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No Commercial Rig In The Shack For Now And All Sorts Of Homebrew Plans

I sold my FT-817 just days after mentioning 2 posts ago that it was up for sale.  After a week on Craigslist, I was planning on putting it up in a few of the online ham forums and then on eBay. It didn’t come to that though. In fact my rig sold not because of Craiglist, but because of the post here on WordPress.  I didn’t know that many folk read this blog!  Shortly after posting here that the 817 was for sale and including a link to the Craiglist ad, I received a call from Frank KA8SYV, saying that he was interested, and courtesy of Paypal and Fedex, the deal was finalized. I’d assumed that he found me on Craigslist but then remembered a remark he’d made during the phone call in which he complimented my large CD collection. The only way he could have known about that was if he’d seen this blog first before following the link to the Craigslist ad to get my phone number.  Hope that’s not against WordPress rules 🙂

The day that Frank received the radio, he called to let me know, and we had a great conversation. Frank’s been getting back into the hobby in the last couple of years, and his enthusiasm is infectious.  He told me about a great little 80M indoor loop that he built (which he forwarded details on) and it turns out that he has the kit to build K8IQY’s SS-40 receiver.  I’m envious, as I have really enjoyed the receiver on Jim’s 2N2 transceiver and the SS-40 is also reported to be low-noise. It was just great to converse with a fellow ham who has similar interests to mine – thanks for the phone QSO Frank.  I knew that Frank would be a trustworthy buyer – not only is he a fellow ham who can build things, but he also has a picture of a kitty in an astronaut suit on his QRZ page.  He just had to be cool!

As a result of that sale, the band coverage here in the shack is a little slim, but that’s fine by me.  I have the Tut80 on 80M, the Norcal 2N2 on 40M, and NT7s’ VRX-1 direct conversion receiver – also on 40M. My 80M activity is sparse, due partially to the fact that my only antenna is a co-ax fed inverted vee for 40, so 99.5% of my activity is on 40M CW.  Most amateurs would consider this a very meager ham-shack situation, but it’s working out well.  I never have to try and figure out which band to operate on, and I spend zero time adjusting the ATU. The 2N2 is always on so when I want to operate, I just turn the volume up on the rig.  Also, the lack of a commercial transceiver is a very good incentive for me to build equipment for the other bands.  I like what not having ready-built gear does for my creative juices.  If I want to go on 20, I have to sit down and figure out what to build for that band, as I’m not about to buy another commercial rig just yet.

The plan here at AA7EE is to spend more time building and experimenting.  I don’t design circuits, but I have enough gumption to build from schematics, and have been wanting to get lots of practice in Manhattan construction for a long time now, so the plan going forward is to build stuff. With that in mind, I spent a day or two putting in a big order with Dan’s Small Parts And Kits, as well as a small order for toroids and some transistors from W8DIZ –  “The Toroid King” (how can you say no to 50 x 2N3904’s or 2N3906’s for $3?)  The goal is to have a big stock of the most commonly used components, as well as enough PCB material to make Manhattan pads and build cases. Once I have a well-stocked junk-box, I can see what I’m using from it and order ahead to keep it stocked up. Hopefully, most projects will only require me to order just a few parts, with the rest coming from the personal stash of parts.  As a kid I had a big junk-box of parts, but it consisted mainly of donations from local and benevolent hams with the contents of a few self-purchased “grab bags” thrown in. I’ve never purposely ordered bulk amounts of all the common resistor and capacitor values and types, along with quantities of commonly-used semiconductor devices. What pleasantly surprised me was that (as long as Dan comes through with this order, and it’s good stuff) if you look for deals and buy from the right places, it needn’t break the bank.

I can’t wait to have my own personal arsenal of resistors, fixed capacitors and trim caps, diodes, transistors, pots, toggle switches, DBM’s (Dan has ADE-1 DBM’s for $4.50 each), ICs and who knows what else. The teenage me would have been so excited to know that I would one day achieve heaven on earth 🙂

Once everything arrives, here’s the plan of action:

* Build an active bandpass filter for NT7S’ VRX-1 DC receiver. I’m excited to see what what Jason’s receiver sounds like with audio filtering

* Build a regen receiver for 80M so that I can listen to the weekly West Coast AM net – and maybe mod it for 40M

* Consider building a QRP AM TX for 40, which can later act as an exciter for a linear amp (you think I’m crazy enough to try AM QRP on 80 and 40?)

* Build K8IQY’s 2N2-20 Manhattan-style

* Remove the Tut80’s polyvaricon and modifiy it for tuning with a varicap, so I can use a 10-turn pot, then put the Tut80 in a more stout case made of PCB material

*Lots more things.

The above are just ideas and we’ll see which ones come to fruition and which ones remain in my head, but I think I have plenty to keep me occupied, especially considering the fact that I work at a snail’s pace (solder one resistor, take a swig of coffee and look out the window, solder another resistor, take another swig of coffee and play with the kitty etc etc.)

It’s going to be so much fun!

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Press Release

AAIDD Announces its 2013 Fellows

Ceremony to take place at 137th AAIDD Annual Conference in June 2013

January 30, 2013 (Washington, DC)

The American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) is pleased to announce and congratulate 15 individuals who have been identified to receive the designation of Fellow of the Association (FAAIDD).

This distinction is a high honor and is presented after review and consideration by a committee of leaders in the Association. Individuals may be nominated for Fellow after they have had at least seven years of continuous membership in AAIDD, participation in the professional and business affairs of the Association, and are judged to have made a meritorious contribution to the field of intellectual disability. The newest Fellows are:

Giulia Balboni, PhD, University of Pisa

Vincent M. Chesney, MS, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Selinsgrove Center

Melissa DiSipio, MS, Philadelphia Coordinated Health Care

David Ferleger, JD, Law Office of David Ferleger

Climent Giné Giné, PhD, Ramon Llull University

David T. Helm, PhD, Boston Children’s Hospital

Carolyn Hughes, PhD, Queens College, City University of New York

James Lemanowicz, Temple University

Barbara A. Mazzella, MS, Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services

Katherine McDonald, PhD, Syracuse University

Joseph P. O’Grady Jr., MD, Medical College of Wisconsin

Edward A. Polloway, PhD, Lynchburg College

Maria Quintero-Conk, PhD, MHMRA of Harris County

J. David Smith, EdD, University of North Carolina at Greensboro (Emeritus)

Miguel Ángel Verdugo Alonso, PhD, University of Salamanca

The formal ceremony of preferment to Fellow will be held at AAIDD’s 137th Annual Meeting in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from June 3–6, 2013.

Founded in 1876, AAIDD is the oldest professional association concerned with intellectual and developmental disabilities. AAIDD advocates for the equality, dignity, and human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and for their full inclusion and participation in society. Learn more about the organization at http://www.aaidd.org.

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Join AARP and CMS to learn about all aspects of Medicare so that you can make informed health care decisions.  This free webinar will provide you with:

  • An introduction to the Medicare program
  • A review of eligibility, enrollment process and covered Medicare services
  • Information about choices people have on how to get their Medicare health coverage - including the Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans.

This free webinar will take place at 12:30 p.m. ET/11:30 a.m. CT during the 2016 Online Family Caregiving Fair.   Register now via the Virtual Career Fair registration link in order to watch this live webinar.  You only need to register once, even if you want to watch all of the live webinars during the Online Family Caregiving Fair.

Register Now. This free event will also be available on-demand.


