Accomplished and well-known in the industry both as a vocal performer and master tuner-technician, Apollo Piano owner Vincent Chambers helps you make beautiful music with your piano.
Vincent Chambers is a second generation piano tuner-technician who began his career at The San Francisco School of Piano Tuning. Founded by his Father, Ernest Ciaburro, in 1978, Vincent started training with his father in 1982 and began instructing in 1984. By 1986 he was the lead technical instructor, a position he kept until he left San Francisco in 1994. Many of his students still work in the field.
In addition to instruction, he ran a private practice in the San Francisco Bay Area which focussed on pop concerts and recordings studios and had as many as 6 tuners/technicians working under him. In 1994 he began training as an operatic tenor at UCLA, and continued to service pianos in Southern California, eventually taking on Chapman University's music department until moving to New Jersey in 1999.
Now semi-retired from singing, his full-time job is running Apollo Music & Arts. He still serves concert halls, piano teachers, and private clients throughout California and Maui, HI at least one week per month. He is also a private, Instrument Rated pilot, and flies his Socata Trinidad to service destinations from Eureka to Monterey and San Luis Obispo, as well as the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valley destinations.
Eric Pytryga has been teaching guitar lessons, bass lessons and piano lessons for over 15 years and specializes in Adult Beginners and Children. He holds a degree in Psychology and is a member of ASCAP.
With adult beginners, he focuses on teaching the music the students want to learn. After mastering a few basic techniques, they launch right in to playing some actual music. In addition to necessary playing skills, Eric also teaches reading and writing music, ear training (learning to play by ear), and applicable music theory.
For children, Eric emphasizes having fun! Learning to play an instrument doesn't have to be drudgery. His attentive, patient and friendly approach will have your child playing in no time and loving every minute of their music lessons!
Apollo Music is excited to welcome Ryan Goff to the team as our new Sales Manager!
More about Tori soon to come! Check out our Instagram to see her amazing work.
Zach is a passionate musician, which makes him a great addition to our team here at Apollo Music. Everything in sales, administration, and otherwise, he's a friendly face to chat with when you walk through our doors.
Shop and facilities manager Justin Smith is a master carpenter, and performs case and finish touch-up including polyester repairs. He manages the moving equipment and maintenance, as well as keeping our two facilities humming along without a hitch. You will often catch him in the warehouse working on piano actions as well. He is also a master didgeridoo player and builder.


Afflerbach, P., Pearson, P.D., & Paris, S.G. (2008). Clarifying differences between reading skills and reading strategies. The Reading Teacher, 61(5), 364-373.
Donin, J.,& Silva, M. (1993). The relationship between first- and second- language comprehension of occupation-specific texts. Language Learning, 43, 373-401.
Drucker, M.J. (2003). What reading teachers should know about ESL learners. Reading Teacher, 57(1), 22-29.
Lesaux, N.K., Rupp, A.A., & Siegel, L.S. (Growth in Reading Skills of Children From Diverse Linguistic Backgrounds: Findings From a 5-Year Longitudinal Study. Journal of Educational Psychology, 99(4), 821-834.
Peregoy, S.F., Boyle, O.F. (2000). English Learners Reading English: What We Know, What We Need to Know. Theory into Practice, 39( 4), 237-247.
Perez, S.A. (2000). Teaching second language learners in the regular classroom. Reading Improvement, 37(1), 45-48.
Wurr, A.J. (2003) Reading in a second language: A reading problem or a language problem? Journal of College Reading and Learning, 33(2), p. 157-69.
Yamashita, J. (2002). Mutual compensation between L1 reading ability and L2 language proficiency in L2 reading comprehension. Journal of Research in Reading, 25(1), 81-95.
Classroom Tips for Teachers of ESL in the Content Areas.
Douglas, E. (n.d.). Preparing English language learners for reading comprehension.
Anderson, N. (1999). Exploring second language reading: Issues and strategies. Boston, MA: Heinle & Heinle Publishers.
August, D., & Shanahan, T. (2008). Developing reading and writing in second-language learners. Lessons from the report of the National Literacy Panel on Language-Minority Children and Youth. New York: Routledge.
Grabe, W. (2009). Reading in a second language. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.
Grabe, W., & Stoller, F. L. (2002). Teaching and researching reading. New York: Longman.
Han, Z., & Anderson, N.J. (Eds.). (2009). Second language research and instruction: Crossing the boundaries. Ann Arbor, MI: University of Michigan Press.
Hedgcock, J.S., & Ferris, D.R. (2009). Teaching Readers of English. New York: Routledge.
Hudson, T. (2007). Teaching second language reading. New York: Oxford University Press.
Peregoy, S.F. & Boyle, O.F. (2009). Reading, writing and learning in ESL: A Resource Book for K-12 Teachers. 5th Edition. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.


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Spanish (Minor)
Spanish is the third most spoken language in the world, the first in the Americas, and the second in the USA. At a global and national level, cultural and language proficiency in Spanish has become an indispensable strength in many professional fields. Whether you are interested in the impact of global warming and rising sea levels, in national and international social issues, business entrepreneurship, health, law, social sciences, engineering, U.S. government, or education, a Spanish minor is a great way to strengthen your CV and improve your national and international career prospects when paired with a B.A or B.S degree.
What is Spanish at ODU like?
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What makes Spanish at ODU unique?
Knowledgeable instructors with expertise in Hispanic culture and language
Course methodology focused on language proficiency and intercultural communication
Improve your language skills through class projects, language clubs, and cultural events
Opportunities to work abroad in Spain for the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport (includes medical insurance and a stipend for living costs) for a full academic year, typically from October 1 through May 1 the following year, as a Language and Culture Assistant supporting English teachers
Study abroad grants
Students have access to the Language Learning Center as a resource
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What are some courses offered in Spanish at ODU?
SPAN 311:
Communicative Competence: Speaking and Listening
This course is primarily a conversation course to develop linguistic and cultural proficiency in verbal communication. Task-oriented communication strategies in cross-cultural training will be practiced by presenting students with models that demonstrate appropriate linguistic and cultural competencies. Students will practice these skills by role-playing, giving presentations, enriching self-awareness with practiced in-group discussions on various topics |such as, prejudice, racism, values, and customs) that dispel stereotypes and foster more in-depth social-cultural understanding, and with participation in guided cultural encounters. Students will improve their listening and comprehension skills and deepen cultural proficiency by learning how to communicate and collaborate with other people and cultures in a global age. |This is an oral skills course.) Prerequisites: a grade of C or better in SPAN 202 or SPAN 221 or advanced placement.
SPAN 312W:
Communicative Competence: Writing and Reading
This is an intensive writing course designed with writing assignments that examine various cultural contexts that enable students to understand cultural content, style, audience and organization. The main objective of the course is increased awareness of and sensitivity to appropriate word choice, and syntax in the language. Students will engage in writing for different cultural audiences and in varied contexts such as literary, artistic and media expressions around the world. Special emphasis is placed on the methodology of close reading as students hone the analytics skills and vocabulary necessary to interpret idioms, regionalism, cultural expressions and overall intercultural skills observed in various genres and cultures. Students will analyze compelling global issues and the diverse cultural perspectives that inform them. Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in ENGL 211C, ENGL 221C or ENGL 231C and a grade of C or better in SPAN 202 or SPAN 221 or advanced placement.
Identities and Cultures of the Hispanic World
This course examines historical and cultural identities in Spain and Latin America, beginning with a study of the historical constructs that helped create the basis of Spanish and Latin American identities. These include the concept of Convivencia (co-existence) of the three religions in Medieval Spain, pre-Columbian civilizations, the Spanish Conquest, the Colonial period, and the fight for Independence. The course also addresses more modern notions of culture and identity by focusing on themes such as globalization, immigration, economic crises, political leadership, and daily life. Along with these themes, popular culture will be discussed at length in order to understand the role it plays in generating identities. Prerequisites: SPAN 311 and SPAN 312W with a grade of C or better.
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What are the requirements to apply for Spanish at ODU?
Students entering the Minor program in Spanish should meet the minimum university admission requirements (Undergraduate Admission)
Students must complete 15 hours of 300/400-level courses in the language and earn a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 in the upper-level courses specified as a requirement for the minor. Lower-level courses and prerequisite courses do not count toward the grade point average required for the minor. Only one SPAN course taught in English may be applied toward the minor.
At least six hours of upper-level courses must be taken through courses offered by Old Dominion University.
To declare a minor the student must have completed ENGL 110C and the 202 course in the language.
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Estimated rates for the 2022-23 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.
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Sen. Ted Cruz, a vocal critic of the Affordable Care Act, pledged to dismantle the law, also known as Obamacare, during his campaign kickoff speech.
WASHINGTON — Sen. Ted Cruz could soon be buying his family's health care coverage through the Affordable Care Act, a law the Republican presidential candidate has vowed to repeal should he win the White House.
Cruz formally launched his presidential campaign Monday, and his wife, Heidi Cruz, began an unpaid leave of absence from her job as a managing director in the Houston office of Goldman Sachs.
That means the family will soon lose access to health insurance through Heidi Cruz's job, triggering a need for the family to find a new policy.
The first-term senator from Texas said he is looking at options available on a health insurance exchange, or a clearinghouse of policies available to Americans who don't receive coverage through their employers. The Democrats' health care law, also known as Obamacare, created the exchange system.
Under an amendment to the law crafted by Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, the government can offer members of Congress and their staff only health care insurance that's sold through an exchange.
"We will presumably go on the exchange and sign up for health care, and we're in the process of transitioning over to do that," Cruz said in an interview with the Des Moines Register.
Cruz could go without insurance, or his family could get its coverage directly from an insurance company at what likely would be a far higher rate than is available via an exchange. Doing so would mean Cruz would not get the contribution from his employer to help offset the full cost of his coverage.
Asked about his plans for health care insurance Tuesday, Cruz's staff initial pointed reporters to his interview with the Register. Several hours later, Rick Tyler, a Cruz spokesman, said Cruz and his family had not yet settled on an option or the financial implications of such a choice.
"Let's let them make a decision on what coverage they'll get before we start speculating on every variable," Tyler said.


