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10:30:26 09/15/11
Plan Perfect Playdates for Your Kids
[LESS INFO] 0 VIEWS | ADDED 10:30:26 09/15/11
Megan Gates - There%rsquos no doubt that playdates are beneficial to kids. No matter how old your children are, playdates encourage sharing, taking turns, and socializing with others. But when it%rsquos time for you to host the playdate, it can be challenging to know what to do! While there%rsquos no need to throw a party-like atmosphere, a little preparation can go a long way.
There are a few things you%rsquoll want to handle prior to the playdate to ensure that you get started on a good note. First, make sure your child puts away any toys that he or she doesn%rsquot want to share. You may also want to place a few activities within reach for the kids, such as those that encourage them to play together. Good examples include arts and crafts, puzzles and board games. And of course, make the playdate suitable for the ages of the children. If you%rsquore inviting a toddler, 45 minutes is adequate. Even older kids can get overtired, so limit the playdate to 2 hours or less.
One of the best places for a playdate is outside! Not only do you minimize a messy house, but being outside always seems to make kids play better. Don%rsquot think you need to arrange an outing at the park, either. Open up the sandbox, play a round of catch or drag out the soccer nets. This fall, it's fun to rake leaves and jump in the piles! Have fun treats on hand such as popsicles, frozen lemonade, apple cider, or fresh fruit slushies. You can even let the kids help make some of these fun treats.
While outdoor playdates are always a hit, the weather may not cooperate. And some kids simply don%rsquot enjoy what the outdoor has to offer. As long as you don%rsquot mind the mess, opt for an arts-and-crafts playdate. Take out the play-doh, fun cookie cutters, and plastic utensils. For added fun, bake the kids%rsquo creations so that they harden. If you have an easel, let children paint with tempera paints. Or, simply set out coloring pages that can be printed online for free, along with crayons and markers.
You can also bake treats with the kids and take pictures to email to the other child%rsquos parents. Have the ingredients for cookies or brownies measured out. Then let the kids mix the ingredients and wait for them to bake up. Just be sure that the child you're hosting doesn%rsquot have any allergies you should know about. You can also let the kids pick their own ingredients such as white chocolate or milk chocolate chips, dried fruits, and different colored sprinkles.
If you have an active playdate on your hands, encourage the kids to build a fort. Drag out blankets and pillows, as well as old boxes and containers. Let the kids use plastic dishes and pots and pans to %ldquocook%rdquo with inside their fort. Or let the kids put on a dress-up show and provide them with fun clothes, shoes, and jewelry to inspire their imaginations. Take pictures, upload them to the computer, and you can all make a slideshow with music.
To bring the playdate to a close, clean up the toys and set out a quiet activity such as books.
Megan Gates is an active blogger who provides written work to the blogosphere pertaining to New York Real Estate , Suffolk Rentals , home improvement and the latest architecture, design and fashion. Follow her on twitter @MEGatesDesign.
Click here to subscribe to our daily design videos.
8 Views
10:30:26 09/15/11
Plan Perfect Playdates for Your Kids
[LESS INFO] 8 VIEWS | ADDED 10:30:26 09/15/11
Megan Gates - There%rsquos no doubt that playdates are beneficial to kids. No matter how old your children are, playdates encourage sharing, taking turns, and socializing with others. But when it%rsquos time for you to host the playdate, it can be challenging to know what to do! While there%rsquos no need to throw a party-like atmosphere, a little preparation can go a long way.
There are a few things you%rsquoll want to handle prior to the playdate to ensure that you get started on a good note. First, make sure your child puts away any toys that he or she doesn%rsquot want to share. You may also want to place a few activities within reach for the kids, such as those that encourage them to play together. Good examples include arts and crafts, puzzles and board games. And of course, make the playdate suitable for the ages of the children. If you%rsquore inviting a toddler, 45 minutes is adequate. Even older kids can get overtired, so limit the playdate to 2 hours or less.
One of the best places for a playdate is outside! Not only do you minimize a messy house, but being outside always seems to make kids play better. Don%rsquot think you need to arrange an outing at the park, either. Open up the sandbox, play a round of catch or drag out the soccer nets. This fall, it's fun to rake leaves and jump in the piles! Have fun treats on hand such as popsicles, frozen lemonade, apple cider, or fresh fruit slushies. You can even let the kids help make some of these fun treats.
While outdoor playdates are always a hit, the weather may not cooperate. And some kids simply don%rsquot enjoy what the outdoor has to offer. As long as you don%rsquot mind the mess, opt for an arts-and-crafts playdate. Take out the play-doh, fun cookie cutters, and plastic utensils. For added fun, bake the kids%rsquo creations so that they harden. If you have an easel, let children paint with tempera paints. Or, simply set out coloring pages that can be printed online for free, along with crayons and markers.
You can also bake treats with the kids and take pictures to email to the other child%rsquos parents. Have the ingredients for cookies or brownies measured out. Then let the kids mix the ingredients and wait for them to bake up. Just be sure that the child you're hosting doesn%rsquot have any allergies you should know about. You can also let the kids pick their own ingredients such as white chocolate or milk chocolate chips, dried fruits, and different colored sprinkles.
If you have an active playdate on your hands, encourage the kids to build a fort. Drag out blankets and pillows, as well as old boxes and containers. Let the kids use plastic dishes and pots and pans to %ldquocook%rdquo with inside their fort. Or let the kids put on a dress-up show and provide them with fun clothes, shoes, and jewelry to inspire their imaginations. Take pictures, upload them to the computer, and you can all make a slideshow with music.
To bring the playdate to a close, clean up the toys and set out a quiet activity such as books.
Megan Gates is an active blogger who provides written work to the blogosphere pertaining to New York Real Estate , Suffolk Rentals , home improvement and the latest architecture, design and fashion. Follow her on twitter @MEGatesDesign.
Click here to subscribe to our daily design videos.
0 Views
23:13:25 05/12/11
Video: Community reaches out to help injured Rio Rancho veteran
[LESS INFO] 0 VIEWS | ADDED 23:13:25 05/12/11
rancho war veteran works to become more dependent . today that struggle became a little easier thanks to several metro area merchants and volunteers. "this is a boy that loved driving cars down montgomery - loved loved loved racing on montgomery ." but in 2005, erik schei was hit by a sniper bullet in iraq ... leaving him quadriplegic. this reconstruction shows what was missing from his skull after the ooting. today, as erik continues to minute thumbnail 05:14 pm recover ... dozens of people and businesses donated time to make improvements to the family home. "is it going to help you wn they make bigger paths? yeah" thvolunteers widened walkways, planted trees, built a patio, painted a therapy room and a lot more. got lotsvolunteers - evyone has good energy and are happy to be here... so it's more fun than work." "we are overwhelmed, we didn't think that my people would show up." the goal is to help erik become independent "go out the door, go down the sidewalk, look at his property. he can do that. he doesn't need me to push him around - he's going to be able to do that. and with the help of the commity... eriks parents say that he improves a little moreever month. "what do you want to say to them? thanks you" the schei's also have a 21- year old son named deven who was wounded when his vehicle was hit by a missle last july minute thumbnail 05:15 pm in afghanistan. he is in texas recovering from leg, spinal and head injuries.
13 Views
18:32:59 05/01/11
Atari's Greatest Hits for iPad and iPhone Review
[LESS INFO] 13 VIEWS | ADDED 18:32:59 05/01/11
http://bit.ly/elrvck Atari games are a classic video game touchstone for many of us from a certain generation. The Atari games look simple by today's near life-like standards, but they are still fun to play. Apple recently approve Atari's Greatest Hits for the iTunes App Store, a collection of 100 classic Atari 2600 arcade games. All of the Atari classics have been enabled with touch screen controls, so you can play paddle controller and joystick games with your fingertips. Pong is available free in a sort of trial version of the game pack, while you can unlock all the other games by paying to download the full version. 2-player games work across Bluetooth allowing you to play head-to-head against friends and family.
