, despite these obstacles, to put their own spin on this classic tale. This docudrama, a project of the USC School of Cinematic Arts, was written by a team of eight students and shot by a crew of 10 top graduate students, a collaboration that has resulted in a fine finished product. Some of the writing is a bit over the top at times, and some of the acting is admittedly rather hammy (and not in the Shakespearean sequences, where one would most likely expect it), but the casting overall is quite solid, as are the period piece production values. It's gratifying to see a student project turn out as polished as this one has, making it a film that deservedly warrants a general release to reach a wider audience.
For a summary of all of the films that I screened at the festival, click here. Full reviews of select films to follow.
Copyright © 2021, by Brent Marchant. All rights reserved.
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Brent Marchant
A lifelong movie fan and longtime student of metaphysics, Brent Marchant is the award-winning author of "Get the Picture?!: Conscious Creation Goes to the Movies" (2007, 2014, http://booklaunch.io/brent%20marchant/get-the-picture), "Consciously Created Cinema: The Movie Lover's Guide to the Law of Attraction" (2014, http://booklaunch.io/brent%20marchant/consciously-created-cinema) and "Third Real: Conscious Creation Goes Back to the Movies" (2017, http://booklaunch.io/brent%20marchant/third-real), all of which provide reader-friendly looks at how the practice of "conscious creation" (also known as "the law of attraction") is illustrated through film. Brent maintains an ongoing blog about metaphysical cinema and other self-empowerment topics through his web site (https://www.BrentMarchant.com). He is also a contributing writer for Modern Warrior magazine (https://www.modernwarriormagazine.com). His additional writing credits have included submissions to Library Journal, BeliefNet, VividLife magazine, New Age News, Smart Women's Empowerment, New Consciousness Review, The HAPI Guide, UpWords and Master Heart Magazine. Hear Brent as movie review correspondent on Frankiesense & More (https://www.thegoodradionetwork.com/) and as Cinema Scribe segment contributor on Bring Me 2 Life Radio (https://www.spreaker.com/show/thecinemascribe). He's a frequent guest on various Internet and broadcast radio shows, as well as a regular presenter at conscious creation conferences. Brent holds a B.A. in magazine journalism and history from Syracuse University.
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Teaching assistant University Bologna, Italy, 1993—1995, tenure researcher, 1996—1998, associate professor, since 2002, University Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy, 1998—2001.
Francesco Capozzi, Italian chemistry professor. President Cultural Club, Cesena, Italy, 2003—2007; Member of American Chemical Society.
Capozzi, Francesco was born on June 10, 1961 in Taranto, TA, Italy. Son of Angelo Capozzi and Grazia Colonna.
Degree, University Florence, Italy, 1987.
President Cultural Club, Cesena, Italy, 2003—2007. Member of American Chemical Society.


text:
Marcus Becomes First UMD Director of Faculty Leadership
Professor Steve Marcus, former director of the Clark School's Institute for Systems Research and a former chair of its Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, is assuming a newly defined part-time position as the University of Maryland's first director of faculty leadership within the Office of Faculty Affairs.
The overall goal of the position is to work with other offices on campus to create a stronger sense of community and quality of life for faculty, a supportive environment in which everyone can excel. Marcus sees two major components to this goal: stronger and more effective faculty mentoring and leadership development and support for chairs and directors.
"I envision ongoing programs to support mentors, junior faculty, chairs and directors, as well as communities for mentors and junior faculty, and for chairs and directors across the campus," Marcus says.
Long-term, the position of director of faculty leadership may be filled on a rotating basis by members of the faculty, "so as to strengthen the partnership between this office and its constituencies," said Juan Uriagereka, the University of Maryland's associate provost for faculty affairs.
Maryland researchers awarded $1M DARPA Lagrange program cooperative agreement
Maryland research contributes to Google's AlphaGo AI system
Student Recognized for Academic and Service Achievements
Cleaveland, Marcus Part of $10M NSF Grant


The three-day supercross extravaganza witnessed quality racing and thrilling performance by top notch international and national. The event which witnessed overwhelming response from the crowd was thoroughly entertained by the riders with some breathtaking action. For Stallion Riders the major contribution came from their riders of SX2 category. The SX2 category fetched them 178 points. Prithvi Singh was the X factor for the team as he contributed with a total of91 points. Out of the six motos, the Chandigarh-based rider bagged the second position in two motos and bagged first position in one moto.
Prithvi was given a tough fight in the category by Javed Shaikh of Goa. Javed represented Team Greeshm which ended up in the second position with a total tally of 424 points. The Goa-based rider was the major contributor to the team's tally as he contributed with 117 points and emerged victorious in five out of thesix motos and ended in the second position in one moto. Javed was adjudged as the best rider in the category.
The SX junior category witnessed a close three-way fight between Pune lads Yuvraj Konde Deshmukh (Pashankar Racing), Karan Karle (PB Racing) & Devraj Kolhara of Sri Lanka representing Team Greeshm. But there was no stopping the talented and daredevil Yuvraj who topped the category by winning five out ofsix motos and secured the fourth position in one moto.


TI:GER is a partnership between Georgia Tech and Emory University School of Law that brings together PhD, MBA, and law students to learn about the challenges of commercializing innovative technologies.
As part of the international project, select TI:GER students will travel to Munich (beginning in fall 2011) to gain first-hand experience working with foreign teams on projects for startup entities from LMU's Entrepreneurship Center lab incubator. "This global dimension is transformative and vital to the competitiveness of our graduates," says Professsor Marie Thursby, TI:GER's founder and executive director, who was responsible for obtaining this grant.
Participating students also will attend seminars on the European patent and regulatory processes and technology commercialization at LMU's Institute for Innovation Research, Technology Management and Entrepreneurship (INNO-tec), a research and education institute for managing innovation. "We are looking forward to extending this collaboration to a fully reciprocal exchange training arrangement between LMU and Georgia Tech," says Professor Dietmar Harhoff, director of INNO-tec and the LMU Entrepreneurship Center.
Also as part of the exchange program, LMU students will visit Atlanta, working on teams with TI:GER students on technology commercialization projects for startups in Georgia Tech's VentureLab and Advacned Technology Development Center, a business incubator.