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Blessed to Have You as a Brother <3

Blessed to Have You as a Brother <3

“To the outside world we all grow old. But not to brothers and sisters. We know each other as we always were. We know each other’s hearts. We share private family jokes. We remember family feuds and secrets, family griefs and joys. We live outside the touch of time.” ~ Clara Ortega

The first memory I have of my elder brother from childhood, is that he was the only person in the world I hated the most. I remember him teasing me, pinching me, trying to snatch my toys just to rouse my anger, and I also remember my screaming at him, complaining to Mom, and obviously pulling his hair. I used to pull his hair so hard that I wished I could tear them from his scalp. And in return he would call me names and we both would keep fighting on and on.

As we grew older, we started to grow further apart. We stopped talking to each other; we would avoid each other like complete strangers. And then one day Mother got tired of this, she could not see her only two children acting as strangers for the rest of their lives, so she sat us down and tried to tell us what a big foolish and horrifying mistake we are making, and she cried. She cried like I had never seen before. I will not forget that day because that day we both felt we have truly disappointed our mother and how severely we are hurting this family.

So right at that moment while sitting there in front of her we shook hands with each other and promised her that we’ll try to make it right, and then for the first time in two years me and my brother hugged.

After that day we started talking and would give nervous laughs at each other’s jokes, and day by day we grew more and more at ease. He started pulling my cheeks (no, not to tease me, but with love) and I would tickle him and we would share all kinds of interests with each other. We started having inside-jokes, played together all the time and laughed our hearts out.

I finally got to know the real brother I wrongfully thought was my enemy.

As the years have passed my brother isn’t just a brother to me anymore. We share our interests and hobbies like Best Friends, we share secrets and private jokes like Sisters, he takes care of me and is possessive for me like a Mother and he stands up for me and protects me like a Father.

I’m sure all the brothers of the world are very special for their siblings; but for me absolutely NO brother in the whole world can compare to the ‘awesomeness’ of my funny, wonderful, charming, brilliant, faithful, friendly, thoughtful, loving (and sometimes-annoying) Brother :D

A picture of a 2-year-old me wrestling with my 5-year-old brother :D Yes I was very mean to him back then but the poor guy never complained!
A picture of a 2-year-old me wrestling with my 5-year-old brother :D Yes I was very mean to him back then but the poor little guy never complained!

Happy Birthday Bro! :) I may not show it sometimes, but I sure as hell love you SO much! You better believe it you big buffoon :D

You mean the World to me!

11 thoughts on “Blessed to Have You as a Brother <3

  1. A beautiful story, wonderfully presented! :)
    May Allah bless your sweet family with all the happiness in the world.
    A very happy birthday to your amazing brother. :)

  2. I would like to dedicate this post to my sister, we are also two and im 3 years older than her, looking at you pic reminds me of us (yup i also took lots of beatings at without complaining), she is my best friend in this world and the person i love most, bro sister relation is the most wonderful in the world. God Bless you two and may you remain like this forever. :)

    1. Aaww thank you so so very much ^_^ God has given me the whole package in one person, a brother/sister/best friend/teacher all in one :D <3 I'm glad you have this same close relationship with your cute little sis :*

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text:
Is the bull market too old or simply too expensive?  (Mark Hulbert)

Is the $VIX really all that low?  (Pragmatic Capitalism)

David Merkel, “I don’t so much believe that dividends have value, as many companies that pay dividends have value.”  (Aleph Blog)

Just how important are tax rates to the relative performance of dividend-strategies?  (World Beta)

Hedge funds

It’s good to be a hedge fund focusing on mortgage backed securities as the moment.  (FT)

Quite a launch for Peter Muller’s PDT Partners hedge fund.  (Bloomberg)

How econ blogging can affect an academic’s career.  (Noahpinion)

Has economics become more mathetized over time?  (MPRA via FT Alphaville)

Thanks for checking in with Abnormal Returns. You can follow us on StockTwits and Twitter.


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Horror, Dark & Lite 2 by Anel Viz

Horror, Dark & Lite Volume TwoHorror, Dark & Lite Volume Two by Anel Viz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I liked this one better than volume one.

“A Layover at… ” was simple, to the point and cool.

“Coffee and Aftershave” kind of weirded me out. I wasn’t satisfied with the ending, but the story was still cool, and I liked it well enough.

“Bryce Olson is Pregnant” I was so glad (view spoiler). The ending made me laugh (I’m not sure if it was the point of the story, but I laughed anyway).

“The Stray” was just super cute in a weird kind of way, (view spoiler)

View all my reviews

One Giant Leap by Kay Simone

One Giant LeapOne Giant Leap by Kay Simone
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A very nice, slow-burn romance about an astronaut and his CAPCOM. I picked up the book because the premise sounded interesting. Space exploration is something I find very interesting (and I love sci-fi things), and the idea of a slow-burn, age-difference, long-distance relationship was quite attractive.
It didn’t disappoint: I loved the main characters and the way they seemed to fit with each other, as well as their personalities. I was a bit surprised (and sad) that the mission they were on was actually so short, I wouldn’t have minded if it’d been a bit longer and they’d had even more time to build the kind of relationship they did. I also, quite surprisingly, found myself quite fond of the secondary characters and the way they related with each other and the main characters. Though Amal felt a bit like she was trying too hard, like she just had to be “edgy” in every possible way.
Not really sure this is a spoiler, but: (view spoiler)
Though the book was “low-heat”, I felt it quite suited the rest of the writing. I did wish the sex scene was a bit more drawn out, but I didn’t hate the gloss over as it wasn’t really that necessary.

But there were also several things I didn’t like, which is why I’m not rating it 5-stars: The news reports were terribly boring and after a few I just skipped/skimmed through them. The way it sometimes went from past to present in sorta unannounced flashbacks -it only happened a couple times, but it happened- was a bit confusing. I liked the flashbacks otherwise, though.

The book is written in present tense third person, I love third person, but the present tense thing was annoying, and it took me most the book to get used to it to where it didn’t throw me off it anymore.
The fact that it starts with the end is kind of bothersome too. I wish the scene would have been towards the end where it belonged. And speaking of ends, it felt a bit rushed: (view spoiler)

And last but not least, the cheap tack at the end of “if you want the steamy scene join my mailing list”… bad form. Very bad form. If you’re selling your book, sell your book complete/full, and don’t strip things out just to put it “free” (in exchange for an email, so basically, selling it too). Write something new for that.

View all my reviews

Yakuza Pride by H. J. Brues

Yakuza PrideYakuza Pride by H.J. Brues
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was all set up and ready to give this book a 5. I really loved the writing style, the story, the characters, everything (even if at first I had my doubts with all the Japanese words thrown around; there is, after all, a fine line between rightful tossing of foreign words and sounding like you’re writing fanfic, but I feel the author managed a good enough balance, all things given). Anyhow, it was a pretty awesome book, in all.
What finally made me drop one star was the (view spoiler)

View all my reviews

Golden by Joyee Flynn

Golden (Bedtime Stories, #1)Golden (Bedtimes Stories 1) by Joyee Flynn

My rating: 1 of 5 stars

What did I just read??

Just steer clear from this one, unless you want to read it for the WTF value. The prose is awful, the plot is nonexistent, the editing has ran away from the story, and I don’t even blame it.