0 Views
12:00:32 04/06/11
I Fanboy Episode #207 C2 E2 2011 Part 2
[LESS INFO] 0 VIEWS | ADDED 12:00:32 04/06/11
It's the second installment of our coverage from Chicago for this year's C2E2 convention. Look out for staff writer Molly McIsaac's first interview on the iFanboy video show!Cullen Bunn - This is a writer who's coming up in the world. Cullen's work can be found in his Oni mystical western, Sixth Gun , as well as Superman/Batman . Then over at Marvel, he'll be exploring Fear Itself with Black Widow and The Deep . Between the cowboys, Detective Chimp, Dr. Strange, and Namor, there's no one having more fun in comics right now.Mike Norton - Mike makes the Battlepug t-shirt into something much more, with a regular webcomic ! He also tells us about his work with Four Star Studios and bringing creator owend work to the audience digitally, such as Mike's creation, The Answer. All the while, he'll be providing pencils on his co-created character Gravity in the series Fear Itself: Youth in Revolt .Charles Soule - 27 is wrapping up its 4-issue mini-series from Image, with a second to follow. We talk about the tale of a musician, doomed like so many others, to die at age 27. Then Charles talks about Strongman , from SLG, the story of a lucha libre wrestler who cleans up all the crime in New York, and the forthcoming second volume.Brian Azzarello - Having mastered comics, Azzarello is helping design a series of t-shirts for Threadless. The shirts will tell a noir story featuring the art of geniuses like Eduardo Risso, Dave Johnson, Lee Bermejo, and a contest winner .Jill Thompson - Jill has been doing her special brand of comics for a long time, often focusing on painting comics, rather than just regular old drawing. You might have seen her recently with Beasts of Burden, and coming up, Jill is excited about the rerelease of Finals from Vertigo, and her next Little Endless story, Delirium's Party ., where she returns to the world of Neil Gaiman's Sandman. Hear about her artistic process, and how it relates to her past experience in improv comedy.Scott Snyder - Scott is a busy comic book writer. From Detective Comics and Gates of Gotham , he's shining his light on the dark areas of Gotham, and exploring well known characters in a new way. Then he's bringing vampires to World War II in American Vampire , taking place in the Pacific, and the mini-series,
6 Views
05:00:00 02/01/11
02-11 Give a Little Head for Valentines Day
[LESS INFO] 6 VIEWS | ADDED 05:00:00 02/01/11
Hello people! Love is in the air - It's almost St. Valentines Day and I have some ideas for you. This week on the show I'm demonstrating a charming craft project - Topiary Heads! They make delightful gifts for your valentine and are such fun to put together. Here's how:
You'll need:
A paper mache flour pot
Plaster of Paris
An 8" diameter Styrofoam ball
Raffia in black or brown
An 18" wooden dowel
Pink tint floral spray
Craft paint in brown, red or pink and blue or violet
Ribbon in pink and red
Red and white heart shaped paper doilies
Red metallic poster board
Pink poster board
Artificial flowers
Pink or white netting or tulle
Floral wire
Tiny red pompons
A glue gun and glue sticks
Scotch tape
Wire cutters
A paint brush
Scissors
White glue
Start by setting the dowel in the bottom of the flour pot so it stands upright with the plaster of Paris. Then you can create the head. Give the ball a light dusting of the floral spray, concentrating it a little more where you want the cheeks to be. Paint a face on the Styrofoam ball using the craft paint, then use the raffia to create an attractive hairstyle, pinning it to the ball using the floral wire. Use the ribbon to tie the hair into pony or pig tails, or as an attractive headband. Mount the head on the dowel. Next, create a bow for the neck by gathering up a length of tulle and holding it together with a length of floral wire. Leave the tails of the wire sticking up. Attach an artificial rose to the bow with wire or hot glue. Then insert the tails of wire up into the base of the ball to mount your bow at her neck. Now it's time to create the hat. Cut a large heart out of the metallic paper board. The heart should be larger than either of the doilies. Next create a truncated cone of pink paper board. Cut half inch deep tabs into the top edge of the cone and fold them down to create a surface to glue your heart to. Mount the heart on the cone and, once dry, you can glue your doilies, one on top of the other, down to the red heart. Mount a pouf of tulle with an artificial flower on top of the doilies using floral wire through all layers and leave the tails. Use the tails to mount the hat on the head by inserting them into the Styrofoam.
Trim the dowel by winding ribbon around it spirally from top to bottom. Tape it to the dowel to secure it in place. Your finishing touch is to fill the flower pot with tulle and stud the tulle with the pompons using your hot glue gun. Congratulations! Your Valentines Day gift is complete!
This week on my NPR podcast I'm discussing the perfect Valentines Day meal - A picnic on your living room floor! It's such a delightful way to celebrate with your valentine. Be sure and listen.
If you haven't signed up for my mailing list yet consider joining now. Each week, in addition to getting information about my shows, I feature editorial content that you can't get anywhere else. This week I'm featuring my recipe for brownie cookies. They're delightful cut into heart shapes and frosted with pink icing!
That's all for this week. Be sure and join me next time!
92 Views
20:06:26 11/14/09
GBTV #660 (HD) | Hands on with the Nokia N900
[LESS INFO] 92 VIEWS | ADDED 20:06:26 11/14/09
Apparently, I left out an important detail when I've talked about the N900 in anticipation of it's arrival because Neal, my husband who is with me all the time didn't know that the N900 is able to make phone calls. Go figure. Let's start by looking at the industrial design. I have an iPhone 3GS here along with a Motorola Droid and the Nokia N900. The iPhone and Droid are almost exactly the same height and width. The Droid is a little thicker than the iPhone to accommodate the slider keyboard and the removable battery. The Nokia N900 is the same width as the iPhone and Droid, but its quite a bit thicker. I thought it would be fun to pull out the kitchen scale and weigh them. The iPhone is 4.7 ounces. The Droid is 5.9 ounces and the N900 is 6.4 ounces. Specs we've talked about, but let's hit them again. The processor is 600MHz. There's 1GB of application memory. It has a 3D Graphics accelerator with Open GL ES 2.0 support. It has 32G of storage out of the box and you can expand that to 48 gigs with a microSD card. The camera is 5 megapixels with a dual LED flash. The screen is 800X480, 3.5 inches diagonal and has resistive touch. The N900 has two hardware features that I hadn't expected. It has a built-in FM transmitter for playing audio through your radio's speakers. I had to put the phone on top of the receiver for the FM transmitter to work, but sitting on top of the receiver, it sounded really, really good. It also has what I think could be a killer feature if developers take advantage of it. It has an IR transmitter. Software is really where the N900 can shine. It runs Nokia's Maemo 5 and open source version of Linux and it really does feel like I'm using a computer rather than just another smart phone. To turn on the screen, simply press the power button on the top and just like on other smart phones, you slide to unlock. The N900 gives you four work surfaces. You can add applications, widgets, and bookmarks from the Web. There are several basic apps already installed and you can add more. There aren't yet tons of apps available, but the framework for making apps available is so much better than Apple's gatekeeper method. There will be an Ovi store for the N900, but if you go there right now, you get a Coming Soon page. In addition to the Ovi store, you can add different software repositories where you can download Maemo apps for free. Because the N900 is running Linux, developers can develop whatever applications the hardware can handle. That's one of the reasons I think the IR transmitter is so cool. It's inevitable that someone will develop a really good universal remote. The Web browser'is very good. It is a Mozilla-based browser and I wasn't able to find a Web site it doesn't display exactly as it should, including Web sites developed in Flash. You can also install a beta version of Firefox branded browser. The Firefox browser froze for me, but the potential is exciting. I really like the Nokia N900, but it's important for me to point out, even though you can order one now, it seems to first be targeting hardcore geeks, extreme early adopters and most specifically developers who want a mobile device that they can customize as much as they want. The device as hardware is a playground with a lot of potential for exciting functionality, should the right developer take up the cause. For example. The IR transmitter's built in, but it needs software applications that aren't yet available in order for it to fulfill it's potential. The N900 has an accelerometer, but very few applications flip into landscape. That's something I hear will change by years end. GeekBrief.TV bridges the gap between hardcore geeks and grandmas who are casually interested in tech. A less technical person would probably enjoy the N900. It's by far the simplest and fun user interfaces I've ever seen on a Nokia phone. It isn't as simple as an iPhone and maybe only slightly more challenging than a Motorolla Droid. I think, though, the MORE you understand and enjoy Linux, the more you'll enjoy all you can do with an N900. My big hope is that Linux developers embrace it and build exciting new applications. The studio is freshly painted so we can start doing live production again and we found a great painter who gave us a great price using Angie's List. If you're not a member and you own a home, check it out. Promo code GEEK will save you 25% when you join.
