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terriwriting · 5 months ago

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Possible locations for Gotham, Metropolis, & Smallville

A non-exhaustive list of places to put Gotham, Metropolis, or any other fictional city.

Notes:

Cities need reliable fresh water, transportation, and food.

Wonder Woman doesn't need a city. She already has Paradise Island.

Gotham

I'm more of a Superman fan, so my notes on Gotham are relatively short. Plus Metropolis comes in two variations, while Gotham just needs to be a city that is old enough to have old infrastructure and deep-rooted generational wealth.

Illinois/Indiana:

The Chicago-Gary area is the easiest place to put Gotham if you want to move it away from the East Coast. Hello Kitty Unpretty's Gotham is a Great Lakes city.

New Jersey:

The classic. There are two good places for a fictional city, but the one in the southern area of the state will be noticeably different from canon-Gotham.

The Camden-Rehoboth Bay corridor could be unified by an old canal system. Place Gotham one one end of the canal and Bluehaven (Bludhaven to cynical locals) on the other, according to your preference. Note that the Rehoboth Bay end is mostly mud and silt layered over more mud and silt, so you're probably better off placing Bludhaven here as a smaller city with few major towers. Either end will need extensive drainage (canals, storm drains, aqueducts, and reservoirs), so that's great for the crumbling infrastructure. Remember that if you place Gotham here, Batman's costume needs to be light, not armoured, or he'll be dead in a week from heat stroke.

The New Brunswick-Newark metropolitan area fits the climate we usually see in comics. Maybe throw in Staten Island as a little treat for New jersey.

In either case, the rest of the Justice League calls Batman Tony Soprano behind his back.

New York:

The NYC metro region with no city unification. Gotham is probably Manhattan, plus maybe Staten Island for rich people like Bruce.

Ohio:

A unified Cleveland-Akron-Canton metropolitan area with a higher population, maybe?

Rhode Island

My preferred headcanon: The Newport-Providence metropolitan area as a unified city. Bruce Wayne is old old money, some of the Wayne cousins were involved in the witch trials, and this fits the map published by Mayfair games.

Metropolis

Metropolis comes in two flavours: The more common one where Metropolis is a stand-in for an old East Coast US city, or; The Superman: TAS version where Metropolis is a new city, built under the influence of tech billionaire Lex Luthor. I like both.

If you like Clark and Lex as high school friends, that's not really compatible with a New Metro built by Lex Luthor. There's just not enough time for Lex to build anything more than a small suburb. But Lex could be manoeuvring to take control of Metropolis from his family, or from some other DCU billionaire like Simon Stagg.

Connecticut:

There are two good regions in Connecticut to place a fictional city: The Bridgeport-New Haven region, or; The area between the Connecticut River and Thames River.

The Bridgeport-New Haven version better fits the Old Metropolis version, but can also be used for the New Metro version. If you're going for Old Metro, in reality this area did industrialize before the NYC area (Which was dominated by shipping before it picked up light manufacturing), but the early industrialists didn't invest enough in the trade schools or financial institutions that would have let them keep that early advantage. Have a few mill owners and canal companies invest in engineering schools, have later industrial barons invest in office equipment manufacturing and chemical engineering, and you have your Old Metro. For your New Metro, genius tech billionaire Lex Luthor plants a few factories in the major population centres, buys up golf courses to turn them into company towns with inexpensive mid-density housing, and then uses his political and economic influence to pressure the municipalities to merge into his new Metropolis. This version of the New Metro will have more old architecture, but that's not a bad thing.

The Connecticut River-Thames River region fits either version. For an Old Metro, just have the area invest in trades and technical schools as with the Bridgeport-New Haven region. There are old whaling towns in this area so the region could move into shipbuilding, marine alloys engineering, and later railcars and elevators and escalators. This is an easy place to plant a fictional new city, with a low urban population and lots of farms, golf course, and camp/resort sites to buy out. An ambitious billionaire or group of wealthy investors could start a new urban centre with relative ease.

Delaware:

Most of the Delmarva region is mud. You're not going to build many skyscrapers here. But you could fit some in along the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal.

A Metropolis on the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal would probably be smaller than Metropolis is usually shown as, with maybe two million inhabitants instead of six-eight million. But this is comic books, so go with what feels right to your heart.

This works equally well for New or Old Metro.

New Jersey:

Have Bayonne & Newark industrialize early, deliver Staten Island unto New Jersey, invest heavily in education and financial institutions, unify Bayonne-Newark-Staten Island, and bada-bing bada-boom Lois Lane sounds like Carmela Soprano.

Staten Island isn't necessary, but you gotta put the fancy houses and big parks somewhere.

Works best with the Old Metro approach, but you could also have investors take over the urban area and push a lot of redevelopment.

New York:

There are a couple of good places in New York state for Metropolis.

For a New Metro, try the Chaumont Bay-Guffin Bay region. Access to rail, road, air, and sea shipping, and lots of tradespeople and professionals in nearby cities who are desperate for inexpensive housing.

For an Old Metro, you can't go wrong with a thinly-disguised NYC. Just file off the serial numbers, maybe some new rims, and drive it like you stole it.

Smallville

Generic East Coast:

If you're like me and prefer the feel of Bronze Age Smallville, you might want to keep Smallville as an East Coast town. This is easy. There's no reason for Smallville to be in the same state as Metropolis, so it can be anywhere from Maryland to Massachusetts. Towards the end of the Bronze Age it was generally described as vaguely New Jersey or Pennsylvania. East Coasters can entertain themselves imagining Clark Kent, MetU freshman, trying to order a pork roll and water ice in the Metropolis version of Eisenberg's Sandwich Shop.

Kansas:

The Flint Hills region matches modern continuity and the look of both the Smallville series and Bronze Age comics. Lawrence is a good model.

Special Mention: Susquehanna River

BludBluehaven: Great place for Nightwing to relocate to, regardless of where your Gotham is.

Gotham: Replaces Baltimore and/or Philadelphia as a rail and sea hub.

Metropolis: Great for the New Metro.

Opal City: Gotta go somewhere, and this matches the map DC published.

Smallville: Depends on what version you prefer.

What About The Teen Titans?

Fuck Marv Wolfman, that's what.

#superman #batman #metropolis #gotham #smallville

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kalinko · 1 month ago

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bug david 𓆣

pinterest || playlist || art

bug david is a canadian veteran and sniper who has been running heists for two decades. following her rough childhood and military tour during the gulf war, she entered a partnership with michael townley and trevor philips. her life was thick was hedonism for ten years – murder, drugs, sex, money. she only came down to earth following the botched heist of ‘04, which pushed her into hiding and she presumed her old friends were dead. in 2010, he moved to los santos for a fresh start and took assassination contracts for her primary source of income. three years later, bug was put in contact with lester crest, and subsequently reignited her unorthodox friendships.

name: bug david (nee melissa david) was given the nickname ‘bug-eyes’ in the military (later shortened to ‘bug’) and she opted to use that name over her birth name pretty much exclusively.

age: 49 in 2013 (main story of gta v) d.o.b. august 21st, 1964

gender: ??? (she/he pronouns) was socialised primarily as a dude growing up and while in the military; bug does not care much for gender generally and thinks it’s unimportant. does however hate being referred to as ‘melissa’, and responds neutrally to both feminine and masculine terms, so take that as you will.

sexuality: ??? bug never bothered labelling herself because she thought it was pointless given that he was never into traditional relationships. there has been flings with men, women, everything in between.

timeline

(cw: abuse, ptsd, drug addiction, miscarriage, overdose. list is not extensive, read w/ caution)

1964: bug is born in new brunswick to parents katlin milliea and terrence david. she is the youngest child and has five older brothers.

1967: due to her parents marrying, bug’s mother loses her native status and is forced out of the mi'kmaq reservation. the family move to saskatchewan, to a small town on the canada-us border.

1972: bug’s mother engages in sex work to pay off her father’s drug debts. when under the care of their father, the children are subjected to physical and verbal abuse.

1980: after her 16th birthday, bug moves into an apartment with her brothers to escape their turbulent home life. three of bug’s eldest brothers enlist in the military.

1982: bug scrapes the grades necessary to graduate from high school.

1984: while attending community college, bug works odd jobs at a local slaughterhouse.