View all my reviews

Torture yourself with the rest of this series:

Locke, Stock and Barrel by Devon Rhodes

Locke, Stock and Barrel (Vampires & Mages & Weres, Oh My! #3)Locke, Stock and Barrel by Devon Rhodes
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed it like the previous two books in the series, but the other two couples I liked better… even though I really enjoyed the way all three books came together in this third one. 🙂
For such short reads, they were very, very nice!

View all my reviews

star_full (48)star_full (48)star_full (48)star_full (48)star_half (48)

Get the rest of the books in the series:

A Cruel Harvest by Paul Reid

A Cruel HarvestA Cruel Harvest by Paul Reid
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I got this through Goodreads First Reads, and although I’m very grateful, I have to say, I did not manage to finish this book.

Like with some other reviewers I agree that this had a great premise, but as I read on and on I found the characters to be rather bland and boring, and the only thing I enjoyed was the carefulness with which settings were described.
It had more of an angst-factor than I expected it to have (I mean, I expected angst, but not like that), and I also expected more pirate-action, which there was very little off.

All in all it seemed like a good read, but I just couldn’t bring myself to finish it even when I was past halfway into it.

View all my reviews

star_full (48)star_full (48)star_none (48)star_none (48)star_none (48)

Love is in the Heir by Kathryn Caskie

El heredero (Hermanas Featherton, #4)Love is in the Heir by Kathryn Caskie
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Puntastic title. You could do so much with the premise of twins, but instead it was… boring. The start was alright but then it made less and less sense on why people just wouldn’t speak the truth. And the ‘heroine’ was just so annoying.

View all my reviews

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The Incomplete Map of the Cosmic Genome

The Incomplete Map of the Cosmic Genome is a paid subscription-based online popular science magazine, produced by Robin Ince and Trent Burton. Each issue is made up of short videos (and complete transcripts) with various high profile guests: renowned scientists, comedians with an interest in science, and other science popularizers. By purchasing a subscription, you not only get access to every issue that comes out during that year but also access to the back catalog of every previous issue. With more than 280 videos to date, that’s well worth your $15! (The prices vary depending on which subscription you get–three months, six months, year, iPad and iTunes edition, or browser edition–and also the exchange rate, as it is in pounds.)

First of all, I’m jealous of the format. I wish I’d thought of this when I was doing video podcast interviews. Each clip hits on just one topic, and these topics reoccur over different issues. So, for example, in one issue, you might have Dr. Simon Singh talking about Darwin’s “Chaos of Delight” and Fran Scott talking about restarting civilization, and in the different issue, you have Dave Gorman talking about Chaos of Delight and Prof Max Tegmark talking about restarting civilization. You get the same questions answered from people all over the field. The videos are also short to fit with the attention span of the average internet-user, which is a large part of the Cosmic Genone’s audience. It isn’t just for the real sciencey people, but also for people with a casual interest. That is, it’s extremely accessible. There are even some videos with puppets in them.

In every issue you’ll find so many different scientific topics, including neuroscience, mathematical biology, medical physics, bio physics, paleontology, computer science, engineering, genetics, ecology, astrobiology, biochemistry, dental anthropologist, astrophysics, psychology, oceanography, and even the science of Santa. In every video, you’ll find a gem. You get Richard Dawkins talking about how he coined the term meme. Grace Petrie sings a song about Darwin. We get celebrities talking about scientists of yesteryear: Stephen Fry talks about Stephen Jay Gould, who said there should be two non-overlapping magisterial realms, of science and spirit; Phill Jupitus talks about Mendle, a scientist monk who worked for five years on peas. Dr. Dean Burnett debunks a bunch of brain myths, like how men and women are supposedly wired differently and how we supposedly use ten percent of our brains, and Dr. Richard Wiseman debunks the myth that eye movement can indicate whether someone is lying. If you’re into astronomy, check out Chiara Mingarelli, who studies black holes, or Dr. Jim Al-Khalili, who talks about dark matter and dark energy. You also get a lot of good book recommendations, from In Search of Schrodinger’s Cat by John Gribbin to Adam Spencer‘s Big Book of Numbers to Simon Singh‘s The Simpsons and their Mathematical Secrets.

Some of the many, many guests include Prof. Sophie Scott, Tony Law, Alexei Sayle, Ben Goldacre, Professor Brian Cox, Baba Brinkman, Alice Roberts, Josie Long, Billy Bragg, Simon Munnery, Lee Mack, Alan Moore, Chris Addison, Helen Arney, Omid Djalili, Stewart Lee, and Richard Herring, to name just a few.

Free bonus content includes the Cosmic Shambles podcast, an advent calendar of videos, Brian Cox and Robin Ince puppet videos, and sample videos for those of you who are not sure yet if you’d like to subscribe.

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text: Cross-lingual embedding models allow us to project words from different languages into a shared embedding space. This allows us to apply models trained on languages with a lot of data, e.g. English to low-resource languages. In the following, we will survey models that seek to learn cross-lingual embeddings. We will discuss them based on the type of approach and the nature of parallel data that they employ. Finally, we will present challenges and summarize how to evaluate cross-lingual embedding models. A Survey of Cross-Lingual Embedding Models


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-Psalm 19:1

For the next twelve months, our themes at A|C will be rotating with the seasons. This winter we’ll explore the devastating consequences of man's leap and the Fall. In the spring, Redemption will be our song, and next summer we’ll write, paint, speak and sing about the coming Restoration of all things. But all things must have their beginning somewhere, and this autumn the doctrine of Creation provides our starting point.

The scriptures tell us we were created to create. God made us, and then showed us what to do with ourselves. Cultivate the garden. Shepherd the animals. “Watch me,” he said, “and do as I do.” For the next few months you can expect several variations on this melody.

This month at A|C we will continue contemplating God’s creative work and its myriad implications. In part two of “Roles,” Grady Lynn takes a look at what the Christ was doing during that first dawn. In “Please Don't Talk With Your Mouth Full,” Don Gordoni will take us into the creative trenches of designing sound for video. In part two of "Glory|Beauty|Good," Curtis will elaborate on A|C’s mission, taking up what it means to make things for the glory of God.

Outside the written word, we’ll have the monthly A|C Podcast and our first music video.

Hope you can join us.


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Certified Professional Maintenance Manager

This category contains 4 posts

Need Re-certification Hours?

  Need Re-certification Hours? Attend our AFE Region 8 Trade Show & Workshops.  View details on workshop sessions and speakers. Attend a local chapter or regional event.  Check out our calendar of events.       About Certification Renewal AFE Certification recognizes the highest degree of personal and professional advancement. That’s why it is essential … Continue reading

How Earning the CPMM Can Advance Your Career

Will this be the year you earn the Certified Professional Maintenance Manager (CPMM) designation? See what the CPMM has meant to one local AFE member. Having enjoyed a career in the trades for over 20 years, I began the process of moving into management. With a Commonwealth of MA Unrestricted Construction Supervisors License, I applied … Continue reading

AFE Region 8 to Host Trade Show and Workshops in April

The AFE Regional Trade Show & Educational Workshops is a two-part event for facility professionals across New England. Attendees register to attend the trade show and workshops, or just the trade show. Continue reading

Recent CPMM Recipients

We congratulate new CPMMs from our May 2014 class. William Downs, Millbury, MA Donald Freeman , South Plainfield, NJ Anthony J Silva, Billeria, MA John F Stewart , Woonsocket, RI Néstor Enrique Niño, MBA, Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia Scott Waddleton , Sterling, CT Join us in congratulating November 2013 new CPMMs. WHITETEXT TO PUSH … Continue reading

AFE Region 8 Trade Show

AFE Events Calendar (Regional)

Check your local chapter website for the most current details on events in your area.

