text:
Moreover
Finland's Buster Keaton
Don't say a word
IT IS snowing heavily in Helsinki, Aki Kaurismaki tells his telephone interviewer, and they have just shut down his local cinema for good. "Probably my fault; I never went there once." Instead, Finland's most celebrated director sits out the blizzards watching Buster Keaton, Laurel and Hardy, and other black and white classics "the world has forgotten how to make".
Few film directors are as frank or undeflectable in their views as Mr Kaurismaki. He shuns Hollywood with a passion and bemoans its fast-cut, noisily commercial work. A Helsinki newspaper once asked him to review an action movie. He slated it as one-dimensional tripe, adding: "More than this I cannot say, since I refuse to watch it."
Other contemporary directors—Mike Leigh or Ken Loach, for example—may be masters of the mundane. Mr Kaurismaki goes one further by weaving a depressed zaniness into the everyday. "Life is short and miserable," is a typical refrain in his films, "let's make the most of it." Finns can be painfully taciturn. Mr Kaurismaki tells a joke about two countrymen in a bar. After hours of silence one raises a glass and says "Cheers". His friend snaps back, "We didn't come here to talk." Mr Kaurismaki's films reflect this aversion to speech. Scarcely a word is said in his most enduring film, "The Match Factory Girl" (1990).
Yet much is communicated. "If a film is tuned on a minimalist level," Mr Kaurismaki maintains, "even the sound of a cough is dramatic." His latest film does not have even a cough. It is an 80-minute silent movie shot in black and white. Loosely based on a classic Finnish novel, "Juha", it tells of two happy cabbage farmers whose love is undermined by an interloper. Mr Kaurismaki plans to premiere the film (he has yet to give it an English title) with a full orchestra at the Berlin Film Festival. He says it took him 15 hours to write and half a year to think about. He wrote a dialogue which the actors mouthed. "We don't need to hear them. People talk too much anyway." For those with patience, Kaurismaki films are hypnotic and intimate.
The audience gets the feeling it is looking at the world through the flickering inner eye of the characters. Stories are told without sensationalism; violence and sex are rolled off stage. "Aki is the last puritan," in the view of Kari Vaananen, a professor at Helsinki's Theatre Academy and a star player in the regular Kaurismaki troupe. "He is highly moral and always interested in the small guy and the dark underside of society." The real delight of Mr Kaurismaki's films, however, is the small, marginalised characters who hold centre stage. By mixing the sweetness of Frank Capra with the sour realism of directors like Vittorio De Sica, Mr Kaurismaki accords his unlikely heroes dignity without appearing sentimental.
The trick is his uncanny ability to sound an optimistic note in a sea of melancholy. When the hero in "Drifting Clouds" (1996) is laid off from his job as a tram driver, his wife urges him to apply for unemployment benefit. He quietly refuses. "I don't beg," he says, "I am me." The same could be said for Mr Kaurismaki. When Hollywood courted him after his critically acclaimed "Ariel" (1988) he turned them down, preferring to plough his own more creative, if less lucrative, furrow. His most famous, and funniest, film, "Leningrad Cowboys Go To America" (1989), pokes fun at Hollywood road movies.
Interestingly, but not surprisingly, Mr Kaurismaki is no longer Finland's best known director: that title has passed to Renny Harlin, a transplanted Finn specialising in Hollywood thrillers such as the Sylvester Stallone vehicle, "Cliffhanger".
More from Moreover
Political satire
Latin American leaders
Enigma of the people
National reconciliation
Is truth enough?
You don't have to be Jewish to live there
The bloodier the better
The choice of Senator Joe Lieberman, a devout Jew, as a vice-presidential candidate has raised a wide-ranging discussion about religion and Jewish identity in the United States. We review two timely books on this topic
There is more than you think to the haunting of Japan


Kurtz (Patrick Napolitano) surprises Kiki (Casey Rae Borella) and Loony (Katie Kunka). Courtesy Robert Gelberg.
An eager crowd gathers around the door of the Flamboyan theater, in the Clemente Soto Velez Cultural and Educational Center in New York City, on Friday, June 16, at 5 p.m. Some people are holding flowers. Others hold cameras.
Parents and friends and some random theatergoers have gathered to see the premiere of Robert Gelberg's play "They Say We'll Have Some Fun," in the Planet Connections Theatre Festivity.
The play, which clocks in at about an hour, is about a group of teenagers at a summer camp. As the teens navigate the transition from CIT (counselor in training) to counselor, and tensely wait out the news about a camper in the infirmary, they also face the awkwardness of the transition from child to grownup.
The cast and crew are all students at Montclair Kimberley Academy, or recent grads: Liam Gerard, Caitlin Ladda, Patrick Napolitano, Casey Rae Borella, and Katie Kunka perform. Sydney Abraham is assistant director, Alex Golub is stage manager and Paul Korfhage is technical director. The performers all took Gelberg's playwriting class.
Hoppe, the fine and performing arts department chair at MKA's upper school, offered Gelberg a job as MKA's first playwright-in-residence.
A colleague had retired, Hoppe explained, and though MKA filled the position, they did not have a playwriting course. She had kept in touch with Gelberg, and called him when she knew he was back in the area. "I wanted to see if by chance he would want to come help his old alma mater out.
The cast and crew compete a food drive to support Human Needs Food Pantry. From left, Sudney Abraham, Alex Golub, Paul Korfhage, Patrick Napolitano, Liam Gerard, Katie Kunka, Casey Rae Borella and Caitlin Ladda. Courtesy Robert Gelberg.
Some of the work the students wrote will be produced in MKA's new amphitheater in September.
One responsibility of the playwright-in-residence position would be writing a play for teenage actors that would perform in a New York City festival.
And that's just what Gelberg did.
"It was extremely exciting for me," said Gelberg, talking fast and excitedly as he sat with the cast and crew at a Burger King after the premiere.
"I had never been under commission before. Getting the chance to write a play for teenage actors, and create a role I would have wanted to play, was an exciting opportunity for me." At 25, Gelberg finds it easy to remember what he felt as a teen. His goal in writing this play — which he did before the semester began — was to set teens in an environment where he hadn't seen them before.
Liam Gerard, 18, is going to study musical theater at the University of Hartford in the fall.
While the play is set at summer camp, the company discovered it is not really about camping.
Sarah (Caitlin Ladda) scolds Kurtz (Patrick Napolitano) and Martin (Liam Gerard). Courtesy Robert Gelberg.
"They Say We'll Have Some Fun"
Montclairites ask what's all the hype about hemp, CBD?


text:
Q: chrome directing to "http://localhost/dashboard/" I just installed XAMPP for windows 7,I started MySql and Apache, the problem I have is, when I type localhost in my browser "Google Chrome" it sends me to "http://localhost/dashboard/"

A: delete the "index"(xampp/htdocs)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
smber September 3, 2021
According to abbreviationfinder, Brussels is the capital and residence of Belgium, the center of the land, 15-80 m above sea level on the hills on both sides of Zenne prior to its entry into the plane (2019) 181 700 residents.
The urban agglomeration consisting of the capital and 18 other municipalities forms the Brussels-Capital region with 161 km 2 and (2018) 1.2 million residents. The Brussels-Capital Region is a bilingual island in the Dutch-speaking area; the proportion of the Dutch-speaking population is estimated at only 15–30%. The Brussels-Capital Region includes: Schaerbeek (133,000 residents), Anderlecht (118,400 residents), Molenbeek-Saint-Jean (97,000 residents), Uccle (82,300 residents) and Ixelles (86,500 residents).
Administrative and cultural institutions
Brussels is the seat of the government and administrative authorities of Belgium, the permanent General Secretariat of the Benelux countries and central bodies of the European Union, such as the European Commission, in addition to Strasbourg and Luxembourg, the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union (EU Council of Ministers), the European Defense Agency (in Ixelles), as well as the European air navigation service provider EUROCONTROL as well as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the North Atlantic Assembly; numerous umbrella associations and international organizations are based in Brussels. 40 km southwest of Brussels is the seat of the NATO headquarters (SHAPE).
As the cultural center of Belgium, Brussels has, in addition to the two full universities (founded in 1834; split in 1970), three sub-universities ("faculties"), commercial and business schools, the Erasmus University, the Royal Military Academy, and the Royal Conservatory; scientific academies (the oldest from 1772), research institutes, libraries and archives. The museum landscape is characterized by art museums (Musées Royaux d'Art et d'Histoire, Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts de Belgique), architecture museum, Erasmus museum, natural science museum, comic museum, Jewish museum, military museum, "Auto World" (automobile museum opened in 1986). There are numerous theaters including the National Theater and the Royal Opera House.
Brussels is a lively trading city with international trade fairs and congresses, the headquarters of large banks and many important national and international trading companies. The industry of Brussels has experienced a sharp decline in recent years and includes, in addition to the traditional textile industry (wool and upholstery fabrics, »Brussels lace«) Metal processing and mechanical engineering, chemical and pharmaceutical industry as well as diverse food industry. Heavy industry had also settled along the canals just outside the city. Noteworthy is the establishment of young high-tech companies in commercial, technology and research parks around the urban agglomeration. Business life and tourism are now concentrated in the old town between the north and central train stations as well as in the area around the Louise Gallery south of the Palace of Justice.
Brussels is the hub of the Belgian rail and road network and major international and intercontinental air traffic. There are TGV connections to Lille, Paris, Cologne and Amsterdam; Eurostar connection to London. Brussels-Zaventem Airport is the largest airport in Belgium. Brussels' ports are connected to Antwerp and the North Sea by the Brussels-Rupel Canal, which was laid out in 1550–61 (today it has been expanded to become the Brussels-Scheldt Sea Canal), and by an inland canal to the industrial area of Charleroi. There has been a subway since 1976.
The center of the lower town is the Grand 'Place (UNESCO World Heritage Site). The late Gothic town hall (begun in 1402) with a 96 m high tower (completed in 1455) is one of the largest in Belgium. Guild houses are lined up around the square; the medieval buildings fell victim to the bombardment by the French (1695), but were rebuilt in a short time. Opposite the town hall is the "Maison du Roi" (former "bread house", now a museum), which was restored in the Flemish late Gothic style in 1871–96 based on old engravings from the previous building (16th century). The "House of the Dukes" on the southeast side of the square is originally made up of six guild houses; near the market is the fountain with the bronze statuette of the "Manneken-Pis" by J. Duquesnoy the Elder (1619). The Galeries Saint-Hubert (1847) is one of the oldest covered shopping streets in Europe. In the lower town is the Gothic church of Notre-Dame-de-la-Chapelle (1216–1483).
The cathedral Saint-Michel et Gudule, a three-aisled church in the French Gothic style (1226 ff.), And the Notre-Dame-du-Sablon church in the flamboyant style (15th – 16th centuries) rise on the western slope of the upper town. The Rue Royale, which has been built since 1774, with the National Palace (1779–83), the Royal Palace (1740–87, modified several times) and the classicist church of Saint-Jacques-sur-Coudenberg (1776–85), runs on the edge of the hillside of the upper town. Further south is the Palace of Justice (1866–83 by J. Poelaert), the largest monumental building of the 19th century, a prime example of historicism.
The Art Nouveau buildings by Victor Horta (Hôtel Tassel, Hôtel Solvay, Hôtel van Eetvelde and Maison & Atelier Horta) and the Palais Stoclet by J. Hoffmann (1905–11) are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Atomium was built for the 1958 World's Fair. Far-reaching urban development interventions have been carried out since the beginning of the 20th century, in particular numerous modern high-rise buildings (e.g. Tour Pacific, 1970; World Trade Center, 1972 and 1983; Tour Belgacom I and II, 1994; residential high-rise Up-site, 2014), which have greatly changed the original character of the city.
Belgium Modern History
Belgium Agriculture and Fishing Overview