0 Views
07:13:30 08/01/09
Painting Is So Fun!
[LESS INFO] 0 VIEWS | ADDED 07:13:30 08/01/09
Come with us and spend time behind the scene's in Painting is so fun with Paully de Paint. The shock and surprises await you and the only thing you need to ask yourself is why are you still reading this. You should be watching the video right now ! Go Go Paully De Paint
6 Views
01:15:36 02/12/08
Virtual Worlds Libraries Education And Museums Conference Saturday March 8 2008 In Second Life
[LESS INFO] 6 VIEWS | ADDED 01:15:36 02/12/08
“Virtual Worlds: Libraries, Education, and Museums”Saturday, March 8, 2008 in Second Life - New Media Consortium Conference Center.http://www.alliancelibraries.info/virtualworlds/Purpose of the Conference: To provide a gathering place for librarians, information professionals, educators, museologists, and others to learn about and discuss the educational, informational, and cultural opportunities of virtual worlds. Please note: Although the conference will be held in the virtual world Second Life, presentation and paper proposals about LEM developments in other virtual worlds are encouraged. Tentative Schedule 9:00 a.m. Second Life Time (Pacific Time) "Ancient Mesopotamia: Engaging Online Resources from the Oriental Institute," Presented by Wendy Ennes and Lisa Perez Wendy Ennes, Teacher Services and e-Learning Coordinator for the Oriental Institute Museum of the University of Chicago, will present information about the new, engaging website Ancient Mesopotamia: This History, Our History. In this highly useful online resource, students and educators can learn about various aspects of Mesopotamian culture. They can participate in the interactive "Dig into History", playing the role of an archeologist or a museum curator. Also, they can peruse the "Learning Collection", zooming in on various teacher-selected artifacts. Teachers can also locate primary source materials, lesson plans, and recommended learning activities. This presentation will be useful to teachers, librarians, students, and history aficionados. This presentation is brought to you in collaboration with the Chicago Public Schools Department of Libraries and Information Services. "Persistent Worlds: Will They Ever Go Away?" Presented by Dr. Susan Hazan Now that Second Life has hit the front page of Newsweek it seems Neal Stephenson's vision of the Metaverse has crossed over -- from being a fringe fantasy land for pure escapists to a persistent world for play, commerce, creativity and exploration. It's time to take a close look at this synthetic world. Presented by three leading avatars directly from Second Life, this panel will showcase some of the leading cultural institutions from their 3D graphic locations, and will explore how they welcome visitors, guests and colleagues in-world. "The State of Librarianship in Second Life" Presented by Lauren Pressley This session examines the idea of librarianship in Second Life, specifically focusing on reference practices and the development of a library's presence in a virtual world. The session will conclude with a discussion of possible virtual world library services that have not yet been designed and implemented. "Reflections in Wonderland" Presented by Alison (Wynne Merlin) Williams & Mary (Merry Mayo) Hudson This paper takes a reflective approach concentrating on the authors' explorations of Second Life. These explorations were undertaken as part of a project to assess how the university library might operate in such an environment to support student learning. An introduction briefly outlines the project and we then go on to describe our initial experiences of Second Life, and of participation in courses and meetings. In the light of these experiences we reflect on the possibilities offered by this type of environment, before concluding with our thoughts on the way forward. "Reconstructing Maya: Student Created Poems" Presented by Beth Ritter-Guth (SL Desideria Stockton) The students in College English II: Literature at Lehigh Carbon Community College are creating interactive poems to celebrate the poetry of Maya Angelou. Conference participants will be able to view the work of students, meet them, and construct a poem of their own. The workshop will require the use of voice and participants should download a free recording program like Audacity. Students will showcase their interactive poem "Still I Rise" by Maya Angelou. A notecard with the instructions on how to build the poem will be provided, and participants will work together to create a collaborative poem using WAV files, objects, and scripts. 10:00 a.m. Second Life Time (Pacific Time) "Voice vs. Text Chat: Solutions for Teaching/Presenting in Two Languages Simultaneously" Presented by Chris Haskell As voices ring out over the virtual landscape, some oppose vocal communication for its technical imperfections, infrequent use, and VW cultural bias. Educators, presenters, and facilitators in the Metaverse need solutions to communicate in both "native" languages. This session demonstrates tools and techniques currently being employed to engage multiple learning and communication styles in this expanding virtual space. "Immersion Environments and Recreational Learning: Opportunities for Informal Education on the Virtual Landscape" Presented by Aldo Stern and JJ Drinkwater When the residents of an online three-dimensional platform such as Second life are able to create their own immersion environments, learning opportunities abound. Experience with a number of recent experiments has indicated that the educational potential of these builds comes not just within the context of a formal, institutionally-managed didactic approach, but also--and in some cases, more successfully--in the context of informal, self-directed learning opportunities. Panelists Aldo Stern and JJ Drinkwater draw upon their real world backgrounds in the museum and library fields, along with their extensive experience in a variety of experimental collaborative educational, cultural and recreational environments created on the SL platform, to discuss the relative success of traditional "classroom" approaches in various builds, and the surprisingly vibrant informal learning dynamic that has developed alongside--or as an alternative to--the attempts at structured, hierarchical didacticism. The panelists also will seek to explore how what has transpired in-world is analogous to the real world living history/reenacting "hobby" movement of the 1970s-1990s and other recreational self-directed learning opportunities, and consider issues of how institutions and organizations might utilize the potential of online creative platforms in the future to more effectively foster and encourage self-directed learning, and to integrate it into their programming in ways that it could compliment and enhance more traditional approaches to engaging and educating diverse audiences. "Whatcha Gonna Do?: An Academic Health Sciences Library in Second Life Embraces New Roles" Presented by PF Anderson (Perplexity Peccable); Gillian Mayman (Gillian Oh); Anne Perorazio (Kaiya Qunha); and Jane Blumenthal (Wrenaissance Jewell) Academic health sciences libraries support the educational, research, clinical, and service missions of the universities and healthcare institutions of which they are a part. In the recent past, this has meant primarily building print and web-based collections of health and research information, and providing classes and services that facilitate the use and integration of these collections into the skillset of the local academic healthcare community. In Spring of 2007, the University of Michigan Medical School purchased an island in Second Life. In supporting the activities associated with this initiative, we have found that many of the activities and services we have traditionally offered are not immediately relevant in the new environment, are needs that are being filled by others, or are beyond the scope of what is possible with the resources currently available to us. Examples of these might include teaching how to search Medline, offering classes relating to health skill sets, building collections of health information. Similarly, many of the activities and services we have found ourselves embracing in Second Life are hard to imagine ever happening in our real life libraries. Examples of these might include building freebie collections, teaching classes on how to make clothes, setting up a Spirit Shop for the university (along with making the inventory), hosting in-world and out-world events to engage community, setting up a patient support group, as well as helping folks navigate Orientation and Help Islands. Here we present information about the similarities and differences between what we do in which environment and why we do or do not offer similar services in the other environment, as well as discuss the planning process and skill sets required. We would particularly like to focus on tools that have formed the basis of our community building efforts, which have largely depended on resources that bridge Second Life and the broader online and analog environments. So, when it comes to leading the way in a new and emerging technological environment, what are librarians going to do? Our answer: whatever needs to be done. "Interaction, Visibility and Searchability in Virtual Worlds: The Possibilities, Benefits and the Future" Presented by Namro Orman Interaction with the Web should be a major focus point for libraries in virtual worlds. Resources, news, and communication are needed, and not only with Second Life Residents. The merging with other social networks looks promising, but a lot can be improved/gained inside Second Life as well to make library services and resouces more visible, and findable, also on the Web. This goals of this session are to improve awareness of current possibilities, to show developments, and to offer a sketch of the future. "The 3D3C Metaverse" Presented by Yesha Sivan Dr. Yesha Sivan, founder of Metaverse Labs, is interested in interoperability. He also has been looking into how virtual world simulations can interface with the real world. 