Get your CPMM in 2017!

Visit the AFE national site.


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kudos! for July 2017

Congratulations to these Affiliates on their recent accomplishments!

The Whatcom Museum has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the Norcliffe Foundation in support of the upcoming exhibition, Endangered Species: Artists on the Front Line of Biodiversity. The grant will assist the Museum in funding exhibition design, related educational programming, and an exhibition catalogue.

The National Park Service announced $1.6 million in grants to fund preservation, restoration and education projects at several Japanese American confinement sites including the following Affiliate projects:

  • Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience (Seattle, WA)-$148,764 for “Inspiring Future Generations: Friends and Supporters Who Helped Those Incarcerated.”
  • Japanese American National Museum (Los Angeles, CA)-$250,958 for “Contested Histories: Art and Artifacts from the Allen Hendershott Eaton Collection” to conserve more than 100 artifacts from the collection of Allen Hendershott Eaton, a folk art expert who acquired artwork created by incarcerees, which the museum will share as part of a traveling exhibition.
  • Japanese American National Museum (Los Angeles, CA)-$176,844 for “Digitization and Accessibility of JANM’s Moving Image Collection.”

The National Endowment for the Arts announced more than $30 million will be awarded to nonprofit organizations including the following Affiliate initiatives:

  • Whatcom Museum (Bellingham, WA)- $60,000
    To support “Endangered Species: Artists on the Front Line of Biodiversity,” an interdisciplinary exhibition, catalogue, and website. Temporary installations, drawings, computer-generated images, and video documentation will comprise the final section of the exhibition. Teacher workshops, an artist-talk for students, and discussions with artists and scientists will complement the exhibition.
  • Anchorage Museum (Anchorage, AL)-$25,000
    To support Studio 61. “61” refers to the latitude of Anchorage and other Northern cities such as Reykjavik and Oslo that are being studied by scientists and others to understand the impacts of climate change. Through the project, artists and designers in these northern climates will share their vision of the environmental and cultural changes they witness due to climate change.

    Programs at the Anchorage Museum. Image credit: Akela Collective

  • Anchorage Museum (Anchorage, AL)-$60,000
    To support the creation and presentation of a series of virtual environments that will explore the ecology of the Arctic in partnership with the Alaska Center for Conservation Science.
  • Museum of Design Atlanta (Atlanta, GA)-$20,000
    To support the exhibition “PLAY: It’s Not Just Fun and Games.” The exhibition will highlight the intentional integration of play into the lives of children and adults living in urban environments through creative design.
  • Ogden Museum of Southern Art (New Orleans, LA)-$16,000
    To support the museum’s Teen Docent Program. The program empowers the participants, helps them develop leadership and critical thinking skills, and exposes them to museum career opportunities.
  • Berkshire Museum (Pittsfield, MA)-$20,000
    To support “In the Spirit,” a series of installations by contemporary artists in the museum’s Art Deco Crane room. In the Spirit will feature three artists-Yusuke Asai, Karin Giusti, and Meredith Woolnough-whose site specific work will explore the intersection of art and natural science.
  • Michigan State University Museum (East Lansing, MI)-$30,000
    To support the Michigan Traditional Arts Apprenticeships and Heritage Awards Program at the Michigan State University Museum. The Michigan Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program will support master artists in the instruction of apprentices about various traditional arts. The Heritage Awards Program will provide public recognition of the master artists and demonstrations/performances by the artist and apprentice teams at the Great Lakes Folk Festival.
  • International Storytelling Center (Jonesborough, TN)-$30,000
    To support Storytelling Live!, a seasonal artist residency program. Master artists representing a broad range of storytelling traditions from the United States and abroad will conduct week-long residencies.

The Children’s Museum of the Upstate (Greenville, SC) received a $50,000 grand from the Duke Energy Foundation. The grant will increase its offering of science, technology, engineering, and math  educational programming through the museum’s mobile-friendly outreach platform, “On the Go.”

 Aileen Chumard Fuchs has been named the new president and CEO of Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden (New York, NY).

Kyle McKoy has been named the new President and Director of the Mercer Museum & Fonthill Castle (Doylestown, PA).

David N. Myers has been named the new President and CEO of the Center for Jewish History (New York, NY).

Coming Up in Affiliateland in July 2017

Happy summer!

Teen participants in the Smithsonian Latino Center’s Young Ambassador Program will be doing internships at nine Affiliates in July, including the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix; the California Science Center in Los Angeles; the Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach, CA; History Miami and the Frost Museum of Science, FL; Adler Planetarium in Chicago; Fort Worth Museum of Science and History; History Colorado in Denver; and the Witte Museum in San Antonio, 6.25 – 8.2.

The Tellus Science Museum will host the Art of the Airport Tower exhibition from the National Air and Space Museum, in Cartersville, 7.14.

Rotary telephone made by Northern Electric in the 1980s.
Component count: 148. Photograph by Todd McLellan, from the Things Come Apart exhibition.

The Birthplace of Country Music Museum will open SITES’ Things Come Apart exhibition in Bristol, 7.15.

Margaret Weitekamp, curator at the National Air and Space Museum, will give a talk on Art & the Apollo 13 Mission at the Long Island Museum in Stony Brook, 7.16.

David Miller, curator at the National Museum of American History will present at the Arsenals of History: Firearms and Museums in the 21st Century symposium at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, 7.17-18.

Brent Glass, former director of the National Museum of American History, will give a talk and booksigning on 50 Great American Places: Essential Historic Sites Across the U.S. at the South Dakota State Historical Society in Pierre, 7.24.

Affiliates in the news

Congratulations to these Affiliates making headlines this month! Do you have a Smithsonian collaboration in the news? Email Elizabeth Bugbee, BugbeeE@si.edu, and submit your clipping for review. Each month we compile our newsmakers and distribute in our Affiliate eNewsletter.

Birthplace of Country Music Museum (Bristol, VA)
Bristol, Tenn. known as ‘Birthplace of Country Music’
The Birthplace of Country Music Museum opened in 2014 and is housed in a historic building in Bristol, Va., just a couple of blocks away from where Peer’s famous recordings were made. It’s a state-of-the-art museum that’s affiliated with the Smithsonian.

Rhino sculptures

Photo by Kent Warneke.

University of Nebraska State Museum (Lincoln, NE)
Rhino battle comes to life at Ashfall
“You’ve got this incredibly sweet mix of great scientists, great park managers, great philanthropists, great artists,” Johnson said. “And we’re really a long way away from any big population center, but this is a national treasure here in the northeast corner of Nebraska.”

Smithsonian director attends Ashfall event
Johnson said he was there because part of his job as the director of a national museum is to help other museums across the nation. It’s also appropriate because Ashfall is a Smithsonian affiliate.

National Civil War Museum (Harrisburg, PA) (VIDEO)
Civil War Museum allows visitors to take a step back in history
Civil War Museum CEO, Wayne Motts said, “So we’re a Smithsonian affiliated museum, right here in downtown Harrisburg. Right here in Dauphin County. We’re pleased with that. We’re pleased that the community has chosen to be with us today. We’re happy to have these offerings. And we hope it’s fun but that it’s also educational.”

Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science (Miami, FL) (RADIO INTERVIEW)
Phillip Frost Talks About Climate Change, The Science Museum And Doing Business In Sunshine Economy
Frost is the largest private benefactor of the new Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, which opened in May. The Frosts gave $45 million to the museum.

Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle (Doylestown, PA)
Bucks County Historical Society names new leader for Mercer Museum, Fonthill Castle
“I am excited about the opportunity to lead the Bucks County Historical Society and its two world-class museums,” said McKoy. “I am inspired by the organization’s commitment to educating its many audiences, and for the diversity of its exhibitions and programs. I look forward to working with the staff, trustees and volunteers to further the museums’ mission.”

California State Railroad Museum (Sacramento, CA)
Railroad Museum Now a Smithsonian Affiliate
In joining the Affiliation, Sacramento’s growing population will further receive the necessary help to build a bridge between the local experiences available in individual communities with the national heritage preserved and displayed at the Smithsonian.

California State Railroad Museum Becomes Smithsonian Affiliate (RADIO INTERVIEW)
Ty Smith, new Director for the California State Railroad Museum, talks to Kitty about the museum becoming a Smithsonian Affiliate.

Aquarium of the Bay (San Francisco, CA)
Aquarium of the Bay Receives Prestigious Smithsonian Affiliate Status
San Francisco’s only waterfront aquarium, Aquarium of the Bay, is proud to announce its new designation as a Smithsonian Affiliate. This prestigious designation makes it one of only three institutions in San Francisco and the only dedicated aquarium in the state of California to be honored as an affiliate.

Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor (Easton, PA)
Easton sites share special connection to Smithsonian (VIDEO)
The museum had been a Smithsonian affiliate since 2002. Now, said Garofalo, the entire corridor is recognized as an affiliate. “We are the first heritage corridor affiliate and the only canal affiliate in the United States,” said Jim Birdsall, chairman of the park’s trails committee.

Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor partners with Smithsonian to bring history alive (VIDEO)
“The Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor will be the first of its kind in the Smithsonian Affiliate Network,” Director of Smithsonian Affiliations Harold A. Closter said. “Like the D&L Corridor, the Smithsonian cares deeply about the nation’s natural, cultural and historic resources.”

D&L corridor becomes the Smithsonian’s newest affiliate
Those who preserve the historic path used to transport coal and iron from Wilkes-Barre to Philadelphia will now be able to draw on the resources of the world’s largest museum and research complex.

USS Hornet ship

(Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)

USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum (Alameda, CA)
Smithsonian Institution partners with USS Hornet
“We are extremely proud to be part of the Smithsonian affiliate network,” said Jill Knowland, the Hornet’s executive director. “Our selection to this program is a continuation of the museum’s ever expanding mission of connecting our nation’s ‘Greatest Generation’ with future generations and preserving the history and legacy of this national and state historical landmark.”

Shedd Aquarium (Chicago, IL)
Shedd Aquarium now affiliated with Smithsonian Institute
“We are honored to be affiliated with the Smithsonian in our shared goals of increasing discovery and inspiring lifelong learning. This partnership is an incredible collaborative resource that will help us deliver more mission moments to more people with greater impact, both onsite and in our communities,” said Shedd Aquarium President and CEO Bridget Coughlin.

Springfield Museums (Springfield, MA)
Springfield Museums plans John F. Kennedy centennial exhibit with items from Smithsonian, JFK Library
The Springfield Museums, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, will exhibit 27 photographs on loan from the National Museum of American History in Washington. The Richard Avedon photographs will anchor the Springfield Museums exhibition, providing a glimpse into the Kennedys’ personal life, while also documenting their public image.

Supersonic Challenges: The Installation of the F-5 Fighter Jet

Special thanks for this guest post to Dr. Jorge Perez-Gallego, Curator of Astronomy and Exhibition Developer, Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science.

Riddle us this: what moves faster than the speed of sound and lives in a gallery?

Give up?

Gulf Stream Aquarium Oculus

Gulf Stream Aquarium Oculus at the Frost Museum of Science. Photo by Ra-Haus.

The answer: a Northrop F-5B Freedom Fighter, on loan to the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science from the National Museum of the United States Air Force. The supersonic light fighter is capable of speeds faster than 1,000 miles per hour and you’ll find it hanging right over your head in the Feathers to the Stars exhibition, located in the Batchelor Foundation and Christine Allen Gallery, in the museum’s North Wing.

Frost Science, which officially opened its doors in Downtown Miami’s Museum Park on May 8, is truly a marvel of both architectural and engineering feats. An affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, the museum features a three-level 500,000-gallon cone-shaped Gulf Stream Aquarium teeming with hammerhead sharks and dolphins, anchored by a 31-foot oculus lens that peers into the waters above. The Frost Planetarium, one of the most advanced facilities of its kind anywhere in the world, uses a 16-million-color, 3-D 8K visual system to send visitors hurtling through space and into the depths of the ocean. And with a fascinating roster of interactive exhibitions, it’s easy to spend an entire day exploring and being immersed in the power of science.

Now, about that Northrop—exactly how is an 8,000-pound airplane moved into a gallery? Teamwork. Lots of it. For that, Frost Science enlisted the help of an invaluable group of experts, including first-class airplane movers and riggers. The aircraft was brought into the building in three pieces (the fuselage, the wings and the tail) through a tight opening between the Frost Planetarium and the level three terraces. The intricate task took our crew 10 hours from beginning to end.

Breaking through the sound barrier is a relatively recent feat in human history. On October 14, 1947, Captain Charles “Chuck” Yeager became the first to do so. Manning a rocket engine-powered Bell X-1, Yeager reached Mach 1.06— exceeding the speed of sound in level flight. (At 768 miles per hour, Mach 1 is equal to the speed of sound.)

Feathers to the Stars exhibition at Frost Museum of Science. Photo by Ra-Haus

Because sound waves move at a finite speed, moving sources can catch up with the sound waves they emit as they accelerate. As this happens, sound waves pile up in front of them. If the aircraft is fast enough, it can burst through them causing a sonic boom. The loud noise is a consequence of the change in pressure as the aircraft outruns all the sound waves ahead of itself.

That accomplishment came just over 40 years after Orville and Wilbur Wright made the first controlled, sustained flight of a heavier-than-air powered aircraft on December 17, 1903, four miles south of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. And just over 20 years before Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon. In less than a lifetime, humans mastered the sky and knocked on the door of space exploration.

Feathers to the Stars will carry you through the amazing story how ancient evolution gave birth to animal flight, and how humans used imagination and engineering to get airborne and explore the infinite possibilities of space. The exhibition also features a rocket engine, a rocket tail piece with jet deflector vanes, and a model of a V-2 missile (the world’s first guided missile) on loan from the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum.

Ultimately, Feathers to the Stars is a story driven by challenges—and perseverance. Ready for take-off? You can find more information on the exhibition here.


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football news and perspective from the other sideline

Posts tagged ‘Quarterback’

Will Jets opponents be Tebowed or Sanchized?

Tim Tebow/Mark Sanchez comparison

With the signing of Tim Tebow, the New York Jets have already created a controversial dynamic. Current starting quarterback Mark Sanchez is undoubtedly aware of the Kyle Orton affair in Denver last year. When Orton lost 3 of the first 4 games for the Broncos, the fans put up such a boisterous clamoring for Tebow, replete with billboards, posters and #15 jerseys at games, they literally ran Orton out of town and Tebow leapfrogged the #2 QB Brady Quinn to become the starting QB for the Broncos. Given that Jets fans were already booing Mark Sanchez by the end of last season, it’s not a stretch to believe that Mark’s first misstep will trigger more “Te-bow, Te-bow, Te-bow” chants at MetLife Stadium. My prediction: it’s gonna get ugly.  Will Sanchez get Tebowed or will Tim be Sanchized?