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Text messaging has been around since the '90s (SMS technology was developed in 1992) making it ancient by today's fast-paced marketing standards but has suddenly become the marketing weapon of choice amongst savvy marketers and business owners due to its impressive ability to instantly engage customers which is one of the top challenges facing most marketers and business owners today.
In this article, I'll share five reasons why Bulk SMS is becoming popular once again and will continue to do so for a long time to come.
One of the challenges of email marketing is that it can take a long time to craft a good email.
You've got to write a compelling subject line, write good copy, position the offer correctly, attach images (or have a graphics person design them), check all of the links are working, etc.
And this is all at the primary level.
When I craft an email it takes a copywriter, graphics person, HTML coder, proofing team and rounds of edits before it's ready to go out the door, this takes a couple of days to complete.
Preparing a bulk SMS campaign is a lot easier.
You write the message and offer, select the recipients, check the landing page (if any), check the link (if sending to a landing page) and hit send.
Emails, unfortunately, have an incredibly poor ability to grab the attention of the recipient; according to mailchimp.com, the average open rate sits at around 20.1%.
That means around 80% of people never see your offer.
SMS, on the other hand, delivers a solid 82.1% open rate essentially flipping the email numbers on its head!
This naturally means more sales conversions because the more people who see your offer the people will buy and you could expect to see your sales at least double using SMS over email.
If we take a look at the costs of other marketing channels, it soon becomes apparent that SMS is one of the cheapest forms of marketing out there.
Google AdWords is highly, but on average you're looking at $2 per click (going all the way up to $50+) and Facebook at anywhere from 42 cents to $2+ per click.
Email campaigns are "free" to send, but when you look at the monthly fees, it can get expensive especially if your list reaches into the thousands.
Keep in mind that 80% of these people will never see your message on an average campaign, and if you're not cleaning your list frequently you will be paying for people who have unsubscribed as well!
With SMS it doesn't matter if you have one subscriber or 1 million you're not charged on how many subscribers you have, you're charged based on how many people you send your campaign out to.
For each SMS it only costs 2-6 cents to get in front of anyone on your list at any time.
Big companies have deep pockets which means they can outspend the smaller businesses on virtually every channel.
With SMS though, there is no way that big companies can buy up all of the SMS credits, or drive up the per send rates which means small businesses can compete on a level playing field.
Large businesses have large teams of marketers, and that combined experience makes it easy to crush small businesses especially when it comes to online marketing.
This means small businesses can send out an effective text messaging campaign very quickly.
It takes two days on average for a person to read an email and only 90 seconds for a person to read an SMS message.
This means that you can drive sales not long after your campaign has gone out, this is great for restaurants who need to book tables on a slow night quickly, or for salons who need to replace a canceled appointment immediately.
When it comes to selling speed is a huge advantage.


text:
Bryan Dijkhuizen
Sharing you local news/weather from the United States. E: bryan.dijkhuizen@protonmail.com Subscribe to my newsletter:
https://bit.ly/3JrLtbw
Temperatures Above Average in Arizona; Cloudy and Rainy Weather Expected
Bryan Dijkhuizen 29 days ago
Jakob Køhn/Unsplash
High pressure over the area will result in temperatures that are somewhat above average until the middle of the week, but significant cloudiness will return beginning on Tuesday as well.
In addition to offering some chances for rain by Thursday, a slow-moving Pacific weather system off the West Coast will continue to bring moisture and clouds to our area through the end of the week.
An unsettled weather pattern is expected to persist into the following weekend, with temperatures expected to decrease somewhat and the possibility of further precipitation increasing in the process.
The beautiful skies that have blanketed our area for the previous few days will be replaced by clouds later today as moisture pouring eastward from the eastern Pacific south of a deep upper-level low finds its way into our region.
The low-pressure system stays somewhat stable just west of Oregon and northern California, allowing a continuous stream of upper-level precipitation and clouds to enter our area through the middle of this week.
Due to the strengthening of the low-pressure system to our west, the ridge above our area will be amplified, resulting in high temperatures of approximately 70 degrees today and maybe even into the lower 70s through the middle of the week, depending on cloud cover.
Although we should continue to see a lot of clouds throughout the week, if the low-pressure system retrogrades westward, any prospects of rain on Thursday and Friday may be slim to non-existent.
Because of the quantity of accessible moisture expected to be there, a shortwave trough traveling across our area would most certainly bring widespread rain chances and maybe even some significant rainfall in the Arizona high country.
Modeling has shifted in favor of the low tracking back westward in recent days, and it seems that this will be the preferred option by later today or overnight. This drier solution for Thursday and Friday will almost certainly result in greater rain chances at some point over the upcoming weekend if it holds up.
Because this solution is preferred by both the 00Z operational GFS and the European runs at this time of day, it will deliver the highest possibilities for precipitation on Saturday.
As soon as the uncertainty in the models is resolved, we should zero in on the anticipated time and precipitation levels.
# Weather# Weather Forecast# Rain# Temperatures# Arizona
More from Bryan Dijkhuizen
Trump Visits Arizona
In a two-hour-long speech of former President Donald Trump, he kicks off the 2022 campaign year. He spoke about issues in the US, including the pandemic, inflation, and the parliamentary inquiry into the January 6, 2021 storming of the Capitol.
Supreme Court Denies President Biden's Vaccine Mandate for Businesses
American President Joe Biden, cannot implement a vaccine mandate at businesses after a supreme court decision, AP reports. The Supreme Court concluded Thursday night into Friday morning that this is an excessively harsh measure and hence stopped the plan. On the other side, the court ruled in favor of mandatory vaccination for healthcare personnel.
Winter Weather Advisory Issued for Central Montana: Snow Showers and Low Temperatures
Snow showers and lower temperatures are expected over the area tonight as a fast-moving Alberta clipper storm moves through. Several inches of new snow is forecast to fall tonight, particularly in the mountains of central and southwest Montana, with seasonably cold temperatures and dry conditions predicted on Friday.
Kansas City, MO 5 days ago
Snow Expected on Friday Afternoon and Night; Wind Gusts on the Weekend and Warmer Weather Next Week
Due to mid-level ridging that has moved in from the west, temperatures will be in the mid to high 50s this afternoon, which is very warm for this time of year. As of late tonight, a shortwave trough and associated surface low are moving south out of Canada and into the Dakotas.
Michigan State 5 days ago
Dry Weather Forecast for the Weekend; Low-Pressure System Will Cause Snowfall, Forecasters Say
In the late afternoon, the Polar Front is positioned over areas of the Northern Great Lakes, extending from near Sault St Marie in the Upper Peninsula southwestward into portions of southwest Wisconsin, according to the National Weather Service.
Idaho State 5 days ago
Light Rain and Snow Expected for Parts of Eastern Oregon and Idaho
From now through Saturday night, there will be an adding Pacific trough that will still bring a possibility of light rain and snow to eastern Oregon this evening, with most of the precipitation falling in the mountains.
Iowa State 5 days ago
Heavy Winter Storm is Expected to Hit Iowa on Friday: Heavy Snowfall and Low Temperatures
Another shortwave system is now passing into Iowa early this morning, bringing clouds with it. With small rain/snow showers traveling across central Iowa in recent days, rising returns have been seen on the radar.
Winter Storm Watch and Advisories in Effect for North Dakota: Wind Driven Snowfall Expected
Patchy fog continues to blanket sections of northern and central North Dakota, however, conditions have significantly improved in most areas where the denser fog had been present.
New York City, NY 5 days ago
Residents of New York, Expect Cold Weather This Weekend
Through today, a cold front will linger to the north and west of the region. On Friday, an increasing low-pressure system will move eastward across the region. For the weekend, a cold high-pressure system will develop off of eastern Canada and move across the region.
Sacramento, CA 5 days ago
Thick Mist is Possible around Sacramento; Storm will Drop a Cold Front
At the very least, the weather will be dry for the next week. In the Central Valley, patches of fog and frost are possible late at night and early in the morning. Winds from the north to the east will be blowing locally late tonight and into Friday.
Washington State 5 days ago
Cold Front Moves Across Washington This Weekend
Through tonight, a coastal low-pressure system will move off the mid-Atlantic coast. After that, a cold front will move across the area on Friday. The return of high pressure will bring the area back into the spotlight from the northwest on Friday night and into Saturday morning.
Portland, OR 5 days ago
Rain and Snowfall Expected for the Portland Area Today; Thick Fog Forecast for Friday Morning
Today's rain and snow will be brought by an upper trough, however, the showers will become more scattered by the evening. High pressure will develop over the area tonight, and our weather will remain mostly dry and moderate through the weekend and into the week.
Spokane, WA 5 days ago
Cold Weather and Rain Showers are Forecast for the Spokane Region Today; Dense Fog Advisory Canceled
Today, a system will move over Oregon, bringing the possibility of light rain and snow to southern Washington and the southern Idaho Panhandle, among other places. During the early hours, light freezing rain is also likely in several areas of central Washington.
Seattle, WA 5 days ago
River Flooding to Continue in Seattle Area due to Rainfall; Light Showers in the North
With the departure of an upper trough from the region tonight, precipitation will come to an end over the region. The flooding of the rivers will continue today. While an upper-level ridge will develop late tonight, it will weaken throughout the weekend, enabling a weak system to brush across most of the country's northernmost region.
Snowfall, Wind Chills and Storms Forecast for the Northern United States
Weather conditions will be calm for the most part over the Lower 48 today, with just scattered showers and thunderstorms in parts of the Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes, and northern New England.
Arizona State 6 days ago
Increasing Temperatures and Dry Weather are Forecast for Arizona; Gusty Northeastern Winds Expected for the Weekend
Until Thursday, dry weather and increasing temperatures are forecast in the area. On Friday and Saturday, gusty northeast winds will develop, bringing colder temperatures on Saturday.
Excessive Rainfall in the Northwest While Temperatures on the East are Rising
Weather conditions in the Pacific Northwest will remain moist for the next few days, as the region continues to be flooded. It is projected that more rounds of heavy precipitation will continue to fall throughout western Washington until the early afternoon.
Storm Forecast for New Mexico; Warmer Temperatures and Minimal Breezes
Despite the fact that a weak upper-level low will continue to track eastward across southern New Mexico this morning, it will be out of the state by lunchtime. Any lower clouds linked with the low-pressure system should also dissipate. The Central Mountain Chain and the East Central Plains may get southwest to northwest winds this afternoon, with the possibility of thunderstorms.
Light Rain and Snow Showers are Forecast for the Northwest; Winter Weather Alert is Issued for the West Plains
Light snow and freezing rain may develop throughout the Inland Northwest today, according to the National Weather Service. Warm enough temperatures are expected on Wednesday for precipitation to be mostly rain in the lowlands, with isolated pockets of freezing or mixed precipitation in the northern Cascade Valleys.
Chicago, IL 7 days ago
Chilly Winds are Forecast for the Chicago Area Today; Freezing Level Temperatures are Expected
In the early morning hours of today morning, a 1035 Mb surface high peeling away to the east and eastward into the lower Ohio River Valley, with the accompanying ridge axis bisecting the local forecast region, was discovered.