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Science & Technology Topics
Security & Cyber Security
Co-Founder, Apple Computer, Inc.
Speaker Steve Wozniak changed the computer world when he designed Apple's first product line: Apple I and II. He is also a philanthropist focusing on computer use in schools.
Talithia Williams
Big Data Expert, Professor, Host of Nova Wonders
A popular TED speaker and passionate STEM education advocate, Dr. Williams deploys data in unusual and insightful ways, viewing subjects ranging from health to diversity in a new light.
NYT Columnist & CBS Sunday Morning Contributor
Whether he's covering AI, the Internet of Things, autonomous vehicles, the latest consumer tech, a post-robot world, or preparing for climate change, David Pogue is a master communicator who brings even the most non-technical audiences up to speed.
Jason Latimer
The World Champion of Magic
By the age of 22, Jason Latimer had achieved a level of recognition in the magic community matched only twice. His infectious love for the unknown inspires millions around the world to and ask, "What is possible?"
Sylvester James Gates
Theoretical Physicist Known for Supersymmetry
A pioneer in advancing our understanding of supersymmetry, supergravity, and string theory, Gates captivates with his ability to explain complex theories in a fun, accessible way.
Freeman Hrabowski
President of the University of Maryland
Award-winning educator and diversity expert Hrabowski transformed UMBC with his enthusiasm for STEM. Partnering with businesses, UMBC fosters skills to ensure employability.
Interim Host, Jeopardy!, Award-Winning Actress, The Big Bang Theory & Neuroscientist
Talented and multifaceted, Mayim Bialik - best known for her roles on Blossom and The Big Bang Theory - has a Ph.D. in neuroscience, studies Judaism and practices natural living.


Damn. I don't really even know how to respond to this – it kinda makes me feel sick to my stomach to think about.
A further question – On whom does the burden of morality lie? The students? The institutions? The ghostwriters? Some combination of everyone?
This "hired gun", whatever his ethical issues, is clearly a brilliant person and a great writer. I wish that there was a better way for our society to use his talents.
As for blame, I think it goes to everyone.
Did we read the same article? While there was a huge amount of insight into the seedy underbelly of academia, the writing was formulaic and repetitive, with a structure that meandered into self-absorbed anecdotes with ambiguous connections. In short, exactly what I would expect from someone who churns out term papers like a factory.
I didn't mean that the article itself was well written, I just think it's impressive that he's written decent stuff for so many different fields.
Anyone else find it really funny that he chose the Count of Monte Cristo for his handle? A man educated in all fields while counting his days in prison, only to emerge as a mysterious noblemen, controlling society? Makes you wonder what Ed Dantes future plans are(and says a lot about what he thinks of himself).
For me the most interesting part turned out to be how many of the comments accused the guy of being a hoaxer. As a writer, I see these ads hiring for these services all the time, so I was surprised anyone doubted him. But despite the commentors who said they'd done similar work and others actually supplying links, there were still skeptics.
Also as far as the meandering and repetition – yeah, he sure has learned to pad stuff out, just like he said. Do they not have editors over there at the Chronicle?
Sadly, his little niche is only one corner of this rabbit hole. Google "medical ghostwriting," and you'll start plumbing a deeper, more insidious, and much more lucrative version of this activity. Perhaps that will be his next career.
Exactly. Medical ghostwriting is a far more serious problem than frat boys weaseling out of a term paper by paying for a paper on Emily Dickinson or something. Those frat boys are just hurting themselves. Medical ghostwriters may actually be killing people.
The author claims to have written for med students, nurses, pharmacy students, and seminary students, among others (including educators). This is way bigger than a few frat boys buying essays.
Of course, medical ghostwriting is a way bigger deal. Wasn't it last year that Merck was exposed for not only having pro-Merck pharmaceutical reports ghostwritten, but also having their own journal to publish in.
As I understand it, there are also "reverse" ghostwriters in medicine – Doctors who will accept a fee to put their name on internally produced company studies.
School should be harder. If somebody with no specialized training in a topic can write something that passes as a thesis, then we aren't expecting students to be knowledgeable enough in their own fields.
Especially in undergraduate courses, it needs to be more acceptable to give students frankly hard tests of their knowledge. You can buy a paper, but you can't (as easily) pay somebody to take a test for you. If grad students can get away with this, their department has failed hard (it could be in many places, but it's definitely a failure on the part of the department.) Perhaps oral examinations should be more standard for all levels of education. Nobody could orally defend a thesis they hadn't written.
You know, this whole thing could be combated by setting up a company that makes online fronts for businesses like these, and then allow schools to subscribe to services where they could receive notifications when the front was contacted by one of their students. It would be relatively easy to do on a low budget – just buy a few thousand domains that are similar to those used by "legitimate" illegitimate ghost-writers and spread links around. It wouldn't catch everybody, but it would make it riskier. This might be illegal, though.
It could be argued that your plan is "entrapment". I don't think that argument would win in court, but the mere existence of it may make schools not want to go down that road.
I'm concerned with where the line really is. Obviously on one end we have the student who works in complete isolation with no outside help while on the other end we have the student who just buys a completely ghostwritten paper. But what about the middle grounds.
What about students who discuss the topic and ideas with others before writing, and then incorporates some of those ideas?
What about students who ask for some proofreading for typos before turning it in?
What about students who get help with sentence structure and flow from a writing studio?
What about ESL students who hire a proofreader to clean-up the language?
What if you're abysmal at writing and spend weeks seeking out the right resources to help you structure a readable paper?
What if you're a fantastic writer with no original thought that seeks out the right resources to create a cogent argument for something?
The way I see it, there's two issues at stake here – one is students who can't write well and the other is students who can't think well. If education is a process, then both those students should be getting help both in and outside of the classroom. But at what point does 'help' become 'cheating'.
To that end, I think Dante is right in some regards, the structure of our education system is flawed. The fix shouldn't be "how to catch cheaters more effectively" (though we should be ever-vigilant) but rather "how to structure the system so that there is less incentive to cheat." Sadly, at a university wide level, I have no solution for either of those.
"What about students who discuss the topic and ideas with others before writing, and then incorporates some of those ideas?
I actually encourage my students to do all of these things. I even allow them to send me drafts of papers so I can tell them if they are on the right track. I think these are a part of learning how to be a better writer, and are ethically quite distinct from just hiring someone to write a paper for you.
Dave, that's my entire point. Obviously the ghostwriter is the extreme and clearly unethical, but where exactly is the line? At what point does getting extra help become having someone else do the work for you?
sheds a little more light on this seedy occupation.


3D physics-based puzzle game with cute characters for a casual fun!
Rush to save your village from the mischievous bogeys. While you were out on the expedition, these little critters have mobbed your village chasing your folks away in to the forest. Protected by the evil powers of their druid tucked in their magic lanterns, these cunning little critters have build garrisons inside your village. The clamor of their rumble, mumble, singing and munching is disheartening to your folks. Save you folks before there is nothing left of your abode.
Copyright 2013. Sphulling. All rights reserved.


AACTE joins the National Education Association (NEA) and the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) in celebrating terrific teachers during National Teacher Appreciation Week, May 4-8, and National Teacher Day, May 5.
Kick off the summer with AACTE's signature June events: Washington Week and the Leadership Academy. Join your colleagues from around the country in Washington, DC, advocating for the profession on Capitol Hill and participating in a special conference on closing the achievement gap in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields; or meet with fellow new deans and administrators in Cincinnati, Ohio, for intensive leadership development and networking. These are two popular summer conferences, so mark your calendar today!
AACTE is pleased to announce a new speaker for the 67th Annual Meeting Welcoming Session. A. Lin Goodwin of Teachers College, Columbia University, will join Marc Tucker of the National Center on Education and the Economy at this kick-off general session, Friday, February 27, at noon.
Linda Darling-Hammond of Stanford University, originally scheduled to speak at the session with Tucker, is no longer able to attend the conference.
Goodwin brings her extensive experience in international education reform to this keynote duet for a thought-provoking discussion of economic imperatives and successful systems of educator preparation around the world.
Before we all head to Atlanta for AACTE's 67th Annual Meeting, I asked a few past attendees to share tips for what to do at the event. Here's some useful guidance from Jennifer Waddell, associate director of the Institute for Urban Education at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.