11:00 a.m. Second Life Time (Pacific Time) "Applying Distance Educational Theory to Virtual Worlds" Presented by Rebecca Hedreen Current adult educational theory is student-centered and those students have experience, abilities, and preferences that affect or control the learning process. This presentation will show (and tell) you how to use these theories, and the practices that spring from them, to improve your Second Life presentations. In the process, we'll cover some techniques that also improve accessibility and decrease the chance that a technological glitch will ruin your work. "The Museum Phenomenon in Star Wars Galaxies" Presented by Annie Platoff Annie Platoff, the Director of the Wookiee Cultural Center, the premier Wookiee museum in Star Wars Galaxies, will discuss the museum phenomenon in Star Wars Galaxies. "My Life as an Avatar (So Far)" Presented by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle This presentation is intended for teachers, librarians, and those who work in museums; as well as amateur history buffs. In this discussion I will provide an account of how I came to portray one of the best known authors of the Victorian era; the development of a plausible "back story" to cover my inadequacies; my successes and failures in Second Life; my views on the educational potential of ReCreationism; and, finally, my advice to aspiring ReCreationists. "The Festival of European Languages in Second Life" Presented by Birdie Newborn (Birdie Newcomb in SL) This session will look at the Festival of European Languages recently held on Belle Isle in Second Life. It was a venture in outside-the-classroom education. It was a 6-hour festival over half the island with a schedule of speakers, demonstrations, booths, and a giant map of Europe with landmarks to every known language community in Second Life. 6:00 p.m. Second Life Time (Pacific Time) "Self-directed Group Learning in Virtual Worlds" Presented by Nick Noakes This will be a mix of an interactive discussion session on the affordances of Virtual Worlds with respect to self-directed group learning, followed by a tour of Boracay sim to see one way self-directed group learning can be implemented. "Virtual Museums: When Do They Become "Real"?" Presented by Annie Platoff With the launch of massively multiplayer online roleplaying games (MMORPGs), players were given the opportunity to build their own communities within the confines of virtual worlds created by the game developers. When Star Wars Galaxies was launched in June 2003, players were also given the opportunity to manipulate their environment. SWG Developers not only allowed players to place structures within the landscape of the game, but also gave them the opportunity to decorate the interiors of their buildings. It wasn't long before players began to open their own museums. At first, the museums were nothing more than decorated houses containing developer-made paintings and objects. Eventually, however, the museums evolved and now there are quite a number that include interpretive labels, thematic exhibits, and more. While some of these museums are quite well known within their communities, they are virtually unknown by those who do not play the game. That is not the case for the museums in another virtual community, however. The emergence of museums in the virtual world of Second Life has been the topic of much discussion in the museum community. Also launched in 2003, Second Life presents itself as a 3-D virtual world rather than a game. In the world of Second Life players can create just about anything they can imagine and add it to the environment including, of course, museums. Some of those museums have been replicas of real-life museums created by private individuals. Other museums in this virtual environment were created as initiatives of established real-world museums. But there are some museums in Second Life that only exist in that virtual landscape. The International Space Museum, one such museum, has spawned a real-life non-profit organization to support the work of the virtual museum. All of this activity in virtual museums brings with it some interesting questions for members of the museum community. Are virtual museums "real" museums? And if they are, what are the implications for established real-life museums? This paper will examine a variety of museums in two virtual environments ? the MMORPG Star Wars Galaxies and the virtual world of Second Life. It will apply established definitions of what is a museum and determine which of those virtual museums appear to meet the criteria. Finally, it will draw conclusions about the "realness" of virtual museums and the potential of these institutions for reaching new audiences. "An Overview of Science-Related Stuff in Second Life" Presented by Dr. Troy McConaghy (Troy McLuhan in SL) Troy will give examples of how Second Life is being used for science education, public outreach, prototyping, and research Intendend Audience: Scientists, science educators, science librarians, and science museum professionals. "Immersive Education: New Models for Lifelong Learning" Presented by Kevin Roebuck Open source technologies for virtual worlds, on-line games, and new media have tremendous potential to offer new models for lifelong learning. Sun Microsystems Global Education & Research Group has formed a new community to explore these new immersive worlds and their application with the Project Wonderland 3-D tool-kit, Project Darkstar Game Server and SunSPOT sensor platforms. The new Sun Immersion Special Interest Group has announced a joint initiative with the Immersive Education Initiative at Media Grid including a $25,000 set of "Immersion Grants" to see pilot projects in K12 schools, community college, and higher education institutions. This session will feature Kevin Roebuck, Community Manager for Immersive Technologies at Sun, to give a brief overview of the communities activities, initiatives and worldwide projects in open source and open content for Immersive Education. 7:00 p.m. Second Life Time (Pacific Time) "Using Second Life to Enhance Student Research and Presentations" Presented by Robert Walker The presentation will look at an exciting Second Life assignment being used at Labette Community College in the Music Appreciation classes to enhance student presentations. This assignment could easily be adapted for use in any class that requires students to research and present that research to the class. It is useful for both onground and online classes. Students are given the following assignment, using Second Life, prepare a museum exhibit on the following composer. You should include written information, audio, images and perhaps video. Your presentation should not only include biographical information about the composer, but information about the period that the composer was writing. That information should include people of historical interest, other artists of the period, clothing and architectural styles of the time. This presentation will show the mechanics of managing an assignment like this. What tools do the students need? What knowledge/tools does the instructor need? These concerns will all be discussed and examples of previous semester projects will be reviewed as well as the assignment and the rubric. "Virtual Worlds for Learning" Presented by Ann Crewdson and Sachin Patil Virtual Worlds offer a quick and inexpensive ways of simulating information artifacts(in libraries and museums) into multi-faceted synthetic learning environments that merit interaction, immersion and information equally. The Federation of American Scientists, as part of its "Virtual Worlds for Learning" research program, has created a Virtual World Sim (Mesopotamia) in Second Life that leverages collective intelligence by enabling interdisciplinary communities of scholars such as archeologists, librarians museologists, historians, technologists, artists, and academia to share data and their expertise. The prototype has developed a web-integrated inworld tool, called Medulla, to collaborate on 3D content creation, peer-review the content for authenticity and edit it continuously based on new academic & research findings. In the near future, this tool will support functionalities for incorporating game-like features to make simulation experience more interactive and engaging. This presentation will describe content creation & management processes we have developed to collect, render, manage, evaluate and preserve digital assets for 3D virtual environments. Attendees, mainly librarians and museum administrators, will learn how virtual worlds together with web technologies can be used for a wide variety of learning opportunities, scholarly interaction, and the collection, development and management of digital assets for 3D virtual environments. "Standing on the Shoulders of Giants" Presented by Rochelle Mazar This presentation will demonstrate and explore the ways that digital objects have been archived in older virtual environments, their contribution to a competitive gift economy, and the kinds of lessons those practices bring to bear on the work being done by librarians and educators in Second