text:
15 Questions to Help You Decide Pros and Cons
I just watched the first of four nights broadcast (CNN) of the Democratic National Convention (virtual). Perhaps some of you did as well. Most of the speakers were well scripted and presented the liberal position adequately. Each has a specific role to play and sound bites to deliver. I especially liked Michelle Obama, who is a really good orator and comes across as genuine and believable. Don't know if I can listen to three more nights of this, but will certainly tune in for Kamala Harris's and Joe Biden's speeches. Then it will be off to the RNC version of pandemic political punditry.
It has occurred to me that if you sort through all the political horse-pucky, there is still just one thing you have to decide for yourself. That is, who are you going to vote for? I have come up with a list of 15 Questions to ask yourself that might (or should) help in that decision. First, about them about Donald Trump:
1.) Do you consider him a "man of faith"? (believes in a higher power and trusts that power to guide his decision-making)
2. 2.) Do you think he is an intelligent man? (110 IQ or higher – I know this is subjective but use vocabulary, speaking ability, decision-making as guides)
3. 3.) Do you think he is mentally stable? (no signs of dementia, Alzheimer's, mental deficiency or memory loss which could prove detrimental to the US)
4. 4.) Do you think he is in relatively good health? (likely to be able to serve four years as President of the United States)
5. 5.) Do you think he is a man of sound principles? (not a racist, misogynist, pedophile, bigot, or prone to marital infidelity)
6. 6.) Do you think he is a man of sound judgment? (makes decisions which benefit the people of the United States)
7. 7.) Do you think he is appropriately empathetic?
8. 8.) Do you approve of everything he has done in his political career?
9. 9.) Do you think he has accomplished everything he promised to do during his political career?
10 10.) Do you think he has accomplished everything he has attempted to do while in office?
11 11.) Do you think he is leading the country in the right direction?
12 12.) Do you think he has never broken the law? (just not been caught or convicted doesn't count)
13 13.) Do you think he makes decisions without regard to how they affect him, his financial status or his political future and only benefits the American people?
14 14.) Do you think he speaks the truth? Always? Sometimes? Never?
15 15.) Do you think he is adept at handling crises?
Now, ask those same 15 Questions about Joe Biden.
How did that come out for you? It doesn't matter if Trump tweets instead of sleeps. It doesn't matter if Biden got his son a cushy job from some dealings with the Ukrainians or not. Notice there were no questions relating to fact-checking. What matters is the more "Yes" answers for each of these candidates, the better, and it might lead you down the right path at the voting booth (or mail-in ballot box).
Both sides claim that this election is the most critical in modern times and will determine the future of our nation for decades to come. The fact is every party has said that in every election for as long as I can remember, using words like "critical", "pivotal", "life changing" and predicting "the end of our democracy/society/the republic/capitalism" as we know it or just plain "doom" should their candidate not win. More political horse-pucky. One thing is true, the future of our nation hangs in the balance, but that is always the case; always has been, always will be, whether you are talking about tomorrow or eight years from now.
Number of "Yes" answers versus the number of "No" answers. To be or not to be, that is the question. Whither tis nobler in the minds of me to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune….wait, where have I heard that before?
A final question: Are these two men the brightest and best our nation has to offer for the most important political position we have? If your answer is "No", don't you think we need more help than either of them can provide? I do.
Pancakes Were My Favorite


text:
Q: iOS 8 ABPeoplePickerNavigationController Multiple Selection I recently upgraded my iPhone and Xcode from iOS 6 to iOS 8 and I experienced the issue of the "default" action being performed when a phone number or email address is selected from the ABPeoplePickerNavigationController (by "default" action I mean, selecting a phone number starts calling that number and selecting an email address opens up a new email to that address).
I implemented the new
peoplePickerNavigationController:didSelectPerson:property:identifier:
method of ABPeoplePickerNavigationControllerDelegate, which resolved the "default" action issue, but now I am unable to select more than one email address or phone number before the ABPeoplePickerNavigationController is dismissed, whereas I used to be able to pick any number of email addresses and phone numbers in iOS 6 by returning NO from the
peoplePickerNavigationController:shouldContinueAfterSelectingPerson:property:identifier:
method which no longer seems to get called. I have also tried setting the predicateForSelectionOfProperty property of the ABPeoplePickerNavigationController to nil,
[NSPredicate predicateWithValue: YES]

and
[NSPredicate predicateWithValue: NO],

but the ABPeoplePickerNavigationController still dismisses as soon as a property is selected.
Any idea how to prevent the ABPeoplePickerNavigationController from dismissing when a property is selected?
Thanks,
Vatche

A: Moving the comment as an answer since it proved to be helpful :-)
I ended up subclassing ABPeoplePickerNavigationController and overriding dismissViewControllerAnimated to be able to decide whether to dismiss it or not, when a property is selected.


text:
Investopedia
97% of Executives Expect a Recession
Corporate executives are increasingly pessimistic on the state of the economy
Danial Clark
Danial Clark is an award-winning executive producer, and previously oversaw business, political and general news as a senior producer at Fox Business, Reuters, Bloomberg TV and CNBC.
A survey of corporate executives, business owners, and private equity by Stifel Financial reveals that nearly all respondents believe the U.S. economy is either already in a recession (18%) or will face one within the next 18 months (79%). Only 3% of the executives surveyed think a recession will be avoided.
Despite the gloomy outlook, respondents acknowledged the U.S. labor market remains especially strong, with unemployment hovering near historic lows. For the second straight year, survey respondents considered labor constraints (64%) the biggest perceived threat to business, followed by inflation (59%), and a recession (54%).
Two-thirds (68%) of executives said they are increasing investments in technology and automation as a way to help mitigate labor shortages, and 41% are increasing emphasis on acquisitions that promote better efficiency.
Fifty-three percent of respondents believe that inflation will be an issue for the next two quarters to a year, with another 43% expecting elevated prices will persist for even longer. Half of respondents were "very concerned" about inflation, compared to just 33% who felt the same way one year ago. An overwhelming 81% are primarily passing rising costs on to consumers instead of absorbing costs in profit margins, cutting overhead, or changing suppliers more.
"Corporate executives' dire forecasts about a recession are what you would expect to hear, given all the harbingers of an economic downturn that surround us at the moment. That said, their capital expenditures plans indicate that they will continue to spend through a recession to maximize their companies' profitability, which is a good sign for investors who want to capitalize on a share price recovery when economic growth stops slowing," said Caleb Silver, Editor-in-Chief of Investopedia.
Investors Cozy Back Up to Stocks as Recession Fears Loom
Strategic Investing in the Home Stretch of 2022
Investor Sentiment on Thin Ice Amid Rate Hikes and Swoon in Stocks
Surveying the Investor Landscape for 2023
No Mistaking Yield Curve Signal
Plunging Demand for Chinese Goods Threatens Rickety Global Economy
Labor Force Participation Rate: Purpose, Formula, and Trends
The labor force participation rate is a measurement of an economy's active workforce. In 2022, the rate hovered above 62%.
What Is Stakeholder Capitalism?
Stakeholder capitalism is a system in which corporations are oriented to serve the interests of all their stakeholders.
Gross Domestic Product (GDP): Formula and How to Use It
Gross domestic product is the monetary value of all finished goods and services made within a country during a specific period.
What Is a Community Bank?
A "community bank" is an informal designation that usually applies to smaller banks that primarily serve local residents and businesses.
Economics Defined with Types, Indicators, and Systems
Economics is a branch of social science focused on the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.
Full Employment
Full employment is a situation in which all available labor resources are being used in the most economically efficient way.