1989: bug drops out of community college and opts to enlist in the military following the legalisation of women in combat roles.

1990: bug is deployed as a field sniper in the middle east during the gulf war.

1991: bug is discharged following a suicide attempt.

1992: bug returns to canada and moves along the border. she self-medicates with recreational drugs due to ptsd.

1993: bug picks up shady shooting jobs due to her lack of education and skills outside of military experience. these include illegal poachings, and cheap assassinations (usually scorned spouses looking to get rid of their partners)

1994: at a shooting range, bug is approached by michael townley who propositions a job. she is hired as sniper support for an armored truck heist. bug meets trevor for the first time.

1995: bug & trevor enter a complex emotional and sexual relationship, which they keep from michael.

1999: bug & michael’s friendship begins to deteriorate due to her jealousy regarding the bond he has with trevor.

2003: the trio temporarily moved to north yankton to carry out a handful of jobs.

2004: michael sets up the lundendorff heist but bug refuses to participate due to their tumultuous relationship. bug finds out she is pregnant and opts to tell trevor when they return from ludendorff. the botched heist takes place. bug goes into hiding in the north of canada and later suffers a miscarriage.

2005: after a year of searching with no leads, bug presumes trevor and michael to be dead. bug becomes reliant on a myriad of drugs, primarily heroin.

2007: bug attempts to get back into heists but ends up murdering her replacement crew in an emotional fit.

2010: after an epiphany following a near-overdose, bug sporadically packs up and moves to los santos.

2011: bug works at a bar part-time while taking assassination contracts for her primarily form of income. bug serves community service after being caught trespassing in an abandoned building.

2013: bug is contacted by lester crest for a job, and informed michael is alive and ‘back in the game’. through his intel, she discovers trevor is alive. she rekindles her old friendships with the pair.

#kalinkart #bug #gta oc #grand theft auto #gta v #finally wrote up her bio kinda sorta #theres like so much more lore on bug ngl but itd be such a LONG post if i dumped it all here

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bighermie · 8 months ago

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Dailywire Article

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revlyncox · 5 months ago

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Answering the Call of Democracy

We draw from the deep well of our tradition and from our experience in community to find the joy, strength, peace, and love we need to help every voter to find their voice. This sermon was delivered to The Unitarian Society in East Brunswick, NJ, by Rev. Lyn Cox on September 15, 2024.

A little more than four years ago, I was bracing in the early morning cold outside of a Baltimore city high school with three people I had never met before, strangers who would be a team for the morning. It was unusually quiet at first. We watched legions of pilgrims for democracy come to set up for the day, arriving in almost reverent silence. Some of the poll workers were already inside. At a respectful distance from the entrance, there were tables from a few civic organizations along the plaza between the parking lot and the door. We had a little table, but we didn’t stay behind it, preferring to greet people and circulate through the crowd.

I was with a group of election defenders. We had been trained by a nationwide pro-democracy group in de-escalation tactics and in nonpartisan voting resources. We were there in case there were attempts to use violence or threats to suppress the vote, or in case someone was turned away from the polls unfairly and needed help accessing resources to address that, or in case someone wanted a referral to information about how to vote. We also gave out bottled water and warmly greeted every voter.

My team included a Baltimore City school teacher who was also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and had done a lot of get-out-the-vote organizing. There was a UU activist in their early twenties who was new to Baltimore, but not new to de-escalation training. Rounding out our team was a newly retired person who had never done any kind of election or political volunteering before; she came from Annapolis because they had more than enough volunteers there. We got to know each other a little bit in between making ourselves useful to the voters. It was a nonpartisan group doing a nonpartisan activity; we did not make distinctions about who we helped, and most of the time we didn’t know who the people we helped supported politically. Each one of us had different motivations for volunteering to ensure that every person who was eligible and showed up to vote got their chance to participate in democracy.

For myself, I wanted the experience of voting to feel safe and joyful for everyone, especially first-time voters, and I wanted to build community with people in my own city. In the election four years prior to that, I had been working away from home in a battleground state, and I saw a lot of behavior during the campaign and directly after the election that was designed to intimidate people out of claiming their power. I am a person with a fair amount of racial and class privilege, plus professional experience talking to strangers, and I felt that I could spend that privilege to help people feel less alone if they were worried about intimidating behavior. We didn’t have any trouble at our location. I know that, nationwide, volunteers in our group made a difference in the voter experience.

On that election day, our table was far enough away from the entrance that we were in the zone where candidates for office would come through to greet people in line and hand out flyers. It was exciting to see people with differing viewpoints expressing excitement and hope for what could be possible in local and state governments. The lines moved quickly, but they were long sometimes. While I don’t love long lines at the polls and there should not be a disparity in the wait times at different polling locations, at least in this case it felt festive to have so many neighbors gathered in one place. Lots of people were confused about why we were there without promoting a candidate or a ballot measure. We repeated often that we simply wanted everyone who was eligible to be able to vote.

At one point when the lines weren’t as long, I went closer to the entrance to ask the poll workers if they needed anything when a young man walked through the plaza on his way to somewhere else. He was kind of skinny, with short hair, tattoos in sharp relief against his pale skin, and well-worn clothing. The young man asked what the crowds were for. We told him it was election day and invited him to vote. He said he wasn’t registered, but then the poll worker got to tell him that Maryland has same-day voter registration. If he was eligible, he could vote that day. And he did. When that first-time voter came out of the polling location he had the biggest smile and called out that this is the greatest country in the world. I get teary just thinking about that.

We didn’t know that day how the election was going to turn out, and we weren’t there to advocate for an outcome. Nevertheless, even with the uncertainty of the process and the risk that we might need to use our de-escalation training in the face of voter intimidation, our hearts were full as we supported our neighbors that day. Joining together with neighbors to be part of the democratic process brought me joy. I am reminded of the gospel song by Shirley Ceasar, which I learned from the Resistance Revival Chorus:

This joy that I have, the world didn’t give it to me

The world didn’t give it, the world can’t take it away

There are forces that hunger for power-over instead of collective wellbeing. Those principalities and powers do affect us, and it is our constant mission to resist them, but we need not give up our joy or our sense of relationship or our vulnerability or our capacity to act out of our values. Our joy can come from an indwelling sense of connection, from a relationship with the love that will not let us go, from a vision of the Beloved Community that could be and that we are creating sparks of in every moment. Hope, to me, is not wishful thinking, it is the choice to act in congruence with love, no matter what happens with short-term outcomes.

The hope that I have for participatory decision-making in my community, the world didn’t give it to me.

The strength that I have to reach out and be vulnerable in conversation with neighbors about the issues we face together, the world didn’t give it to me.

The peace that I have as I try to build community and make things better with a full appreciation of my own and others imperfections, the world didn’t give it to me.

The world didn’t give it. The world can’t take it away.

This is the election sermon. It is a longstanding tradition in our faith, going back to the 1700s, for the minister to preach right before an election about democracy and the responsibilities of citizens and elected officials. The election sermon isn’t about advocating for candidates or parties, but is about illuminating our theology and values as many of us prepare to apply those values in public life. I could have waited until November 3 to preach this sermon. But with vote-by-mail and early voting, the time when people are actually casting their ballot varies more than it used to, so I thought I would beat the rush.

It is true to our tradition and in compliance with the law that the election sermon doesn’t deal with political parties or candidates. As a faith community, we can absolutely talk about issues and about how we frame certain topics in terms of our theology and our values. All day, every day, we can talk about bodily autonomy, environmental justice, immigration justice, and dismantling the carceral system. Up to a certain percentage of our congregational volunteer and staff time and resources can be used to lobby for specific legislation or ballot measures. But if we’re not naming specific legislation or parties or people, the conversation is open. [The UUA has a resource called “The Real Rules” to help us understand what we can and can’t do as a nonpartisan faith-based group.] As a private individual, I have my own thoughts and am allowed to vote and donate and do all of the other things other citizens can do. In my role as your minister, I don’t need to be partisan to be grounded in our Unitarian Universalist tradition and to speak about the way the love at the center of our faith flowers outward into public life.

