#equipping technical communicators for social justice work | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

wecareclinic123 · 6 months ago

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Breathe SmartTackling Air Pollution and Respiratory Health

Breathe Cities is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at accelerating progress, dismantling barriers to action, and ensuring global access to clean air. Announced by Michael R. Bloomberg, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Climate Vision and Solutions and the founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies, together with London Mayor and C40 Chair Sadiq Khan, this effort intends to tackle urban air pollution.

Currently, no urban area meets the World Health Organization (WHO) air quality guidelines. Alarmingly, 41% of cities have air pollution levels exceeding WHO recommendations by over seven times, exposing residents to hazardous air that can lead to severe health issues such as asthma, respiratory illnesses, and other chest diseases.

The $30 million Breathe Cities initiative is a collaborative effort between Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Clean Air Fund, and C40 Cities, aiming to mitigate air pollution detrimental to public health and the climate. This initiative extends the work supported by the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation.

To support this mission, funding, technical support, air quality data, community engagement, capacity building, and more will be provided to a selected group of cities to be announced later this year. Breathe Cities is based on four key concepts.:

Data and Research: Enhancing local air quality data availability using innovative technologies and research into air pollution sources to equip local governments with evidence for policy implementation and enforcement.

Stakeholder and Community Engagement: Mobilizing local campaigns and grassroots organizers to raise awareness and support for air quality initiatives, especially in communities most impacted by air pollution.

Technical Policy Assistance: Providing technical assistance and capacity building to local governments and city halls, aiding policymakers in developing and executing effective clean air policies.

Lesson Sharing: Facilitating knowledge exchange across cities to inspire and enable other cities to take action.

Clean air is essential for everyone to live, grow, and thrive. Jane Burston, Executive Director of the Clean Air Fund, emphasizes the importance of this initiative, highlighting the collective empowerment of cities to improve air quality and address a significant public health issue. By advancing local action, leveraging new data and technologies, and fostering community cohesion, Breathe Cities aims to ensure a future where everyone can breathe clean air.

Breathe Cities builds on the existing efforts of Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Clean Air Fund in cities like Brussels, Jakarta, London, Milan, Paris, and Warsaw. These efforts include tracking air pollution, shaping public advocacy, and implementing policy measures to reduce pollution. Additionally, C40 Cities has been instrumental in increasing global commitments to clean air, supporting mayors in executing ambitious air quality actions, and creating forums for sharing solutions.

Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah CBE, WHO advocate for health and air quality, and founder of the Ella Roberta Family Foundation, underscores the life-and-death stakes of air quality. Millions suffer from asthma, cancer, autoimmune diseases, miscarriages, and other noncommunicable diseases due to polluted air. While progress has been made in cities like London, this new initiative aims to extend the benefits to cities worldwide, recognizing clean air as a fundamental right and a social justice issue.

In addressing air pollution, it is crucial to consult with healthcare professionals, such as a chest care clinic or chest physician and pulmonologist, for accurate diagnosis and treatment of chest diseases. Pulmonologists are specialists in diagnosing and treating respiratory conditions, utilizing procedures like bronchoscopy to examine the airways. For those seeking immediate medical attention, a walk-in clinic near me can provide prompt care. Additionally, pediatricians and chest consultants play a vital role in managing respiratory health in children through regular immunization and monitoring.

Whether you need a pulmonologist and chest specialist or a doctor for chest disease, it is important to find the right chest specialist or pediatrician near me to ensure comprehensive care. For those seeking specialized care, a chest pulmonologist or doctor of pulmonology can offer advanced treatment options. Remember, clean air is vital for everyone, and access to specialized healthcare professionals is essential for maintaining respiratory health.

#we care clinic #chest physician and pulmonologist #chest consultants #chest pulmonologist #chest care clinic #pulmonologist and chest specialist

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transformation99master · 8 months ago

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effective Mind control techniques

Navigating the Future of Mind Autonomy

In charting the course ahead, it is essential to acknowledge the dynamic nature of the landscape we traverse. The journey towards safeguarding mind autonomy requires continual reassessment, adaptation, and collaboration across diverse stakeholders.

Cultivating Ethical Leadership

Leadership in this domain necessitates not only technical expertise but also a profound commitment to ethical principles. Scientists, engineers, and policymakers must be willing to confront the ethical dilemmas inherent in their work and prioritize the well-being and autonomy of individuals above all else. Ethical leadership serves as a beacon, guiding the development and application of mind control technologies towards positive ends.

Promoting Inclusive Dialogue

Meaningful progress towards preserving mind autonomy requires the inclusion of diverse voices and perspectives in the conversation. This entails creating spaces for dialogue that transcend disciplinary boundaries, cultural divides, and socioeconomic disparities. By actively seeking input from marginalized communities, ethicists, activists, and technologists can collaboratively envision solutions that are equitable, just, and respectful of human rights.

Investing in Ethical Research and Development

The pursuit of technological innovation must be accompanied by a parallel commitment to ethical research and development. Funding agencies, academic institutions, and industry stakeholders should allocate resources towards projects that prioritize ethical considerations, transparency, and accountability. By embedding ethical principles into the fabric of scientific inquiry, we can mitigate the risks posed by mind control technologies and maximize their potential benefits for society.

Fostering Resilience and Empowerment

In an age of unprecedented connectivity and information proliferation, individuals must cultivate resilience against manipulation and coercion. Education programmes, media literacy initiatives, and psychological support services can equip people with the tools they need to navigate the digital landscape with agency and discernment. By fostering a culture of critical thinking and empowerment, we can fortify society against the insidious threats of mind control.

Enforcing Ethical Standards

Ethical guidelines and regulatory frameworks serve as bulwarks against the misuse of mind control technologies. Governments, international organizations, and industry bodies must collaborate to establish and enforce robust standards that protect individual autonomy and privacy. Mechanisms for oversight, accountability, and redress should be implemented to ensure compliance and address instances of abuse effectively.

Embracing Ethical Innovation

Ethical innovation holds the key to unlocking the transformative potential of mind control technologies while mitigating their risks. By incentivizing ethical practices, responsible innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration, we can harness the power of technology to enhance human well-being and promote social justice. Ethical considerations should be integrated into every stage of the innovation lifecycle, from ideation to implementation, to ensure that technology serves the greater good.

Conclusion

The quest to preserve mind autonomy in the face of advancing mind control technologies demands nothing less than a concerted effort from all quarters of society. By fostering ethical leadership, promoting inclusive dialogue, investing in ethical research and development, fostering resilience and empowerment, enforcing ethical standards, and embracing ethical innovation, we can navigate the uncertain terrain ahead with

#self help #mindfulness #mind control #mindset #ebook #book lover #books

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sakib03 · 9 months ago

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Navigating the Allied Health Landscape: A Journey with HLT43021 Certificate IV

In the intricate web of healthcare, allied health professionals play a crucial role, offering support and expertise across various disciplines. Behind the scenes of physiotherapy sessions, speech pathology assessments, and occupational therapy interventions, allied health assistants are the unsung heroes, facilitating seamless care delivery and enhancing patient outcomes. If you're drawn to the intersection of healthcare and human connection, the HLT43021 Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance could be your compass in navigating this dynamic landscape.

The Essence of Allied Health Assistance:

At its core, allied health assistance is about collaboration, compassion, and commitment to holistic care. Whether it's assisting with rehabilitation exercises, implementing dietary plans, or supporting clients in their journey towards wellness, allied health assistants are instrumental in empowering individuals to live their best lives. The HLT43021 Certificate IV curriculum encapsulates this essence, equipping learners with the knowledge and skills to thrive in this multifaceted role.

A Holistic Approach to Learning:

One of the defining features of the HLT43021 Certificate IV program is its holistic approach to learning. Beyond the technical competencies, students delve into the intricacies of human anatomy, psychology, and communication, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing health and well-being. Through interactive lectures, hands-on workshops, and clinical placements, learners acquire a nuanced perspective on allied health practices, preparing them to navigate diverse challenges in the field.

Empowering Through Education:

The journey towards becoming an allied health assistant is as much about personal growth as it is about professional development. Through the HLT43021 Certificate IV program, individuals embark on a transformative journey, discovering their strengths, honing their skills, and embracing the values of empathy and integrity. The curriculum not only equips students with technical know-how but also fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and self-reflection—essential attributes for success in the healthcare arena.

Exploring Elective Units:

In the HLT43021 Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance, students have the opportunity to select elective units that align with their interests and career goals. These elective units offer specialised knowledge and skills in specific areas of allied health, allowing students to tailor their learning experience to suit their aspirations.