text:
Shutterstock/Twitter
The Harvard Republican Club Refuses To Endorse Donald Trump
By Robert Anthony
Donald Trump is the first GOP nominee to say and do A LOT of things.
But perhaps his biggest accomplishment (or failure, rather) stems from the prestigious Harvard Republican Club refusing to endorse or support him.
This is the first time in 128 years that the club has NOT supported a Republican presidential nominee.
Great job, Donny. You must really be breaking the mold here.
The Harvard Republican Club, which is "the oldest College Republicans chapter in the nation," released a statement of its denunciation of The Donald, saying,
Donald Trump holds views that are antithetical to our values not only as Republicans, but as Americans.
Indeed. The letter also stated,
The rhetoric he espouses – from racist slander to misogynistic taunts – is not consistent with our conservative principles, and his repeated mocking of the disabled and belittling of the sacrifices made by prisoners of war, Gold Star families, and Purple Heart recipients is not only bad politics, but absurdly cruel.
In just a single sentence, the club was able to address not one, not two, but three times Donald Trump made offensive remarks about some of the people that already made America great, including The Khan Family and prisoner of war Sen. John McCain.
Donald Trump is a threat to the survival of the Republic. His authoritarian tendencies and flirtations with fascism are unparalleled in the history of our democracy. He hopes to divide us by race, by class, and by religion, instilling enough fear and anxiety to propel himself to the White House. He is looking to to pit neighbor against neighbor, friend against friend, American against American. We will not stand for this vitriolic rhetoric that is poisoning our country and our children.
Well, damn. This statement might have just revitalized the entire Republican party.
In addition to the scathing letter published on Medium by the Harvard Republican Club, The Harvard Crimson published an article regarding the statement, revealing,
The Republican Club polled its members earlier this week and found that 10 percent of Harvard Republicans intend to support Trump for president, while an "overwhelming majority"— 80 percent of polled club members — indicated they would not support the party nominee and 10 percent remained undecided.
It's safe to say the vast majority of Harvard students want NOTHING to do with Donald Trump.
Citations: Harvard GOP Club Won't Endorse Trump, Marks First Time Not Supporting GOP Nominee in 128 Years (Complex)


text:
Anna Mayer
"It depends on what I'm making. Since coming to Houston I have used Armadillo's Buffalo Wallow a lot as a kind of general-use clay body. I love its warm peach color in the bisque ware stage, and find it pretty easy for hand building. I also like Aardvark's Obsidian, which I use for my Mourning Ware series. It's harder to work with, but the deep metallic charcoal color is totally unique. I am trying to wean myself off this clay because of its high manganese content.
I also use found clay or, more specifically, what I refer to as "gleaned clays," that I source from sites where clay has surfaced due to human activity. One example is the iron-rich clay from construction sites in Houston."
"I used to slab build or build with extruded hollow forms almost exclusively, but now I primarily coil. Because I teach ceramic sculpture (at UH Central campus), I am often revisiting the various hand-building techniques for class demos, so I am frequently reminded of the techniques I'm not using regularly. For instance yesterday I demonstrated hard slab construction and got excited about its potential."
"These days it's mostly Cone 5, but when I'm doing raku-related processes or pit/barrel, it's low fire all the way, of course!."
"For the last few years I have been embedding crushed porcelain dinnerware and the gleaned clays for my Mourning Ware series, so I'm a bit partial to that. I'm interested in the connections between ceramics and geology; I gravitate towards ways of working with clay that emphasize its rock-like aspects. However I recently made some planters and other garden accoutrements and got really into glazing. I'm not sure how long that will last, though. I also love sgraffito at the moment–I made a logo of sorts with the word "OIL" written frontwards, backwards, vertically both ways, and have been carving that graphic into small objects. They're not really sculptures yet, but I guess maybe I'm working up to it."
" My metal rib and the standard wooden modeling "knife" that comes in the beginner's pack that the Ceramics Store sells! I love that wooden tool–I have some that I broke in half so I can get into tighter spots to merge coils and compress joints. I've also been using plastic tires from toy cars–the tread makes an evocative surface texture that references petroculture. Other must-haves for my work flow are mats for the concrete floor and the ability to roam around while I take a break from standing."
"These days I work mostly at my home studio, which consists of two (or three during busy times) rooms in my house. This set-up is comfortable and productive (and covid safe). I work in a variety of materials as well as ceramics, including fiber. At the moment I'm doing a lot of latch-hooking as well as ceramics, so I move between rooms and modes quite fluidly. I also produce some work at the UH Ceramics Studio, which I manage as part of my faculty position in the School of Art. I really enjoy the communal nature of that workspace, and feel very lucky to be helping culture and structure it for our students. In my experience, sometimes shared ceramics studios can be inter-personally complicated and eventually unproductive (see @craftequity), so it's a great opportunity to have a hand in creating a different kind of environment."
"I come to ceramics from training in sculpture, conceptual and feminist art, and performance, so I have mostly shown my work in art world institutions and organizations. In Los Angeles, where I lived previously, I exhibited a lot with artist-run galleries, as there is a strong culture of that in LA. I'm always interested in how my work can enter into non-art-specific realms, as well. Over the summer I was part of an interdisciplinary residency for which I did collective research with an engineer from Imperial College in London. This January I'll be showing the latch hooks I mentioned at the Jung Center in Houston, an organization devoted to psychoanalysis and its potential for facilitating self-discovery and spiritual growth."
"I got interested in ceramics because of its incredible history; whenever I scratch the surface I find super interesting objects that facilitate communal life and bridge realms of existence and consciousness. As a feminist I value domestic history and want to participate in so-called "women's work", both of which come up when talking about ceramics.
Being in relationship to people sparks my creativity. Sometimes anger is a spark! And sometimes love. "
"After a very short-lived career in book publishing, I started making art in my early 20s. However I didn't work with clay until several years later. Despite all my formalized schooling I've actually only ever taken five classes in ceramics–-I've acquired many skills through trial and error (emphasis on the error!). Throughout my life as an artist I've done a lot of different kinds of paid work, including flower design for massive weddings, waiting tables, temping in doctors' offices, and managing an international community art and ecology project. Now I am an artist-educator at the college level, which has helped expand my exploration of the field of ceramics–I'm always acquiring new technical skills so I can teach them, and I also focus on looking critically at the art historical canon, learning more about non-white artists and lineages, and trying to create more access points for the numerous techniques and theoretical approaches to ceramics for my students. One of the most important parts of my job is to learn for myself who has been under-recognized or outright excluded from the field, and to make space for other narratives and visions."
How have you have taken your experience as a well-established maker in the field and passed that knowledge along to your other artists?
"I do a lot of this as an artist-educator, obviously, and then I also try to advise friends and colleagues as needed–just the other day a friend came to the studio and I gave her a crash course in soft slab building. I enjoy this, and always love seeing how different people handle clay so very differently!"
" My best friend is the amazing artist Jemima Wyman, and she has long advocated for artists making work that is exciting and engaging to us, making work that keeps you coming back to your own studio. Outside support or opportunities might wax and wane, but if your work is fascinating and meaningful for you, you will be able to keep making it through the inevitable roller coaster of visibility and invisibility."
Website: https://annamayer.info/
Instagram: @annawmayer
Anna Mayer's art practice is sculptural and social, with an emphasis on hand-built ceramics and another molten material: bronze. Her methodology emerges from site- specific analogue firing projects and critical engagement with pre- and post-petroculture. Mayer revels in the fact that ceramics historically have been used to create highly functional items as well as wildly symbolic objects. Her work is part of this lineage, with equal concern for the future and a dramatically shifting climate—ecological and political.
In early 2021, Mayer opened a solo exhibition at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft. She recently had solo exhibitions at A-B Projects, AWHRHWAR, and Adjunct Positions, all in Los Angeles. Other exhibitions include NCECA's 2021 Annual (invited artist), Hammer Museum (CA), Glasgow International (UK), Ballroom Marfa (TX), Commonwealth & Council (CA), and Kendall Koppe (UK). She has a 16-year collaborative practice with Jemima Wyman called CamLab.
Mayer is Assistant Professor of Sculpture at University of Houston.