And I think we do need to talk about that. Our tradition, our ethics, our values should guide the way we act in the world. Our spiritual lives should inform the way we analyze the choices we make in public life. The obligations we take on as members of a faith community, the people and forces to whom we are accountable, should be on our minds and hearts as we go through our discernment about how to interact with the democratic process. Even for those of us who don’t have the right to vote due to age or nationality or for some other reason can be part of the conversation.

The revised bylaws of the Unitarian Universalist Association remind us that we value “Justice. We work to be diverse multicultural Beloved Communities where all thrive. We covenant to dismantle racism and all forms of systemic oppression. We support the use of inclusive democratic processes to make decisions within our congregations, our Association, and society at large.”

Similarly, the UUA bylaws remind us that we value “Equity. We declare that every person has the right to flourish with inherent dignity and worthiness.

We covenant to use our time, wisdom, attention, and money to build and sustain fully accessible and inclusive communities.”

These words from Article II of the UUA bylaws came out of a multi-year process of input from individual UU’s and from congregations, discussion, and voting two years in a row by delegates from congregations. Though they are articulated in a way that is fresh and current, the values in our bylaws arise out of the context of all that has come before, our history and our heritage and the living tradition of our theology. The love at the center of our faith has deep origins in the experiences of our ancestors and in our own experience with meaning and purpose. The world can’t take it away.

The UUA bylaws speak to the way we want to be as an Association of Congregations, and they also speak to the kind of world we want to live in beyond our congregations. “We support the use of inclusive democratic processes to make decisions within our congregations, our Association, and society at large.” To me, protecting voting rights and providing support and encouragement for every eligible person to vote is a core expression of our Unitarian Universalist faith.

The joy and peace and strength and love we bring matters. When we stay grounded in our community and connected to those forces, the world can’t take them away. Attempts at voter intimidation can’t take away our strength. Disinformation can’t take away our peace. Voter suppression masked as cynicism can’t take away our joy. The love that we have at our center endures.

The work of democracy can call us to be vulnerable, courageous, and creative. The work asks us to engage in good faith with people we don’t know and might disagree with, and to find energy and hope for the world we might be able to grow into. It is spiritual work that begins with reflection. What is your origin story? What experience do you have with the impact of public policy that moves you to participate in voting or in advocacy? What values move you to act? Whose wellbeing are you holding in your heart?

You might be more mindful of different aspects of your origin story depending on the conversation or the decision in front of you. You can have more than one retelling of your origin story. My point is that your context matters. And the context of the people you talk with or write to matters. One of my origin stories is the impact of this nation’s caregiving crisis on our family.

As many of you know, it is my honor to be a direct caregiver. I spend a lot of time on the phone and in person coordinating appointments, keeping track of prescriptions, following up on lab work, and advocating for treatment. Like many of you, I have experience with the current state of emergency room care. Getting and keeping health insurance used to be harder, and it still has a long way to go before it is affordable, equitable, effective, and easy to navigate for everyone. It matters to me that the local, state, and federal government protects access to affordable health insurance, works toward prescription drug price caps, and takes an honest look at public health and health disparities. It matters to me that my government keeps its promises to veterans like my dad, and that my government maintains a standard of care that supports the health and bodily autonomy of teens like my children. My experience as a caregiver directly informs the way I seek out information about policy and the way I advocate in public life.

What about you? What is your origin story? What personal experience do you have with regard to the impact of climate change, or the devastation of over-incarceration, or the immigration experience, or the necessity of access to gender-affirming care or to reproductive health care, or access to the right to vote? Maybe you have a personal story, or are impacted by a family story, or you are moved by the experience of a friend or an ally. Think for a moment about your hopes for the future, and the who and the why of the world you dream about.

If you write postcards or letters to voters, or if you do phone banking or door-knocking, keep your origin story in mind, and remember that everyone you meet also has their own origin story. Often, though not always, being curious about the other person’s story can help us to find common ground and to work together across differences. Just about everyone we might talk with about public issues has someone they care about whose wellbeing is directly impacted by government policy. We might not agree on what we think the causes and effects are, but once we can regard each other as human beings who care about our families and friends, and who want the people we love to be able to thrive, there may be a way forward to talking about the issues.

This is how putting love at the center plays out. Relationships are at the heart of a healthy democracy. It does take some openness and groundedness to reflect on our values and what they mean for our choices. It takes spiritual practice to accept with grace the imperfections of ourselves and our society and to keep pursuing a better world anyway. It takes vulnerability and courage to come to terms with our origin story, and to be genuinely curious about the stories of those we meet. Love is alive in every aspect of that path. Inner peace is waiting at the place where we overcome our fear and our perfectionism. Joy abounds as we embrace what a world of justice and equity could mean, and as we find connection with all those who join together in creating the future of a free and fair democracy.

This joy that we have, this peace that we have, this strength that we have, this love that we have, were given to us, at least in part, by our living tradition. Together, let us celebrate joy, peace, strength, and love, and let us put them into practice as we help every voter to find their voice.

So be it. Blessed be. Amen.

#unitarian universalism #uu #UU the Vote #voting

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mybeingthere · 1 year ago

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George Segal (1924 - 2000) was born in New York City. His parents ran a butcher shop on 174th Street in the Bronx. By the time Segal was attending Stuyvesant High School in Lower Manhattan, his family had moved to New Jersey to run a chicken farm. Segal, who stayed on with relatives in New York to finish high school, was later admitted to the prestigious Cooper Union Art School. When his older brother Morris was drafted in 1940, George moved from New York to New Jersey to help support his family on the farm. Segal went on to spend the rest of his productive life in the bedroom community of New Brunswick, New Jersey.

For decades throughout his art career, Segal traveled by bus into Manhattan. Entering the city through the Port Authority bus terminal on Fortieth Street and Eighth Avenue, Segal explored the hidden nooks of the city with his camera. Segal traveled to neighborhoods such as the Bowery and the East Village to experience the city and interact with its various inhabitants. As a native New Yorker, Segal was one of them. But as an artist, Segal’s role shifted to that of observer. He then translated observation and insight into sculptural form, rendering vignettes of daily urban life into aggregates of ghostly—but realistic—plaster and bronze figures. Widely regarded as one of the 20th century’s most influential sculptors, George Segal died in 2000.

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savvy-sutton · 2 years ago

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[ elizabeth lail | 35 | cis woman | she/her ] Hey, look! It’s [SAVANNAH SUTTON] at [TEQUILA COWBOY]. Did you know they [WORK] there as a [BARTENDER]? I guess they’re from [BRUNSWICK, GEORGIA] and have been in town for [SIX MONTHS], living in [SUTHERLAND PARK]. I also heard they’re a little [SECRETIVE], but also very [KIND] which definitely makes sense.

Savannah grew up in Georgia and was best friends with Dean Walker. The two were inseparable growing up and he was her protector from all the people in her life who tried to hurt her, like her father and the various boys she dated over the years. She fell in love with him before she realized and by the time she did figure it out, it was too late.

When she was twenty one, Savannah started dating Eric, her old ex-boyfriend from high school who used to put his hands on her. Five years later when Eric asked her to marry him, Savannah had convinced herself things weren’t that bad. Or maybe he had just convinced her that no one else would ever love her. Either way, she married him when she was twenty seven and resigned herself to a life just like the one she grew up in. She and Dean stopped speaking after that, an argument that left their lifelong friendship in tatters.

Because of her relationship with Eric, Savannah never went to school, she never pursued a higher education. She worked dead end jobs and relied completely on her husband for everything. The longer they were married the worse things got, especially when she failed to get pregnant and disappointed him over and over. She paid for those disappointments greatly.

Six months ago things hit a new low and Savannah decided she was tired of hiding things, lying to cover for a man she hated. She left in the middle of the night with the little bit of money she’d managed to hide from him over the last year and she ran as far as she could get on a tank of gas. East Haven, Vermont, her new home.

Savannah has been working at a local country bar for the last six months as a bartender and living in a run down one bedroom house for the last month after saving enough while she was sleeping in her car or a motel. It’s a damn miracle she hasn’t run into Dean yet, that can’t last much longer.

#about #abuse tw #alcoholism tw

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wilburpan · 5 months ago

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Any thoughts on a new high school?

Over the past months, I've talked with several hundred East Brunswick residents, and a number of folks have asked me on my thoughts regarding a new high school building vs. renovating and adding onto the current one. That is a very good and important question.