Life. In text-based MOO spaces, object archives function as museum spaces, shops for finding useful objects to use in one's own builds, and as a structure that reinforces and supports a functioning gift economy. In worlds without built-in money economies, archiving and "generics" organization allows new users to see what has been built before, to take advantage of that older work by taking their own copy of these generic objects to build upon, and provides a form of feedback and recognition for those who build the best objects across the entire MOO community world-wide. With a long tradition of including the builder's name as part of the object, a successful builder can build a reputation across many different virtual worlds as others request archived copies of their objects. This gift economy encourages builders and programmers to donate their work for use by others as well as to create more and better generic objects for general use. Their active participation in the gift economy thereby assists in the creation of richer online spaces for all. Could this model work in Second Life, in spite of its existing money economy? This presentation would consist of audio content detailing the structure of these digital archives and their use, as well as detail about the gift economy and how it encouraged more and better objects to share with the community, and would include discussion with participants about its pros and cons and feasibility for use in Second Life. 8:00 p.m. Second Life Time (Pacific Time) "Education on the Teen Grid: The View from Eye4You Alliance Island" Presented by Kelly Czarnecki (Bluewings Hayek in SL), Anthony Curtis (Stone Semyorka in SL), and Beth Kraemer (Alice Burgess in SL) So what's it like to be an educator on the teen grid? Eye4You Alliance Island has been a source of education, creativity and fun on the teen grid since 2006. Librarians, professors, authors, technology specialists, subject matter specialists, and teens from around the world are involved in projects ranging from classes about SL and RL skills; recurring events like book discussions, space talks and island management meetings; special events like the recent literary festival, last year's college fair and craft fair; and a host of other activities. The presenters will provide an overview of what it's like to be an adult educator on the teen grid, describing the challenges and opportunities, and will discuss recent activities and plans that are underway. We'll compare the experience with education on the main grid and discuss our view of the future of education for teens in Second Life. The presentation may also incorporate comments from the teen residents themselves. "VW Libraries and Education: The Purpose and the Potential" Presented by Valerie Hill (Valibrarian Gregg in SL) Virtual worlds seem to be exploding into existence online. For everyone from toddlers to senior citizens, a virtual world beckons. Valibrarian Gregg, a Second Life librarian (and real life school librarian) shares her journey learning in a virtual world to help understand the purpose and potential for librarians and educators. Read some of the latest Virtual World news at iVinnie.com. "Providing Library Services in Second Life" Presented by Margaret Ostrander and Anne Mostad-Jensen Margaret Ostrander will share her research in progress exploring information seeking behavior in Second Life. All research is taking place in-world, combining structured interviews and ethnographic fieldwork. Research questions include: What are the information needs of everyday Second Life residents? What kinds of information are people in SL utilizing, and how do they go about finding it? This research explicitly studies SL residents in non-library contexts. A more robust understanding of such "native" information seeking behavior can help inform SL library services. This research is under the supervision of Dr. Michael Stephens of Dominican University (Illinois, U.S.A.). Read more about Margaret's research at Librarian Dreamer. Anne Mostad-Jensen will present her research in progress focused on the new user's experience in Second Life. Research questions include: How do new users approach and use virtual worlds? What are the information needs of new users and what are their information seeking behaviors? Research subjects will be observed while utilizing the Second Life interface for the first time, accompanied by pre- and post-interviews. This research will inform how libraries in Second Life can help meet the needs of new users. This research is under the supervision of MLIS faculty member Dr. Joyce Yukawa of the College of St. Catherine (Minnesota, U.S.A.). Both Anne and Margaret will share their findings to date, along with learnings about the methodologies and research instruments they have adopted.CREDITS: This machinima was filmed on location with the help of avatars in the teen grid and main adult grid of Second Life: Info International, Talis, and Eye4YouAlliance Island, funded by the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County (PLCMC). http://infoisland.orghttp://www.talis.comhttp://www.plcmc.org/teens/secondlife.aspMachinima: Bernadette Daly Swanson / HVX Silverstar in Second LifeMusic: Revostock.com
1 Views
21:49:23 12/14/07
Earth Keepers Protecting Planet Earth One Person At A Time
[LESS INFO] 1 VIEWS | ADDED 21:49:23 12/14/07
Earth Keeping: A look back at four years of successful projects including an extremely busy 2007The Earth Keeper Initiative honored in 2007 by Lake Superior Magazine, the Acton Institute and World MagazineAs environment ministers from about 190 countries struggle over a global warming treaty in Indonesia, the Michigan Earth Keeper Initiative is completing its fourth successful year.The Earth Keepers have proven that every person can make a difference in their own community.The November 2007 issue of Lake Superior Magazine honors the outcome of numerous Earth Keeper projects.Earth Keeper projects involve more than 400 volunteers from nine faith communities with over 140 churches/temples and Native American tribes including the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community plus youth of all ages.Earth Keeper Initiative volunteer media advisor Greg Peterson reports on another successful year cleaning the environment in northern Michigan and protecting Lake Superior.In the near future, Earth Keeper stories will detail efforts of the Northern Michigan University student team and the Manoomin Project - a wild rice restoration endeavor involving at-risk teens and American Indian guides.Time: 10:00--- (Marquette, Michigan) - The impact of numerous environmental projects created by the northern Michigan Earth Keepers over the past few years is measured in the hundreds of tons as over 15,000 residents have turned in hazardous waste, teens are restoring wild rice beds, businesses and homes are reducing power consumption and thousands of dollars used to protect Lake SuperiorThe non-profit Michigan Earth Keeper Initiative, its nine faith communities, an Upper Peninsula American Indian tribe and over 400 volunteers were honored this week with the “2007 Lake Superior Magazine Achievement Award.”The annual award established in 1994 “recognizes organizations or individuals who have improved the well-being of Lake Superior and it’s residents,” said Lake Superior Magazine Editor Konnie LeMay who traveled from Duluth, Minnesota to honor the interfaith environment project.(Photos by Greg Peterson, Tom Buchkoe, Steve Durocher and Samantha Otto)LeMay cited “734,000 pounds worth of environmental impact just since the signing the Earth Keeper Covenant in July 2004 by nine faith communities.”Presenting an engraved crystal plaque during a Sept. 17, 2007 ceremony at Presque Isle Park in Marquette, LeMay said the “spiritual role model of the Earth Keepers certainly has improved the well-being and environmental awareness of Upper Michigan’s residents - it has offered a concrete way to action.”The Lake Superior Magazine November issue honors the Marquette-based Earth Keepers whose environment projects include annual Earth Day hazardous waste collections, an energetic student team with its own projects, wild rice restoration, an energy summit, and most recently a classical music concert to protect the biggest, deepest and coldest of the Great Lakes that Native Americans call Gitchie Gummi.The project is co-sponsored by the Cedar Tree Institute, the Superior Watershed Partnership, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and the congregations of over 140 churches and temples representing nine faith communities (Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, United Methodist Church, Unitarian Universalist, Baha'i, Jewish, and Zen Buddhist).Rev. Jon Magnuson, who dreamed of creating the Earth Keepers ten years ago, told LeMay that Lake Superior Magazine first announced the existence of the faith-based environment initiative.“Lake Superior Magazine announced the informal announcement of the Earth Keeper Covenant” and we want to thank the magazine for being a partner that way,” Rev. Magnuson said.The covenant was signed by the leaders of the nine faith communities in 2004 pledging to actively protect the environment and reach out to American Indian tribes.Rev. Magnuson honored the memory of one of the first signers of the covenant - Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan Bishop James Kelsey who was killed in a June 3, 2007 traffic accident.Bishop Kelsey was “one of the Earth Keepers true point people for the religious leaders,” Magnuson said.