text:
The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Treasures of Time
07-12-2018 (Fri) – 10-04-2019 (Wed)
Since ancient times, humans have paid great attention to seasonal changes and performed time measurements using astrology. In order to measure time more precisely, different types of chronographs were invented. After being introduced by European missionaries to China during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, mechanical clocks proved to be the most reliable and convenient time keepers. These "new products" were designed with novel and ingenious features. They not only reported time accurately, but also comprised a host of other mechanical devices. When the mechanical clocks were wound up, decorative flowers, birds and animals would move back and forth while music played at the same time. The Qing emperors were very fond of these clocks. The palace collected a large number of timepieces and kept them as decorations and furnishings. Later, the Imperial Workshops of the Qing Court were established specifically for the production of timepieces. It first imitated the European style and then gradually developed its own Chinese styles and designs.
"The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Treasures of Time" exhibition merges science, history and art. Visitors will have an opportunity to appreciate a number of exquisite timepieces, learn more about time and the mechanisms of mechanical clocks from a scientific perspective, and gain a better understanding of the significance of cultural exchange and its historical meaning as well as technological achievements. The exhibition will display 120 magnificent clocks and watches from the collection of The Palace Museum. Some of the items in the collections were tributes from Britain, France and Switzerland, while others were manufactured by local craftsmen in the Workshops and in Guangzhou. Several British clocks, repaired just in recent years, will be displayed outside The Palace Museum for the first time. There will also be sections illustrating the workshops of craftsmen during the 18th century in Europe, with displays of different kinds of tools and equipment collected by the Science Museum, London, part of the Science Museum Group. Alongside these treasures, the exhibition will demonstrate the latest technology, animations, models and interactive exhibits to create a special ambience and to show the audience the principles of different time measuring tools, from ancient Chinese instruments and mechanical timepieces to updated atomic clocks. In addition to enjoying the invaluable collections at close range, experts from The Palace Museum have been invited to conduct live demonstrations of the operation of the clocks, thus enabling the audience to gain an insight into the passing of time and to learn to cherish it.
Jointly presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and The Palace Museum
Jointly organised by the Hong Kong Science Museum, The Palace Museum and the Science Museum, London, part of the Science Museum Group
Solely sponsored by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust
Supporting Organisation: China Science and Technology Museum
Landscape Map of the Silk Road Exhibition
The Landscape Map of the Silk Road is a map that was drawn on a silk handscroll in blue and green landscape painting style. The map, which is about 30 metres long and 0.6 metres wide, was once held in other countries. Finally, Mr Hui Wing Mau acquired the map and donated it to The Palace Museum. According to researchers, the map was an imperial painting that belonged to the Jiajing Emperor in the Ming dynasty. It named over 200 cities, ranging from Jiayu Pass, Gansu province, in the east, to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, in the west. This implies that the Chinese had grasped clear understanding of the Silk Road in the 16th century.
In light of the great historical value of the Landscape Map of the Silk Road, the exhibition will display the entire 30-metre-long map and bring to life the everyday activities of people who lived along the Silk Road through vivid animations. You can also learn about the features of the blue and green landscape painting style and design your own painting of Hong Kong in the same style. Through interactive exhibits and models, you will learn about the tools and techniques used in ancient Chinese and modern cartography. The exhibition will also display various China maps and Hong Kong maps drawn in the 16th to 20th centuries, allowing you to appreciate both Chinese and Western perceptions of the geography of China and the various functions of maps.
Jointly organised by the Hong Kong Science Museum, the Hong Kong Museum of History and The Palace Museum
Supporting Organisations: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Library, The University of Hong Kong
Libraries, the Lands Department and the Public Records Office, Government Records Service
"Semper Paratus - The Government Flying Service" Exhibition
"Semper Paratus", a Latin phrase, meaning "Always Ready", is the motto of the Government Flying Service (GFS). The GFS is the only government body in Hong Kong that provides 24-hour emergency helicopter and fixed-wing air support service for the people and the government. Its responsibilities involve searching and rescuing both over land and at sea, providing emergency air medical services, assisting in fighting fires, performing photography for aerial surveys, supporting the disciplined services for internal security purpose, etc.
This exhibition introduces the daily work of the GFS with the aid of videos and tangible objects. Exhibits include a fixed-wing training aircraft, scaled-down models of the service fleet, the main rotor blade and turboshaft engine of a helicopter, an air-droppable liferaft and a specialised bucket used for aerial firefighting.
Presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department
Jointly organised by the Hong Kong Science Museum and the Government Flying Service
"Above and Beyond" Exhibition
The "Above and Beyond" special exhibition is sponsored by Boeing. It offers an unprecedented interactive demonstration of advances in aviation and aerospace, from the first powered flights to the newest innovations on Earth and in space. The exhibition makes use of flight simulation, immersive theatre, touch-table displays and augmented reality to exhibit technology and scientific concepts behind flight. It inspires your curiosity to enjoy, explore and create through science, engineering, and technology. It takes you faster, higher and further for a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Visitors will enter an immersive wraparound theatre and be challenged by the limits of flight. After that you will venture into five main zones comprising dozens of interactive exhibits. You can ride to the edge of space in a simulated space elevator or test your own supersonic fighter-jet design in a virtual high-speed flying competition. A flying experience with motion-sensing image capture also helps you sense what it is like to fly like a bird in a flock, while exploring the forces of flight.
Jointly organised by the Hong Kong Science Museum and Boeing
An exhibition produced by Evergreen Exhibitions in association with Boeing
"SOPHIE - IVE's Solar Cars Driving the Future" Exhibition
13-03-2018 (Tue) – 12-09-2018 (Wed)
Since 2009, a group of teachers and students at the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE) have been developing a series of solar cars named SOPHIE in Hong Kong. Their aim is to develop a greener vehicle that can convert renewable solar energy into electricity more efficiently for use, thus helping to protect the earth. After years of research and improvement in SOPHIE's overall performance, the SOPHIE team and their fourth-generation solar car, SOPHIE IV, participated in the "World Solar Challenge" in 2013 for the first time and was the third runner-up in the 3,000-kilometer race from Darwin in the Northern Territory of Australia to Adelaide in South Australia. In 2015, SOPHIE IV became the first solar car to run on a highway in Hong Kong.
In addition to displaying the fourth-generation SOPHIE, through video programmes, physical parts and interactive exhibits, this exhibition provides a comprehensive overview of the applications of various technologies in solar cars and car body design. We hope that through this exhibition, young people will be inspired to devote themselves to research and to make a contribution to innovation and technology development in Hong Kong.
Jointly presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education
Jointly organised by the Hong Kong Science Museum and the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education
"Wonder Materials – Graphene and Beyond" Exhibition
What is invisible to the human eye, thinner than a human hair and 200 times tougher than steel? Graphene. Graphene is a planar form of carbon with unique and exceptional properties: it is super lightweight, highly conductive and ultra-strong. It is the world's first two-dimensional material isolated from graphite. The breakthrough was led by Professor Andre Geim and Professor Konstantin Novoselov at the University of Manchester in 2004. Their pioneering work on graphene led to their being awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2010. This wonder material could revolutionise electronics, medicine, energy and desalination, as well as a wide range of industries.
The exhibition takes you on a scientific journey of discovery through the past and present, and into the imagined future of graphene. It features over 100 objects and atomic models from scientists, collections of the Natural History Museum and London Science Museum, and interactive exhibits and video programmes. You can discover the curious method that led to the isolation of graphene for the first time, learn more about the unique properties of graphene and cutting edge research projects, and encounter both pioneering products incorporating graphene that are currently on the market and potential applications of graphene.
Organised by the Hong Kong Science Museum
An exhibition created by the Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester
Supporting Organisation: Department of Applied Physics of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University
"Miffy and the Ocean" exhibition
"Miffy and the Ocean" exhibition is specially designed with an unique environment for young visitors, and comprises a group of interactive exhibits and video programmes that allow them to learn more about sea creatures and arouse their awareness of the crisis in our oceans through "Miffy", a well-known character created by a Dutchman Dick Bruna in 1955. The exhibition is opened along with Children's Gallery to enhance its educational content and attractiveness.
Zürich meets Hong Kong Festival - A Virtual and Augmented Experience from Zurich
21-10-2017 (Sat) – 29-10-2017 (Sun)
Switzerland ranked No. 4 in the World's Happiness Survey. This annual report looks at different metrics of well-being in countries around the world. Zurich is consistently recognized as one of the most livable cities in the world. Switzerland was also ranked as the number one most innovative country in the 2017 Global Innovation Index. The Zürich meets Hong Kong Festival to be held in Hong Kong on 21-29 October 2017 will showcase the advanced science and technology that foster Zurich as one of the happiest and Smart Cities in the world.
Researchers from Disney Research Zurich, the ETH Zurich Game Technology Center and Hong Kong Baptist University will showcase the latest developments of virtual and augmented reality and make drawings come to life at the public lecture "Augmented Reality, Creativity and the Arts". The Zurich University of the Arts and the start-up Somniacs will present the VR flying experience "Birdly" at a lecture and live demo "A Virtual and Augmented Experience from Zurich" at the Hong Kong Science Museum, where guests can have their dream of flying come true. Birdly creates a vivid full-body experience that makes people instantly forget the mechanics and computer codes behind this spectacular apparatus. The immersive and interactive nature of "Birdly" serves one goal: to enjoy the ultimate freedom of a bird and intuitively explore the skies.
"The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Eternal Life – Exploring Ancient Egypt" Exhibition
Ancient Egyptian society in the Nile valley was one of the oldest civilisations in the world. The fertile Nile flood plain gave the inhabitants the opportunity to develop a settled agricultural economy and a sophisticated, centralised society, which became a cornerstone in the history of human civilisation.
Ancient Egypt holds an enduring fascination for people around the world. Early investigation of Egyptian mummies required them to be unwrapped, which might lead to certain damage to the bodies. However, the advent of sophisticated imaging techniques has virtually eliminated the need to disturb their coverings. This exhibition employs the latest computerised tomography (CT) scanning technology to study Egyptian mummies in the British Museum's collection, allowing researchers to gain new insights into the funerary traditions in the Nile valley. These findings have inspired further research, which in turn, has revealed more about life in ancient Egypt.
This exhibition is solely sponsored by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. It introduces six Egyptian mummies between 3,000 and 1,800 years old. Along with the mummy displays and around 200 invaluable objects, digital interpretation of the mummies demonstrates how non-invasive CT allows archaeologists and other specialists to determine the age and gender of the mummified bodies, and to learn more about the diet, state of health, mummification process and religious practices of the ancient Egyptians. In order to further enhance the visitor experience and provide an in-depth understanding of the meaning of the afterlife in ancient Egyptian society, the Hong Kong Science Museum has designed and developed a multimedia programme and a series of interactive exhibits using the latest technologies, such as 3D projection mapping, virtual reality and holograms, to decipher the myths behind the statues and symbols, and to comprehensively illustrate the technological development of ancient Egypt.
Jointly presented by Leisure and Cultural Services Department and The Trustees of the British Museum
Jointly organised by Hong Kong Science Museum and The British Museum
Inspiration – Dreams Come True
On 28 August 2016, the first Hong Kong registered homebuilt aircraft named B-KOO "Inspiration" successfully taken off from Hong Kong to start a 3-month Round the World (RTW) journey. It carried the spirit of Hong Kong and travelled across 20 countries and landed at 40 airports, with a total flying distance of approximately 50,000 kilometres. On 13 November 2016, it marked a splendorous moment by completing its RTW journey.
The exhibition displays the B-KOO "Inspiration" aircraft, tools used to build the aircraft, aircraft parts, flight instruments, flight logbooks, avionics equipment, emergency survival kit and so forth. The science behind flying and the journey of "Inspiration" will also be introduced through graphic panels, interactive game and video programmes. We hope that by reviewing this pride of Hong Kong journey, young generations will be inspired to persist their dreams and work hard to make their dreams come true.
Jointly organised by the Hong Kong Science Museum and the "Inspiration" Team
T-Rex Revealed – The Augmented + Virtual Reality ExperienceAnimal Grossology
T-Rex Revealed – The Augmented + Virtual Reality Experience
Welcome to the dinosaur exhibition with entirely virtual experience. In traditional dinosaur exhibitions, you may only see precious fossils, relevant illustrations and text. Today's advanced technology has made new presentation techniques possible, immersing visitors in a virtual world and even allowing them to interact with the featured elements of the exhibitions. "T-Rex Revealed – The Augmented + Virtual Reality Experience" is the first exhibition that integrates cutting-edge technology with the latest scientific achievements. Making use of Augmented Reality (AR) technology, the exhibition creates an immersive and adventurous experience, taking visitors into the vivid world of dinosaurs.
Tyrannosaurus was the most ferocious carnivorous dinosaur and is certainly the most famous. It had serrated teeth as sharp as a steak knife, and its crushing bite was about 3 times stronger than that of a crocodile which has the most powerful bite among animals today. It was a matchless monster in the prehistoric world. Imagine how shocking it would be if a Tyrannosaurus was chasing its prey just in front of you! In this exhibition, various interactive exhibits employing the latest AR technology and video programmes take you back to the prehistoric world 66 million years ago, enabling you to have a close encounter with the Tyrannosaurus, and learn about its body structure, living habits, how it took care of its young, and the features that made it the top predator. There is also a Virtual Reality (VR) technology-based exhibit, which allows visitors to fly with pterosaurs through ancient forests to look for dinosaur footprints.
Jointly organised by the Hong Kong Science Museum and Globe Creative Limited
Media Partner: National Geographic Channel
Technology Partner: Beijing Xiaomi Technology Co. Ltd.
MARS Exhibition
MARS Exhibition explores the possibility of Mars exploration by human and brings you a breathtaking experience of Mars voyage through virtual reality computer programmes. It divides into the 3 zones: Initiation, Preparation and Arrival in order to explain the challenges that will be faced by human while living on Mars.
"Initiation" zone highlights visitors with the breakthroughs and science that have made a journey to Mars possible through interactive exhibits and audiovisual programmes.
"Preparation" zone focuses on Mars itself. Scientific facts of Mars, including the ways how astronauts prepare and live on Mars are explored. Immersive displays featuring landscape images from the Mars environment and the simulated habitat unit involved during the mission are shown as well.
"Arrival" zone is a demonstration session of the exhibition. Through VR technology, visitor could feel like hurtling through space, landing on the red planet and taking the first step in this alien environment.
Jointly presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and National Geographic Channel
Exhibition designed and produced by Globe Creative Limited
Animal Grossology
The animal world is rich and colourful. While exploring the behaviour and habits of animals, biologists have discovered some interesting phenomena not commonly known by people. These weird behaviour and unique habits, though not acceptable to humans, leave clues for us to discover the skills of animals fighting for survival.
This summer, the Science Museum invites families to join an amazing tour. In the "zoo" of Animal Grossology, you will not see lovely giraffes, and there are neither big elephants nor mighty lions. Instead, you will only find the big fly, manure-loving dung beetles, a large cow, bloodsucking animals and more. The "Animal Grossology" exhibition is developed based on the best-selling "Animal Grossology" children book written on the themes of uncanny and disgusting animal physiology. Through some strange creatures such as those born with a slimy surface, a ruminant's digestive system, a blood-sucking habit and dung-eating behaviour, it introduces the world of fascinating gross animals. The exhibition features 16 exhibit modules designed with interactive exhibits and robotic animal characters to provide scientific facts on these stinky, disgusting and slimy animals. The exhibition enables visitors to understand how these creatures play an important role in nature.
ANIMAL GROSSOLOGY Exhibitions created and produced by Advanced Animations LLC.
ANIMAL GROSSOLOGY is a registered trademark of Penguin Group (USA) LLC.
Collider: Step inside the World's Greatest Experiment
18-3-2016 (Fri) – 25-05-2016 (Wed)
Everything is made of particles, including our bodies, the mountains and rivers of the Earth, the solar system and all the celestial objects of the universe. However, scientists still don't have a complete understanding of their types and properties. They believe that the origin of the universe will be revealed once they are able to delve into the secrets of particles. But it is not easy to observe a particle, which is even smaller than an atom. The huge amount of manpower and resources required to do so is unbelievable.
The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) is an international organisation devoted to exploring the mysteries of the universe. It has been gathering thousands of top scientists and engineers from around the world, and designed and built the world's largest and most powerful particle accelerator consisting of a 27-kilometre ring of superconducting magnets, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), located across the border between Switzerland and France. Inside the collider, scientists carry out experiments by colliding two high-energy particle beams which travel at close to the speed of light. By analysing the data obtained, scientists are able to reveal clues about how particles interact and gain an insight into the fundamental laws of nature.
Through multimedia programmes, simulated laboratory environments, interactive exhibits and real components, including a 2-tonne superconducting magnet, this exhibition aims to present the special design and specialised detectors of the world's largest and most complex experimental facility, the LHC. The exhibition will also highlight the role played by those components in the cutting-edge research of the Standard Model of particle physics, dark matter, antimatter, and the Big Bang as well as how scientists use them to reveal the secrets of the universe.
Besides foreign scientists, Hong Kong researchers have also been involved and made important contributions to the experiment. The exhibition will also introduce the achievements of the Hong Kong research group and share the challenges of their research work.
Jointly presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and Jonathan KS Choi Foundation
Jointly organised by Hong Kong Science Museum and China Association (H.K.) for Science and Society Ltd.
An exhibition by the Science Museum in London
Sponsored by Sunwah Foundation
International Tour Sponsor: Winton Capital Management Limited
Supporting Organisations: Chinese Academy of Sciences, The Academy of Sciences of Hong Kong, Department of Physics - The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Out to Sea? The Plastic Garbage Project
Plastic is a kind of polymer with a high molecular weight. Because of its characteristics of light weight, high durability, malleability and low production cost, it has been widely applied in our everyday lives. Although it is very convenient to use, it fails to degrade naturally even after hundreds of years and as such causes tremendous problems for landfill sites. Furthermore, the combustion of plastic generates toxic substances. When plastic rubbish gets into the oceans, it can be carried by the ocean currents and ends up forming sea garbage gyres which threaten the marine ecosystem to a large extent.
This exhibition combines elements of science and art. A large centrepiece comprising plastic flotsam collected from the beach cleaning operations in the North Sea, Hawaii, the Baltic Sea and the rest of the world is displayed with the aim of arousing public awareness of plastic waste. In addition, the exhibition also makes use of different video footage and interactive exhibits featuring unique designs. Through the exhibition, visitors can gain an in-depth understanding of the chemical composition, classification and recycling processes of different plastic materials, and also learn about the harmful effects of plastic waste on birds and marine animals. The aim is to let us realise that we must curtail our consumption of plastic and encourage the recycling of plastic immediately.
To enrich the educational experience of the exhibition, we have specially invited the students of the "Project WeCan" to collect plastic garbage from the beach, classify them, and make different works of art using plastic garbage for display in the exhibition.
Jointly presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and Consulate General of Switzerland in Hong Kong
Jointly organised by Hong Kong Science Museum, Museum für Gestaltung Zurich, and Connecting Spaces Hong Kong – Zurich, Zurich University of the Arts
An exhibition by the Museum für Gestaltung Zurich
Sponsored by Drosos Foundation
Partners: Project WeCan and UOB Art Academy
Supporting Organisations: Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation, Ocean Recovery Alliance and Inter-departmental Working Group on Clean Shorelines
"Western Scientific Instruments of the Qing Court" Exhibition
The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: "Western Scientific Instruments of the Qing Court" Exhibition
(26-06-2015 (Fri) to 23-09-2015 (Wed))
China has a rich cultural heritage, and Chinese science and technology contributed significantly to global civilisations in historical times. In the process of science and technological development in various historical eras, China had made exchanges with western countries in varying degrees. In the latter periods of Ming dynasty, European missionaries travelled vast distances to come to China to spread the Christian faith. While devoting much efforts to learn the Chinese culture, they intrigued the Chinese scholars and the Emperor with Western science and technology and exquisite novelties with a view to cultivating friendships. During the Qing dynasty, Emperor Kangxi had a strong personal interest in Western scientific disciplines such as mathematics and natural science and he was noted for his studious efforts in studying science. He even invited European missionaries to come to China to teach Western scientific knowledge and a large number of Western scientific apparatuses were introduced to China. He also ordered the imperial court to manufacture scientific instruments. It was during this period that scientific and cultural exchanges between China and the West reached the greatest heights.
The "Western Scientific Instruments of the Qing Court" Exhibition is one that merges science and history. It is one of three exhibitions of "The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series" solely sponsored by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust this year. About 120 exhibits presented in this exhibition are selected from the Western science and technology collection of the Palace Museum. These exhibits cover eight main themes: paintings, astronomy, mathematics, measurement, medicine, weapons, articles for daily use, clocks and watches. Many of these historic relics are being exhibited in Hong Kong for the first time. Some of the highlights in this exhibition are the gilt-silver armillary sphere; All nations coming to the court to present tributes by court painter under the imperial edict of Emperor Qianlong, to show off the power and might of the Qing Empire; an iron gun used by Emperor Kangxi; a clock with a barometer and a thermometer; a hand-cranked mutoscope; a British-made bicycle once used by China's last Emperor Puyi; many exquisite clocks and watches, as well as science publications in the Qing Dynasty. Through these historic relics, the audience may reflect upon the causes for Chinese science and technology to lag behind the West during the Qing Dynasty. Hence, they may gain an insight into the importance of science and technology to the advancement of our society.
Jointly presented by Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Palace Museum
Jointly organised by the Hong Kong Science Museum and the Palace Museum
Acknowledgement: Design and Cultural Studies Workshop
Scientists are marvellous magicians who can "turn" stones into gold. Through their efforts, glass becomes almost unbreakable; metal can revert into its original shape by itself after bending; polymers can be converted into the mysterious water absorbent; sand can be transformed into indispensable microchips that we are widely used nowadays. Of course, all these are not magic, but are the results of continuous efforts of scientists on research of the properties of materials and their innovative applications.
The "Strange Matter" exhibition brings visitors into the bizarre world of strange matters, and allows visitors to dig into the science behind the materials they use everyday. It features more than 40 exhibits that introduce the science principles behind some funny and useful materials; and how they are used to develop new products such as car shock absorbers, eyeglass frames, DVD players and golf clubs. Furthermore, it could also give a glimpse on the future development of materials science.
The exhibition is produced and provided by Ontario Science Centre, Canada and Materials Research Society
"Move and Play!"
No matter how old and how strong you are, you require your brain to coordinate your sensory, musculoskeletal and nervous system to allow you to move smoothly. If a fault occurs in your coordination, your movements would instantly fall into disarray. "Move and Play!" is an exciting and fun-filled exhibition packed with 20 groups of very challenging exhibits. The exhibits not only give you a chance to show to others your remarkable physical skills and a chance to test your body coordination skill, but also introduce to you the involved sensory and mental processes and hence enhance your knowledge about your different senses including sight, hearing, touch, proprioception and balance as well as the impact of physical exercise on your body.
In this exhibition, you can show off your skills by making a good kick or even pretend as a goalkeeper to block every football coming in your way. Other amazing exhibits include "Tightrope walking" that challenges your sense of balance, "Pulse adventure" that tests your body control capability, and "Disco donut" that challenges your reaction speed.
The exhibition is produced and supplied by Heureka, the Finnish Science Centre
Exhibition On"China's Lunar Exploration Programme"
Exhibition On "China's Lunar Exploration Programme"
(21-07-2014 (Mon) to 24-08-2014 (Sun))
In the vastness of space, the Moon brings human being endless fantasy and inspires science discoveries. The Moon is the closest celestial body and the only natural satellite of the Earth. Due to its unique position in space and resources, the Moon is the first ever stop in the universe that human beings can explore. China launched the lunar exploration project named "Chang'e Programme" in 2004. The programme aims at understanding the Moon in a scientific approach in order to explore lunar resources and develop space technology, which in turn fosters the growth of technology-based industries. In December 2013, the goal of China's first soft landing on the lunar surface and ground exploration on the Moon was achieved by the lander and Yutu Lunar Rover of Chang'e-3.
The exhibition features around 20 replicas, models and interactive exhibits, including replicas of the lunar lander and the Yutu Lunar Rover with the aim at introducing the advancement and accomplishments of China's lunar exploration programme, revealing the motivations behind the drive to investigate the moon and further arousing students' interest in the space technology, as well as enhancing public understanding of the topic.
Presented by Home Affairs Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong SAR, China National Space Administration
Organised by Leisure and Cultural Services Department of the Government of the Hong Kong SAR, News Center of China National Space Administration, Lunar Exploration and Space Program Center of China National Space Administration
In association with Chinese Academy of Sciences, China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation, China Electronics Technology Group Corporation, Xichang Satellite Launch Center, Beijing Aerospace Control Center, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Sponsored by The Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, The Glorious Sun Holdings Ltd., China Resources (Holdings) Co., Ltd., China Merchants Group Ltd., China National Travel Service (HK) Group Corporation, Aisino Corporation
The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Legends of the Giant Dinosaurs Exhibition
Throughout the extended history of the Earth, there comes a time when dinosaurs first appeared about 200 million years ago and become the ultimate ruler of the planet for 130 million years. Over long periods of time, the ancient landmass Pangaea broke apart into different continents as a result of plate tectonic movements. Dinosaurs evolved into a whole family of different species in order to adapt to the changing environment, but they ultimately could not escape from extinction and all disappeared from the Earth 66 million years ago. Thanks to the efforts of paleontologists, today we can have a glimpse of how dinosaurs had lived and reigned from the large number of fossils unearthed. Dinosaur fossils can be found on all continents and more than 1,000 species has been named. Today, China has become one of the places in the world where most dinosaur species are discovered and many of them are unique.
The Hong Kong Science Museum had organised a number of dinosaur exhibitions and all were well received. The "Legends of the Giant Dinosaurs" Exhibition was the largest ever presented in Hong Kong. This exhibition was solely sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. In this exhibition, new technologies and presentation methods were used to introduce the largest Titanosaurus and the latest studies on dinosaurs. Occupying an area of 2,500 sq. metres, the exhibition was divided into four areas with different themes. They included a "Multimedia Theatre" which uses large-scale computer animations to bring visitors back to the age of dinosaurs, an "Animatronic Dinosaur Zoo" which employed robotic dinosaurs and interactive exhibits featured in the "Dino Jaws" Exhibition** to let visitors to learn about the eating behaviours of dinosaurs, a "Fossil Excavation Site" which allowed visitors to appreciate the hard work of excavation and repairing of fossils through a reconstructed dinosaurs burial site, as well as a "Fossil Gallery" that not only had more than 100 exotic fossils and exhibits from ten museums on display, but also interactive games developed with latest technologies to introduce to the visitors the latest discoveries in dinosaurs.
Supporting Organisations: Dalian Natural History Museum, Dalian Xinghai Paleontological Museum, Inner Mongolia Museum, Beijing Museum of Natural History, Gansu Liujiaxia Dinosaur National Geopark, Henan Geological Museum, Chongqing Museum of Natural History, Lufeng Bureau of Land and Resources, Natural History Museum, London, Kokoro Company, Ltd., Japan, Science Visualization, U.S.A.
** Dino Jaws is featured in this exhibition and is owned by the Natural History Museum, London
(01-06-2013 (Sat) to 01-09-2013 (Sun))
Each year the Natural History Museum in London and BBC Worldwide organise the 'Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition'. Regarded as the international leader in innovative visual representation of the natural world, the prestigious competition stimulates engagement with the diversity and beauty of the nature, and provides a showcase of the very best nature photography to thrill people around the globe.
The 'Wildlife Photographer of the Year' exhibition features a hundred winning pictures of the Competition of 2012. These pictures are chosen from over 48,000 striking and memorable images taken by amateur and professional photographers from 98 counties. They are chosen above all for their aesthetic qualities - but also for their extraordinary, often technically amazing and sometimes shocking reflections of events in nature. Of particular interest to most visitors are photo captions that describe the subjects and the backgrounds in which the photographs are captured.
In contrast to traditional way of presentation, the exhibition is displayed through duratrans. The backlit images add an outstanding cinematic dimension to the dramatic wildlife stills, showcasing a photographic collection that celebrates the beauty and magnificence of the world in which we live, as well as acting as a stark reminder of the fragility of nature.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year is co-owned by the Natural History Museum and BBC Worldwide.
More Past Special Exhibitions