As a baseline, here’s where I am coming from on this issue. Decision making on a huge project like this starts with setting priorities, and there are many options here. One way is to make cost the top priority, and do something for the absolute cheapest price possible. There are obvious merits to this approach, of course, but one thing that tends to happen is that corners get cut that make sense in the short term that do not make sense the long term.

My priority would be to provide the best educational environment for our students possible for the decades to come. This is not a request for a blank check on this project, of course. But I look at this priority as a way of ensuring that the decisions to be made are looked at with the big picture in mind. EBHS is coming up on its 70th birthday. Whatever we do should hold up over at least that amount of time.

Since I’m not on the school board (yet! 😆), the information that I have on a new high school vs. renovating the current structure is the same that anyone else has. And so I can’t say with any honesty what the plan should be, because I have no illusions that I have enough information to make that decision.

The information that we do have is that there are two plans that were presented, one for renovation and addition to the current building, and one for a new building altogether. I have no reason to believe that those two plans are the only ones possible, nor do I know whether the end product of either proposal is really the best one for our students for the next 70+ years. So I’ll just note that to talk about these two proposals as if they are the only options is premature.

In addition, this sort of thing can’t happen without input from the families of East Brunswick, and it's not clear to me that those two proposals was done with adequate input from our families. There’s no way such an important part of our town can be built without involving the people of the town, and I would not want to be part of a plan that did not allow the public to weigh in on what they want to see in the high school building, whatever form it takes.

But here’s how I see things.

Renovation+expansion:

Pros:

Lower initial cost

Maintain historic connection to EBHS

Likely easier to convince the community of this plan

Cons:

Will disrupt student experience

Limited space to expand footprint

More time

Potential pitfalls with environmental mitigation and unexpected findings (asbestos, etc.)

More difficult to add infrastructure to old part of building (A/C, water, etc.)

More difficult to add or expand new facilities on old floor plan (adding a swimming pool, more locker room space and storage for gym and sports program, etc.)

New building:

Pros:

Can design floor plan from scratch, making addition of facilities easier

Can build for long term

Easier to implement efficiencies (energy, construction methods)

Shorter time for construction

Less disruption for students

Cons:

Higher initial cost

Need buy-in from the community

I will say that overall, I’m leaning towards new construction, for three main reasons. First, the current building is not very well suited for expansion. My understanding is that most of the building cannot have a second floor added on top, which severely limits how the footprint of the building can be enlarged. In addition, the geography of the property limits how much expansion can be done, because of how the ground falls away from the high school building.

Second, new construction comes with considerable time savings over a renovation. The initial cost will be higher, of course. But one thing to consider is that there are ways of recovering the cost, but there’s no way to recover time. A renovation and expansion will take more time, and be disruptive to the students. There’s an old saying in project management — “Good, fast, and cheap. You get to pick two.” This definitely applies here.

Finally, I think new construction is the easiest way to end up with a 21st century high school building that will last for the next 70 years. If we add onto the old building, it is highly likely that at some point in the future we’ll think something like, “It would have been nice to have put in a school swimming pool back then.” It will be extremely unlikely that such a thing would be added to the building in the future if we don’t do it now. But with new construction, this sort of thing is far easier to plan and implement.

I’d like to note that I know that by committing these thoughts in writing, some people will disagree. There will be voters out there that will read this and immediately think, “That guy is going to raise my taxes! No way am I going to vote for him!” (That’s not what I’m saying, and I do think that this is a point that's worth more discussion.) Which is fine, of course. Voters can make up their own minds about their reactions on where I stand on things. That’s how democracy works.

The reason I’m going into this much detail in answering this question is that I’m committed to clear communication and transparency, and I think it’s fair to let you all know where my brain is at. It would be far easier for me to give an extremely noncommittal answer, which would be the safe thing for me to do. But it’s not about me. It’s about what’s best for the kids.

Hope that helps. I’m more than happy to discuss this further.

=====

One last thing — I do have a point of reference for what’s possible for a high school building. That’s Homewood-Flossmoor High School, my alma mater. (It's in the picture at the top.) The towns of Homewood and Flossmoor, which make up the school district, are in the south suburbs of Chicago, and this area is very similar to East Brunswick. This was the town that people moved to for the school system, and it’s considered one of the best in the greater Chicago area. The Homewood-Flossmoor area has become more diverse over time. My high school was built only 2 years after EBHS was built. Sometimes I think that the only difference between where I grew up and EB is that everything was red instead of green.

H-F did add onto the original high school over the years, to the point where the footprint is now 35% larger than it was when I graduated from high school. And there are new facilities in H-F that did not exist when I was there: a swimming pool, a diving pool, multiple new performance and rehearsal spaces for music and theater, an expanded athletic facility, dedicated space for the practical arts, including a full auto shop with a lift, an audio/video recording studio — the list goes on and on.

And they’re not done. There’s a new 2-story science wing that is being built this year. This project is big enough that it requires a new water drainage line and three concrete mixers on site.

I’m not yet sure how and why my old school district was able to accomplish this over the years, but my sense is that they took an approach of continuous investment and improvement in the physical facilities over time. The area that I grew up in isn’t richer than East Brunswick, so it's not a matter of having more money. Cook County has very high property taxes, and people there complain about high property taxes like we do here, so it’s not like they are inclined to spend more money on the schools just for the sake of doing so. And the Chicago area was hit with the same economic problems that we have (housing downturn, COVID, etc.), so many of the same challenges were an issue there. But what this tells me that something like this is possible.

#east brunswick #board of education

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the-garbanzo-annex-jr · 8 months ago

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by Devora Simon and Rabbi Micah Greenland

The blatant antisemitic act regarding the 2024 edition of the East Brunswick High School yearbook recently made headlines. The action resulted in a picture of Muslim students replacing the original photograph of the Jewish students who are part of the Jewish Student Union (JSU) club. In addition, there is a complete absence of the names of the Jewish students. JSU, a division of NCSY, stands in unwavering support of our students, advisers and parent community at East Brunswick High School in New Jersey.

For more than a decade, our club at the school has provided a vital space for Jewish students to connect, learn and thrive. Lately, however, this sanctuary has been threatened by a climate of antisemitism. We echo the strong statements of East Brunswick Mayor Brad Cohen, who declared, “Hate has no place in East Brunswick and antisemitism will not be tolerated,” and we eagerly await the investigation by Dr. Victor Valeski, superintendent of the East Brunswick Public School System, into these heinous acts. This incident is sadly not an outlier since similar graduation ceremonies or yearbook instances of antisemitism have occurred across the United States.

The issue and response

The rise in antisemitic incidents on college campuses has received a lot of attention in recent months. However, high school students are experiencing much of the same harassment, discrimination and intimidation—and high-schoolers have nowhere else to go. They have to go to school, and they often don’t get to choose which one.

The incident at East Brunswick High School is not an isolated phenomenon but part of a disturbing national trend. Jewish students have increasingly found themselves the targets of hate, harassment and discriminatory rhetoric. These acts undermine the very principles of inclusivity and safety that educational institutions are supposed to uphold. At JSU, we have always prided ourselves on creating an inclusive environment where Jewish students feel safe and supported. This year, more than ever, JSU has been a crucial refuge, a beacon in the dark for Jewish teens across North America.

Against that backdrop, JSU has experienced unprecedented growth over the course of this school year, as we have seen an outpouring of support and interest in our programs. Attendance at our clubs is up more than 20%, and we have received more than 100 requests to open new clubs nationwide. This surge in interest underscores the urgent need for safe spaces where Jewish students can gather, learn and support one another.

The impact of antisemitic incidents on the feelings of safety and acceptance among our teens cannot be understated. These acts of hatred not only affect the immediate victims but also send shockwaves through the entire Jewish community, fostering a climate of fear and alienation. As Mayor Cohen aptly noted, such hatred has no place in East Brunswick or anywhere else. We are committed to working with school authorities, community leaders and law enforcement to ensure that these incidents are thoroughly investigated and that perpetrators are held accountable.

This issue is not confined to East Brunswick or even the United States. Antisemitism is a growing disease that knows no borders. In Canada, Jewish students face similar challenges, as incidents of hate continue to rise. The global Jewish community must stand united against these threats, reinforcing our commitment to safety and inclusivity.