Beginning Sewing Academy is for those with little to no sewing experience who want to learn the basics. We will be using the book, How to Machine Sew, to guide our classes. This is a great reference guide and includes projects. These classes are open to those 16 and older.
Each month we'll offer a new class, but classes can be taken in any order. Complete all 9 classes and you'll earn a special graduation gift - 25% off the purchase of your next project. In February, we'll learn about binding and piping and make an oven glove. Class fee is $20. You will also need to purchase supplies. Bring your own sewing machine or use one of ours.
Bring your own sewing machine or rent one of ours. You will also need to purchase supplies.


I am an art instructor, and I do get male students, but very few. It would be nice to have more of a mix in my classes. I noticed men are really quick with following art instruction. Their work usually has a different take, too! Two of my previous male students are now exhibiting their artwork...It is great to see this as an instructor.
Also, I have noticed that bloggers' comments are fewer, but I appreciate the generous and positive comments that I do get on my blog posts. I feel that bloggers are busy people, and that's probably part of it! I know it is for me. Thanks for your BLOG, Seth.
Yes, I think it is that simple.
I found that men hardly ever seem to need or enjoy being in a community as much as women do. They also often do not feel the urge to be part of a community or to have close friends as much as women do. Women have always been (trained to be?) more socially interactive. They are expected to be more social and also have "better" social skills, be the better listeners, be more interested in how others feel and do. They also often feel more obliged to share and help...all qualities that nourish a community by making others feel good, precious and welcome while being part of it. On the other hand also most women NEED to hear some kind of encouragement, laud and acceptance on a regular basis to feel they are a valued part of a community. Men don't. They are much more often the loners, who rather show their work than "share" it (if that makes sense). They aren't as dependent on how others see their work or how others think about them as women seem to be. And they are also expected to not be dependent, based on those role models deep within our society. These have been (unconsciously) passed on for ages and ages by now...and still are being passed on in many ways we do not even notice.
Maybe those few male art bloggers and art class takers have successfully freed themselves of those models - so they do not feel they look "weak" when taking art classes and mingle with others via a blogging community to learn from them.
I have also noticed that most men would rather give advice and precise solutions on things you show or tell them about instead of simply give encouragement or solace (which would be what most women would give - and also search for - in the first place)? I guess men feel they are expected to act like this (again based on role models). They also enjoy this when being among themselves (for example when they talk about their motorbikes they work on). And I am sure it doesn't feel like "being taught something" for them.
But women don't act like that. On the contrary - it would be severe violation of blogger etiquette to mention in a comment that something on the project could be improved. Also most women would rather say something nice about a poorly done project instead of hurting someone by talking facts. There obviously is no room for this kind of constructive criticism or "facts sharing" (as I guess men look at it). Criticism for most women means rejection in the first place. It doesn't for men. And when you know you never get anything but "nice words" on your blog or during an arts class then maybe participating in a community like that isn't that rewarding for you...as a man.
Can it be a percentages thing. I come from a sewing quilting crafting background not "fine art" as per say. The sector of blogs I read are from the perspective of my interests. In the quilts world what would be the percentage of males who practice in that art form. In the mixed media world? In the model train world? In the fine art painting world?
Some of it could be attributed to the numbers of participants.
But mostly (without sounding sexist) I do think we know it is also a gender thing. Right or wrong, whether that is inherent or not, can or will be changed it is up to people to change. Men to encourage each other in their area of interest. Women to open up the club of craft to men.
How intimidating can it be for a women to enter the mostly male woodworking group at the local art centre or for the interested male to enter the women dominated group?
I sent all my kids for sewing lessons. The boys did some great work but were terrified their friends would find out. In my sons grade three class I went in to teach them all to knit. One boy said to me "this is so fun!" I said" oh I guess your mom doesn't knit" he told me that yah she did but she wouldn't teach him.
This would make a great study for so one to make. It would be great for some marketing genius to figure it out. Think of the untapped revenue market of getting males into some of these markets!
As per answering or leaving comments on blogs. I think it isn't just one thing it is several. Time is an obvious one. Proliferation of number of blogs in general. Amount of blogging platforms. Increase in other social media outlets which are easier to view quickly.
It takes time to add a comment on a blog. There is not a button to push like or I stand comment or pin.
There are not easy ways to follow blogs across platforms which can be annoying to follow certain people blogs.
Any way those are some of my thoughts.
I think it's going to be interesting to watch the gender balance of the crafting community over the next few years. I'm the "old lady" amongst my coworkers, most of whom are in their early to mid 20s, and I'm constantly amazed-- and heartened-- by their rejection of the gender stereotypes that have held my generation back in so many ways. As they get older and more settled, I think we're going to see a surge of men exploring their creative interests, without so much fear of being ridiculed by their more "macho" contemporaries. Society as a whole is beginning to view gender as a continuum rather than a duality, and assuming this trend continues (and I hope it does!), I believe we'll see more guys entering the crafting world.
As for blog comments, I agree with what others here have said about the sometimes overwhelming number of blogs, the lack of time to comment thoughtfully, and the convenience of using other social media platforms as an alternative. Also, I think when Google killed its Reader app in favor of Google+ (stupid, stupid move, Google. Stupid!), a lot of blog followers kind of gave up on trying to keep track of it all.
I'm agreeing to the above. Not sure exactly how I 'found' Danny but he is a treat! Lets hear from the boys!
Hi Seth, I agree about blogger comments too, definitely a decline in people popping by and commenting. I also feel that some people just visit blogs of those people who visit them, so sort of returning the favour rater than simply appreciating the art because you love it.
I do feel that a great deal of Crafter's are female and they enjoy the social side of the craft as much as the physical part of creating something. I often feel that male Crafter's although very few and far between offer a wonderful alternative way of crafting and have a different eye for detail, which I adore.
As workshops have become more and more about the social aspect rather than the teaching aspect I think it puts some make Crafter's off the idea of attending workshops. I think male Crafter's go to a workshop for different reasons to the female counterpart . I also think that some groups are very clicky and this puts some males off, in fact it puts me off. Creating is about enjoying the process and obviously learning new techniques now and then too, or even developing your own techniques. Because it is seen as a female dominated area I think this puts some male Crafter's off admitting that they enjoy being creative .
I also,think it's a shame that people don't visit blogs more frequently as some are a great source of inspiration and free of charge and bloggers are so informative. However, because we are all so,short of time we tend to use Facebook to leave a quick one word comment. I do love to visit blogs and leave feedback especially when I am inspired by the art. It's not about numbers of comments but more about the quality of genuine comments I feel.
I love your blog posts and debates we all have.
I think we all need to encourage more male Crafter's they being a different outlook and more diversity to the industry.
I see from the comments, they seem to generalise. I have a blog, and have entered several challenges for inspiration and to be part of the 'community'. There have been several occasions when I have almost gave up, even throwing my creations in the bin. I like to receive comments as much as ANYBODY else, it can be very encouraging. I am not into adding several buttons to my blog, neither am I interested in how many 'magazines' I can design for. I just like to create, it gives me a lot of joy and pleasure.
envelope100 and Cuan Miles in South Africa.....Other than that, I defer to all the above comments which all seem to ring true.
I don't know if it is different in other countries the Art/Craft divide is massive in the UK.
I fell into craft by chance and I feel craft is very excepting of all people, styles and levels. As a craft tutor I do occasionally have a man join us but I think they feel intimidated by the all female groups I have, I also think it is an age thing as well, as most of my ladies are retired/close to retiring age.
I do see a change in this though as more men come forward as tutors, designers.
As for the comments thing i agree with the remarks above, I tried to leave a comment on my phone (and i use this for all my social media) but had trouble so went back to my laptop.
Great question Seth and I hope the dudes step up and answer.
What I do know ... my husband and I created a webdesign company at the beginning of the W.W.W. (1994) and while we were both instrumental in its success, I took on the online persona and he, dealt with the Face To Face. He feels much more comfortable in that arena, while I feel infinitely happier behind a computer screen.
What does this all have to do with the price of bananas?