Career Pathways and Opportunities:

Upon completion of the HLT43021 Certificate IV program, graduates have access to a wide range of career pathways within the allied health sector. From working in hospitals and rehabilitation centres to community health organisations and private practices, allied health assistants have the flexibility to pursue diverse roles and opportunities for professional growth.

Embracing Diversity and Inclusion:

In the realm of allied health, diversity is not just a buzzword; it's a cornerstone of effective care delivery. The HLT43021 Certificate IV program embraces diversity and inclusion, recognizing the unique needs and experiences of every individual. Whether it's tailoring interventions for culturally diverse communities, accommodating individuals with disabilities, or advocating for social justice, allied health assistants play a pivotal role in promoting equity and inclusivity within healthcare settings.

Practical Skills Development:

The HLT43021 Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance emphasises hands-on learning experiences to develop practical skills essential for success in the field. Through simulated scenarios, clinical placements, and interactive workshops, students gain proficiency in assisting with therapeutic interventions, implementing care plans, and supporting clients in achieving their health goals.

Professional Ethics and Standards:

Ethical practice is paramount in allied health assistance, and the HLT43021 Certificate IV program places a strong emphasis on professional ethics and standards. Students learn about their roles and responsibilities, ethical considerations in healthcare delivery, and the importance of maintaining confidentiality, dignity, and respect for clients. This focus ensures that graduates enter the workforce with a solid understanding of ethical principles and a commitment to upholding the highest standards of care.

Collaboration and Interdisciplinary Communication:

Effective teamwork and communication are essential in allied health settings, where professionals from different disciplines collaborate to provide comprehensive care. The HLT43021 Certificate IV program equips students with the skills to communicate effectively with clients, allied health professionals, and other members of the healthcare team. Through collaborative projects, case studies, and role-playing exercises, students learn to foster positive working relationships and contribute to interdisciplinary care delivery.

Navigating Career Pathways:

Armed with the HLT43021 Certificate IV qualification, graduates embark on a journey filled with diverse career pathways and opportunities for growth. From working in hospitals and rehabilitation centres to community health organisations and private practices, allied health assistants have the flexibility to carve out their niche based on their interests and aspirations. Whether you're drawn to paediatrics, aged care, mental health, or disability support, there's a multitude of avenues waiting to be explored.

Conclusion

The HLT43021 Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance is more than just a qualification—it's a passport to a world of possibilities. As you embark on this transformative journey, embrace the challenges, celebrate the victories, and never lose sight of the impact you're making in the lives of others. Whether you're guiding a client through rehabilitation, providing emotional support during therapy sessions, or advocating for equitable healthcare access, your role as an allied health assistant is invaluable. So, take hold of your compass, chart your course, and let your journey in allied health assistance unfold—one meaningful interaction at a time.

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jurnaltalking · 1 year ago

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NEP 2022 - Paving the Way for a Transformation in Modern Education in India

In the rapidly evolving landscape of education, traditional teaching methods are gradually giving way to innovative approaches that foster deeper learning and practical skill development. One such approach gaining popularity is Project-Based Learning (PBL). PBL engages students in real-world projects, encouraging them to explore, inquire, collaborate, and problem-solve. In this article, we will delve into what project-based learning is and how it helps students develop essential skills for successful PBL project ideas.

Understanding Project-Based Learning:

Project-Based Learning is an instructional methodology that immerses students in authentic, hands-on projects centered around real-world challenges or questions. It involves students working collaboratively to investigate, analyze, and create solutions, often spanning multiple subjects or disciplines. Project based learning provides a contextually rich environment that goes beyond textbook knowledge, encouraging students to apply their skills and knowledge to real-life situations.

Developing Essential Skills:

Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: PBL projects inherently require students to think critically and tackle complex problems. By engaging in inquiry-based learning, students learn how to analyze information, evaluate evidence, identify patterns, and generate creative solutions. These skills empower them to become confident problem-solvers who can navigate challenges in their academic and professional lives.

Collaboration and Communication: Effective collaboration and communication are vital in project based learning. Students engage in teamwork, sharing ideas, and dividing tasks to achieve project goals. This collaborative environment helps them develop interpersonal skills, learn to listen actively, respect diverse perspectives, negotiate, and compromise. Through ongoing communication, students refine their presentation skills and learn to articulate their ideas confidently.

Research and Information Literacy: PBL projects often require extensive research to gather relevant information and data. Students learn how to navigate credible sources, evaluate information for accuracy and bias, and synthesize knowledge from various resources. Developing strong research and information literacy skills equips students with the ability to access, analyze, and use information effectively, a valuable skill in the digital age.

Creativity and Innovation:PBL projects encourage students to think creatively and explore innovative solutions to complex problems. They have the freedom to brainstorm ideas, experiment with different approaches, and think outside the box. By nurturing creativity, PBL fosters an entrepreneurial mindset, igniting a passion for innovation and empowering students to become catalysts for positive change.

PBL Project Ideas:

Sustainable Community Solutions: Students can develop projects that address local environmental, social, or economic challenges, such as waste management, water conservation, renewable energy, or community development. This allows them to apply scientific knowledge, collaborate with community members, and propose sustainable solutions.

Social Justice Initiatives: PBL project ideas centered around social justice issues provide students with opportunities to explore and raise awareness about topics like gender equality, poverty, human rights, or access to education. Students can analyze societal inequities, propose strategies for change, and advocate for a more inclusive society.

Technological Innovations: In a technologically advanced world, students can undertake projects focusing on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, or cybersecurity. They can engage in coding, prototyping, or designing innovative solutions to real-world problems, showcasing their technical skills and creativity.

Entrepreneurship and Business Ventures: PBL projects can involve students creating their own small businesses or startups. They can develop business plans, conduct market research, design marketing strategies, and even launch their products or services. This provides students with a practical understanding of entrepreneurship and prepares them for the world of business.

Conclusion:

Project-Based Learning is a powerful educational approach that promotes deeper learning, skills development, and real-world application. By engaging in PBL, students in India can cultivate critical thinking, collaboration, research, and innovation skills. With a wide array of PBL project ideas to choose from, PBL offers students the opportunity to explore their passions, develop a growth mindset, and become active contributors to their communities. As PBL gains momentum, it is crucial for educators, policymakers, and parents to support and embrace this transformative approach to education, empowering the next generation of lifelong learners and problem-solvers.

#NEP2020

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transmalewife · 3 years ago

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There's this youtube animated webseries called 'no evil'. You might have heard of it, there was a post going around about it a while ago. It's been going on for close to a DECADE and considering it started as basically one person doing everything and their brother helping with voice acting, the quality is frankly amazing. the character design is varied if a bit furryesque, the premise is unique. it's just very fun and easy to watch, the episodes are just a few minutes long each. i'm going to spoil it a little bit so if you care about spoilers you should go watch it here first. (if you just want a taste of the vibe and not the whole thing i highly recommend episode 7, a fun music video with its own self contained story)

The reason i want to talk about it is that even though it's not technically fan content (it is based on Aztec mythology, but it's definitely not in the typical definition of fanworks) it's such a fascinating microcosm of fandom culture.

First of all, the sheer passion of it all is heart-wrenching in the best way possible. The author said at some point that they'd been thinking about this universe since they were in highschool, long before they started actually making it. they must be in their 30's by now, and they haven't given up on it, they're rolling with what's there, resisting the urge to cringe and abandon something they made so long ago and building on top of it. It's an artist's entire journey posted for the world to see with no shame. it's like a fic where you can see the writer growing and the quality getting better with every chapter. Like scrolling all the way down an art blog and watching the artist's hand solidify in reverse. You really only ever get that with amateur art, because amateur means doing something because you love it, not because you're good at it. it's time and evolution chronicled not in order of importance but archived fully, meticulously and indiscriminately, which is exactly what fandom does at its best. There's no entrance exams, no publisher to dazzle, it's just you, how much energy you have, and what do you love enough to spend it on.

It shows the community aspect of fandom too. As time went on more voice actors joined in, as well as colorists and background artists, people started supporting the project on patreon to pay for better equipment, coming together to make it the best it can be.

However, it also highlights some flaws. A story with no clear plan will meander before it figures out what its plot is. That's not inherently a bad thing, stories don't need an overarching plot to be good, and forcing one on them can be actively detrimental (see every single sherlock holmes adaptation).

Even if a story is heading towards a conclusion, it can be nice to go the long way and take a tour of the world before you get there. But there are issues with that. Foreshadowing only works if you know what you need to be foreshadowing. Pacing is pretty much impossible to get right if you don't know where the story is heading. I don't know how much the author had planned out before going into this, I'm mostly talking about the vibe i get from it, and it's something i see in many fanfics and webcomics, or any other type of serialized online story.