#east brunswick #east brunswick new jersey #jsu #jewish student union #antisemitism #academia

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collingsrealestate · 6 months ago

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Understanding the Brunswick East Real Estate Market

An Overview of Brunswick East's Property Landscape

Brunswick East is a vibrant suburb in Melbourne known for its eclectic blend of historic charm and modern living. The property landscape in Brunswick East features a diverse array of homes, from classic Victorian terraces and Edwardian cottages to contemporary apartments and townhouses. This variety caters to a wide range of buyers and renters, reflecting the suburb’s rich cultural tapestry and historical significance.

The cultural and historical background of Brunswick East plays a crucial role in shaping its real estate market. Originally an industrial area, the suburb has evolved into a trendy residential neighborhood characterized by its artistic vibe and multicultural community. Historical architecture adds to the charm, while modern developments cater to new demands, creating a dynamic property landscape.

Several key factors drive demand in Brunswick East’s real estate market. The suburb’s proximity to Melbourne CBD, combined with its strong sense of community and local amenities, makes it highly attractive. Additionally, Brunswick East's reputation for its vibrant arts scene, diverse food offerings, and accessible public transport further enhances its appeal.

Current Trends Shaping Brunswick East Real Estate

Recent property price movements in Brunswick East reveal a steady upward trend, driven by high demand and limited supply. The suburb’s desirability has led to increased competition among buyers, pushing property values higher. This trend reflects broader patterns in Melbourne's real estate market, where inner-city suburbs are increasingly sought after.

Sustainable living is becoming more prominent in Brunswick East. Many new developments incorporate eco-friendly features such as energy-efficient appliances and sustainable building materials. This shift towards greener living is influencing the types of properties being developed and renovated, appealing to environmentally-conscious buyers and investors.

Changing demographics also play a role in shaping the Brunswick East real estate market. The suburb attracts a mix of young professionals, families, and students, each with different housing needs and preferences. This diverse demographic profile influences property types and market dynamics, contributing to Brunswick East’s vibrant and evolving real estate landscape.

The Role of Location in Brunswick East Real Estate

Location is a critical factor in Brunswick East’s real estate market. Its proximity to Melbourne CBD makes it a desirable location for those who want to enjoy the benefits of city living while residing in a more suburban setting. This accessibility contributes to higher property values and attracts both buyers and renters seeking convenience and connectivity.

Local amenities, including schools, parks, and public transport, significantly enhance the appeal of Brunswick East properties. The suburb boasts excellent educational institutions, such as Brunswick East Primary School, and a variety of green spaces like the Edinburgh Gardens, which are popular among residents. Public transport options, including trains and buses, provide easy access to Melbourne’s central areas and other suburbs, further increasing Brunswick East’s attractiveness.

Different streets and neighborhoods within Brunswick East offer varied living experiences. For instance, streets closer to the CBD, like Nicholson Street, tend to feature higher property values due to their central location and easy access to amenities. In contrast, areas further from the city center, such as those near the Merri Creek, may offer more spacious homes and a quieter environment, appealing to families and those seeking a more relaxed lifestyle.

Buying Property in Brunswick East Real Estate Market

What to Consider When Purchasing Brunswick East Real Estate

When buying property in Brunswick East, several factors should be considered. First, it’s important to evaluate the condition and features of the property. Buyers should inspect the property thoroughly to ensure it meets their needs and preferences. Understanding the property’s condition, potential maintenance issues, and any renovations required is crucial for making an informed decision.

Assessing the potential for property value appreciation is another key consideration. Brunswick East’s real estate market has shown consistent growth, but buyers should research market trends and consult with local experts to gauge future value prospects. Factors such as upcoming infrastructure projects, changes in local zoning laws, and broader economic conditions can influence property values.

Due diligence is essential when purchasing a home in Brunswick East. This includes reviewing property records, checking for any legal issues, and understanding the local market conditions. Working with a qualified real estate agent can help navigate these aspects and ensure a smooth buying process.

Working with a Brunswick East Real Estate Agent

Choosing the right real estate agent is crucial for a successful property search in Brunswick East. Look for agents with a strong track record in the area and a deep understanding of the local market. A knowledgeable agent can provide valuable insights, help identify suitable properties, and negotiate effectively on your behalf.

Local expertise is particularly beneficial when buying in Brunswick East. An agent familiar with the suburb’s unique neighborhoods and market trends can offer guidance tailored to your needs. Success stories from other buyers who have found their ideal homes with the help of local agents can serve as valuable references.

Financing Your Brunswick East Property Purchase

Exploring mortgage options is an important step for Brunswick East buyers. Different financial institutions offer various loan products, so it’s essential to compare rates and terms to find the best fit for your needs. Consulting with a mortgage broker can help identify suitable financing options and secure favorable loan conditions.

Securing financing in a competitive market requires preparation. Buyers should ensure their financial documents are in order and be ready to make a strong offer when they find the right property. First-time buyers, in particular, should seek guidance on navigating the mortgage process and understanding the costs associated with purchasing a property.

Selling Your Property in Brunswick East Real Estate Market

Preparing Your Brunswick East Home for Sale

Preparing your Brunswick East home for sale involves several key steps. Home staging can enhance the property’s appeal, making it more attractive to potential buyers. Simple updates such as fresh paint, decluttering, and landscaping can significantly improve the home’s presentation.

Pricing your property competitively is crucial for a successful sale. Research recent sales in Brunswick East to determine a fair market value for your home. An experienced real estate agent can provide a comparative market analysis to help set an appropriate price.

Effective marketing strategies are essential for attracting buyers. Professional photography, online listings, and targeted advertising can help showcase your property’s features and reach a wider audience. Working with a real estate agent can streamline this process and ensure your property receives the attention it deserves.

Choosing the Right Time to Sell in Brunswick East

Timing can impact the success of your property sale in Brunswick East. Seasonal trends often affect the real estate market, with certain times of the year being more favorable for selling. Understanding these trends and consulting with your agent can help determine the best time to list your property.

Market conditions also influence the optimal time to sell. If the market is experiencing high demand and low inventory, it may be an ideal time to list your property. Case studies of successful sales in different market climates can provide insights into how timing and market conditions affect outcomes.

Navigating the Selling Process with a Brunswick East Real Estate Agent

A Brunswick East real estate agent plays a crucial role in managing offers and negotiations. They can help evaluate offers, negotiate terms, and handle any issues that arise during the selling process. Collaborating with your agent and maintaining clear communication is key to ensuring a smooth transaction.

Real-life examples of clients who have successfully sold their properties with the help of agents highlight the benefits of professional guidance. Agents with local expertise can provide strategic advice and support throughout the selling process, helping you achieve the best possible outcome.

Investing in Brunswick East Real Estate

Why Brunswick East is a Smart Investment Choice

Brunswick East offers promising investment opportunities due to its long-term growth prospects. The suburb’s popularity and ongoing development contribute to its appeal as an investment destination. Rental yields in Brunswick East are competitive compared to other Melbourne suburbs, making it an attractive option for investors.

Key investment opportunities in Brunswick East include residential properties and redevelopment projects. As the suburb continues to evolve, opportunities for adding value through renovations or new developments can provide significant returns.

Strategies for Successful Real Estate Investment in Brunswick East

When investing in Brunswick East, location is a critical factor. Identifying high-potential areas within the suburb can maximize investment returns. Researching neighborhood trends, property values, and future developments can help make informed investment decisions.

Managing investment properties effectively is also important. Considerations such as tenant selection, property maintenance, and rental pricing play a role in achieving successful outcomes. Professional property management services can assist with these aspects and ensure a smooth investment experience.

The Future of Brunswick East Real Estate Investment

Predictions for Brunswick East’s real estate market suggest continued growth and development. Upcoming infrastructure projects and changes in local zoning laws may influence property values and investment opportunities. Staying informed about these developments and adapting investment strategies accordingly can help capitalize on future trends.

Sustainability and smart technology are likely to play a larger role in Brunswick East’s real estate market. Properties incorporating green features and advanced technologies may become increasingly desirable, presenting new investment opportunities.