*Note: Tim Tebow has played in 23 games, but started only 14

Data compiled from info on

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football news and perspective from the other sideline

Posts tagged ‘Russell Wilson’

NFL Quarterbacks Who Must Deliver in 2012

Other QBs who may be on the hot seat with fans this year:

  • Kevin Kolb, Arizona Cardinals
  • Carson Palmer, Oakland Raiders
  • Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens –though I think he’s done well in his 3 seasons there, fans and/or media love to needle this guy
  • any Seattle Seahawks QB not named Russell Wilson

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Trend Alert: Desert Storm

Black Swan isn’t the only trend Kate and Laura Mulleavy–designers of Rodarte– are in touch with for Spring; tumbleweed clans finally have a place in fashion history. One of the biggest trends we are seeing this year is this desert rustic quality, especially in the Rodarte Spring ’11 line. The Mulleavy sisters are said to have gained inspiration from their native Northern California redwoods and a trip through art-deco ghost town Marfa, TX. Having visited the area myself, I was blown away by the translation into this chic-cowboy-meets-art-teacher-look. Other designers with looks inspired by the trend include Michael Kors, Celine, Dries Van Noten.

Images from Rodarte SS ’11

abandoned building becomes beautiful artifact in Marfa, TX

An insider hot-spot is the Prada exhibit on the way into town– takes on the form of a Prada store on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere.

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Home > Opportunities > Other opportunities

Other opportunities

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Soul Relics Museum seeks contributions

Soul Relics is a new online platform on storytelling, objects and mental health, which is seeking personal contributions in the form of photographs and stories, related to personal life and/or institutional barriers to mental health care.

Soul Relics has been created as an attempt to tackle the huge stigma that is attached to mental health.

The "museum" is composed of a gallery of photos of objects and personal stories that are related to a difficult time in a person's life (a period of mental ill health) and/or something that helped that person work towards recovery. The object can be anything of personal significance, or/and represent institutional barrier to mental health care.

The Soul Relics team would love to hear if you have any thoughts about the project, and are accepting submissions to the museum. Any submissions will be anonymous and your help will be crucial for the project in securing grants!

You can find out more at the Soul Relics Website or read this article about the project.

You can contact the project on twitter at: @soul_relics

Arts & Health South West is a FREE MEMBERSHIP ORGANISATION for everyone with an interest in arts and health. Members can network with each other and receive regular e-bulletins with the latest news, events and opportunities as well as be included in an on-line Directory. Help us spread the word!

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Teaching Up; Learning from our Summer Interns

Just yesterday, our summer interns gave a final presentation regarding a Denver-specific research project they have been working on in tandem with project work for the entirety of the summer.

 Upon first initiating the project, our intern committee’s hope was that the research might be used as a vehicle for collaboration as well as a chance to become acquainted with one another and the city of Denver.

 After the presentation, and hearing the interns talk about their experience, it seems the research exceeded our expectations. Serving as a vehicle for sharing ideas and skill sets, the project became an important opportunity to merge and acknowledge different work styles, processes, and modes of thinking amongst students from different disciplines including architecture, interior architecture, interior design, and illustration/environmental graphic design.

 Not to get too warm and fuzzy, but the interns smiled as they described their experience working together on a shared project as transitioning from “difficult” to their new team description—“four hearts and one mind.”   This Captain-planet combining of forces, skills, and viewpoints led to a cumulative design that articulately blended their different ideas and disciplines into one cohesive design—a feat I wasn’t entirely sure could be pulled off in the brief interlude of summer, but is now under consideration for potential realization.

 Watching them present was a refreshing reminder of the importance of teamwork, and the beauty of the multidisciplinary approach to design. When asked how the interns combined their work, they talked about looking for “the most important aspect” of their preliminary designs, and finding ways to prioritize the inclusion of these ideas while formulating a cohesive design. As my coworker mentioned, this provided a design solution based on the importance of function, rather than aesthetics.

This reminder of approaching group work as a chance to extract the most salient design ideas of individuals, and bring them together as a group to solve a problem was both refreshing and reaffirming.

While most of us have been taught to work in partners, groups, or teams since college or graduate school, I have found professional practice to be the ultimate litmus test for collaboration. Whether a project is a month or two years, the changing nature of project teams, the delegation of roles and responsibilities, as well as the mixture of different personalities often feels like experiencing one sea change after another.

I am always excited when a new project starts, as working with different people and clients is an inherent opportunity for growth and exposure to new work styles and ways of thinking. With that said, the nature of professional practice at times can lend itself to efficiently living within the confines of certain roles and responsibilities—a navigable but at times stifling way of working. What excites me about the intern presentation is that it reinforces that the best idea should, and must win, regardless of source or origin.

 Today is the interns’ last day—we are sad to see them go, but happy that they have “taught up” in providing a stellar example of what productive collaboration can yield- both in terms of building relationships as well as creating amazing work.

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Small Steps

It’s undeniable that change takes a while. Whether it is changing a cultural norm or an aspect of the profession, it may take years and thousands of people dedicated to the cause.

I am often asked why volunteer so much time to the AIA or architecture in general. Some days I question whether or not my efforts will result in real change, whether it is passing the NDSA legislation or a certain design battle at work. It is easy to let the overwhelming defeat time and time again drag you down and realize that maybe spending your free hours on the weekend are better spent with friends.

Recently, I read a book about the first two women on the United States Supreme Court titled Sisters in LawSisters in Law. The book outlined the early beginnings of the lives and careers of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. By all definitions, these are not ordinary women. They rose to the highest level of law within the United States. However, it didn’t come without its trials and tribulations, especially in a world where women were seldom considered for professional positions, whether it be law, architecture or business. What struck me most about the content of this book was the meticulously planned journey that both these women followed, knowing very well equality for women was not something that would change overnight. Ginsburg and O’Connor pinpointed small steps and strategic wins that eventually proliferated into the equality we experience today.

This is an interesting lesson when it comes to the architecture profession. We still have a disparity between men and women in the architectural field, as well as a distinct lack of minorities. While great efforts have been made, there are still many small steps we need to take. But this lesson of small steps and strategic achievements to eventually create massive change is why it is important to maintain passion and stay dedicated to the cause.

When I lose sight of the big picture I try to come back to the small steps. It may be a small battle within your office on a design decision. Maybe it is the implementation of a new program at your AIA Chapter. If there is something you are really dedicated to and eager to change, think about the small wins that can help you get to the ultimate goal. These big wins are not tasks that can be done alone and in a short amount of time. It takes many people and members of our profession making small steps each day that leads to the change.

2 thoughts on “Small Steps

  1. Terrific article, Korey. Many thanks! Some of the many opportunities that supported my development as a professional had to do with people throwing me into the proverbial deep end and then letting me/seeing if I could swim. Most of those people were men. Whatever the learning opportunity, it’s the individual’s response that makes the difference, as I’d think the justices would attest.

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Forcing Film Shooters into the Digital World

Organizations have ways of forcing people to do something they might not wish to do otherwise.

It used to be that airlines issued paper tickets to passengers. They still do, but for a fee.

The reason why this changed is obvious. The airlines save money by shifting the cost of paper and printing onto their customers.