The other thing is the ending itself. There's this thing about fandom spaces, especially tumblr, where unlike mainstream media it isn't geared exclusively towards cishet abled white men (and increasingly women), has a larger focus on underrepresented communities and a higher awareness of social justice issues. This is undeniably a good thing. More rep is absolutely needed and it's one of the noblest thing to come out of fan culture. in this series i especially appreciate the characters who use asl, as well as the captions on every video which is more than many major media corporations using youtube bother to do.

Striving for social justice and expressing your ideas for a better world is a huge part of why people make art in the first place, and has been for ages. This is also a good thing. What I'm talking about is that, ok

A happy ending is by far not the only fanfic premise, but it is extremely common, and very often the main motivation of fanfic writers (including myself) is literally fixing canon, undoing a tragedy. It's hard to write compelling conflict and hardship when you love the characters and are dedicated to making them suffer less than they did in the original, or letting them heal from the trauma they have (again, guilty as charged). But a story needs conflict. A happy ending gets that much more satisfying for every hurdle they have to overcome to get there, it's literally worth more if it cost more to achieve. But online media criticism steeped in fandom culture sometimes doesn't really allow for that. There's this blueprint developing of a story that must be 100% unproblematic at all times. There's an assumption that anything in a story reflects the views of its author. You cannot revenge kill the villain if you believe in prison abolition and rehabilitation. You cannot have a character act in homophobic ways if you are gay/an ally. You cannot have a toxic relationship or you are literally an abuser yourself

And I absolutely get where that comes from, because we do, in fact, live in a society. Most romances written like, ever, have glorified a harmful and damaging view of women. Many shows and movies in recent years have been very dark and full of pointless shock value deaths. and reality is also kinda shit right now, it's perfectly understandable to want to escape to a happier, simpler world when no one really gets hurt. I think that's why children's cartoons are so popular in fandom. It's certainly why i like them.

But, I recently saw a gay youtuber get asked "would you rather all media had queer characters in it, or all current queer characters got a happy ending?" and i was shocked when they chose the second option, because to me the first one is so obvious. Queer people are everywhere. if you've got 20 characters in your story, statistically anywhere from 1 to 10 of them should be in some way queer. And realistically, most of them will go through some painful shit in their lives, because most people do. This video was a few years old, and I do remember the vibe back then when it seemed like literally the only thing you saw in queer media was bury your gays, so i'll give them a pass for wanting to fix that, but although the question was purely hypothetical, if you actually immerse yourself in the rules of would you rather for a second its a bit horrifying right? You have two options, the first is this group of people that exists absolutely everywhere gets to be explicitly included in media, where they rightfully belong. the other is this group can only ever get a happy ending. can you imagine how othering it would be? you're still only given crumbs of rep, but the ones you do are all sunshine and rainbows no matter how little that works with the premise of the story. the reality is, in my country surveys show the vast majority of lgbt teens are suicidal. seeing only positive stories would feel like a lie.

Which brings us back to No Evil. I watched the whole thing a few years ago, then remembered it this year and caught up. I was excited to see it had reached the climax of the main plot so far, but what i got instead was more of a fizzle, which got me thinking about all this. They defeat the big bad offscreen, and immediately turn around and mom him into literally undoing all the harm he caused. It's not a bad conclusion to the story (nor is it the ending as far as i can tell, there's a new plot/extension of the old one building), it fits the themes and why the conflict was there in the first place, and the character that saved the day is very pragmatic, it makes sense for her to act the way she did and immediately turn towards enforcing community service. Having the villain immediately made to undo the shit he did is quite fitting, it runs with the general vibe of the story being very comforting. I'm not at all saying this plot needed a different ending, or that the villain needed to be punished (i think losing an arm is already more than enough punishment). I also don't think the story would have benefited from a game of thr*nes everyone dies setup, the fact the characters that got hurt can be saved actually adds something to the tension. you have to defeat the villain before he hurts more people, but also save him from himself so he can revive your friends. all the criticisms i might have (the pacing, the inconsistencies) are easily explained by the series being made over, again A FUCKING DECADE, which honestly inspired me to keep creating more than anything ive ever seen in my life.

No, what i'm talking about here is not at all a problem with the story, but a realisation i had after watching it, about my own writing and fandom in general. I'm using it as an example of a wider trend, even though the story on its own is completely fine.

Because bad things, pain, shitty behaviour, mean horrible endings, awful people doing sympathetic things and sympathetic people doing awful things, aren't the price we pay for satisfying stories, they're what makes the story satisfying, and most importantly, interesting in the first place. toxic, horrible relationships in media are compelling for the same reson fantasy and sci fi are. real life is boring sometimes, and it's fun to root for a self descructive character sometimes, even though we'd cut them off irl). (there's also the fact watching those relationships can be cathartic to people who have experienced similar things, especially if the ending is some sort of revenge or closure)

Which is all really quite obvious if you think about it, but it's easy to forget if you spend too much time on tumblr. And like, i do read, and I watch films outside of the context of fandom, but i guess i just always kept online media and 'real' media as discrete categories in my brain. but like... why? I guess it's understandable bc as i've shown they do operate on slightly different rules and have a slightly different purpose, but there is undeniably shit online darker than anything shown in theaters. and conversely there are mainstream adaptations of classics significantly less satisfying and just... good than fanfic about the same. So why should one be criticized for any sliver of darkness while the other is praised for it?

A tangentially related thing to wrap this up is how criticism works. It's interesting to me how comfortable i felt writing this while focusing on no evil, as oposed to a fanfic. but reviewing media, even critically, is normal. it's the most basic way of interacting with stories. it's literally a job. however, there's this idea in fandom that criticizing fanfic is unacceptable. And on one hand, i absolutely get that, because it kinda sucks to put a lot of work into something for free then get a negative response. but there's different kinds of criticism.

I once got a really long, critical comment, and i actually got excited at first because writing is very much a hobby for me, i've never purposefully tried to learn how to be better at it, english is not my first language, i'm making it up as i go along. but then the entire comment was just "i don't like this, this and this plot point, you should have done this instead" like... okay. go read a fic that has that then. what about the themes? the structure of the story? how do you think i handled what i actually wanted to do with the plot? I'd love to get constructive criticism like that from someone who knows what they're talking about. feel free to write a full mean breakdown of my work if you want to, i'd love that, as long as it's not just entirely subjective, or easily solvable by 'maybe this just isnt the story you wanted to read.' (i obviously only speak for myself, don't do that to other fanfic writers unless they asked for it)

And yeah, fanfic is different because a published author will not get a notification if you criticize their work, unlike ao3 comments. but there are mainstream creators who are online, and seemingly no one thinks twice before sending them all their criticism (it often amounts to hate, which is not at all what i'm asking for. there must be a middle ground here somewhere) directly. However, we've been able to discern between someone saying 'i hate this bc its not what i wanted' vs actual in depth reviews for a long time, and i see no reason why we shouldnt try to apply that to fanfic as well.

there's a difference between someone complaining that "there isn't enough action" in streaming site comments under the shape of water (actual thing i saw) or people sending creators death threats on twitter, vs an actual review that engages with what the story is trying to tell and criticises how it does it. the internet is blurring the lines here again, because on youtube many people's job is in fact to make long reviews that are just "here's all the reasons i didn't like this and i'm gonna frame them as objective truth". but yeah, we can't both want fanfic to be respected as real writing and refuse to accept criticism, because that's an unavoidable part of showing your writing to the world.

anyway, go watch no evil, it's really fun. And in the spirit of open criticism I'll add that I found it easier to stay focused on it when watching in 1.25 speed (not the songs though, obviously watch those as they're meant to be).

#fandom #fandom culture #fanfiction #no evil #the creator is on tumblr so i could have just not tagged it but i don't think theres need to hide #anyway if you do see this (and bear with me till the end bc wow this got long. what did i say about meandering)#i love your work and honestly few things motivate me to keep creating as it does #also i used they/them pronouns just in case bc i can't find if you have yours listed anywhere #feel free to correct me and i'll edit the post #mine.#found this in my drafts #from like half a year ago #oh actually the post has links in it so it won't show in the tags anyway #i need a queue tag #long post

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brooklynmuseum · 5 years ago

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Stronger Together

Weekend Roundup of Resources for our Community 

What’s up Brooklyn?! We’re back with another list of resources for you and yours. The impacts of this pandemic are far-reaching and deeply felt here in Brooklyn. We know there are many needs not being met, and many who are willing to help out where they can. Now more than ever, it is essential that we come together as a community to support each other with social solidarity, even if we are physically distant. Check out new opportunities to support and be supported in this week’s roundup. Let’s do what we do best in Brooklyn… spread love.