If we are typical ... he is an extrovert, feels more comfortable with dealing with people face to face, feels less sure of himself with the subjective/confusing nature of text. While I am an introvert, love the freedom that a computer screen allows me, find text meanings simple to decipher.
And for what it's worth ... younger dudes seem altogether happy to interact electronically.
Which might be worth looking into ... does mixed media appeal to older artists?!
There are some very thoughtful comments answering your questions. I don't feel like I have anything to add about why more men don't do classes or blog.
Very interesting topic! Danny's post and comments were a very insightful read, and here as well, of course!
When I lived in Chicago I was in the continuing ed program at the School of the Art Institute. It was interesting... half of my teachers were men, and there were a LOT more men who came to the classes. Was it because it was "serious art" as opposed to "crafting?" I think crafting has a lot of associations with women... When I travel, things that are considered crafts in the US are often either art or trades in other countries and seem to be pretty well dominated by men. In Bali, for instance, I went to a woodcarving workshop where all of the artisans were men and they taught us the basics of carving. I feel like in the states that would be considered more of a craft. Anyway, gender roles and semantics / local perceptions are probably both contributors. I think there's a lot of validity to the comments about the social aspect as well.
I don't have time to read all of the long responses here. I'm sure they are interesting! I'll keep mine short. I think too many men are afraid to let others see they have an emotional response to art and to making it. That's the way we are raised in this country. It's quite sad!
I think Gwen and Erica are onto to something there when it comes to division of "art" and "craft". I think a lot people consider mixed media as a "craft". I use "" by the way because I feel all of it is Art. I know many people have pretty strict internal guidelines they use to label something as Art. I think this internal dialect we have about art also plays into the gender division we see online.
In my 20's (40 years ago!), I took classes at the Art Students League - figure drawing and painting. I noticed then that half the students were boys and half girls. I remember wondering why most famous artists were men, when women were in the schools in equal number, and were certainly as talented and hard-working.
Now, in adult art classes, it's mostly all women. I've wondered why that is so.
Just to add... I didn't even know what a blog was until I took a workshop with Seth a year ago! Since then, I've read his blog every week. I find that's all I need, as he has introduced us to so many other wonderful artists there. Thank you!
I have found a dominance of females who participate in classes, retreats, events but I also know that men are just as inherently creative, needing connection and have untapped talent and skills that need unleashed into the community. People have always made with their hands [regardless of gender] but I think we're caught up in confining roles and expectations that are limiting to everyone.
I think the unrealistic and negative ideas/stereotypes about masculinity [aggressive, competitive, detached, etc] that we have unfairly assigned to men prevents them from taking advantage of most of the creative offers out there you are referring to. Imagine redefining masculinity with traits that included emotional, collaborative, creative and engaged, I think men would join in.
I always enjoy having a mix of people in my classes of all ages and both sexes. Artists (both men and women) bring something to the table and I'm grateful that both you and Danny Gregory have opened up this very important discussion.
In New Zealand, I quit my beloved life/figure drawing class because of what seemed to me excessive socializing (by others), and long tea breaks. (But then you know I talk to myself out loud when I get into the spirit.) We sometimes had a bloke in a class of around 12, but often not, in our Friday morning sessions, but there were a few male regulars in the evening classes. And in New Zealand, blokes knit and embroider and needle-point and most told me they learned from their moms/grandmas.
In Japan there was no socializing in class, but of course one could afterwards. And classes were usually 1/4 to 1/3 retired men. Mom had a retired engineer in her weaving class once.
In terms of attending classes, one big factor for women is getting out of the house/having me-time, especially those in the thick of child-rearing years.
Re. blogs, it'll be my tenth anniversary next week, and comments have certainly dropped, reminding me of when I first started when often I imagined myself in the middle of a cathedral listening to the echos of my own voice. It gets a bit lonely but stats tell me the numbers haven't fallen. I don't know if that's true, though.
Interesting ponderings, Seth. I think there are two basic reasons why there are few men in the online art blogging community. The first reason is that most men (at least the ones I know) express themselves creatively in ways that are not considered "art". They like to build things, especially homeowner projects, and especially with power tools. Or they prefer creating more mathematically or technically, things like robots or computer programs or blueprints. The second reason I think there are few men in the blogging community is that most men just want to make stuff and not talk about it (other than to boast with their buddies). I don't think it's true that men aren't community oriented. From what I've observed, men love community, it just doesn't look like what women think of as community. Vive la difference!
I do agree with some of the other posters that a lot of the classes available are geared towards women in theme and content, with the exception of traditional art school classes.
Does anyone know the statistics about the ratio of male to female artists having shows at galleries and museums? It feels like it's a majority of men. I think it's possible that artistic men prefer to operate in a more traditional setting; maybe they think it is more acceptable or prestigious. Who knows, I don't pretend to understand why men do what they do, I just watch and wonder.
For those wonderful men who do come to classes and who do blog, we love you, don't ever stop.
As one of the few men that participate in online classes, workshops and groups - I will say I have pondered this question myself for a while now. When I first got into art journaling I noticed pretty early on that I was one of the only men participating. Although it does not really bother me I have always found it to be very odd.
I will say there on a couple of occasions, during an online workshop the instructor kept referring to the participants as 'ladies' which made me feel very excluded. I realize it was not intentional and probably was a habit from years of having no men participating.
Excellent blog post Seth, very thought provoking and excellent and insightful comments. I wish I could read more blogs and leave more comments...but it really comes down to time. We are living in a busy world and now that we don't have to plow the fields to have food to eat and clothes to wear...we fill it with a lot of stuff. I have work that allows me to make money to do what I love, art. But think about it...we have a home to care for, a family to care for, many of us a job or business to make income and care for, and our art that we have to steal time for. Throw in reading some blogs and social media that helps us stay connected to the "community"...well I learned I have to pick between being here and being there. Time, time, time. I will say this though, I am glad I found time to be here today while I was eating my breakfast...but got to hit the road and drive 250 miles to see clients now! No more art or blogs until next week! Time.
Ok here's what no one is saying. Men don't blog because (sweeping generalization that OBVIOUSLY doesn't include everyone) men don't like reading or writing. I email men and women all day. The women read what you write and respond accordingly. Most emails lose the men by line three. (Most men reading this have now stopped reading it. Possibly even you, Seth). Men, if they make it halfway through an email, will pick up the phone and call me to answer.
I have a degree in English and follows both my children's educations with great interest. I can tell you that the required reading in school now does NOT create readers or writers. Much of it is horrible, depressing stuff that makes reading a chore. I read aloud extensively to both of my children, maintain a huge personal library, and helped them through each book. Neither of them are readers, and while both of them can write well, they both avoid it like the plague.
Men tell me it's too much work to write it out. Men do love community, though. At my physical therapists there are several groups of guys who are there for the talking. And they will chatter to men or women. I really think it's the writing thing.
As to comments, I think we can blame mobile platforms. Some blogs make it very hard to comment from a phone or tablet. There's nothing like writing a nice comment only to have it disappear when you try to post it. I've learned to copy it first, before leaving the comment box.
WOW! For an all time low commenting comment-you sure did stir the pot!!
These are some of the longest comments I have ever seen!
Having said that,these long comments are also some of the most thoughtful and insightful comments I have seen lately as well. I really do not have too much more to add as those above have said it all so well.
Seth, thanks for the great article!
oops..not done yet...as for commenting,I do see quite a few regulars commenting as well as quite a few new friends. I try and comment on blogs I follow regularly and that I find interesting.
I do see however,see quite a few blogs more often,that recycle and repeat previous posts and items,I suppose there again,lack of time . Those blog posts I tend to skip over.
Phew- for someone who did not have much to add,I sure did put in at least 6cents worth!