The Lifestyle Appeal of Brunswick East Real Estate

Living in Brunswick East: What Residents Love

Brunswick East is celebrated for its cultural diversity and vibrant community. Residents appreciate the suburb’s unique blend of historic charm and modern amenities. Local amenities, such as parks, schools, and cafes, enhance the quality of life, making Brunswick East a sought-after location for families and professionals alike.

Testimonials from residents highlight the suburb’s friendly atmosphere and active community. The range of local events, cultural activities, and recreational opportunities contribute to a fulfilling lifestyle in Brunswick East.

The Dining and Entertainment Scene in Brunswick East

Brunswick East boasts a thriving dining and entertainment scene. The suburb is home to a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars, offering a diverse range of culinary experiences. Local nightlife and cultural events further enrich the community��s vibrant social scene.

Art and music also play a significant role in Brunswick East’s cultural landscape. The presence of galleries, live music venues, and creative spaces adds to the suburb’s appeal and fosters a dynamic cultural environment.

Brunswick East’s Green Spaces and Outdoor Activities

Brunswick East offers ample green spaces and recreational areas for residents to enjoy. Parks like Edinburgh Gardens and Merri Creek provide opportunities for outdoor activities, including picnicking, jogging, and cycling. The suburb’s commitment to maintaining green spaces supports an active and healthy lifestyle for its residents.

Community events and activities, such as outdoor markets and local festivals, bring residents together and foster a sense of community. These events, combined with the suburb’s natural beauty, contribute to Brunswick East’s appeal as a desirable place to live.

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ear-worthy · 7 months ago

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Podcasting Tech: Keeping Podcasts In High Gear

You might send out a nerd alert when you think about the host of a technology podcast. In the case of the Podcasting Tech Podcast and creator / host Mathew Passy you'd be totally wrong. First, Passy is just as comfortable in front of the mic as he is behind the scenes with the equipment. He is articulate, funny, engaging, and incisive.

Second, Mathew Passy is also a gearhead, and is Stephen Hawking level-knowledgeable about podcasting, and audio / video technology.

Podcasting Tech may be one of the best shows about podcasting technology, trends, and optimizing your podcast.

For example, a recent show with guest Pat Cheung, the founder of Fanlist, formerly known as PodInbox, explored the evolution of his company and its potential to transform a podcast.Fanlist simplifies the process for podcasters to effortlessly receive audio messages from their fans -- an excellent monetizing tool.

In this episode, Passy says: "We explore the inspiration behind Fanlist's creation, its evolution over time, and the game-changing features it offers podcasters looking for stronger connections with their audiences. Podcasters seeking to enhance fan engagement and discover fresh avenues for community interaction should tune in to this captivating episode."

In another recent episode, Robert Tuchman, co-founder of Amaze Media Labs, has developed an incredibly innovative way to connect with global audiences and unlock the potential of your podcast, Trailergram. In the episode, guest and host agree that discoverability and building an audience are the universal problems every podcaster faces. Traditional ads just fall short in podcast promotion because they miss the most important component - the ability to listen.

They discuss the Trailergram platform, how it works, and why it’s a unique and potentially most effective way to get a podcaster's show in front of your target audience at a large scale.

Mathew Passy has many years of experience in radio and podcasting. A native of East Brunswick, New Jersey, Mathew graduated from the University of Miami with a B.S. degree in Media Management and Sociology. He has a Media Arts Center Degree in TV and Radio Broadcasting from the prestigious Connecticut School Of Broadcasting.

In his career, Mathew has worked at the Wall Street Journal and in radio, in both cases spearheading early podcasting initiatives. For eight years, Mathew started and ran The Podcast Consultant, where he charted a successful course for the creation, launch, and expansion of a thriving podcast production company, culminating in a strategic acquisition; the business was sold to a marketing agency.

Passy is also the founder and ex-owner of Suite Recording, a state-of-the-art audio and video recording suite in South Jersey. Suite Recording serves an impressive client portfolio in South Jersey, which has a vibrant podcasting community.

Mathew Passy reached out to me after the announcement of the Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards early in July to discuss the awards on his show, Podcasting Tech. I showed up on the morning of July 22 at Suite Recording in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey, about 10 miles east of Philadelphia.

First, Suite Recording is a gorgeous recording suite, elegantly designed and carefully curated for the podcasting experience -- audio and video. Joe Gangemi, co-owner of Suite Recording, was welcoming and pleased to share the tech and the architectural features in the studio.

Passy was a gracious podcast host, making me feel welcome and putting me at ease. We chatted for a few minutes before the podcast interview and after the show was over. Mathew Passy is pushing the bounds of podcasting -- audio and video -- with mobile recording equipment, a podcast beacon, and new tech to make podcasting more accessible. I learned from Mathew and Joe that South Jersey has a vibrant podcasting community scene.

Passy's incisive comments throughout the interview injected a welcome vibrancy into our discussion. It was a positive and pleasurable experience, thanks to Mathew and Joe. As a host, Passy is in total command of the conversations he has with guests. As an interviewer, he probes for the information that he believes listeners want and expect.

When discussing podcast technology, Passy offers listeners solutions that are cost-effective and swap complexity for intuitive design.

At the end of every interview, Passy always asks his guest: "If you could, what would you improve about podcasting?"

Check out Podcasting Tech. It's a valuable tool for aspirational and experienced podcasters, who want to upgrade their shows. If you're a podcast listener, the show has value because of Passy's intuitive sense of podcast content and podcasting tech trends.

#podcast #podcasting #technology

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justiceheartwatcher · 8 months ago

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Jewish Students Erased From High School Yearbook - Todd Starnes

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southjerseyweb · 8 months ago

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Probe launched after photo with Muslim students replaces Jewish group in New Jersey HS yearbook

A Jewish Student Union photo was replaced by a photo of Muslim students in the East Brunswick High School yearbook this year.

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revlyncox · 8 months ago

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This Refulgent Summer (2024)

Transcendentalists such as Ralph Waldo Emerson are significant figures in Unitarian Universalist history, and their legacy brings us challenges as well as gifts. Somewhere in the center of our living faith, we can find a balance between love in the present, savoring the world, and reaching together for the truth and justice that might yet unfold.

This sermon was presented to The Unitarian Society in East Brunswick, NJ, on June 23, 2024, via pre-recorded video. The video is available on YouTube.

***

“The heart knoweth”, says Emerson in "Friendship." “The whole human family is bathed with the element of love like a fine ether.” Joys and sorrows, injustices and reconciliations, all together form this world, “in which our senses converse.”

It surprises me that I am inclined to agree, given that I was almost destined to be a cynic. I was born six blocks from the White House during the Watergate investigation. I grew up in the DC suburbs. I heard traffic reports pretty much every week about someone’s rally or candlelight vigil or festival to raise awareness and funds for an important cause. And I noticed that, somehow – even though there was a constant stream of voices clamoring to be heard in Washington – somehow the Post and the Star and then the Times continued to come up with bad news, as if nothing was getting better. I know now that bad news sells advertisements and subscriptions, despair supports the status quo, and if we want the whole truth we have to look for it.

Growing up near DC had its good moments and its tough moments, and it didn’t affect everyone the same way, but for me there were certainly times when the evidence suggested that nothing mattered. Some days, it seemed like organizing for justice was futile, and that the only thing I could do was speak up for myself.

My first public witness event was the Rally for Women’s Lives in 1995. Being friends with congressional interns and clinic escorts and peer educators had pushed me over from cynicism to believing that putting hands and feet and wheels on your beliefs made a difference. The sun was so bright that day, the speeches so resonant, the people so filled with life, that one was constrained to respect that this world had yet some perfection in it. The feeling didn’t last forever.

I still have bouts of despair and cynicism. Some days caring about the world seems futile. Ralph Waldo Emerson, the poet, social critic, and Unitarian minister, knew about this empty feeling. He referred to it in his “Divinity School Address” in July of 1838. This was a speech he made to the senior class of Harvard Divinity School and that was published afterwards. He was trying to give a charge to new ministers to stay connected with soul and spirit, and to share that authentic spirituality with their congregations. Emerson said that when we lose inspiration, something is missing from our observation of the world.

Miracles, prophecy, poetry; the ideal life, the holy life, exist as ancient history merely; they are not in the belief, nor in the aspiration of society; but, when suggested, seem ridiculous. Life is comic or pitiful, as soon as the high ends of being fade out of sight, and man becomes near-sighted, and can only attend to what addresses the senses.