text:
Tag: no worry
Martin Luther King's Dream
No Comments on Martin Luther King's Dream
On 4 April 1968 Dr Martin Luther King Junior was assassinated. He was just 39 years old. He was a great civil rights leader who spoke for black people in America. At the age of 35 he received the Nobel Peace Prize and in 1963 was named Man of the Year by Time magazine. He travelled extensively and spoke passionately highlighting the injustices black people in America were suffering. He was a Baptist minister who found inspiration for his powerful speeches in the great themes of the Bible, and especially the teaching of Jesus Christ. Because of this Dr King still speaks to the injustices of our divided world.
His best-known speech, "I Have a Dream", was delivered on 28 August 1963 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. In his speech Dr King said, "I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.' I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream that one day 'every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together.' When this happens we will speed up that day when all of God's children will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual: 'Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!'"
Dr King knew there were serious threats to kill him. The same hope in God he inspired in others was also the foundation for his own personal hope. On the night before he died he gave a speech in Memphis, Tennessee, in which he said, "Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will and he's allowed me to go up to the mountain and I've looked over and I've seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land! And so I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about anything! I'm not fearing any man! Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord!"
Tags "I have a dream', America, assassination, black people, civil rights, Dr Martin Luther King Junior, freedom, glory of the coming of the Lord, glory of the Lord, God Almighty, God's children, God's will, happiness, hills, hope in God, injustice, Lincoln Memorial, long life, Memphis, mountain, Negro spiritual, no fear, no worry, Nobel Peace Prize, Promised Land, slavery, Tennessee, Time magazine, valley, Washington DC