I've often pondered the discrepancy between the majority of historically well-known artists being primarily men and the majority of those in the online arts community and those who sign up for visual arts classes being primarily women. When I was in art school in the mid-to-late 1960's in the San Francisco Bay Area I would say that there were pretty much an equal number of males and females in the studio classes that I took. As a high school art teacher for many years the student population of my classes were fairly evenly divided between the sexes, though some of the advanced classes, like Advanced Placement art courses frequently tended to have a few more female than male students. I wonder if what others have said in comments, here, about women seeking out, and/or wanting more of a sense of community as a part of their art-making experience has something to do with it. Again, historically, it seems that men who have become established and well known as artists tend to do so more in isolation, though they may have close relationships with other artists with similar interests (ex: Rauschenberg and Johns, Picasso and Braque, Klee and Kandinsky) which provide a sense of community (or, perhaps, competition?). I think also of Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner who, as a married couple, each had careers as professional artists during the "explosion" of Abstract Expressionism in NYC in the 1940's and '50's, but which one of them do we find featured the most prominently in American art history books. So, in answer to the original question of why there are more women involved in visual arts blogging and taking art classes I would have to say "I don't know", but I am going to continue to read the interesting, sometimes provocative, comments, here, and on Danny Gregory's blog to see if I can find out!
I am going to jump in here. I just finished taking a 3 day class with Orly Avineri. My friends Thomas LaBadia and Brian Kasstle took it as well. We are gay so that is perhaps adding a different level. Orly's classes are ones that go deep and it's not unusual for people to be moved to tears- the three of us were. we are comfortable with our feelings and with being open to sharing. Straight men have often had trouble with that. I was an art teacher for 36 years- much of it was in the elementary grade levels- often men are in the minority in settings like that. The last 8 years of my teaching career I taught methods classes and intro classes in the art department of a small university. The elementary art methods was a required class for elementary teachers- there were usually only one or 2 guys in the class and by contrast in my intro art classes for the art department often it was more men than women in the classes. I do think there could be some issues of men not taking art workshops because they don't want to be vulnerable- there is that competition thing- needing to win and need to be the best.... I have seen that in both straight and gay men. I have read all your comments with great interest. Still no real answers though- I continue to teach workshops now to adults- the last one was on Whidbey Island and there was one male in the class. I know that taking and teaching classes is so important to me- I always learn from doing both and always want to be a life long learner.
As a co-owner with my husband of a 25+ year artistic business, E.B. Effects and Design Company, we've always employed mostly ALL men. They are ALL artistic, talented, and each bring their skills and expertise to the table. We have designers, graphic artists (traditional and digital), clay/foam/metal sculptors, fabricators, mold-makers, etc.
My guess, is even though they are uber creative, most of them work 9-5 being creative and wouldn't take the time to blog or take workshops. I also believe (and I could be completely off base here!), that men are WAY more head-strong, arrogant, embarrassed and/or stubborn to see the need to take an artsy-crafty workshop like women do. Many are less social than most women, and don't feel the need for that type of connection. Not that there are not wallflower women or outgoing men, but the artistic men I work with and employ do "manly" things like ride dirt bikes, play video games, work on hot rods, etc. Ask a guy to knit a sweater or create a collage for the wall, well, most would think that's a girls thing. Some may even feel the pressure of not being able to leave the family to go "play" for a week too, like women do.
I remember when the term Metro-Male came into the limelight. Stay at home dads. Sensitive dads. Daddy daughter dances. I can't imagine ONE of our Grandfathers or Great Granddads doing those things. Now what I do see lots of men doing, and which seems to create the same type of MAN-BOND that women get from workshops and retreats are SPORTS!!! and this girl (and her three grown sons and husband) doesn't do sports... I'm an art girl! lol And they are into music, art, vintage steel and the great outdoors.
So, I guess in a nut shell, I personally enjoy reading the creative blogs, bored to tears on the too-technical blogs, and have thought about creating a blog for my husband to share his thoughts on, but with FB, who knows. I've seen less comments and recent blog posts than there used to be since FB all but replaced MySpace (for the teens!). Hmmmm.... Keep blogging! You still have readers!!! :-) PS. I'm NOT a man hater!!! I just think men and women think differently when it comes to being social. And I think we need more ART is schools! Just saying. It's a dying breed. We are losing a lot of the old-school skills in the work force. That makes me sad.
One last note: I think if many men were able to be a creative kid again, without the social pressures of "BEING A MAN", they would have fun again. I've seen it! WE have a shop of VERY happy, creative men, 8-5, M-F, that LOVE their job!
I know of two other male artists who blog.
Aaron Paquette. aaronpaquette.net. He is an artist and writer. He writes mostly on facebook and his art is found on his website.
The other blog is s.com. Robert, who's last name I do not know, was the artist/author for many, many years. He died about two years ago. His daughter, Sara has kept the blog going. She publishes a piece of Robert's writing one week and a piece of her own the next.
You and the other male artists bring authenticity to your work and how you share it wuth us.
I actually took time to read your post, Seth. I have no real comments on the gender discussion but do agree that women tend to want the social as much as the instruction.
As for the lack of comments on peoples blogs. I follow way too many blogs and have many of them on a reader service. I have found I tend to spend way too much time on the computer trying to keep up with the blogs I follow. Clicking over to a blog to leave a comment is another time sacrifice. I have to practically force myself to step away from technology so I can actually create rather than just looking at all the eye candy.
The other thing I'm personally doing is to start following/liking my favorite bloggers, on Facebook. There I can leave a quick like, love, wow, etc with a simple tap or click.
I also tend to read Facebook with my iPad. Trying to go back and forth between FB posts and someone's blog post becomes almost a chore at times.
I don't have any answers on this topic but I wanted to say that I am glad you have raised it. And I will add that it is strange to me how the online art community and art retreats seem to be highly populated with more women than men because I'm certain there are MANY MALE ARTISTS out there, so where are they hiding?!? ;) Thank you for a thought-provoking blog post Seth!
The number of guys who blog are much fewer than girls-I think it"s more of a "creative guy" thing.
I think women need community more than men do to some extent. We have our art in common, but we also have family/jobs/life crap that we discuss. Men don't. Many creative people tend to be reclusive at times-a class gets you back out in the world or recharges your creativity.
I think donna joy has some insights. Some others, here, have expressed similar ideas but I think she has gotten to the core of some very clearly stated, yet generalized, male and female differences. Exceptions, however, are many as I, myself, am one.
Yes, I think what Donna Joy says rings true. At least in my experience.
such a great topic Seth...I struggle with the decline of the art blog on the whole. I think for me it's because I seem to do my 'surfing' on my phone and I cannot comment from my phone. I struggled with my own blog and decided to attempt to do a post a day on the topic of gratitude....not sure who visits (I am grateful for your visits :)) but do it for my own sense of contentment.
bravo for your ongoing commitment and wonderful content!
i agree about comments being at an all-time low (i think people are lazy* and too accustomed to the "like" button and move on....)... but yes, another topic. *for lack of better word.
i think you're on to something about women, in general, being more expressive than men. i know/have met all of two male bloggers/mixed media artists in person and you are one of them. women? hundreds, i'd estimate. it's not just about art though. my male family members can sum anything up in one sentence or less. it takes me a good ten paragraphs.
OK...I read your post the minute it was out, but wanted to wait a while for the comments to pour in...always my favorite part on a good heated post. I've read every comment, and have agreed with almost all of them on both issues...the shortage of men bloggers, and the lack of commentors. You do such a great job of blog post issues...different, cutting edge, and thought provoking...I'm always very moved at your honesty and candidness...and I love your spin on our industry. You are educational and entertaining! As a full time designer and educator myself, I have pondered these issues and I GET YOU MAN!!! Thanks for that!!! I don't have anything to add on the male issue that's not been said, but I could write a short story on the commenting, so I better not get started.
I think it has to do with the craft vs art divide. Also, a generalization- but I find to be true: men would rather do, than talk about it. I've had men in my workshops and they tend to have a very definite reason they com, ie a goal, a skill that they need/want. While the women's goals are more expansive, often more social. I hate generalizing in terms of gender,but just some observations. I myself never fit in gender stereotypes!
The thing is, the art world is very very much a male dominated world. Always has been and still is. And their art commands higher prices.
Hi Seth - I follow you on Twitter (on my phone) and read this post from my feed. I can't comment on the gender gap, but as for commenting - I have a day job where I spend all day every day on the computer and on the phone in meetings. When I get home, the last thing I want to do is spend time looking at a screen. I don't even watch TV. I will either read a book, work in my art journal or do some other creative activity. Commenting from my phone is a complete no-go. Too frustrating to use an on-screen keyboard when you are a touch typer from way back. So, saved up this post to come back and comment on the weekend. I do read and appreciate your posts!