If you have questions, or have more you wish to see or to spotlight, reach out. We want to hear from you. Please email [email protected].

Also, text 'COVID' to 692-692 to get important COVID-19 related updates sent straight to your phone. You can text 'COVIDESP' to get updates in Spanish.

Follow Our Elected Officials For News:

The Mayor has a new Daily Message available on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube every morning. If your constituents have questions, comments or concerns, they want him to respond to, they can send them using the hashtag #AskMyMayor

The Office of the Brooklyn Borough President provides the most up-to-date information and resources to Brooklynites. Follow these pages regularly and follow Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams on social media for real-time updates.

Follow updates and news from Council Member Laurie A. Cumbo on Facebook and Twitter. Cumbo serves as the Council Majority leader for Brooklyn’s 35th District- Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Crown Heights, Prospect Heights and Bed-Stuy.

Follow New York City Council Member Robert E. Cornegy, representing Brooklyn 36th District- Bedford Stuyvesant and Northern Crown Heights on Twitter , Facebook, and Instagram for important updates regarding COVID-19 updates.

Congresswoman for the 9th District, Yvette D. Clark is working hard in Congress to support our local communities. Follow the Congresswoman on her Twitter to receive updates on what is going on in Washington DC and resources available in your ‘hood!

Stay up to date with information provided by Governor Cuomo. Follow our New York State governor on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for up to date information regarding new health guidelines closures, and executive orders.

Follow updates from the NYC City Immigrant Affairs office on Twitter interested in renewing your DACA application form. Call ActionNYC at 1-800-354-0365.

Local Business Highlights of the Week:

Known for their traditional Senegalese cuisine, Cafe Rue Dix takes pride in incorporating fresh ingredients and bold spices to create some of the best fran-senegalese dishes in NYC located right in Crown Heights. Take out is available from 12-9pm, and if you’re cooking or working at home, try their signature coffee and hot sauce for a real pick me up.

While we dream of what will come, Berg’n is asking their fellow patrons, who have the means during this time, to donate any tips they would give while visiting this local hang-out. You can donate to their phenomenal team by clicking here.

Census

There’s still time! Complete the 2020 Census today at my2020census.gov.

It's not too late to RSVP to host a Census Text-a-Thon in your district on April 20th. Participating in a Text-a-Thon from home is an easy and safe way for New Yorkers to do something positive for our City. NYC Census 2020 will provide access to the peer-to-peer texting tool, Hustle, and will provide all the technical support necessary for people to volunteer to text. RSVP to host a Text-a-Thon in your district on April 20th by emailing Katya Murphy or Jason Reischel. Support for Artists, Freelancers, and Gig Workers

Freelancers in NYC: If you're facing nonpayment issues, file a complaint through NYC Consumer Affairs, which has a list of worker’s rights!

The Arts and Culture Leaders of Color Emergency Fund is set up to help those pursuing careers as artists or arts administrators whose income has been directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This fund is for those who self-identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color).

Solidarity 4 Service, is a grassroot effort to connect individuals to each other in efforts to provide relief for those who are unemployed or underemployed due to COVID-19. For more information, visit their Support for Service Industry/Gig/Freelance Workers intake survey.

The NYC Low-Income Artist Freelance Relief Fund has intentons to collectively raise funds to provide emergency and preventative resources to artist who are at finical ris and low-income BIPOC, trans/GNC/NB/Queer artist and freelancers.

Creative Capital has created a resource fund which helps artists find various national, state and local grants, mental health assistance.

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS' COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund is helping entertainment professionals meet coronavirus-related expenses and other challenges brought about by the evolving pandemic.

The Jazz Foundation of America provides jazz and blue artists with an experienced social worker to assess his/her situation and provide rapid assistance.

Queer Writers of Color Relief Fund is offering finicial assistance to queer writiers to at least 100 writers, each writer reciveing $5,000.

The South Asian Arts Resiliency Fund is a direct response by the India Center Foundation to offer support to South Asian arts workers impacted by COVID-19.

Dance NYC is offering one time grants for dance making organizations with an annual operating budget between $25,00 and $500,00. Eligibility is determined based upon loss of income or incurred expenses due to COVID-19.

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has issued guidance on applying for the $75 million it was allocated in the CARES Act. If a nonprofit cultural organization has received NEA support in the last four fiscal years, they are eligible to apply for a direct grant. Apply by April 22!

For another roundup of resources for artists, check out artnet’s recent article.

Resources for children and families

For updates regarding the Coronavirus and New York City public schools, visit New York City Department of Education Coronavirus Communicaications page.

As the weeks of staying at home stretch on, they are taking their toll on many of us. The mindfulness app HeadSpace has teamed up with New York State to offer free guided meditations and other resources to support the mental wellbeing of New Yorkers during this crisis.

For many, pets are more than just animals — they are a part of the family. As members of your family, they should be included in your emergency planning process. Make sure your disaster plan addresses what you will do when an emergency requires you to leave your home, leave your pet at home, or prevents you from returning home. Visit NYCEM pets planning for more information

No Kid Hungry is offering emergency grants to support local school districts and nonprofit organizations in their efforts to ensure kids get the nutritious food they need. Fill out this grant request form here.

Did you know that you can use your Snap benefits to order groceries online? Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits can be used to shop online for fresh produce and groceries! Use your EBT card to shop securely for fresh produce and groceries at participating stores in the New York City area.

One Week of Free Groceries: The Department of Probation, Neighborhood Opportunity Network (NeON) Nutrition Kitchens, in partnership with the Food Bank of NYC and the NYC Young Men’s Initiative (YMI) have opened five kitchens -- one in each borough -- to distribute free food, available to any New Yorker who needs it.

Women.NYC, which is powered by the New York City Economic Development Corporation, released a downloadable guide for free and low-cost tech courses in New York City.

DOE Graphics Library: A collection of graphics on the DOE's recent announcements that can be shared with families and educators, in all 9 DOE languages

For more information about remote learning, activities for students, and technical support go to schools.nyc.gov/LearnAtHome

While Family Justice Centers are physically closed, anyone can call any of our borough centers for help with safety planning, mental health and planning, legal help, or help in connecting to law enforcement agencies. For more information please visit the Mayor's Office to End Domestic and Gender Based Violence or call our 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-621-4673.

Ways to Volunteer and Serve

Visit New York Blood Center to find out how you may be able to donate plasma for those who have recovered from COVID-19.

For Individuals/Organizations/Companies offering to DONATE PPE, visit NYC Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Donation Portal.

Help Now NYC is providing New Yorkers with opportunities to find out how they can help others affected by COVID-19 and help New Yorkers find organizations that will help them receive COVID-19 related assistance.

The NYC Share Your Space Survey is critical to helping the City prepare for emergencies and outreach to all of the City's communities. Organizations citywide are encouraged to participate.

NYCEDC is currently seeking businesses with the ability to quickly source and/or make needed medical supplies (e.g. face shields, gowns, ventilators, masks, and other products as needed) to support the City’s COVID-19 response.

Deliver meals and emergency food bags to home-bound elderly living in a variety of Brooklyn neighborhoods (car recommended) with Heights and Hills. Learn more here.

Corona Couriers is a collective of cyclists willing to courier supplies to people in need for free, using low contact methods. Email [email protected] if interested.

Here, you may find a source guide specifically for immigrant communities during the COVID-19 pandemic: Please help by passing it along. Also, FYI, this week is Immigrant Heritage Week!

For People in Need

Domestic Violence: If you are experiencing domestic violence, you locate nearby resources online using NYC HOPE, the City’s Resource Directory for services for survivors. Check out NYC Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based violence to attain more resources for survivors during COVID-19.

For individuals with disabilities, visit the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities. More information may be found NYC Mayor’s Office of Disabilities Twitter, as well as contacting representatives at 311 or visitor connect via video phone at 646-396-5830.

DOITT has developed a portal, to help guide the City’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The portal is available in 11 languages and allows New Yorkers to self-report COVID-19 information and will help New York City both better communicate with affected people and identify areas that may need enhanced response. Inputs are confidential. People without internet access or who need help, can call 311.