“Jim Kelsey’s spirit will carry us on - he was known as the environmental bishop and that was because of this work that he partnered with us on,” Magnuson said.Magnuson said the Earth Keepers “lift and honor” the members of the “Keweenaw Bay Indian Community have been with us on every one of our initiatives” including a sister effort called the Manoomin project that involves restoring wild rice to seven remote sites in northern Michigan.United Methodist Church Marquette District Superintendent Grant Lobb accepted the Lake Superior Magazine award on behalf of the nine faith leaders.Over 15,000 residents have participated in annual Earth Day hazardous waste collections (2005-2007) at sites across the U.P. have recycled or properly disposed of about 370 tons of pharmaceuticals, old/broken computers, cell phones, pesticides, raw liquid mercury, drain cleaner, oil-based paint, vehicle batteries and many other substances.2005 - 2007 Earth Keeper Clean SweepPharmaceutical, electronic, household hazardous waste The Manoomin ProjectAmerican Indian guides teach at-risk teens to plant wild rice.The teens learn to respect themselves, nature and tribal customs The Earth Keeper Manoomin Project have planted over one ton of wild rice seeds in the past three years through the hands of at-risk teenagers and American Indian guides. The project teaches teens to respect themselves, nature and American Indian heritage.The Manoomin Project includes classroom time and other learning like Tai Chi relaxation exercises and listening to stories from American Indian elders. In July 2007, KBIC elder Glenn Bressette of Harvey, MI explained how he overcame some of the same obstacles the at-risk teens are currently facing.Bressette described racism in Marquette when he was young when his mother told all her children to lie about their American Indian heritage. Bressette said he was called a "dirty Indian" and an "old drunken Indian." Bresette said when he was in his teens police officers shot at him as he tried to steal gasoline and described how he became an alcoholic trying to numb the pain from racism.The Boreal Chamber Symphony "One night only" July 15, 2007 Lake Superior Day The Boreal Chamber Symphony was formed by Midwest classical musicians during April 2007 that made its "one night only" performance a free benefit for the Earth Keepers on Lake Superior Day. The musicians to raised thousands of dollars for the Lake Superior Defense Fund.Nearly 400 people attended the nearly four hour event - the debut of the Boreal Chamber Symphony directed by Craig Randal Johnson of Minneapolis - raising thousands of dollars for the Lake Superior Defense Fund. Thousands of people watched an on-line video made of a rehearsal on the edge of the lakeshore using Lake Superior as an musical instrument following a June 25, 2007 press conference at Presque Isle in Marquette that promoted the concert.2007 Earth Keeper Energy Summit Over 500 businesses, churches/temples, and homeowners pledged to reduce power consumption, some received energy audits, millions in energy savings in next few years This summer's Earth Keeper Energy Summit inspired 500 businesses, homeowners and churches/temples to reduce their power consumption - and many signed up for energy audits. The participants are expected to reduce their utility bills by millions of dollars over the next few years.The Northern Michigan UniversityEarthKeeper Student Team The Northern Michigan University EarthKeeper (NMU EK) Student Team is creating chapters at three other Upper Peninsula of Michigan universities. The nine Earth Keeper faith leaders and the KBIC President/CEO Susan LaFernier stood together at NMU on April 6, 2006 to announce the creation of the student team.The student efforts have included an adopt-a-watershed project and spreading the Earth Keeper message to children and adults at schools, churches and temples.The NMU EK Student Team participated in all Earth Keeper events. In October 2006, the students recorded a video for an MTV contest.On October 6, 2006, Rev. Lynn Hubbard of Eden on the Bay Lutheran Church in Munising sponsored a benefit concert for the student team with Greg LaCombe and the Loose Ends band.Rev. Hubbard has scheduled a second benefit concert for the student team at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, October 12, 2007 at Upfront & Company restaurant in Marquette. The public is encouraged to attend the free benefit concert.The Earth Keepers have been fortunate to receive several international awards including the Lake Superior Magazine honor.---Pictured left to right (in above photo) are Earth Keeper consultant Ron Sundell; Cedar Tree institute Executive Director Rev. Jon Magnuson, Catholic Earth Keeper Kyra Fillmore representing Roman Catholic Bishop Alex Sample, Lake Superior Magazine Editor Konnie LeMay, United Methodist Church Marquette District Superintendent Grant Lobb, Jewish Earth Keeper Jacob Silver of Temple Beth Sholom in Ishpeming, U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak's District Director Tom Baldini, Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan Operations Coordinator Jane Cisluycis, and Superior Watershed Partnership Executive Director Carl Lindquist.In August 2006 and repeating again in 2007, the Grand Rapids, Michigan based Acton Institute named the Earth Keeper Initiative and the Cedar Tree Institute one of the 13 hardest working faith-based non-profits in America.The Manoomin Project received the hardest working honor in 2006 putting two Cedar Tree Institute projects on the hardest working list. World Magazine did features stories on the projects as part of the award.---On September 8, 2006, the Lake Superior Bi-National Forum presented the Earth Keepers with its Environmental Stewardship award during a ceremony in Marquette attended by the 9 faith leaders.---The Earth Keepers and the Manoomin Project have been fortunate to receive a large amount of positive coverage by the news media including national magazine articles, an United Methodist Church national TV crew did a story in Marquette during the 2007 clean sweep, and Rev. Magnuson was one of the guests on a national Native American radio talk show on September 14, 2007.Numerous national magazines have done stories on the Earth Keepers including Grit, The Lutheran, Thrivent Magazine and others. The Associated Press has run numerous stories on the Earth keepers and the U.P. media has been very supportive.---The Earth Keeper TeamA core group of about a dozen dedicates souls who inspire 400 plus volunteers and whose faith communties have turned out over 15,000 northern Michigan residents to three Earth Day clean sweeps that have recycled or properly disposed of about 370 tons of hazardous waste. ----- Having fun while protecting the environment: Rev. Jon Magnuson, whose dreamed up the Earth Keepers ten years ago, shares a light moment with one of the hardest working volunteers during the Lake Superior Magazine press conference in Marquette, MI on Sept. 17, 2007.Catholic Earth Keeper Kyra Fillmore of Marquette is a mother of two young children who shuffles a busy home life with doing God's work. Her husband and father are also very active in Earth Keepers.--- Over one ton of pharmaceuticals and over $500,000 narcotics was collected during the 2007 Earth Keeper Clean Sweep at 19 free drop-off sites across a 400 mile area of northern Michigan. The drugs were destroyed in a high-tech, low pollution, EPA-approved incinerator near St. Louis, Missouri. --- Over 320 tons of electronic waste (below) was turned in by the public during the 2006 Earth Keeper Clean Sweep. Old/broken computers, cell phones and other electronics were recycled. The photo by Tom Buchkoe of Marquette represents about 80 percent of the e-waste that was turned in by the public, small businesses and schools.---The annual "Blessing of the Wild Rice" (below) is held each September in Marquette as a show of respect for the return of the once native grain - and to thank the supporters of the Manoomin Project. Everyone has a fun time and the meal includes various forms of wild rice.The wild rice is prepared in several ways including searing the grain into a crunchy treat mixed with dried fruit.--- Native American guide Don Chosa created this offering (below) to nature during the 2006 Blessing of the Wild Rice.--- A member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, Native American guide Don Chosa and the teens (below) bring the natural offering into the woods where it was placed behind a log during the 2006 Blessing of the Wild Rice in Marquette.---The at-risk teens involved in the Manoomin Project first arrive - in essence doing community service - after being sentenced in juvenbile court. Many of the teens have so much fun planting and testing the wild rice they ask to return the next year.These teens are truly a joy to work with and only need a little bit of positive attention to grow into the great leaders of tomorrow. The Manoomin Project honors the teenagers and the KBIC for working so hard to restore wild rice to northern Michigan. Below are links to a tribute music video honoring those involved in the project. Earth Keeper related website addresses are:Earth Keeper TV:http://earthkeepers.blip.tv/The Cedar Tree Institute:http://www.cedartreeinstitute.com/The Superior Watershed Partnershiphttp://www.superiorwatersheds.org/The Lake Superior Interfaith Communication Network:http://www.lakesuperiorinterfaith.com/-----Earth Keeper TV Manoomin Project Music Video on blip tv:http://blip.tv/file/341528/You Tube - Manoomin Project Music Video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0QPBLruQZ8---articles:World Magazine:http://www.worldmag.com/articles/12177Manoomin Project article/photos (scroll down a little bit):http://www.cedartreeinstitute.com/envprojects.html---