The first MOSAIC program held in Belgium took place in September 2015 with Syrian refugees and in November 2015 in cooperation with the GRATTE association (www.gratte.org).
Mosaic is CISV's local community-based program for participants of all ages. Mosaic can be anything from a one-off event to a year-long project. Mosaic projects are planned and delivered by our Chapters, using CISV's educational approach, and each one responds to local needs and interests in a meaningful way. Most projects are designed and run in cooperation with partner organizations to further the benefit to the local community.


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Fourtato Games
Friends we met at Terminal City
Inspiration and ideas come from everywhere, its fascinating to see where they come from and where they end up. At the Terminal City Convention, we met a lot of passionate board game designers, each creating their own unique and creative way of playing. From baking cookies to coming up with creative answers or trying to get invited to the hottest parties, we could really see the passion and commitment that went into making each and every one of these games.
We are very excited to see Cookie Chaos and WORDOS coming close to fruition as their kickstarter campaign has just gone live! Check them out and learn how to play at the links below.
Cookie Chaos
Check out their Kickstarter
Three delicious varieties of cookies are up for grabs in this euro-style tile laying game. In Cookie Chaos, 2–4 Players will be busy chasing around their cookies for 25–30 minutes as they match and collect, match and steal, match and burn or match and crumble their way to the end of the cookie jar! The Player with the most cookies, after the last tile is placed and scored, is the winner!
Who are the people behind this game?
Bill Gyorfi and myself (Twila Mackay) are the creators behind the game and partners in Knogyo Enerprises. We both bring strong vision, crazy humour and a solid work ethic to the game table. Bills super-power is to keep me on task and my super-power is to turn our visions into action. Together, and with the support of our friends and family, we have taken all of the bits and pieces and mixed them all together to form Cookie Chaos.
What is the biggest challenge you face as a team during the design process? How did you overcome it?
Our first biggest challenge, was getting pricing for the components. We overcame this by relentlessly pursing every business associate and manufacturer until we got what we needed. Balancing out the game play was also a challenge, but a fun one to overcome! We spent hundreds of hours play testing with family, friends, the gaming community and even had the pleasure of receiving advice from a few professionals. Ultimately, we landed on what felt right for the game.
What inspired you to make this game?
At times, Bill and I were playing literally hours on end of our favourite games. We often thought "wouldn't it be nice to experience the same feelings, but without out cutting into our precious time allotment for sleep". Thus, we set out to create a 30-minute container of fun in order to get back our eight hours of sleep each night.
What makes this game unique?
The simplicity, cuteness and universally appealing theme (Who doesn't love cookies?) combined with a special mix of moves, when together form a surprisingly strategic game. The gameplay relies on mechanisms that work well together to create the experience, as opposed to the theme being the driver for the game experience. But then again, who doesn't LOVE cookies?
What is one thing you want the world to know?
The ONE thing we want is for the world to know TWO things:
Cookies rule the world. They are delicious, ruthless and worth fighting for! Never, ever, underestimate the power of one's sugar-lust.
We go LIVE on Kickstarter May 1st 2019
Instagram @cookiechaos2018
Cookie Chaos Facebook Page
www.knogyo.com for our latest blogs and company information.
WORDOS
Description of Game
WORDOS is bringing an exciting and creative feel to the world of category card games, with a fresh new gameplay aspect. No more cheesy, premade answers like in other games — you must think up your own answer and try to obtain the letters needed to spell it. But it's not that easy… As other players may be vying for the same letters as you. So be witty, think quickly, and just spell it out! *The BEST new category card based word game, with a whole new twist*
Kyle McMurray and Dan Coleman are the creators and designers of WORDOS, and the brains behind the team over at Lykeland Games. The idea for the game pounced into the mind of Kyle roughly two and half years ago. The next day he started to piece together a very rough draft of the game. It was rough, but he knew there was something great that could come out of this. Shortly after he teamed up with Dan, and together, they have put in countless hours to bring you what you see today.
Biggest challenges we faced as a team while designing the game
The biggest challenge for us during the design phase of the game was making sure our mindset from the get go never strayed from the initial idea. We created this game for a reason, and we knew how we wanted it to feel as a player playing the game. This was a very important piece for us. It is easy to get sidetracked and potentially take the game in a different direction than originally intended, and have gameplay become something unoriginal. The idea itself was simple, and very intriguing. The main focus then was to make the gameplay match the end result. For it to allow each player and group that plays, to make it what they want. Everybody is different. Let's emphasize that and have that be a focal point.
What inspired you to make the game?
The biggest reason we wanted to create this game was to allow for players and groups to get creative; giving them the opportunity to have freedom to show off their personalities and imaginations. We were tired of having preset answers which can get stale over time, along with no real gameplay aspect in this genre of game. WORDOS allows anyone at any age to have fun, be creative, and make the game whatever they want. This is exactly what we wanted, and we are so happy with the end results!
WORDOS is unique in many ways. The interactive, humorous and competitive gameplay makes this game extremely enjoyable. The game can be totally different from one night to the next and from one group to another. It is the perfect game for any group!
We want everyone to know how hard we have worked on this game. Our focus was to make this game enjoyable for anyone and everyone that plays. We designed it with that in mind, and for that purpose. We hope it makes you laugh, gets you thinking, and brings out a bit of your competitive side! We will be launching our Kickstarter campaign on April 30, 2019 and we hope to get this game out to everyone as soon as we possibly can. We hope to have sparked an interest, and please feel free to ask us questions, and follow us on social media for all our news and updates.
Publishing date To Be Announced
A description of your game.
Uninvited is a party game about parties. In this game, players have to collaborate to create a successful party. The problem starts with the first premise for a great exclusive party: not everybody can attend the party.
Dirty attacks, pills, alcohol, sacrifices and other bad stuff to decide who is the worst person among your friends. Invoke an ex, provoke a fight, call the neighbors, create a rumor, use your poopy eyes to get in or you list of contacts to kick someone out… By the time the police comes, if the party is a success the people inside the party wins, and the opposite, if the party was a failure all the players out of the party wins, as simple as that!
Tell us about yourself.
I am a Spanish architect who started this project as a part-time job hobbie. I woudn´t be able to create it it without the external help I received, so even though I´m the main designer of the game, the game is the result of many minds from different countries working together, counting with people from places like Canada, Spain, Mexico, Korea, China, India or Venezuela. I am very lucky to count with the collaboration of some amazing friends who are always willing to discuss ideas and playtest the game while having a beer. This project is the result of months of fun trying to create a stupid and hilarious game.
What makes your game unique?
I guess what makes the game unique it's the gameplay, but the theme and the way to present it helps to make it distinctive. Each card you play is part of a crazy silly story. You can be a lesbian grandma coming with your date and your nephew, a bear or a businessman bringing your drug addict boss to the party… There are many crazy items you can bring to the parties and stupid costumes you can wear. I hope people to find this game a good option for a day of chill laughter with friends.
What are some challenges you faced/ tips on designing a game?
When I started prototyping the game I was looking for a fast-paced game with a lot of interaction between the players. I got to keep this while preserving some simplicity into it. I think the most challenging part it's to make the game fun to play while keeping it simple.
A tip for other designers would this: enjoy the creative process, if you are having a good time while designing a game, it will probably be reflected in the game. I can´t say how fun the game is but for sure I can say a got a great time doing it.
It is always fascinating to hear how people came up with ideas for new games. It is also very motivating to see that with hardwork and dedication, something that started off as scribbles on a notebook or a random thought in the showers could turn into something so polish and fun. We are very excited for these upcoming games and can't wait to play it again!
Article published on www.fourtato.com.
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Designing the curriculum will not be simple for any tutorial establishment. The curriculum is supposed to enlighten college students in a couple of methods. The duty of shaping accountable and educated residents of tomorrow is shared by the faculties together with the dad and mom. Thus, one wants utmost precision and consciousness of present developments and must create a healthful curriculum that imparts worth. Here is a have a look at the steps for designing a curriculum for main colleges in India: 1. Ideas and function Colleges ought to start to design the curriculum after establishing their curriculums ideas. The ideas ought to mirror the varsity's values, mission, pedagogy, context, and desires. The faculties ought to be capable of ship their intent via the curriculum. 2. Enrichment and entitlement As soon as the ideas and function of the curriculum are set, the varsity should set out the pupil's entitlement. It means how the varsity intends to complement the curriculum by introducing extra-curricular actions, academic visits, and particular entitlements. For instance, all college students within the faculty are entitled for 2 academic visits in 12 months. 3. Creating content material of the curriculum Colleges want to rearrange the content material of the curriculum into a spread of fascinating themes and initiatives. It ought to assist the varsity in delivering its curriculum's ideas and entitlement. A college must make strategic choices about what it covers, the way it covers, and the way a lot depth to realize. The alternatives and choices create a college's construction of curriculum and a long-term plan. 4. Educating narrative The subsequent step in designing the curriculums as soon as the long-term objectives are determined is o plot the narrative of the initiatives. The narrative must be cohesive and vibrant detailing the start line for each challenge displaying the way it will develop and description the numerous outcomes. The method creates a medium-term plan which can be utilized as a place to begin for the short-tem plans. 5. Sources The faculties want to determine the sources which they require for infusing life to their curriculums in addition to improve its coherence. A superb curriculums calls for good high quality sources. These sources include human sources, environments, sensible gear, and educating sources. 6. Evaluation and consider After you have established the curriculums, the varsity might want to overview its impact on educating and studying fairly often for making any diversifications or adjustments for betterment. It'll assist in contemplating the unique curriculum ideas and function and give attention to areas which want correction. The faculties additionally must consider the employees at their faculty and their expertise together with the youngsters's passions, pursuits, and creativity. Discover the net for extra data and suggestion on designing the curriculum for center faculty in Delhi.


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Home > Topics > Android > News > Dell Ends Smartphone Sales in the U.S.
Dell Ends Smartphone Sales in the U.S.
March 29, 2012 by Ryan Punzalan Reads (3,628)
In a move to focus more on emerging markets and higher-margin products, Dell has announced that it has stopped selling smartphones in the U.S.
Dell has ended its Venue and Venue Pro smartphones and no replacements have been announced. The company said that it will continue to release mobile products in the U.S. later this year, but did not specify whether smartphones will be among them.
The company entered the smartphone market by introducing their Aero model and their Streak 5 tablet/smartphone hybrid. Dell discontinued the Streak 5 in mid-2011, and most recently stopped selling the Streak 7 in late 2011.
That being said, Dell continues to sell smartphones outside the U.S. It sells the Venue Pro in India, the Venue in South Korea, a Streak smartphone in Japan, and a Streak tablet in China.
According to a spokesperson speaking with PC World, Dell decided to end smartphone sales in the U.S. in order to focus more on mobile devices that can be used for both work and home. The company is also moving to higher-margin consumer products by discontinuing netbooks and putting more emphasis on its premium XPS lines of PCs.
Source: PC World