Emerson said that all people have divine nature, and that being open to that divine nature gives a person the intuition to recognize truth because it resonates with what is eternal. Being aware of this connection leads a person to revel in beauty, to lead a moral life, and to actively remove the barriers that hide divine nature in others. Without this awareness, the world seems flat, “comic or pitiful.” When this awareness or, as he puts it, intuition is active, the world seems poetic.

Emerson and the other Transcendentalists of the mid-1800’s believed in creating literature and art and education that would awaken people to this intuition. They agitated against slavery and for women’s rights because of their belief in the unfolding powers of the divine within every person. Many of the Transcendentalists were Unitarians.

In 1838, the year of the Divinity School Address, horror abounded, and every person with enough privilege to make a choice had to decide how much resistance and how much complicity they could embrace. Injustice in that time was nothing new.

The violence, theft, and destruction that are synonymous with slavery are woven into our nation’s founding and in our enduring institutions. Even in Emerson’s Massachusetts, where the practice of slavery within the state had ended by 1790, textile mill owners and shipping company investors continued to build wealth based on labor that was stolen from enslaved people in cotton fields, sugar plantations, and rum distilleries. Anybody with wealthy friends, patrons, or parishioners knew someone who benefited directly from slavery.

Then, as now, Americans had to either come to terms with the truth of the atrocities being committed in their name, or maintain an ongoing practice of mental gymnastics to avoid the truth. We can only imagine that Emerson was aware of Nat Turner’s rebellion in 1831, in which about 70 enslaved and free Black people joined a revolt in Southampton County, Virginia. He knew that radical resistance was possible. Emerson did speak out against slavery, frequently and clearly. Yet it’s possible he could have done more.

The Transcendentalists weren’t perfect, but they were remarkable. For better or for worse, these are some of our UU ancestors. They knew as many of you know that working for education and for beauty and for justice is both tough and spiritual. Emerson hints at some ways to deal with that. He would be the first to tell you, though, that each person should discover wisdom anew. Tradition is good if it invokes what the soul knows to be true.

For instance, we have discovered since the 1830’s that using “man” to mean “humanity” does not reflect the unfolding divinity in all people. I will leave Emerson’s quotes intact and hope that we can hear them with new understanding.

The question that Emerson and the other Transcendentalists pose is, can we attend to the “high ends of being,” to maintain connection with the divine nature that runs through all of us and our world, while being truthful about the injustices of our time?

Unitarian Universalist tradition invites us to both be in love with the world and to seek ways to relieve suffering, to incite change for the better. There is a danger, on the one hand, of being infatuated with the world until we become complacent, unable to see the injustices that require our attention. On the other hand, there is the danger of being so focused on creating change that we fall out of love with the world as it is, we lose the ability to appreciate the beautiful and the sacred that abide in the midst of brokenness. We might become cynical or burned out. Somewhere in the center of our living faith, we can find a balance between love in the present and reaching together for what might yet unfold.

II. Be Present to Beauty

Direct experience with beauty in the world comes whether we are equipped with words or not. There are moments when a flash of beauty invokes awe and wonder, and the memory of that moment is repeated over and over, until it becomes a prayer.

Emerson’s Divinity School Address begins this way:

In this refulgent summer, it has been a luxury to draw the breath of life. The grass grows, the buds burst, the meadow is spotted with fire and gold in the tint of flowers. The air is full of birds, and sweet with the breath of the pine, the balm-of-Gilead, and the new hay. Night brings no gloom to the heart with its welcome shade. Through the transparent darkness the stars pour their almost spiritual rays.

He goes on to say a lot about direct experience and spirituality and what religious communities could be. He begins with beauty.

In this refulgent summer, it has been a luxury to draw the breath of life …

“Refulgent” is a delicious word. It means “shiny.” Not just shiny in the sense that a new penny is shiny, but bright with an intensive force. Shiny in the sense that the “meadow is spotted with fire and gold in the tint of flowers.” Bright like the shine of students on their graduation day.

In the refulgent summer of 2024, it has been a luxury to negotiate with the isopods and dissuade them away from young seedlings in my garden and toward the feast of decomposing leaves elsewhere in the yard. It has been a luxury to feel the heat of the relentless summer sun over my head, and then give thanks for the coolness of the creek at the edge of my neighborhood. It has been a luxury to observe from afar as my teenaged offspring learn things for themselves that I did not and could not teach them. There is so much beauty.

Even without the distractions of mundane tasks, it’s hard to stay present to beauty all the time because there’s only so much refulgence a person can take. Too much shine can be glaring. Emerson suggests that beauty provides relief from itself.

The cool night bathes the world as with a river, and prepares his eyes again for the crimson dawn.

Even so, nonstop awareness of the refulgent summer will quickly lead to a realization: it’s hot. And kind of smelly in some places. And there are cracks in the sidewalk that I’m going to trip on if I’m always looking at the sky. Then what? What happens to being in love with the world when something less poetically inspiring comes across our awakened senses?

It would seem that being open to beauty where I don’t expect it means being open to seeing things I might have wished to ignore. It means honoring the spaces in between. On a good day, all of these experiences lead me to an unconditional love for the world. The spiritual work is to maintain a mature love for the world, one that sees the hidden beauty as well as the obvious. Mature love sees the flaws and the challenges as well as the growth potential. I believe that it’s this kind of mature love that Emerson is praising in the refulgent beauty of summer. This mature love will help sustain a life of justice, equity, and compassion.

III. Be Present to Truth

Being present to beauty is one strategy for balancing love for the world and engagement for positive change in the world. Another strategy is being present to truth. Truth can be upsetting. It has been a difficult year to be a human being. For some of our neighbors, drawing the breath of life is not a luxury they continue to be afforded.

It has been a difficult year to be human. We have reacted with horror at the October 7 terror attacks and with a mix of dismay, rage, and grief over the Netanyahu government’s response that has killed thousands of civilians. We have mourned with the families who have lost loved ones to gun violence and police brutality. Having celebrated Juneteenth just this past week, we give thanks for liberation and for those who came before us in perseverance and resilience, and we also clearly see that there is repair work yet to be done to dismantle the legacy of slavery. We have held each other in support and sympathy as the cascading impacts of the pandemic continue to resonate. We have watched the effects of the climate crisis play out at the farmer’s market and in world migration. Our government’s response to immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers continues to fall far short of what justice and love demand. In this Pride month, we need our joy and creativity and resilience more than ever as politicians try to legislate away our existence with health care bans and book bans and even credible plans to turn back the clock on marriage equality. There is horror in our own time.

All the while, our coping resources have been engaged with the same life events they always have, deaths and divorces and diagnoses, distance from those we love, a drifting sense of purpose. How do we hold all of this truth? How do we stay anchored to the high ends of being?

A steady diet of outrage and despair makes it hard to sustain the kinds of actions that have the most impact. We must nourish the parts of our hearts and souls that harbor hope and lead us to collaboration. There’s the advocacy route: helping to suggest legislation, lobby for votes, lose, lobby for votes again the next year, and eventually win. There is the congregation based community organizing route where we build strong relationships with partners like UU Faith Action and the New Brunswick NAACP and go forward in solidarity together. There’s the direct action route: following the lead of people most impacted to disrupt business as usual and bring people together in building something new. There’s the healing and support route: tending to the safety and well-being of our most vulnerable neighbors, and boosting their voices in public witness. There are several paths of productive response, and they are largely fueled by love, though anger and sadness also have their places. Uninterrupted outrage makes it hard to trust other people enough to organize effectively for change.

Somewhere in our response to the fullness of truth, there must be room for creativity. Somewhere in our response must be the acknowledgement that beauty persists. Listen to the spoken word poets who are out marching in the streets as they spin syllables into being. Watch the murals go up in response to a community tragedy. Hold on to the splendor of people continuing to care for one another.

Being present to truth means continuing to be receptive to it, in all of its surprising forms. This is part of what Transcendentalism was about – that the human ability to experience truth is shaped by the Transcendent. When people are open to being surprised by truth, the theory goes, they are open to what is essential and Divine. Sometimes truth leads to anger, and that’s real, but there is also the truth that love grows, that beauty persists, and that hope is a lived experience.