text:
Petition: Kamala Harris must apologize to Sikh Americans for defense of beard ban policy
by veena July 8, 2019 July 8, 2019 0302
NRI Pulse Staff Report
Atlanta, GA, July 8, 2019: A Sikh-American lawyer in D.C. has launched an online petition urging Indian-American Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris to apologize to the community for her 2011 defense of a policy that prevented state prison guards from keeping beards for religious reasons.
."While serving as California's Attorney General in 2011, Kamala Harris defended a discriminatory policy that prevented an observant Sikh man from working as a state employee," the petition, launched by Rajdeep Singh Jolly, says.
"At a time when the Obama/Biden administration made historic efforts to allow observant Sikh Americans to serve in the U.S. armed forces, Senator Harris was defending a state policy that forced an American to choose between his faith and his livelihood. Instead of lecturing other presidential candidates on civil rights, Senator Harris must apologize to the Sikh community and pledge to protect religious freedom and equal opportunity for all Americans."
"She accused Joe Biden of being weak on civil rights, but I think that was being disingenuous," Jolly told Religion News. "If she's going to call out other candidates for their shortcomings on civil rights issues, she needs to own up to her own mistakes."
More than 800 people have signed the petition.
I have launched a petition asking @KamalaHarris to apologize to the Sikh community for defending a discriminatory policy that violated the civil rights of a a Sikh American man during her tenure as California's Attorney General in 2011.https://t.co/JYDDm2Wc8v
— Rajdeep Singh Jolly (@AttorneyJolly) June 28, 2019
"Just three days after she was sworn in as California's first Indian American attorney general – Harris is half-black, half-Indian – she argued to dismiss a lawsuit filed by a Sikh man denied a government job because of his beard," Jolly told Religion News.
"At a time when Sikhs were struggling against discrimination in the post-9/11 environment, she could have used her discretion as attorney general to expand equal opportunity for Sikhs and other religious minorities who wanted to serve as security officers in her state," Jolly added.
Jaipur named UNESCO World Heritage Site, second Indian city in list
Bobby Jindal stays away from Republican 'fratricide'
veena October 9, 2013
US Congress set to celebrate Diwali
Sunita Williams among 9 astronauts to fly into space from US soil