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Review: August: Osage County (Soulpepper)
May 25, 2019 Wayne Leung
Soulpepper presents the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Tracy Letts in Toronto
I had invited a friend to join me for the opening night of the new production of August: Osage County by Soulpepper on Friday night but when I mentioned it was a three and a half-hour family drama with two intermissions he decided to pass. His loss; he missed out on an absolutely riveting evening of theatre.
Set in a small Oklahoma town during the scorching August of 2007, the play opens on Beverly Weston (Diego Matamoros)—an aging, washed-up, alcoholic poet—interviewing a Cheyenne woman named Johnna (Samantha Brown) for the job of live-in caretaker for himself and his wife Violet (Nancy Palk) who has become addicted to prescription narcotics after a recent bout with mouth cancer. When Beverly subsequently disappears, their children and extended family gather at the Westons' home, setting the scene for the ensuing drama as long-standing tensions flare and family secrets are revealed.
The script is superbly written, each scene is packed with compelling character moments that gradually add to the web of intrigue that is this family's existence. It's not really a satire but it contains its fair share of dark humour—as soon as emotions heighten to a fever pitch, a character inevitably cuts through the tension with a precisely executed one-liner. It's a bleak yet searingly funny and ultimately earnest portrayal of a family in crisis.
The characters are complex, none of them are particularly likable, at no point did I ever feel any sort of emotional attachment to any of them, but these people are so flawed and their family dynamic is so dysfunctional that their story becomes strangely irresistible—like watching a train wreck in slow motion, it's captivating and you can't look away.
It's a long play but at no point did I ever feel like it started to drag nor did I ever find myself less than fully engaged which is a testament both to the superb writing as well as the stellar production and performances. August: Osage County features a large ensemble which plays to Soulpepper's strength.
Nancy Palk is a standout as the family's acerbic and overbearing matriarch. Though bitter and spiteful, Palk succeeds at maintaining Violet's humanity in her carefully crafted portrayal. Palk never plays up Violet's addiction to elicit laughs or sympathy for her character, and Violet wouldn't want us to feel sorry for her anyway. Palk roots Violet's nastiness in the character's lifetime of resentment so it feels completely honest.
Maev Beatty is another standout as eldest daughter Barbara Fordham, a woman desperately trying to hold her life together as she deals with her missing father, drug addicted mother, cheating husband and increasingly distant daughter. When her slowly simmering character boils over it leads to some of the hardest-hitting moments in the play, especially when she goes toe-to-toe with Violet like in the scintillating Act 2 dinner scene.
August: Osage County is destined to become a new American classic and Soulpepper's production is flawless.
August: Osage County is playing through June 23, 2019 at the Young Centre for the Arts, 50 Tank House Lane, in the Distillery Historic District, Toronto.
Tickets $38 – $102
Tickets are available in person at the venue box office, by phone at 416-866-8666 or online at soulpepper.ca.
Photo of the August: Osage County Ensemble by Cylla von Tiedemann
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Could Your Home's Roof Be in Dire Need of Repair?
Asphalt is the most popular of the roofing materials, and for good reason — it's affordable, economic and attractive on pretty much any home.
However, asphalt roofing is also the most susceptible to damage, whether it's environmental damage or just aging.
So if your home has asphalt shingles, it's essential to be able to identify signs of damage and wear and tear on this otherwise versatile and economical roofing material.
Author DIY Projects for HomePosted on August 4, 2014 Categories Installing new windows, Questions to ask roofing contractor, Replacement window installersLeave a comment on Could Your Home's Roof Be in Dire Need of Repair?


Here's your cheat sheet for Roadie by Signature Brew.
Featured in main subscriber box on 7 February 2019.
Find Signature Brew on Twitter at @SignatureBrew and on Instagram at @signaturebrew.
This is an IPA, so it's familiar territory. Biscuit malts and up-front hop bitterness with fruity flavours. This one should display notes of citrus fruits including grapefruit and lime. The hop used is also a well-known one, Citra.
Robust flavours call for a robust dish. Don't put this up against anything too dainty. Look instead for strong flavours and perhaps a bit of spice. A curry maybe, or Mexican cuisine. Bold, sweet desserts like caramel apple tart or ginger cake; carrot cake is a classic pairing too. And mild blue cheese should do well.
Read more on this beer from BeerBods and Signature Brew. You can also check out some of the previous cheat sheets if you want to catch up on a beer from past weeks.


Posted on February 23, 2015 by Atul Gupta.
Best of Luck to all the Students….!!
Uttar Pradesh Madhyamic Shiksha Parishad (UPMSP) or Uttar Pradesh Board of High School and Intermediate Education established in 1921 at Allahabad in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The first exam was conducted by this board in the year 1923. UP Board is renowned for its education system. The UP Board 10th Exam Time Table 2015 is announced. Also, The UP board 10th pravesh patra 2015 is available now.
As per the Official updates by UPMSP, the UP Board High School Exams are going to Start from Thursday,19th February 2015. The Board of High School & Intermediate Education, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh has declared the schedule for their high school board exams. The UP Board Class 10th exams will begin from 19 February 2015 and ends on 11 March 2015.
UP Board has a well established process for school education. This Board was the first board in India, which had adopted 10+2 system of examination. Every year lakhs of students take part in the UP board exams. Last year, more than 38 lakhs students participated in the UP Board matric 10th exam.
The Allahabad board admit card 2015 is issued by the board office. IndiaResults.com is the no.1 portal for the students and we published all Date Sheet, Syllabus, Time Table, Admit Card and Results with great accuracy. UP board High School time table 2015 is also available at IndiaResults.com portal.
For UP High School (10th) board Time Table, Hall Ticket at IndiaResults.com.
IndiaResults.com is no.1 exam results website in India. All the Candidates can visit the UP board official page at IndiaResults website. You can check UP board 10th exam hall ticket and admit card related updates and other notifications at our portal. IndiaResults also provide the facility of Name wise result search option to check UP 10th result 2015 along with Roll number.


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Home Entertainment How Many People in the World Can't Identify Themselves?
Nitish Kannan
I was very surprised to find out that one in six people in this world have no way of proving their identity. What does this mean? It means that according to the World Identity network around 1.1 billion people have no identification. That means that these people can not obtain travel documents of even open a bank account. Young children have no way of enrolling in school and getting basic health care. These "invisible children" can fall prey to human traffickers who can fake documents to transport them to different countries for the purpose of slavery, engaging them in the sex trade or using them for organ trading.
Born without a birth certificate in Moldova – the poorest country in Europe – Dr. Mariana Dahan comes from humble origins and an upbringing reflecting the conditions of over 600 million children today. Facing adversity and challenges at home, she turned to pursuing higher education, and used it as a way to escape her circumstances and settle abroad.
Dr. Dahan is many things: Technologist, human rights activist, and published author. Although I was initially interested in Dr. Dahan's work in blockchain, something we both share a background in, I realized one must start at the beginning if they are really to understand her worldview.
But her journey, and the passion she has for helping others, is what makes her truly stand out as a visionary. Dr. Dahan escaped Moldova, she never forgot her origins, and used them to fuel her mission of creating a world where everyone— no matter their upbringing— had proof of their existence. Several years ago, after leading the World Bank's identification initiative (ID4D global agenda), she created an organization devoted solely to this cause. Launched on Sir Richard Branson's Necker Island, the World Identity Network (WIN) Foundation uses blockchain technology to solve some of the toughest challenges in humanity today, including providing identity to the underprivileged to help combat human trafficking.
To Dr. Dahan, identity is a fundamental human right. The ones who are most affected by not having proper documents are women and children; who remain trapped in a cycle of poverty.
To help spread awareness and exponentially spread this message, actress philanthropist, social activist and humanitarian Amber Heard, has now Joined the uphill fight Mariana has tirelessly worked toward bringing equality for all. Amber Heard has forged a partnership with WIN to spread awareness of their mission and bring light to the issue of identity for women and children so they may have a fighting chance for opportunity.
mariana dahan
world identity foundation
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Apartments for rent in historic downtown Macon, Georgia.
Gracing 347 College Street since 1924, The Massee stands eight-stories tall and has seventy-four units consisting of one and two bedroom apartments, efficiencies and studios. Each apartment has its own character and charm and is loaded with period details; many units offer commanding views of over Macon. The building is nestled on a quiet historic street lined with many beautiful homes.
Our on-site leasing office at 347 College Street is open Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Plan for a large 2 bedroom apartment.
Plan for a double studio unit.
Plan for a 1 bedroom apartment.
A living room at The Massee with period furnishings.
Subway-style tile laid in running bond pattern, typical of the era.
The Massee's leasing office, located directly off the lobby.
The elegant lobby with marble flooring, wrought iron doors, and deep plaster cornice.
© 2013 Andrex Holdings Ltd.


This features the most advanced techniques of Full-Contact Karate including lessons from the president of Shinkyokushinkai-Kenji Midori.This is also the first DVD to Shin Kyokushin Karate that has an English subtitled comprehensive introduction.
The cabin was clean and cozy dog training step by step and dog training step by step conveniently located right near pigeon forge where all the stores and attractions are. Manager Response: Thank you for your kind review, Fred.
19/08/2016 · learn nunchaku step by step http://kungfureal.com nunchaku is a good weapon for Bruce Lee .Beginner bruce lee nunchaku should be noted that the problem ?