Truth can’t just sit there. It has to be spoken, sung, and acted upon. Emerson wrote about that in the Divinity School Address.

If utterance is denied, the thought lies like a burden on the man. Always the seer is a sayer. Somehow his dream is told: somehow he publishes it with solemn joy: sometimes with pencil on canvas; sometimes with chisel on stone; sometimes in towers and aisles of granite, his soul's worship is builded; sometimes in anthems of indefinite music…

Being fully present to the truth involves equal parts observation and action. The complete truth is that we have both wholeness and brokenness. Actively appreciating the wholeness and seeking healing for the brokenness – hope in action – helps keep that truth from going stale. And, as Emerson points out, once we are fully present to the complete truth, we cannot help but share it.

V. Conclusion

Being fully present with our neighbors – in times of joy and times of sorrow – being present with one another brings peace, even if we don’t have easy answers about the meaning of joy or sorrow. In the midst of brokenness, we can love the current world and also the possible world.

Be present to beauty, the obvious and the hidden. Be present to truth, even when it contradicts itself. Through these, may we become present to the faith that is kept between people in community. May the traditions of our ancestors and the revelations of your own soul sustain you.

#unitarian universalism #uu #transcendentalism #ralph waldo emerson

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jcmarchi · 1 year ago

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Designing cleaner vehicles

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/designing-cleaner-vehicles/

Designing cleaner vehicles

Adi Mehrotra knew that his time at MIT wasn’t up yet when he finished his undergraduate degree in 2022. During his first four years at the Institute, he was a critical member of the Solar Electric Vehicle Team (SEVT) and eventually led the group to victory in a five-day, 900-mile race. Later, he translated the skills he learned from SEVT to a summer internship in Ghana with the startup Moving Health, where he worked on low-cost ambulances that could transport patients from remote villages to medical care, without relying on gasoline. But there were still more projects he wanted to tackle.

Now, as a second-year master’s degree student in mechanical engineering, Mehrotra has channeled his energy into two arenas: designing clean energy vehicles and enhancing mechanical engineering education at MIT. For the former, he has taken the helm of the MIT Electric Vehicle Team, a student-led research team that is probing the future of transportation by designing a hydrogen-powered motorcycle. And for his master’s thesis research, Mehrotra is building a new mechatronics curriculum, an interdisciplinary course at the intersection of mechanical and electrical engineering.

Building in the basement

Mehrotra cannot remember a time in his life when science did not consume his attention. He credits his parents with fostering this interest, by encouraging scientific thinking with subscriptions to Ask magazine and National Geographic, and lots of LEGO play from a very young age.

As a high school student in East Brunswick, New Jersey, his passion for building blossomed. Mehrotra says, “I built a lot of my own projects, in the basement, mostly relying on wood or metal.” He also co-founded his school’s FIRST Robotics team chapter. He says, “It’s an experience I loved and cherish to this day, as it gave me a lot of hands-on building experience and allowed to explore creative ways to solve exciting problems.”

However, launching the team was much more challenging than Mehrotra expected. At the time, his high school didn’t want to assume any liability associated with the chapter’s activities, so the team operated out of his basement. “Most of our robots were built with a single drill, a Dremel, and a single drill press,” he says.

Given those constraints, Mehrotra was pleased with how well the team performed in the annual regional competition. His parents were very supportive, despite the late nights and loud noises coming from their basement that sometimes compromised their sleep. Mehrotra says, “I think they were very glad that I had something so meaningful and fulfilling to work on.” Today, the team that he started is still going strong, which fills him with pride.

The human side of MIT

“My mom always knew she wanted me to go to MIT,” Mehrotra says with a laugh. But he wanted to see MIT for himself. Campus Preview Weekend (CPW), when admitted students visit the Institute, gave him that opportunity. That April weekend, he observed East Campus students building a rollercoaster out of wood — a time-honored tradition. “Even as a pre-first-year, they told me to take a drill and help them build. I knew of MIT as one of the best mechanical engineering departments in the world. CPW sealed MIT as a very human place, as well,” he says.

As an undergraduate, Mehrotra majored in electrical engineering and computer science. However, he says, “I realized pretty quickly that I don’t like software design, and took as many mechanical engineering classes as I possibly could.” He also joined professor of mechanical engineering Sangbae Kim’s Biomimetic Robotics lab as a junior, which further cemented his passion for mechanical design.

Mehrotra became especially drawn to vehicle design, an interest that he cultivated in a variety of ways. He joined the Solar Electric Vehicle Team his first year and remained involved for three years. The team designs and builds a solar-powered vehicle and races it in international competitions. Mehrotra started out as a member of the aero team, working on the aerodynamics of the car; over time, he rose through the ranks to become the team captain, leading his peers to victory in the 2021 race from Independence, Missouri, to Las Vegas, New Mexico. In addition to learning about mechanical design, he also learned about life. He says, “The people on the team remain some of my best friends. The older people in solar car were the best personal and engineering mentors. They taught me how to lead a team and treat people well.”

Mehrotra’s enthusiasm for design also flourished through MIT D-Lab, an initiative that designs solutions for use in the developing world. He says, “There are a lot of classes at MIT that have taught me a lot of things, of course. However, in D-Lab, I walked in with one assumption about good ways to make the world a better place and they kind of flipped that on its head. [D-Lab] approaches problem-solving from this local perspective that if you can help one person very well, that is a bigger success than helping 100 people poorly.”

His experience in D-Lab’s course 2.729 (Design for Scale) led him to a pivotal mentor, Emily Young ’18, the founder of the startup Moving Health, based in Ghana. Mehrotra spent the summer of 2022 there as an intern, building tricycle ambulances to connect rural regions of Ghana to urban medical centers.

A new outlook

Mehrotra returned from Ghana to begin grad school armed with a fresh perspective on academics. “In the past, sometimes I was afraid of taking certain classes, or doing certain activities, because I didn’t feel like I had the right background, but I’ve thrown that fear away in graduate school,” he says.

In that spirit, Mehrotra took a risk in his choice of master’s thesis project: He decided to develop a new curriculum for mechatronics at MIT, even though he had little prior experience in curriculum development. He joined Professor Sangbae Kim’s lab again, drawn by Kim’s dedication to mentoring and teaching, and he served alongside Kim as a TA for the legendary course 2.007 (Design and Manufacturing I).

“Working with someone who shares similar teaching philosophies to me is really cool to learn from, and you also feel like you are making an impact through teaching, especially while working with Sangbae,” Mehrotra says. His master’s thesis will focus on addressing the limitations of the mechatronics curriculum. “We think the current curriculum is not adequate to prepare our students for careers in industry and academia. So, we’re looking to incorporate the psychology of learning into building a better curriculum,” he explains.

In keeping with his affinity for vehicles, motorcycles seem to be another theme for Mehrotra. Inspired by his time in Ghana, where motorcycles are among the most common modes of transportation, he bought a vintage model for himself, a 1974 Honda CB360 — and he braves Boston traffic on a regular basis on his bike. In addition, he has devoted much of his time to the Electric Vehicle Team, where he is working on a hydrogen-powered motorcycle. Despite the team’s moniker, Mehrotra says, “We as a team are not saying that … we should get rid of all battery-powered cars immediately, but we would like to try a proof-of-concept on our own.” The team’s motorcycle is fondly named Toothless, a nod to the dragon in the Dreamworks movie “How to Train Your Dragon.”

In his spare time, Mehrotra also dabbles in cinematography and film. He is currently working on a documentary in collaboration with Moving Health. “I met so many amazing people in Ghana and we want to be able to tell their amazing stories, but we also want to change perceptions of people who live in underserved communities. We often do not talk about them in fair and meaningful ways, but instead just assume that they are helpless,” he says.

Once he finishes his master’s degree, Mehrotra plans to pursue a PhD under Professor Alex Slocum, the Walter M. May and A. Hazel May Chair in Emerging Technologies, focusing on hydrogen energy systems. Influenced by his time in Ghana, Mehrotra has realized that he wants to pursue research that could impact the developing world. He says, “Climate change disproportionally affects people who live in underserved communities around the world, despite the fact that most of climate change’s causes originate from western nations. Solving the energy crisis has implications to many of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and social impacts far beyond just mitigating climate change.”

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