A Song in the Void is a single player platformer in first person, set in a world where everything is tied to the music. Search for audio tracks dispersed throughout the land to reassemble each island's musical theme and restore harmony.
Seek the Stars is a an action pack space game where you'll square off with up to three other friends with almost 100 ships at your disposal! Teamplay or free for all, you won't have a minute to rest!
Feed your kitty to gargantuan sizes! Buy factories & old ladies in order to make sure he or she never goes hungry again. A happy kitty is a well fed kitty.
In this fashionable platformer, live a penguin's journey to save his one true love on the top of a mountain. Watch out, it's windy up there!
In this sequel to EQ1, explore the pathology of the mind through 10 levels. Each one is insane & difficult. Unlock new levels by earning good grades.
Bar Tap is a virtual bar game. Challenge your friends and see who will pay the next round! Perfect for events and a friendly esport competition, while enjoying a drink.
Use your brain and reflexes in this increasingly difficult arcade game. Find the order of angles to click, and get coins to gather more time.
A randomly generated maze will hold hours of delight and challenge. The speed of the screen increases as you play. Be careful not to get caught by the bottom of your screen!
Would you like to develop your game with us? Then click here and tell us what you have in mind!.


text:
Cecilia Serafini's simple shapes and pretty palettes belie more serious undertones
Emily Gosling
Simple geometric forms and cutesy pastel palettes belie the serious undertones in some of graphic designer Cecilia Serafini's work, which explores issues such as living with obsessive compulsive disorder. Her beautiful print and poster work manages to distill its component elements right down to core forms, using limited colours and crisp shapes to convey just the right amount of flair. We love the typographic choices and strange found imagery on her posters for Power Lunches (a gig venue just down the road from INT towers in east London), as well as the more commercially minded work, such as the triangle motif-laden postcards. London-based but Buenos Aires-born Cecilia only graduated from her MA last year, and from what we've seen she's got a great career ahead of her.
www.ceciliaserafini.com
Emily joined It's Nice That as Online Editor in the summer of 2014 after four years at Design Week. She is particularly interested in graphic design, branding and music. After working It's Nice That as both Online Editor and Deputy Editor, Emily left the company in 2016.


Students investigate a contemporary civil rights issue to understand the legacy of the civil rights movement and issues the movement did not address.
In advance, use the Civil Rights Resources list at the end of the Lesson Plan to find articles about current civil rights issues and links to additional support for implementing a service-learning project. Also, review the sample Identifying Community Issues worksheet at the end of this packet. You may wish to distribute it to students new to the research process.
As a class, define "community" and "civil rights." Then, further define three types of civil rights: social, economic and legal/political.
Brainstorm a list of current civil rights issues that affect your community.
In pairs or individually, have your students pick one issue each to research further.
After completing their research, have students write a short essay or create a physical or digital poster to showcase their findings.
As a class, choose one issue that you find compelling and that you think you could work to change through a class project. This issue will form the foundation for lessons 2 and 3 of this unit.
Which of these issues has the widest impact on our community?
Which of these issues is new? Which have been around for a long time?
Which of these issues seems most difficult/easiest to address and why?
Who has attempted to solve these issues in the past? How have they succeeded? How have they failed?
Which of these issues did the civil rights movement, which peaked in the 1950s and 1960s, address or attempt to address?
How could you apply lessons learned about the civil rights movement to addressing these issues today?
Real World Connection: Meet with a representative from a local nonprofit that addresses a community issue or issues (such as the local United Way, a food bank or a religious charitable organization) to find out more about how these groups identify community problems and work to implement solutions. Have your students prepare questions in advance of the meeting. They may want to the view the "Interviewing Essentials" video lesson to prepare for this opportunity. Afterwards, have students write an article about the organization and its methods.
At the Newseum: Visit the "Make Some Noise: Students and the Civil Rights Movement" exhibit. Have your students write a paragraph about how their issue connects to one or more of the issues and events portrayed in this exhibit. Some questions to consider: Did my issue arise before or after these events? Did any of these events make my issue worse or better? How do these events compare to the ways in which people have responded to my issue? How does the attention paid to these events compare to the attention paid to my issue and why?


text:
HomeReviewsREVIEW: 101 DALMATIANS (Open Air Theatre)
REVIEW: 101 DALMATIANS (Open Air Theatre)
August 4, 2022 Reviews
Regent's Park Open Air Theatre's 101 Dalmatians is a new musical with music and lyrics by Douglas Hodge and a book by Johnny McKnight. Based on the 1956 book The Hundred and One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith, the musical brings to life beloved characters Pongo, Perdi, all those puppies and of course the dastardly Cruella du Vil!
Set and played in Regents Park, the musical revolves around infamous influencer Cruella de Vil (played by Kate Fleetwood) as sets her sights on a new Dalmatian fur coat to wear to an upcoming ball. Not affiliated with Disney, this production is set modern day, with pop culture references, actor-musos weaving their way in and out of the story, cleverly designed puppetry and music that will have you clapping along by the end.
As an ensemble, the cast work well to deliver an enjoyable production. Playing multiple characters throughout with puppets and a variety of black and white costume changes, they really work hard and it's not long before you're drawn into the story. It's clear a lot of thought has been put into Timothy Sheader's direction, Colin Richmond set design and Toby Olié's puppets as the overall effect is one of whimsy and fun. That being said, the production seems inconsistent and confused with its book, treatment of characters, style and music. While Kate Fleetwood does an outstanding job with the de Vil material and has some spine-tingling vocal moments, her de Vil is given an Essex accent when talking but then drops it when she sings, she spends the first act talking about how she wants to skin puppies alive but then has a ballad where the audience is encouraged to emphasise with her. As the show progresses and the puppies go missing, Pongo and Perdi race across London to find them, however when the runt of the litter gets sick and is close to freezing to death, Pongo decides he's had enough and tells Perdi to leave the little one. While this gives Emma Lucia's Perdi a touching ballad, it's overshadowed by a father willing to quickly leave one of his pups behind. Not all musicals need memorable songs and I think with some more work and a new book restoring the source material, this 101 Dalmatians could really be something special.
There's really nothing quite like the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, seeing a show as the sun goes down is magical. This production of 101 Dalmatians is clearly aimed at children, with it's well-known Disney+ watchable story, some catchy songs and imaginative puppetry. Overall an enjoyable show and I just hope it has life outside this production and is able to find it's… paws.
Reviewed by Stuart James
REVIEW: CHESS THE MUSICAL – IN CONCERT (Theatre Royal Drury Lane)


text:
https://www.ourmidland.com/news/article/Catherine-I-Arkie-LaPorte-6968245.php
Catherine I. Arkie LaPorte
Published 3:00 am EDT, Sunday, March 13, 2011
Catherine I. Arkie LaPorte, 84, of Midland, died Saturday morning, March 12, 2011, at Brittany Manor.
The daughter of the late LeRoy and Ethel (Moore) Saxton was born in Ft. Smith, Ark. on July 1, 1926. Catherine attended the University of Minnesota in 1939 and then attended The Stamps Baxter School of Sacred Music.
In 1941 she moved to Midland and went to work for The Dow Chemical Co. until her retirement in 1982 after 32 years of service. After retiring, she wintered in Lakeland, Fla. from 1982-1992, where she headed The Dow Chemical Co. Retiree's Reunions. She was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church since 1961.
Catherine was involved with starting the Diana Eves group at the Midland Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and was past President of Ladies Auxiliary at American Legion Berryhill Post #165. On June 6, 1947, in Midland, Catherine married Virgil M. LaPorte. He died on May 14, 2000.
Surviving is her daughter, Connie (Doug) Argyle of Beaverton; grandchildren, Dennis (Laura) Argyle, Dena (Ken) Johnson, and Tina (Matt) Schelich; seven great-grandchildren, Victoria, Kaylee, and Alyssa, Sophie, Morisa, Kaylee, and Grant. In addition to her parents, Catherine was preceded in death by brothers, Donald, Gerrall, Jack, Robert, and Ferris Saxton.
Funeral services will take place 11 a.m., Tuesday, March 15, 2011, at Wilson MILLER Funeral Home. Pastor Mark Miller of Aldersgate United Methodist Church will officiate. Interment will follow in Midland City Cemetery. Family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., and on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Memorials may be offered to Aldersgate United Methodist Church or the organization of choice. Personal messages of support may be left for the family at www.wilson-miller.com. Family wishes to thank the staff at Brittany Manor for the wonderful care that was given to Catherine.