6 Views
04:52:57 09/22/07
Earth Keepers Manoomin Project A Success Thanks To Volunteers Students Tribe Supporters
[LESS INFO] 6 VIEWS | ADDED 04:52:57 09/22/07
(Marquette, Michigan) - The impact of numerous environmental projects created by the northern Michigan Earth Keepers over the past few years is measured in the hundreds of tons as over 15,000 residents have turned in hazardous waste, teens are restoring wild rice beds, businesses and homes are reducing power consumption and thousands of dollars used to protect Lake SuperiorThe non-profit Michigan Earth Keeper Initiative, its nine faith communities, an Upper Peninsula American Indian tribe and over 400 volunteers were honored this week with the “2007 Lake Superior Magazine Achievement Award.”The annual award established in 1994 “recognizes organizations or individuals who have improved the well-being of Lake Superior and it’s residents,” said Lake Superior Magazine Editor Konnie LeMay who traveled from Duluth, Minnesota to honor the interfaith environment project.(Photos by Greg Peterson, Tom Buchkoe, Steve Durocher and Samantha Otto)LeMay cited “734,000 pounds worth of environmental impact just since the signing the Earth Keeper Covenant in July 2004 by nine faith communities.”Presenting an engraved crystal plaque during a Sept. 17, 2007 ceremony at Presque Isle Park in Marquette, LeMay said the “spiritual role model of the Earth Keepers certainly has improved the well-being and environmental awareness of Upper Michigan’s residents - it has offered a concrete way to action.” The Lake Superior Magazine November issue honors the Marquette-based Earth Keepers whose environment projects include annual Earth Day hazardous waste collections, an energetic student team with its own projects, wild rice restoration, an energy summit, and most recently a classical music concert to protect the biggest, deepest and coldest of the Great Lakes that Native Americans call Gitchie Gummi. The project is co-sponsored by the Cedar Tree Institute, the Superior Watershed Partnership, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and the congregations of over 140 churches and temples representing nine faith communities (Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, United Methodist Church, Unitarian Universalist, Baha'i, Jewish, and Zen Buddhist).Rev. Jon Magnuson, who dreamed of creating the Earth Keepers ten years ago, told LeMay that Lake Superior Magazine first announced the existence of the faith-based environment initiative. “Lake Superior Magazine announced the informal announcement of the Earth Keeper Covenant” and we want to thank the magazine for being a partner that way,” Rev. Magnuson said.The covenant was signed by the leaders of the nine faith communities in 2004 pledging to actively protect the environment and reach out to American Indian tribes.Rev. Magnuson honored the memory of one of the first signers of the covenant - Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan Bishop James Kelsey who was killed in a June 3, 2007 traffic accident. Bishop Kelsey was “one of the Earth Keepers true point people for the religious leaders,” Magnuson said.“Jim Kelsey’s spirit will carry us on - he was known as the environmental bishop and that was because of this work that he partnered with us on,” Magnuson said.Magnuson said the Earth Keepers “lift and honor” the members of the “Keweenaw Bay Indian Community have been with us on every one of our initiatives” including a sister effort called the Manoomin project that involves restoring wild rice to seven remote sites in northern Michigan. United Methodist Church Marquette District Superintendent Grant Lobb accepted the Lake Superior Magazine award on behalf of the nine faith leaders.Over 15,000 residents have participated in annual Earth Day hazardous waste collections (2005-2007) at sites across the U.P. have recycled or properly disposed of about 370 tons of pharmaceuticals, old/broken computers, cell phones, pesticides, raw liquid mercury, drain cleaner, oil-based paint, vehicle batteries and many other substances.2005 - 2007 Earth Keeper Clean SweepPharmaceutical, electronic, household hazardous waste The Manoomin ProjectAmerican Indian guides teach at-risk teens to plant wild rice.The teens learn to respect themselves, nature and tribal customs The Earth Keeper Manoomin Project have planted over one ton of wild rice seeds in the past three years through the hands of at-risk teenagers and American Indian guides. The project teaches teens to respect themselves, nature and American Indian heritage.The Manoomin Project includes classroom time and other learning like Tai Chi relaxation exercises and listening to stories from American Indian elders. In July 2007, KBIC elder Glenn Bressette of Harvey, MI explained how he overcame some of the same obstacles the at-risk teens are currently facing. Bressette described racism in Marquette when he was young when his mother told all her children to lie about their American Indian heritage. Bressette said he was called a "dirty Indian" and an "old drunken Indian." Bresette said when he was in his teens police officers shot at him as he tried to steal gasoline and described how he became an alcoholic trying to numb the pain from racism.The Boreal Chamber Symphony "One night only" July 15, 2007 Lake Superior Day The Boreal Chamber Symphony was formed by Midwest classical musicians during April 2007 that made its "one night only" performance a free benefit for the Earth Keepers on Lake Superior Day. The musicians to raised thousands of dollars for the Lake Superior Defense Fund. Nearly 400 people attended the nearly four hour event - the debut of the Boreal Chamber Symphony directed by Craig Randal Johnson of Minneapolis - raising thousands of dollars for the Lake Superior Defense Fund. Thousands of people watched an on-line video made of a rehearsal on the edge of the lakeshore using Lake Superior as an musical instrument following a June 25, 2007 press conference at Presque Isle in Marquette that promoted the concert.2007 Earth Keeper Energy SummitOver 500 businesses, churches/temples, and homeowners pledged to reduce power consumption, some received energy audits, millions in energy savings in next few years This summer's Earth Keeper Energy Summit inspired 500 businesses, homeowners and churches/temples to reduce their power consumption - and many signed up for energy audits. The participants are expected to reduce their utility bills by millions of dollars over the next few years.The Northern Michigan UniversityEarthKeeper Student Team The Northern Michigan University EarthKeeper (NMU EK) Student Team is creating chapters at three other Upper Peninsula of Michigan universities. The nine Earth Keeper faith leaders and the KBIC President/CEO Susan LaFernier stood together at NMU on April 6, 2006 to announce the creation of the student team.The student efforts have included an adopt-a-watershed project and spreading the Earth Keeper message to children and adults at schools, churches and temples.The NMU EK Student Team participated in all Earth Keeper events. In October 2006, the students recorded a video for an MTV contest. On October 6, 2006, Rev. Lynn Hubbard of Eden on the Bay Lutheran Church in Munising sponsored a benefit concert for the student team with Greg LaCombe and the Loose Ends band.Rev. Hubbard has scheduled a second benefit concert for the student team at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, October 12, 2007 at Upfront & Company restaurant in Marquette. The public is encouraged to attend the free benefit concert. The Earth Keepers have been fortunate to receive several international awards including the Lake Superior Magazine honor.--- Pictured left to right (in above photo) are Earth Keeper consultant Ron Sundell; Cedar Tree institute Executive Director Rev. Jon Magnuson, Catholic Earth Keeper Kyra Fillmore representing Roman Catholic Bishop Alex Sample, Lake Superior Magazine Editor Konnie LeMay, United Methodist Church Marquette District Superintendent Grant Lobb, Jewish Earth Keeper Jacob Silver of Temple Beth Sholom in Ishpeming, U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak's District Director Tom Baldini, Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan Operations Coordinator Jane Cisluycis, and Superior Watershed Partnership Executive Director Carl Lindquist.In August 2006 and repeating again in 2007, the Grand Rapids, Michigan based Acton Institute named the Earth Keeper Initiative and the Cedar Tree Institute one of the 13 hardest working faith-based non-profits in America.The Manoomin Project received the hardest working honor in 2006 putting two Cedar Tree Institute projects on the hardest working list. World Magazine did features stories on the projects as part of the award.---On September 8, 2006, the Lake Superior Bi-National Forum presented the Earth Keepers with its Environmental Stewardship award during a ceremony in Marquette attended by the 9 faith leaders.---The Earth Keepers and the Manoomin Project have been fortunate to receive a large amount of positive coverage by the news media including national magazine articles, an United Methodist Church national TV crew did a story in Marquette during the 2007 clean sweep, and Rev. Magnuson was one of the guests on a national Native American radio talk show on September 14, 2007.Numerous national magazines have done stories on the Earth Keepers including Grit, The Lutheran, Thrivent Magazine and others. The Associated Press has run numerous stories on the Earth keepers and the U.P. media has been very supportive.