Possibly Mimbres. Standing Figure, 1100-1000 B.C.E. Stone, pigment). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Expedition 1903, Museum Collection Fund, 03.325.4528. Creative Commons-BY

#strongertogether #brooklynstrong #covid-19 #covid relief #corona virus #community #art museums #nyc #brooklyn #brooklyn museum #community resources #artists #resources

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scifigeneration · 5 years ago

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To stop a tech apocalypse we need ethics and the arts

by Sara James and Sarah Midford

If recent television shows are anything to go by, we’re a little concerned about the consequences of technological development. Dystopian narratives abound.

Black Mirror projects the negative consequences of social media, while artificial intelligence turns rogue in The 100 and Better Than Us. The potential extinction of the human race is up for grabs in Travellers, and Altered Carbon frets over the separation of human consciousness from the body. And Humans and Westworld see trouble ahead for human-android relations.

Narratives like these have a long lineage. Science fiction has been articulating our hopes and fears about technological disruption at least since Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1818).

However, as the likes of driverless cars and robot therapists emerge, some previously fictional concerns are no longer imaginative speculation. Instead, they represent real and urgent problems.

What kind of future do we want?

Last year, Australia’s Chief Scientist Alan Finkel suggested that we in Australia should become “human custodians”. This would mean being leaders in technological development, ethics, and human rights.

Finkel isn’t alone in his concern. But it won’t be simple to address these issues in the development of new technology.

Many people in government, industry and universities now argue that including perspectives from the humanities and social sciences will be a key factor.

A recent report from the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) brought together experts from scientific and technical fields as well as the humanities, arts and social sciences to examine key issues arising from artificial intelligence.

According to the chair of the ACOLA board, Hugh Bradlow, the report aims to ensure that “the well-being of society” is placed “at the centre of any development.”

Human-centred AI

A similar vision drives Stanford University’s Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence. The institute brings together researchers from the humanities, education, law, medicine, business and STEM to study and develop “human-centred” AI technologies. The idea underpinning their work is that “AI should be collaborative, augmentative and enhancing to human productivity and quality of life”.

Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, the Future of Humanity Institute at the University of Oxford similarly investigates “big-picture questions” to ensure “a long and flourishing future for humanity”.

The centre is set to double in size in the next year thanks to a £13.3 million (A$25 million) contribution from the Open Philanthropy Project. The founder of the institute, philosopher Nick Bostrom, said:

There is a long-distance race on between humanity’s technological capability, which is like a stallion galloping across the fields, and humanity’s wisdom, which is more like a foal on unsteady legs.

What to build and why

The IT sector is also wrestling with the ethical issues raised by rapid technological advancement. Microsoft’s Brad Smith and Harry Shum wrote in their 2018 book The Future Computed that one of their “most important conclusions” was that the humanities and social sciences have a crucial role to play in confronting the challenges raised by AI:

Languages, art, history, economics, ethics, philosophy, psychology and human development courses can teach critical, philosophical and ethics-based skills that will be instrumental in the development and management of AI solutions.

Hiring practices in tech companies are already shifting. In a TED talk on “Why tech needs the humanities”, Eric Berridge – chief executive of the IBM-owned tech consulting firm Bluewolf – explains why his company increasingly hires humanities graduates.

While the sciences teach us how to build things, it’s the humanities that teach us what to build and why to build them.

Only 100 of Bluewolf’s 1,000 employees have degrees in computer science and engineering. Even the Chief Technology Officer is an English major.

youtube

Tech CEO Eric Berridge explains why his company hires humanities graduates.

Education for a brighter future

Similarly, Matt Reaney, the chief executive and founder of Big Cloud – a recruitment company that specialises in data science, machine learning and AI employment – has argued that technology needs more people with humanities training.

[The humanities] give context to the world we operate in day to day. Critical thinking skills, deeper understanding of the world around us, philosophy, ethics, communication, and creativity offer different approaches to problems posed by technology.

Reaney proposes a “more blended approach” to higher education, offering degrees that combine the arts and STEM.

Another advocate of the interdisciplinary approach is Joseph Aoun, President of Northeastern University in Boston. He has argued that in the age of AI, higher education should be focusing on what he calls “humanics”, equipping graduates with three key literacies: technological literacy, data literacy and human literacy.

The time has come to answer the call for humanities graduates capable of crossing over into the world of technology so that our human future can be as bright as possible.

Without training in ethics, human rights and social justice, the people who develop the technologies that will shape our future could make poor decisions. And that future might turn out to be one of the calamities we have already seen on screen.

About The Authors:

Sara James is a Senior Lecturer in Sociology at La Trobe University and Sarah Midford is a Senior Lecturer in Classics and Ancient History and Director of Teaching and Learning (ugrad), School of Humanities and Social Sciences at La Trobe University

This article is republished from our content partners over at The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.

#artificial intelligence #futurism #technology #featured

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stokan · 6 years ago

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Top 20 Things of 2018

1.) Beychella How do you make a long awaited surprise album between two of the biggest names in music that is also one of the year’s best feel like complete afterthought? Set the bar as high as Beyonce’s Coachella appearance.

First awards show performances, then music videos, now music festival gigs: is there anything that Beyonce CAN’T turn into high art?

2.) Explained by Vox The most exciting development in the world of television in 2018 was radically breaking the rules on episodes length. We saw 30 minute dramas, and hour long comedies. We got shows like Maniac where episodes were as long as 49 minutes and as short as 27 minutes. Now television creators can tell exactly the stories they want to tell in however much time they want to tell them in. And perhaps nowhere were these loosened restrictions taken better advantage than Explained, Vox’s documentary series for Netflix. Many topics cant sustain a full length documentary, but, say, 14 minutes explaining cryptocurrency to me? Sure! 17 minutes on designer DNA? Sounds great! 20 minutes on the origins of K-Pop? How do you say “yes please” in Korean? Every episode has a different narrator, a different look, a different feel, and varies wildly in subject matter. Yet they are all exactly the length they need to be. The only thing left I really need explained to me is why no one thought to make this series before.

3.) Serial Season 3 If Explained was a great example of the latest evolution in television, then the new season of Serial is at the front line of the evolution of our newest artistic medium: podcasts. Serial’s third season was nothing like its second, which was in turn nothing like its first. It’s a series still figuring out what it CAN be, while now defining forever what it NEEDS to be. Serial this year explained a deeply important topic in a way that wouldn’t have been possible through any other medium. They always say if you’re a writer you have to ask yourself what form of writing your idea needs to be. Don’t write a play that’s really a TV show, or a movie that should be a book. And now we can add to that don’t make a TV series that’s really a podcast. As Homecoming proved this year, the two mediums are very different and better equipped to tell different stories. And after hearing Serial Season Three I can’t imagine there will ever be a better way to explore the current American criminal justice system. It was 2018’s version of Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle. It may not change national food safety standards, but it hopefully will do something perhaps even more important: it will make us never again take lightly the election of local judges and sheriffs. It was a podcast for the heart, the head, and the time capsule.

4.) Black Mirror - “Hang the DJ” I know this technically came out December 29th 2017 but I’m counting it here because nothing was more 2018 than this. The sadness, the isolation, the uncertainty, the living in a world you don’t understand the rules of anymore, the unfairness of modern life, but the ultimate perseverance of hope and love: it’s all there in the best episode of Black Mirror’s third season. It made me cry out of sadness and happiness in equal measure. Could anything be more 2018 than that?

5.) Kesha at the Grammys Ok so maybe one thing was more 2018.

The Grammys, an organization led by Neil Portnow, a man who said this year that “women need to step up”, and an organization that didn’t offer its one female Album of the Year nominee a solo performance spot, also offered us 2018’s most powerful show of female solidarity and one of the most moving moments of the Me Too era. It all amounted to the perfect encapsulation of this year. Kesha scream crying and then collapsing into a sea of strong supportive women WAS 2018.

6.) Eighth Grade My favorite movie of the year was also the year’s best horror movie. It was so real, and visceral, and intense, and frightening that at times I literally had to remind myself to breathe. I watched at least half the movie through my fingers and on the edge of my seat. Proving what everyone who has lived through it already knows: there’s nothing in the world more terrifying than being in junior high.

7.) Big Mouth Speaking of junior high, the other side of the pain and trauma of growing up is humor, so why it took this long for someone to make a comedy series explicitly about puberty is beyond me. I guess, of course, making a show like this work is a fine needle to thread. It wouldn’t work without being animated and being on a streaming service that lets them go as far as they did. It wouldn’t work without writing that is both laugh out loud funny and deeply compassionate and human in equal measure. And it wouldn’t work without one of the best voice casts on TV, including a true tour de force from Maya Rudolph. But work does it ever. In a just world junior high health class homework would be simply watching this show.