In theory customers get the “convenience” of being able to print their tickets at home. That saves them a trip to the airport or a travel agent.

To many people, printing your own tickets is no big deal. The cost of the paper and ink for printing airline tickets – technically called boarding passes – is minuscule.

Most people who travel by air already have computers and printers at home.

Some don’t even print their boarding passes. They show a code on their smart phone sent to them electronically. No paper is involved at any step of the process.

But not everyone who still makes photographic images on film has the equipment needed to digitize their work.

Those photographers might be out of luck if they wish to enter the 2017 Trains magazine photo contest.

Tucked into the rules is this change: “We will no longer be accepting submissions by mail.”

No explanation for that rule change was provided, but it likely wasn’t a financial move.

The photographer paid all costs associated with sending slides or printed images by mail.

More than likely this rule change was for the convenience of the staff. All entries can now be kept in one location and viewed in the same manner.

There is no more having to toggle between digital entries and slides and prints.

It also might save some staff time. Winning entries submitted as slides or prints no longer need to be digitized.

But what is convenient for the magazine staff is not so convenient for certain photographs. If they lack the equipment to digitize the images they wish to submit to the contest, they will have to buy the equipment or pay to have their images digitized.

Perhaps some have a friend who has a scanner who might be willing to do it for a beer.

The rule change also is likely a reflection of the reality that few entries are still being submitted the old fashioned way.

There remains a hard core of photographers who use film to make railroad images.

Some of them have scanning equipment to digitize their images, but most of the film guys I know do not have equipment to scan slides and negatives.

Most of them strike me as unwilling to learn how to do it. I can understand why.

Like cameras, film scanners come in all shapes, sizes and price points.

Some equipment is inexpensive, but the quality of the finished product might not be satisfactory.

B&H Photo offers a guide to scanning equipment at https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/buying-guide/film-scanners

If you know little to nothing about digital images, reading that guide might be bewildering. You soon learn you need to know about things that film photographers do not need to know unless they are in the publication business.

I can’t say what percentage of photographers has equipment capable of scanning film images into a digital format.

Most of the railroad images I’ve see posted online were made with a digital camera.

There are not as many pre-digital images in cyberspace as there could be. Aside from its cost, digitizing equipment takes time to learn to use.

Yet the day is coming when having scanning equipment will be a “must have” if you wish to share your pre-digital photographs with others.

Slide shows remain a staple of local railroad clubs, but some events, e.g., Summerail, no longer allow programs in which images are projected directly from film.

I have a sizable collection of slides and I do not foresee projecting them again with a slide projector.

Local railroad clubs are losing members and the number of opportunities to project slides the old fashioned way is dwindling even as slide film is making a modest comeback.

As I noted in a previous column, slide film has a future, but it is tied into the digital world, particularly if you want to share your images with a circle that extends beyond your closest friends who are willing to get together in a room for a slide showing.

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One Response to “Forcing Film Shooters into the Digital World”

  1. Pete Poremba Says:

    I know that Tuscarawas County library system has scanners at all their branches for library patrons. Maybe some others do as well.

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Center map

Ebenezer Swamp

Ebenezer Swamp Ecological Preserve is an upland hardwood swamp on Spring Creek, made accessible for nature-lovers by a boardwalk built and maintained by the University of Montevallo. The dominant tree is the Tupelo Gum, with a rich mixture of other hardwoods and Loblolly Pine. The birding begins as you approach the boardwalk from the parking area.

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Limestone Park

Limestone Park’s interesting combination of wetlands, grasslands, and Tupelo Gum swamp is good for wading birds, swamp and marsh birds, grassland species, and some waterfowl in winter. You will also find songbirds and shorebirds in migration. Best birds are Anhinga (breeds), and Bobolinks, Dickcissels, and Grasshopper Sparrows (late spring). A Roseate Spoonbill is sometimes spotted here in summer. The City of Alabaster has recently added a handicapped-accessible Birding Observation Deck overlooking the wetlands on the North-western side of the park, with adjacent parking for all. Located in a rural industrial area in southern Shelby County, this park preserves a rich remnant of the habitat mosaic that makes this area especially attractive to birds.

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Oak Mountain State Park

Alabama’s largest state park, Oak Mountain offers a rich variety of good birding spots. The fishing lakes at the northeast end of the park, especially the woods around the lower fishing lake, can be amazingly productive. Allot a good portion of your time in the park to this area. Peavine Falls Road is also quite good. Concentrate on the picnic area on the ridgeline on the brow of the mountain, and on the trails at the end of the Falls Road.

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Response to the CLG Select Committee pre budget report on social care

In its Pre-Budget report for their Adult Social Care inquiry today, the Communities and Local Government select committee calls for The Chancellor to bring forward £1.5bn funding from the ‘Better Care Fund’ to plug the hole in social care funding in the year ahead (2017/18). The Better Care Fund is a national funding pot which was intended to be spent on improving adult social care and bringing social care and health together, easing pressure on hospitals and the NHS. It has been announced but is not due to be released until 2019-20, despite the current crisis in social care funding which is seeing care homes and home care businesses closing and worrying signs of quality and safety dropping. The Committee also calls on the Government to commit to closing the funding gap for the rest of the Parliament through to 2020.

We gave written and oral evidence to the Select Committee about the role which innovations like Shared Lives and Homeshare could play in transforming social care. I agree with the committee that the Better Care Fund should be brought forward. But this would be to plug a current gap between what is being spent and what would be needed to achieve anything approaching minimum standards. It would not result in ‘Better Care’, but a slightly eased crisis. For better care, we also need a national vision for social care which has real ambition, which is prepared to take some sensible risks in scaling up the most promising models and significant additional investment. Programmes like Nesta’s Realising the Value and our work with SCIE and PPL on Total Transformation point the way towards a health and social care system which would work and be affordable long term, rather than relying on crisis handouts year after year. We all deserve better than that.

Letter to the Prime Minister

A letter to the Prime Minister from the chairs for three select committees calls for cross party talks and consensus on a long term settlement for social care. Having given evidence to the recent Communities and Local Government Committee on this issue, I ‘m heartened to see the three committees coming together to call for positive change.

We have been here before of course. There have been cross party talks and the beginnings of consensus, but they have either gone nowhere or unravelled as pre-election party politics put point-scoring ahead of doing the right thing by older and disabled people. The Dilnot reforms gained cross-party support but were an early victim of austerity.

The temptation will be to aim for big, simple, government-sized announcements, like the complete integration of heath and social care. These will not solve the issue, and could even do more harm than good if, for instance, the whole system is integrated around the power bases of the big local hospitals, at a time when we need desperately to shift power and resources into the community. There is clearly a need for a big injection of funding to avoid widespread catastrophe and whole care industries such as home care collapsing completely. But again, short term funding is necessary but not sufficient, if it is spent only on the things we spend it on now.

So by all means let this lead to more money and more joined up health and care systems, but the more important and much trickier challenge is to use this moment not simply to shore up today’s approaches, but to invest in scaling up the most promising community and family based initiatives. The goal should not be integrated bureaucracies but unified goals: a health and wellbeing system which aims to create and sustain wellbeing, which connects people and supports family carers, which values resilience. It has never been more appropriate to take some risks. We have of course been calling for ambitious investment in initiatives like Shared Lives and Homeshare which have demonstrated they work. But we also need to be prepared to scale down bureaucracies and organisations whose unresponsiveness demonstrates they are too big, through accelerating approaches like personal budgets, personal health budgets and the involvement of voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations in designing and delivering interventions in people’s lives which are focused on health, not just illness and which are social as well as genuinely caring.