uPVC Windows Birmingham has all the solutions to your Birmingham uPVC windows hinges needs. No matter what kind of uPVC window borders you have, we can supply with any spare part you need. We manufacture all uPVC Windows Birmingham products with the client in mind.
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It is not easy to decide where the story of the judgement first evolved, when two women fight over a child. When the women were fighting over a child, King Solomon had ordered that the child be split in two and to give the two halves to the two women, like they would split such disputed property. The true mother had cried out pleading with the king, not to kill the child, but to give him to the other woman, while the false claimant had agreed to the split. The king decided to give the custody of the child to the true mother.
This story is found in the Ummagga Jataka, where Mahaoushada draws a line on the ground and asks the two women to pull the child. Most of the Jataka stories are based on ancient Indian folk lore, and thus could predate the story of Solomon. It could also have spread to China, from India.
The same story in a slightly different version is found in the Chinese classical verse play, by Li Quianfu during the 13th century. The childless first wife of a rich man poisons him and frames the second wife for the murder, to lay claim to the child of the second wife and her husband's estate. The second wife is found guilty and sentenced to be hanged, but Bao Zheng, the wise and upright 'Cultural Symbol of Justice in China' draws a chalk circle around the child and asks the two women to pull the child. The second wife refuses to hurt her child and is judged to be the child's true mother.
Bertolt Brecht had first written this as a short story, 'Der Augsburger Kredekris' (Augsberg Chalk Circle) in 1940. Brecht had written the play in 1944 when he was in the United States. It had been translated by Eric Bentley and first performed at Carlton College, Minnesota in 1948. Henry Jayasena brought the 'Hunu Wataye Kathawa' to the Sinhala stage in 1967, and it is still as popular as it had been 56 years ago.
We do not know if Brecht was influenced by the Jataka story or the Chinese play or other similar stories. However Brecht has given a political twist to the story, where it is not the biological mother, but the woman who took care of him who really loves the child, and deserved to be his mother. He attempts to show that selfishness and human greed could surpass even motherly love.
All these stories are supposed to show the wisdom and intelligence of the judge, and the fair decision given. Yet it also shows the way justice was meted out in a male dominated society. It is a man who is the judge, of the two women one is a selfish, unfeeling cruel creature, while the other is a good, kind, loving creature who is also submissive and ever ready to accept the decision of the dominant male.
In the story of King Solomon, did the mother really believe that the king meant the child to be split in half? Did she believe that the order was to be carried out? If the women and the others present believed that the child was to be killed, it would only show the sadistic reputation of the king. If the people believed he was a just and benevolent king, no one would have believed the child was in any danger. Then the mother would also have been playing a role which was expected of her, which the king too would have known.
In the Jataka and the Chinese story, the mother would have known that if she pulled the child by his hands, she would be hurting her child. If she really loved her child she would have refused to pull her child to her, when the order was given. Unless she too was playing her part in the public performance.
The other issue is the need to use or threaten violence to resolve issues or conflicts, in most of our history and literature. It is only in a society where extreme violence was very common, that even the thought of cutting a small child in two could even be conceived. We could say the same about ordering two women, both claiming to be the mother of the child, to pull the child from his limbs which could tear him apart.
Brecht was creating a play, where he had to make it as dramatic as possible. That could be the only reason why he had to make Grusha pull on the child's hands. But it also explains what the audience would have wanted to see. Could he not have found a more non-violent, simpler way to let Asadak give his judgement, the way he gave all his other decisions?
Ever since man became a violent, cruel creature, all our literature also took on a violent form. The readers and the audience too seemed to enjoy violence more than peaceful situations, and it would have created a vicious circle, with every new artistic creation bringing in more violence and the readers expecting still more violence.
And the valley to those who water it, that it may bear fruit."
That is the Golden Age Brecht would have wished for, and which we should all strive to attain.


Assemblytics is a web app for detecting and analyzing variants from a de novo genome assembly aligned to a reference genome. It incorporates a unique anchor filtering approach to increase robustness to repetitive elements, and identifies six classes of variants based on their distinct alignment signatures. Assemblytics can be applied both to comparing aberrant genomes, such as human cancers, to a reference, or to identify differences between related species. Multiple interactive visualizations enable in-depth explorations of the genomic distributions of variants. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: http://assemblytics.com, https://github.com/marianattestad/assemblytics CONTACT: mnattest@cshl.edu SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.


The new colonial movement: The leader of Dubai yesterday named the UAE's the two astronaut finalists, one of which will fly on a Soyuz to ISS sometime next year.
The ruler of Dubai has announced the names of two astronauts from the United Arab Emirates who will be heading to the International Space Station, a first for the Gulf nation. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who also serves as the UAE's vice president and prime minister, made the announcement on Monday on Twitter.
Sheikh Mohammed named the astronauts as Hazza al-Mansouri and Sultan al-Nayadi. Their missions are scheduled for next year.
No biographical information about these two men has yet been released, but I am willing to bet that some UAE politics played a part in their selection. This is not to say that they are unqualified (because both men were cleared to fly by the Russians) but to note the realities that always lurk within any government run space program.
The new colonial movement: The United Arab Emirates has reduced its astronaut candidate pool to nine in preparation for choosing the person who will fly on a Russian Soyuz to ISS.
These finalists will now undergo training and assessment by the Russians. The actual flight is presently set for April 2019.
The new colonial movement: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Russia signed an agreement this week to fly an UAE astronaut on a Russian Soyuz capsule to ISS in April 2019.
The mission will be a standard 10-day tourist mission, though of course they are not describing it like that. The announcement also does not state if the UAE paid Russia for this flight, but I expect so, just like any tourist flight. The price however was likely a lot less than Russia has been squeezing from the U.S. for its astronaut flights. UAE had also been discussing this with China, and the competition probably forced Russia to lower its price.
I had been hoping that one of the U.S.'s commercial capsules could have gotten this business, but because of the delays NASA has imposed on their initial launches, they haven't yet flown, so they lost the chance to compete for this.
UAE astronaut to fly to ISS on Soyuz?
According to a story in the Russian press a tourist on a flight planned for 2019 could be replaced by an astronaut from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The Russians and the UAE have signed a cooperative agreement, so this is possible. It could also be that the UAE has offered more money and thus moved up the queue. It could also be that this is premature. There have been many such stories in the past decade, but the Russians have not flown a tourist to ISS since 2009.
The new colonial movement: More that four thousand citizens of the United Arab Emirates have applied to become one of that nation's first four astronauts.
The Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) has received over 4,000 applications (aged between 17 and 67) from Emiratis aspiring to join the UAE Astronaut Programme, which was launched in December 2017 and was open for registrations for three months until March 2018. Funded by ICT Fund of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), the programme saw females constitute 34% of applicants.
Qualified candidates will be chosen by a selection committee, following which they will need to pass a basic medical and psychometric test, an initial interview, an advanced medical and psychometric test and a panel interview. The top four candidates who will form the UAE Astronauts Team by the end of 2018 will then undergo a series of training programmes divided into year-long basic training modules and advanced training modules, which will be conducted over three years.
Three years from now the UAE should have have several different manned spaceship options to fly these astronauts on, from government manned capsules from Russia or China or private capsules like SpaceX's Dragon or Boeing's Starliner.
Link here. The overall goals appear smart and worthwhile. They suffer from only one problem: This is a top-down policy, with the government attempting to drag the society forward in a specific direction. The direction might be a good one, but generally such efforts have limited success.
I have highlighted the key phrases. The first illustrates the recognition that less government regulation is best, a variation of the basic American idea of freedom. The second notes the importance of competition. Just as Congress is rewriting its space laws to make it easier for U.S. citizens and companies to compete in space, the UAE recognizes that it must do the same.
The space agencies of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Algeria have signed an agreement to enhance their collaboration in space.
The MoU defines a framework for collaboration in the peaceful use of space, in line with the UAE Space Agency's strategic plans to enhance collaboration with international stakeholders in the sector. The MoU covers various aspects of the peaceful use of outer space, as well as collaboration in the fields of policy-making, regulations, space science, technology, and human capital development in the space sector.
I didn't even know Algeria had a space agency.
The competition heats up: The Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has approved the start of construction of the prototypes for the UAE's Mars Mission, dubbed Hope.
Sheikh Mohammed gave the greenlight to start manufacturing the probe's prototypes, the Arab world's first Mars probe. The project places the UAE with the nine countries that aim to explore Mars. His Highness said: "UAE ambitions is to explore the outer space. We are investing in our national cadres to lead this project and contribute in expanding our knowledge about Mars. Hope Probe is a qualitative leap for UAE's scientific efforts, it the first contribution for the Arab world in this regard".
Sheikh Mohammed's remarks came while visiting the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) to open the second phase of the UAE satellite manufacturing and assembly complex, a multitasking facility capable of handling several space projects at a time.
It will be very interesting to see how this top-down mission proceeds, as it is being pushed heavily by the sheikh in a country with almost no experience in building such things.
The competition heats up: The cabinet of the United Arab Emirates has adopted a national space policy for the Arab nation.
This push by the UAE to become a major player in space is being entirely led by, to quote the story at the link, the "Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum." His effort is a good thing, but in many ways a hollow gesture. The UAE does not yet have the people or the infrastructure for its own space program. What they have is a lot of oil money, which will allow them to buy those skills from others. This is what they are doing for their Mars probe that they hope to launch in 2020.
Whether the skills will then remain within the UAE remains questionable.


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August 31, 2012 -- 2 Minutes With Jeremy Renner (qnews.com.au)
In the last 12 months alone Jeremy Renner has surged ahead in his career, emerging as Hollywood's latest go-to-guy. Once a staple in indie cinema, the two-time Academy Award nominated actor has solidified himself as a household name thanks to his turn as Hawkeye in the billion dollar smash hit 'The Avengers'. Now taking over the Bourne Identity franchise with his leading role in 'The Bourne Legacy', to say the sky's the limit for him is a colossal understatement. Travelling down under to attend the premiere of his new action film, QNews entertainment reporter Peter Gray was lucky enough to get a moment of one-on-one time with the man himself as he made his way down the red carpet.
Hi Jeremy, Peter from QNews
How you doing brother?
The last 12 months alone, you've had an incredible career, is this where you envisioned yourself when you started out, now with all the success that you've had?
No man…I feel like just having a job…I never had my sights set (on anything like this), to be given the opportunities for the movies I've done, to be a working actor I think just to be given a job (is the best thing).
What was it about 'The Bourne Legacy' that made you want to be a part of it?
I was a fan of the three previous films, I loved the style of filmmaking, love the director, the writing, the casting...it had all the challenges that made it fun to go to work.
I saw the film, it was great, did you do all your own stunts?
Yeah I did
You did? Very nice, the motorcycle scene was my favourite.
(Smiling) Yeah, yeah that was fun!
Well congratulations on everything, all your success
Thank you brother, thanks so much.
Source: qnews.com.au