8.) Emma Gonzalez speech Here’s how long 2018 was: this was from 2018.

Finishing off my personal 2018 Growing Up Trifecta is the most powerful 12 minutes of the year. That high school students could be more inspiring, articulate, and better leaders than the President of the United States is sadly, at this point, a given. But that they are now more effective and efficient than him at starting genuine political movements still feels revolutionary. The kids are our future, and our future has never looked brighter.

9.) Childish Gambino - “This is America” video 100 years from now if theres only one cultural artifact that still exists and is still remembered from 2018 this will be it. A “you know where you were the first time you saw it” level cultural event. No song will ever be more closely associated with its music video, and no music video will ever be more of an avatar for an entire cultural moment than this. THIS is, of course, a truly shocking and horrifying (in a good way) music video from the former fifth lead of the TV show Community. A profound and brilliant piece of art underscored by a fun-sounding dance song. The year’s most complex and important social-political message delivered in 4 minutes via YouTube. This is America indeed.

10.) Drake - “God’s Plan” video While Donald Glover may have perfected the music video as art form, it goes without saying that long ago Drake mastered the music video as promotional tool. And in that sense the music video for “God’s Plan” seems like minor failure. It seemed to sort of come and go from the culture, especially in light of the success of the In My Feelings Challenge. But for me, there was nothing more heartwarming and human this year than watching Drake give away almost a million dollars to strangers. It was an idea so simple it’s shocking no one had ever done it before. And so affecting I was shocked it didn’t seem to penetrate the public consciousness more. There’s so much going on at all times now it’s hard for anything to truly break through all the noise, but this really deserved to. It’s impossible to watch this without smiling, and is there anything 2018 needed more than that?

11.) Nanette The dumbest debate this year was whether or not Nanette was stand up. Form and genre aren’t delineators still worth discussing in 2018. It’s now only about the message and the messenger, everything else is just details. An important fresh voice, the most timely, and sadly, timeless message imaginable, delivered in a way that reached and deeply affected seemingly every person you knew? What is there to debate? Nanette may or may not be stand up comedy, but it’s definitely RISE UP comedy. And in the end, that’s all that matters.

12.) Amber Says What Please click on the link above. The final two minutes are by far the best comedy of 2018. It still makes me laugh so hard that it causes me physical pain. You’ve been warned.

13.) A Star is Born trailers A Star is Born is maybe a perfect film. The performances, the songs, the direction, the fact that there’s literally no human being on earth who could have played her part and made the movie work like it did other than Lady Gaga. It was all perfect. But there was actually something better than watching A Star is Born: anticipating watching a A Star is Born. Before the first A Star is Born trailer came out I thought the whole project sounded dumb and unnecessary. After I finished watching the first trailer I knew I was going to see A Star is Born opening night. True story: I was at a movie where the same A Star is Born trailer got played three times in a row for some reason. And it was riveting every time. There was no grumbling at all in the audience, and I for one was sad when it didn’t replay a fourth time. So as much as I loved A Star is Born what I would really love is be able to still want to see A Star is Born for the first time.

14.) Ariana Grande - “thank u, next” It’s genuinely impressive that a song released in November could be the song I listened to by far the most this year. Somehow it took less than two months for this song to feel completely ubiquitous. Hell, even the PHRASE “thank u, next” is omnipresent now. Forget Song of the Summer, this was maybe our first Song of the Winter. Which is perfect because has a hit pop song ever sounded more winter? It’s cold, but it keeps you warm. It’s the sadness of the holidays with the life reaffirming joy of the holiday season. It’s a sweater for you to wear on the dance floor. And it’s clearly exactly the song so many of us needed. No matter how many times I’ve heard it (and as I said, I’ve listened to it, uh, A LOT) its existence feels like a holiday miracle. Having a new and fresh take on the breakup song in the year 2018? That shit IS amazing.

15.) The proposal at the Emmys This is literally the only thing anyone remembers about this year’s Emmys. It was amazing, and special, and made anyone who watched it believe in true love. But for me it still cant touch the most heart-melting awards show moment of all time: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCJrku4fSxk

(Was this whole entry just an excuse to link to one of my absolute favorite YouTube clips? Perhaps.)

16.) Succession When I saw the promos for Succession I literally made the sound UGH out loud. The last thing the world needs is another show about rich white people behaving badly, I thought. How could there possibly be anything original left to say on that topic? Who on earth is still greenlighting shows like this in The Year of our Lord 2018?

People much smarter than I am clearly, that’s who.

Because from writing, acting, production design, direction - whatever element you want to focus on - this was the best and most exciting new show of 2018 by a wide margin. People have been saying for years that TV is the new movies; this show made movies look like the old TV. It was the most vibrant and perfectly crafted big budget feature film of 2018, stretched out over 8 episodes on HBO. Did it have anything new and important to say about the world? Probably not. And turns out, I couldn’t have cared less. The phrase compulsively watchable might have been invented just to describe the world these actors and writers created. I would watch the team involved with this show dry paint.

17.) Angels in America on Broadway Angels in America is the best play of the past 30 years and its not even close. So the fact that it would get a production that’s this good is just unfair for everyone else on this planet who makes theater. It was so good it made all other plays I’ve seen since seem small and cheap and unimportant. It was such a towering achievement that it has made the entire rest of theater as an art form seem insignificant by comparison. When you hear old people talk about seeing Brando in Streetcar or watching the original production of Death of Salesman I now can relate to what they are talking about. I’ll be thinking about Andrew Garfield’s final monologue for the rest of my life. It was unfair that we the audience had to all leave the theater when the lights finally came up and that we couldn’t all just live in that feeling forever. The eight hours I spent watching this play are what art is all about.

18.) Jesse Plemons in Game Night If dying is easy, and comedy is hard, then they should cancel the Oscars and give Jesse Plemmons Best Supporting Actor right now for his work in Game Night. And ok, maybe it wasn’t the BEST performance of 2018, but it was DEFINITELY the best performance relative to what it needed to be. It should have been a dumb throwaway part in a big-budget mainstream ensemble comedy. But Jesse Plemmons crafted a performance so strange and singular and memorable that it elevated the entire movie into something way better than I’m sure even its creators expected. I legitimately don’t know how everyone didn’t break in every one of his scenes. It’s a master class in the comedic power of silence. It should be studied in acting classes everywhere. And 20 years from now when Game Night is considered a comedy classic, Jesse Plemmons will be the main reason why. You heard it here first.

19.) The 1975 - A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships Saxophones? Electric guitar solos? Backing choirs? A concept album about being uncomfortable with the internet? Dumb pretentious song titles? This album couldn’t be any more in my wheelhouse if I made it myself. Its best song is basically a modern reimagining of “We Didn’t Start the Fire” for God’s sake!

For me this wasn’t just an album, it was an experience. It was big music to get lost inside of. And I did. At age 36 it’s nice to know that sometimes I can still feel 16. And it’s fitting that a band named The 1975 would be the ones to make music that’s so transporting.

20.) Emma Stone Ok so as someone who once argued in this very space that Emma Stone deserved an Oscar nomination for Easy A, it’s clear I’m pretty deep in the tank for Emma Stone. But even an Emma Stone hater would have to admit than this was a banner year for Emma Stone. Signing up for the insane acting challenge that was Maniac and completely acing it while totally exposing two-time Oscar nominee Jonah Hill in the process? Going toe to toe with Olivia Colman in the battle of the best acting performances of the year in The Favourite? Coming across as more charming than Jennifer freaking Lawrence ?!?

2018 was Emma Stone’s year, we were all just living in it.

#this is america #drake #emma stone #the 1975 #eighth grade #a star is born #beychella #nanette #jesse plemmons #succession #thank u next #angels in america #big mouth #serial

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georgetownacsjobs · 5 years ago

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Technology & Social Justice Fellow, at Libraries Without Borders

TECHNOLOGY & SOCIAL JUSTICE FELLOW

Position: Technology & Social Justice Fellow Employment: Full-time, 1 year term with opportunity to renew Location: Baltimore, MD and/or Washington, D.C. Start Date: As soon as possible Salary: $45,000 - $55,000 with health insurance

ABOUT LIBRARIES WITHOUT BORDERS

Libraries Without Borders (LWB) is an international nonprofit committed to expanding access to information and critical services to underserved communities around the world. By partnering with libraries, schools, small businesses, community-based organizations and civic institutions, LWB transforms laundromats, lobbies, parks, recreational centers, and other public spaces into pop-up learning centers. Through this approach, we literally meet people where they are—whether that’s a laundromat in the Bronx or a refugee camp in Jordan—to amplify the impact of our partners, expand community access to relevant and reliable resources, and equip individuals with the tools and training they need to provide relevant and reliable information to their communities, bridge the digital divide, reduce poverty, promote civic engagement and improve the quality of people’s lives.