---The Earth Keeper TeamA core group of about a dozen dedicates souls who inspire 400 plus volunteers and whose faith communties have turned out over 15,000 northern Michigan residents to three Earth Day clean sweeps that have recycled or properly disposed of about 370 tons of hazardous waste. ----- Having fun while protecting the environment: Rev. Jon Magnuson, whose dreamed up the Earth Keepers ten years ago, shares a light moment with one of the hardest working volunteers during the Lake Superior Magazine press conference in Marquette, MI on Sept. 17, 2007.Catholic Earth Keeper Kyra Fillmore of Marquette is a mother of two young children who shuffles a busy home life with doing God's work. Her husband and father are also very active in Earth Keepers. --- Over one ton of pharmaceuticals and over $500,000 narcotics was collected during the 2007 Earth Keeper Clean Sweep at 19 free drop-off sites across a 400 mile area of northern Michigan. The drugs were destroyed in a high-tech, low pollution, EPA-approved incinerator near St. Louis, Missouri. --- Over 320 tons of electronic waste (below) was turned in by the public during the 2006 Earth Keeper Clean Sweep. Old/broken computers, cell phones and other electronics were recycled. The photo by Tom Buchkoe of Marquette represents about 80 percent of the e-waste that was turned in by the public, small businesses and schools.---The annual "Blessing of the Wild Rice" (below) is held each September in Marquette as a show of respect for the return of the once native grain - and to thank the supporters of the Manoomin Project. Everyone has a fun time and the meal includes various forms of wild rice.The wild rice is prepared in several ways including searing the grain into a crunchy treat mixed with dried fruit. --- Native American guide Don Chosa created this offering (below) to nature during the 2006 Blessing of the Wild Rice.--- A member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, Native American guide Don Chosa and the teens (below) bring the natural offering into the woods where it was placed behind a log during the 2006 Blessing of the Wild Rice in Marquette.---The at-risk teens involved in the Manoomin Project first arrive - in essence doing community service - after being sentenced in juvenbile court. Many of the teens have so much fun planting and testing the wild rice they ask to return the next year.These teens are truly a joy to work with and only need a little bit of positive attention to grow into the great leaders of tomorrow. The Manoomin Project honors the teenagers and the KBIC for working so hard to restore wild rice to northern Michigan. Below are links to a tribute music video honoring those involved in the project. Earth Keeper related website addresses are:Earth Keeper TV:http://earthkeepers.blip.tv/The Cedar Tree Institute:http://www.cedartreeinstitute.com/The Superior Watershed Partnershiphttp://www.superiorwatersheds.orgThe Lake Superior Interfaith Communication Network:http://www.lakesuperiorinterfaith.com/-----Earth Keeper TV Manoomin Project Music Video on blip tv:http://blip.tv/file/341528/You Tube - Manoomin Project Music Video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0QPBLruQZ8---articles:World Magazine:http://www.worldmag.com/articles/12177Manoomin Project article/photos (scroll down a little bit):http://www.cedartreeinstitute.com/envprojects.html---
2 Views
12:19:05 06/04/07
Preparations for Carnival
[LESS INFO] 2 VIEWS | ADDED 12:19:05 06/04/07
There are several types of Carnival celebrated in The Netherlands. The best known variant is known as the Rijnlandsche Carnival and it shares many folklore traditions with its German and Belgian counterparts.
Maastricht is famous not so much for its parades but for its street carnival, with elaborate costumes that people work on all year, a bit like the South American style.
Another variant can be found in 's-Hertogenbosch and Bergen op Zoom.
The Carnival in Den Bosch is known as the oldest in the Netherlands. Several paintings of the world famous Jheronimus Bosch, who lived in the city in the 15th century, are based on the carnival festivities in the city during the Middle Ages.
The Carnival of Bergen op Zoom shares most traditions with 's Hertogenbosch and very few traditions and folklore with the rest of the Netherlands and they have celebrated it in their specific way ever since 1839.
In the video you see the preparations for the feast even has begun.
More films from me on this subject can be found on this website.
2 Views
07:42:28 05/11/07
Episode #7: Arrivato Zampano & un omaggio piccolo
[LESS INFO] 2 VIEWS | ADDED 07:42:28 05/11/07
The brief history of this episode is that I opted to make a short film in lieu of a final paper for my Italian Cinema class in college. Naturally I didn't do anything for it until the darn thing was due, so I found myself in the rain with my friend Catherine (thanks again, by the way) filming this thing with a giant tarp secured to the camera using sticks and plants I found lying around. No time for bungie cords. The fun part was that it was only the two of us, so I had to run back and forth pushing record, which is mostly why some of the shots are oddly framed . . . that and I was into weird films that semester. The whole thing was basically a surprise the first time I watched it through as I didn't have any time to check my work before printing it to DVD. All in all, from paper to DVD, it took about 4-5 hours. Total fun city. The whole thing was meant as a bit of a joke, mostly poking fun at Fellini's film, La Strada, but I don't think my professor got it because she recommended I submit it to the Tribeca film festival. Thats a true story, by the way.Anyways, special thanks to the University of Massachusetts marching band for playing the school fight song so well on that CD I have, and also to Catherine, who played an awesome Gelsomina . . . and put that paint all over her face . . . and hung out in the rain . . . and wore a towel for a cape. Actually, nix the thanks for the towel, everyone should be doing that.Cheers,Drew
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17:59:55 03/22/06
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[LESS INFO] 3 VIEWS | ADDED 17:59:55 03/22/06
As I wrote previously, I was very sick all weekend, but tried to have fun anyway in Munich. We arrived on Friday afternoon, but since the car ride had been hell for me, I decided to stay at the hotel (which was real nice) while the boys went on their beer crusade. Heh, I don't like beer anyway... at the time, I couldn't swallow anything either. I thought I was going to die there. Fortunatly, our room had an awesome bathroom with tub and a warm bath brought me back to life, a bit. After a couple of hours, the boys came back and we went for dinner, but got lost and ended up in a not very good restaurant. I ate some of bites from my plate, felt very sick again and it was time to go to bed for me.
On Saturday, I felt a tiny bit better and we went walking downtown, looking at shops and buildings. We ate at the Kartoffelnhaus and it was delicious like last time (although I couldn't enjoy it as much). It was a nice sunny day and I took a lot of pictures of the old state house. ;) We left *H.* with a friend of his and went back to the hotel to rest before dinner... and then it was SUSHI TIME!!! :D Oh my god it was good and I believe it helped healing me. :) We went to Odai, a very nice place and the sushi was awesome. We were almost alone in the restaurant... I hope they get more customers on other nights, because they deserve it.
After dinner, we got ready to go out at the Neurodrome. It was their 3rd anniversary, so it was totally packed and ahem... way too goth for us! I can't dance with European goths, they... all do the same thing! I mess up all their repetitive patterns and they hate me. They even did some sort of goth square dancing!!!! AAAAHHHHHHHHH!!! I'm sorry but that was one of the saddest things I got to see in my life. WTF. When we saw that it was lasting more than one song, we were about ready to leave, but they stopped after two songs. WTF people! We were getting really bored when shirt_seeker and his girlfriend found us. They're awesome and I'm glad we went there just so we could meet them! The night got more fun and the music also got better, so we danced a bit, finally! We left kind of early because both *A.* and I didn't feel so good, but hey, the doorman was giving roses, so it's all good! :D
See the ambiance at the beer house (Hofbräuhaus), I don't even wanna think how it must be in October!
Movie: So many people!
Yes, we visited some churches too! That's the Theatinerkirche.
Are they thinking about god or the next beer they'll drink?
There were those painted lions all over town, it was quite cool.
You can see what I call the phallic church of Munich in the background. ;)
The Kartoffelnhaus! :D
I often said that French people are worse than Americans in many ways when travelling... well here's a proof: *H.* absolutly wanted his picture taken in front of the Hard Rock Café! Tsss!
At the beer house...
The band.
Those old people are in better shape than I am, must be all the beer and dancing!
Ahhhh, the New Town Hall!
There was a protestation against war.
Me, having fun with a store window.
I wanted to take a picture of the lion and then those stupid people came and wouldn't leave... they sucked.
Guys dreamed about a beer fountain.
*H.* hugging the beer lion. ;)
The church Heilig Geist... it's beautiful!
More of the State House.
Me... very sick...
*H.* is trying to make me feel better.
The Japanese restaurant Odai... it was very pretty!