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Alex in Transit(ion)

A great site

A real Rutgers student

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To all those who are considering going to grad school, heed my advice:

It costs money.

I know, I know, it may look like I’m stating the obvious, but let’s be real here- there’s a ton of us out there who have selected our graduate school based on its ranking and have hopes that its reputation will bring us where we want to be when we graduate. I was head over heels when I found out that my concentration (budgeting and financial management) was ranked number 10 in the country, right below Harvard. It’s crazy to know that I’m attending a school that’s in the same league as the most prestigious Ivy. This ranking is what sold me on Rutgers.

But it costs money.

If you are still in undergrad or a recent college grad- you need to be smart about your finances, especially if graduate school is on the horizon. Unfortunately for me, I didn’t find out the true cost of Rutgers until October, when I received my financial aid award letter. I found out that graduate students are only able to receive $20k a year in federal student aid loans or $10k a semester, depending on your income. I wish I knew the real cost because I was being paid pretty well from my former job assignment and it wouldn’t have been any skin off of my back to put away $500 from every paycheck. Thankfully, I only have to pay $5k out of pocket for tuition and next January, I will receive in-state tuition which will make me eligible for a refund, yay!  Yet it makes me realize that if I wanted to attend a more prestigious private university like Harvard, I’d have to shell out $41k for tuition. We’re not including room and board with that figure. Unless the University was offering some stellar scholarships, it wouldn’t have been possible for me to attend. That tuition rate isn’t only exclusive for Harvard, it’s the going rate for most of the top ranked private universities.

If you’re considering which grad schools to attend, here’s the criteria I’d suggest for you to look at:

1. What is its ranking?

2. Is it a public or private university?

  • If it’s a public university, will you pay in-state or out-of-state tuition?

3. Check out your finances. Are you comfortable taking a private loan or can you afford to pay out of pocket?

4. It’s not only tuition you’re paying for. Take a good hard look at your living expenses- what do you expect them to be? You need to eat and as much as you may try to convince yourself otherwise, you’re going to grad school. You do need to have fun every once in a while, whether that’s drinking a beer or exploring the local restaurants.

In the end, although I am paying more for this year than I would if I had attended the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, which is a top ranked state school in Albany, NY, I am so happy that I chose Rutgers. My education here is fabulous and it means the world to me that New York City is only a half hour away. Within these past weeks, I got to see the New York Philharmonic, ate brunch at a fabulous restaurant, and of course, I got to check out the sights. After living in Albany for two years, as much as I miss my friends like crazy, I wanted to finally live that city lifestyle. I’m in Newark right now but I am catching the bug and I really hope to make something out of myself so that I’m able to call the city my home.

So, why do I feel like a real Rutgers student? After battling it out with financial aid, I was finally able to receive my very own Rutgers student ID when my award letter processed earlier this week. Now, after three weeks, I can do all of the things normal students do, like go to the gym, print documents without begging the lab techs to release my print jobs, attend sporting events without convincing the ticket ushers that I am a student, and no longer receive scary e-mails threatening to de-register me and kick me off of my residence hall if I don’t pay my bill right meow. Since that situation has been resolved I feel like saying,,,

Author: Alex

Hello! My name is Alex but you can call me Alexandra if you're feeling fancy. Here you'll find my adventures about exploring my new city of Hoboken, NJ, scurrying over the Hudson River to NYC, my bicycle excursions, and how I'm learning to embrace in medias res.

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Weekend Shorts: X-Men, Rocket Girl, and Lemony Snicket

Well, it happened. My pile of single-issue comics got so overwhelming that I begged my comic shop to sell me the trades instead. It was a good experiment, but clearly I need a giant paperback book staring me in the face rather than a pile of itty-bitty issues.

I’ve still got that pile, though, so I’ll see if the potential for giant stacks of trades gives me more incentive to read the single issues?

And, because I only managed to read two issues since last time, I’ll throw in a recently-read kids book that was delightful but not really meant for discussing at length. Let’s go!

X-Men #2
X-Men 2I read the first issue of this new series almost ten months ago (criminy) and I liked it a lot — lady X-Men kicking butt? I’m in! In this issue, there’s a lot of butt-kicking but unfortunately for the X-Men it’s mostly by this chick (chicks?) called Arkea who is the sister of the creepy dude from last time and is also inhabiting the body of an X-lady I don’t know and using it to take over the school. As you do. There’s some exposition about how she inhabits technology and downloads information to herself, and there’s lots of fighting and the school gets locked down and then at the very end there’s a timer that is like three seconds from going off and that is probably not good. Apparently this storyline is going to be wrapped up nice and neat after the next issue, which seems… unlikely… but then again I’m used to The Unwritten and its disdain for closure.

Rocket Girl #1: “Times Squared”
Rocket Girl 1While I’m liking X-Men and its gang of heroes saving the world against… things… I have to say that Rocket Girl may be more of what I am looking for in a new comic. For one, I don’t feel like I’m missing something every time I don’t know a character. For two, the story is nice and specific from the beginning: our hero, 15-year-old Dayoung Johansson, is a cop from the future 2013 sent back to the present 1986 to stop a company from inventing time-travel and becoming a Goliath-like corporation in the future world of flying cars and stuff. Wait, is this girl the reason I don’t have a flying car? Maybe I’m not rooting for her anymore… Anyway, in this issue she comes back in time and blows up the time machine thing and goes off to be a cop to the consternation of actual 1986 cops who do not have rocket boots and are therefore just jealous, and I am really excited to see what she does next. Preeeeetty sure I’ve got the next issue around here somewhere…

When Did You See Her Last?, by Lemony Snicket
When Did You See Her Last?I read the first book in this series about four months ago and loved it, so of course I had another branch send over the second practically right away, and also of course it languished on my desk until I realized that I couldn’t tell other people to read it if I continued to have it checked out. This book continues the story of young Mr. Snicket, working with a terrible chaperone to solve strange mysteries. This time the mystery is the disappearance of an ink heiress, and it involves stolen notes, impersonation, forced labor, a creepy hospital, and all of the awesome (and differently awesome) townspeople from the first book. I loved the characters and I thought the story was delightful and if you’re a Snicket fan this series is a must-read. If you’re not a Snicket fan, I don’t understand.

What quick reads have you been reading quickly lately?

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Weekly Recipe | New Orleans Shrimp & Rice

No Sugar No Flour is a weekly series where I share a new recipe that I’ve tried and enjoyed. The only parameters are that it cannot contain added sugar or flour. Take the challenge and …Enjoy!

Remember the list of amazing dinners that we prepared on our vacation to Mexico? This week’s recipe – New Orleans Style Shrimp & Rice – was the meal that Jonathan and I prepared for the group. It isn’t 100% true to the No Sugar No Flour guidelines (there are 2 Tbl of flour for the roux), it was too good not to share.

Shrimp and Rice II

You prepare everything but the rice in a dutch oven – so the roux, the “holy trinity” (it’s a New Orleans thing), shrimp, tomatoes, etc. – and then you serve it over rice and you’ve only dirtied two pots and your cutting board. Pretty nice if you ask me.

So if you’ve been doing well with no sugar no flour so far, I think you can treat yourself to two tablespoons of flour and give this delicious recipe a try.

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