Internationally, LWB has designed, implemented, and evaluated library programs in refugee camps, remote villages, and disaster relief contexts since 2007. Our US efforts have won numerous awards, including the Google Impact Challenge and the Library of Congress International Literacy Award. Supporters include the City of Washington DC, the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation, Sony, Google Fiber, the Knight Foundation, and the Alexander Soros Foundation.

POSITION SUMMARY

LWB seeks a highly organized, strategic, detail-oriented technologist with a demonstrated commitment to racial, economic and social justice to serve as our 2020 Technology and Social Justice Fellow. The Tech Fellow will focus on developing innovative and scalable models for providing equitable access to information, technology, and digital literacy opportunities to underserved communities. This individual will provide technology support for internal staff, as well as for our programs nationwide. They will be responsible for troubleshooting issues with technology, creating/adapting communication and training materials, building effective relationships with libraries, local partners, and other major stakeholders in order to accurately assess their needs, in

addition to developing creative tools and technology that advances our collective mission. The Tech Fellow will spark innovation, expand the reach of our efforts, and maximize the impact of our programs.

The Fellow will work closely with LWB staff to incorporate a human-centered, design-based approach to develop technology and tech-based solutions for our growing portfolio of programs, with a strong focus on the Wash and Learn Initiative (WALI). As WALI expands, the Fellow will have the responsibility and autonomy to draw on the needs of libraries, community-based organizations, and residents to create and adapt accessible digital tools and trainings that are relevant to local needs and advance digital equity.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

The ideal candidate will possess a wide range of technical and design skills, as well as a passion for equity and inclusion. The candidate’s professional and academic background should demonstrate an intense curiosity in technology, and a commitment to ensuring that underserved communities have access to the information and tools needed to thrive in today’s increasingly digital world.

As a member of a small and scrappy team, the Fellow must be a dynamic, experienced, and mission-driven person who values respect, cooperation and collaboration. The Fellow must possess both technical acumen and strong people skills. They must be proactive in addressing challenges and willing to take initiative; to explore ideas, options, and scenarios that may not be readily obvious in order to identify and design constructive solutions.

Most importantly, the Fellow must believe that technology is about humans, not hardware. They must view technology in a constructive context, as a tool whose value is determined by its application for the benefit and empowerment of people—whether in their personal or professional lives.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES & TASKS

Create, update, and maintain digital tools and trainings that enable libraries and local organizations to curate educational content for select WALI sites and other informal spaces

Design and distribute communications and training materials for meaningful integration of technologies into informal learning settings

Deliver orientations and supplemental trainings for technology integrations (e.g. “How to...”)

Troubleshoot issues with technology, both hardware and software, for LWB’s in-house team and staff in the field

Coordinate logistics for project implementation, which may include completing purchase orders for tech and complementary security devices, furniture, and educational materials, among other items

Train librarians and other facilitators on how to use and troubleshoot program curation tools

Disseminate online training materials, best practices, and case studies that can be adapted by libraries and non-profit organizations around the country

Forge strong relationships with community partners, librarians, local residents, and other relevant stakeholders (e.g. foundations, government officials, civic institutions) to solicit meaningful feedback that informs the iteration and improvement of digital tools, trainings, and programs

Collaborate with monitoring and evaluation experts to inform the design of survey instruments to accurately, respectfully and responsibly collect data from program participants

Interpret findings from survey data and other project indicators, and communicate major takeaways with relevant stakeholders (i.e. generate reports, present information at quarterly check-in meetings)

Integrate data, stakeholder insights, and project learnings into the redesign of all WALI software and tools

Present global learnings, digital tools, training guides, methodologies and best practices gleaned from programs at educational and tech conferences, as well as directly to library systems, implementing partners, and foundations

Lead internal technology planning meetings and provides strategic guidance on technology solutions for the organization

Contribute to general administrative, fundraising, and communications tasks as needed

Track finances and maintain all relevant documentation pertaining to technology used for operations and programs (e.g. receipts, contracts, MOUs)

ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS

The Wash and Learn Initiative (WALI) equips laundromats with laptops, tablets, specialized software, Wi-Fi hotspots, books, and other educational resources, and then couples these tools with programming that aligns with the needs and interests of laundromat patrons. It represents a collaboration between libraries, small businesses, local nonprofits, and civic associations that brings relevant information and critical services to underserved communities through neighborhood laundromats. By training librarians and local nonprofits on best practices for facilitating fun, inclusive and educational activities at the laundromat, WALI expands and amplifies the reach of community-based organizations to new, typically underserved, audiences, those who tend to fall through the cracks of traditional outreach programs. Whether it’s English language classes, free tax preparation or digital literacy workshops, WALI meets people where they are and provides them with the tools and services they need to make the most of their limited time at the laundromat. Through this approach, the WALI has served families in Detroit, the Bronx, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Washington DC, and other cities across the United States.

The Legal Literacy Initiative re-imagines how low-income families access legal information by partnering with legal service providers and law libraries to bring resources directly into communities—from laundromats to day labor centers!

The Ideas Box Program in Puerto Rico created a pop-up library and learning center in Loiza, an underserved community that continues to struggle in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. This program strives to fill the gap left by the closure of public schools and cuts to critical services by transforming abandoned spaces in centers for education, resiliency and entrepreneurship.

LIBRARIES WITHOUT BORDERS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

TO APPLY: Interested candidates should send a resume and brief cover letter (embedded into the email) to: [email protected] and [email protected]

#HireAHoya #Jobs #Careers

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roboticsappreciationsociety · 6 years ago

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From driving rovers on Mars to improving farm automation for Indian women, once again we’re bringing you a list of 25 amazing women in robotics! These women cover all aspects of the robotics industry, both research, product and policy. They are founders and leaders, they are investigators and activists. They are early career stage and emeritus. There is a role model here for everyone! And there is no excuse – ever – not to have a woman speaking on a panel on robotics and AI.

Crystal Chao

Chief Scientist of AI/Robotics – Huawei

Crystal Chao is Chief Scientist at Huawei and the Global Lead of Robotics Projects, overseeing a team that operates in Silicon Valley, Boston, Shenzhen, Beijing, and Tokyo. She has worked with every part of the robotics software stack in her previous experience, including a stint at X, Google’s moonshot factory. In 2012, Chao won Outstanding Doctoral Consortium Paper Award, ICMI, for her PhD at Georgia Tech, where she developed an architecture for social human-robot interaction (HRI) called CADENCE: Control Architecture for the Dynamics of Natural Embodied Coordination and Engagement, enabling a robot to collaborate fluently with humans using dialogue and manipulation.

Sougwen Chung

Interdisciplinary Artist

Sougwen Chung is a Chinese-born, Canadian-raised artist based in New York. Her work explores the mark-made-by-hand and the mark-made-by-machine as an approach to understanding the interaction between humans and computers. Her speculative critical practice spans installation, sculpture, still image, drawing, and performance. She is a former researcher fellow at MIT’s Media Lab and inaugural member of NEW INC, the first museum-led art and technology in collaboration with The New Museum. She received a BFA from Indiana University and a masters diploma in interactive art from Hyper Island in Sweden.

Emily Cross

Professor of Social Robotics / Director of SoBA Lab

Emily Cross is a cognitive neuroscientist and dancer. As the Director of the Social Brain in Action Laboratory (www.soba-lab.com), she explores how our brains and behaviors are shaped by different kinds of experience throughout our lifespans and across cultures. She is currently the Principal Investigator on the European Research Council Starting Grant entitled ‘Social Robots’, which runs from 2016-2021.

Rita Cucchiara

Full Professor / Head of AImage Lab

Rita Cucchiara is Full Professor of Computer Vision at the Department of Engineering “Enzo Ferrari” of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, where since 1998 she has led the AImageLab, a lab devoted to computer vision and pattern recognition, AI and multimedia. She coordinates the RedVision Lab UNIMORE-Ferrari for human-vehicle interaction. She was President of the Italian Association in Computer Vision, Pattern Recognition and Machine Learning (CVPL) from 2016 to 2018, and is currently Director of the Italian CINI Lab in Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Systems. In 2018 she was recipient of the Maria Petrou Prize of IAPR

Sanja Fidler

Assistant Professor / Director of AI at NVIDIA

Sanja Fidler is Director of AI at NVIDIA’s new Toronto Lab, conducting cutting-edge research projects in machine learning, computer vision, graphics, and the intersection of language and vision. She remains Assistant Professor at the Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto. She is recipient of the Amazon Academic Research Award (2017) and the NVIDIA Pioneer of AI Award (2016). She completed her PhD in computer science at University of Ljubljana in 2010, and has served as a Program Chair of the 3DV conference, and as an Area Chair of CVPR, EMNLP, ICCV, ICLR, and NIPS.

Kanako Harada

ImPACT Program Manager

Kanako Harada, is Program Manager of the ImPACT program “Bionic Humanoids Propelling New Industrial Revolution” of the Cabinet Office, Japan. She is also Associate Professor of the departments of Bioengineering and Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering and the University of Tokyo, Japan. She obtained her M.Sc. in Engineering from the University of Tokyo in 2001, and her Ph.D. in Engineering from Waseda University in 2007. She worked for Hitachi Ltd., Japan Association for the Advancement of Medical Equipment, and Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Italy, before joining the University of Tokyo. Her research interests include surgical robots and surgical skill assessment.

Jessica Hodgins

Professor / FAIR Research Mgr and Operations Lead

Jessica Hodgins is a Professor in the Robotics Institute and Computer Science Department at Carnegie Mellon University, and the new lead of Facebook’s AI Research Lab in Pittsburgh. The FAIR lab will focus on robotics, lifelong-learning systems that learn continuously, teaching machines to reason and AI in support of creativity. From 2008-2016, Hodgins founded and ran research labs for Disney, rising to VP of Research and leading the labs in Pittsburgh and Los Angeles. She received her Ph.D. in Computer Science from Carnegie Mellon University in 1989. She has received an NSF Young Investigator Award, a Packard Fellowship, a Sloan Fellowship, the ACM SIGGRAPH Computer Graphics Achievement Award, and in 2017 she was awarded the Steven Anson Coons Award for Outstanding Creative Contributions to Computer Graphics. Her groundbreaking research focuses on computer graphics, animation, and robotics, with an emphasis on generating and analyzing human motion.

Heather Justice

Mars Exploration Rover Driver

Heather Justice has the dream job title of Mars Exploration Rover Driver, and is a Software Engineer at NASA JPL. As a 16-year-old watching the first Rover landing on Mars, she said: “I saw just how far robotics could take us and I was inspired to pursue my interests in computer science and engineering.” Justice graduated from Harvey Mudd College with a B.S. in computer science in 2009 and an M.S. from the Robotics Institute at Carnegie Mellon University in 2011, having also interned at three different NASA centers, and working in a variety of research areas including computer vision, mobile robot path planning, and spacecraft flight rule validation.

Sue Keay

COO

Sue Keay is the Chief Operating Officer of the ACRV and in 2018 launched Australia’s first National Robotics Roadmap at Parliament House. A university medallist and Jaeger scholar, Sue has more than 20 years experience in the research sector, managing and ensuring impact from multidisciplinary R&D programs and teams. She has a PhD in Earth Sciences from the Australian National University and was an ARC post-doctoral fellow at the University of Queensland, before turning to science communication, research management, research commercialisation, and IP management. Keay is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and Chairs the IP and Commercialisation Committee for the Board of the CRC for Optimising Resource Extraction. In 2017, Keay was also named one of the first Superstars of STEM by Science & Technology Australia.

Erin Kennedy

Founder

Erin Kennedy is a robot maker and the founder of Robot Missions, an organization that empowers communities to embark on missions aimed at helping our planet using robots. She designed and developed a robot to collect shoreline debris, replicable anywhere with a 3D printer. Kennedy studied digital fabrication at the Fab Academy, and worked with a global team at MIT on a forty-eight-hour challenge during Fab11 to build a fully functional submarine. A former fellow in social innovation and systems thinking at the MaRS Discovery District’s Studio Y, Kennedy has been recognized as a finalist in the Lieutenant Governor’s Visionaries Prize (Ontario), and her previous robotic work has been featured in Forbes, Wired, and IEEE Spectrum, and on the Discovery Channel.

Kathrine Kuchenbecker

Director at Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems / Associate Professor

Katherine J. Kuchenbecker is Director and Scientific Member at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems in Stuttgart, on leave from the Department of Computer and Information Science at UPenn. Kuchenbecker received her PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University in 2006. She received the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society Academic Early Career Award, NSF CAREER Award, and Best Haptic Technology Paper at the IEEE World Haptics Conference. Her keynote at RSS 2018 is online. Kuchenbecker’s research expertise is in the design and control of robotic systems that enable a user to touch virtual objects and distant environments as though they were real and within reach, uncovering new opportunities for its use in interactions between humans, computers, and machines.

Jasmine Lawrence

Technical Program Manager – Facebook

Jasmine Lawrence currently serves as a Technical Program Manager on the Building 8 team at Facebook, a research lab to develop hardware projects in the style of DARPA. Previously, she served as a Technical Program Manager at SoftBank Robotics where she lead a multidisciplinary team to create software for social, humanoid robots. Before that she was a Program Manager at Microsoft on the HoloLens Experience team and the Xbox Engineering team. Lawrence earned her B.S. in Computer Science, from the Georgia Institute of Technology, and her M.S. in Human Centered Design & Engineering from U of Washington. At the age of 13, after attending a NFTE BizCamp, Jasmine founded EDEN BodyWorks to meet her own need for affordable natural hair and body care products. After almost 14 years in business her products are available at Target, Wal-Mart, CVS, Walgreens, Amazon.com , Kroger, HEB, and Sally Beauty Supply stores just to name a few.

Jade Le Maitre

ître

CTO & CoFounder – Hease Robotics

Jade Le Maître spearheads the technical side of Hease Robotics, a robot catered to the retail industry and customer service. With a background in engineering and having conducted a research project about human-robot interaction, Le Maître found her passion in working in the science communication sector. Since then she has cofounded Hease Robotics to bring the robotics experience to the consumer.

Laura Margheri

Programme Manager and Knowledge Transfer Fellow – Imperial College London

Laura Margheri develops the scientific program and manages the research projects at the Aerial Robotics Laboratory at the Imperial College London, managing international and multidisciplinary partnerships. Before joining Imperial College, she was project manager and post doc fellow at the BioRobotics Institute of the Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna. Margheri has an M.S. in Biomedical Engineering (with Honours) and the PhD in BioRobotics (with Honours). She is also member of the IEEE RAS Technical Committee on Soft Robotics and of the euRobotics Topic Group on Aerial Robotics, with interdisciplinary expertise in bio-inspired robotics, soft robotics, and aerial robotics. Since the beginning of 2014 she is the Chair of the Women In Engineering (WIE) Committee of the Robotics & Automation Society.

Brenda Mboya

Undergraduate Student – Ashesi University Ghana

Brenda Mboya is just finishing a B.S. in Computer Science at Ashesi University in Ghana. A technology enthusiast who enjoys working with young people, she also volunteers in VR at Ashesi University, with Future of Africa, Tech Era, and as a coach with the Ashesi Innovation Experience (AIX). Mboya was a Norman Foster Fellows in 2017, one of 10 scholars chosen from around the world to attend a one week robotics atelier in Madrid. “Through this conference, the great potential robotics has, especially in Africa, been reaffirmed in my mind.” said Mboya.

Katja Mombaur

Professor at the Institute of Computer Engineering (ZITI) – Heidelberg University

Katja Mombaur is coordinator of the newly founded Heidelberg Center for Motion Research and full professor at the Institute of Computer Engineering (ZITI), where she is head of the Optimization in Robotics & Biomechanics (ORB) group and the Robotics Lab. She holds a diploma degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Stuttgart and a Ph.D. degree in Mathematics from Heidelberg University. Mombaur is PI in the European H2020 project SPEXOR. She coordinated the EU project KoroiBot and was PI in MOBOT and ECHORD–GOP, and founding chair of the IEEE RAS technical committee on Model-based optimization for robotics. Her research focuses on the interactions of humans with exoskeletons, prostheses, and external physical devices.

Devi Murthy

CEO – Kamal Kisan

Devi Murthy has a Bachelors degree in Engineering from Drexel University, USA and a Masters in Entrepreneurship from IIM, Bangalore. She has over 6 years of experience in Product Development & Business Development at Kamal Bells, a sheet metal fabrications and components manufacturing company. In 2013 she founded Kamal Kisan, a for-profit Social Enterprise that works on improving farmer livelihoods through smart mechanization interventions that help them adopt modern agricultural practices, and cultivate high value crops while reducing inputs costs to make them more profitable and sustainable.

Sarah Osentoski

COO – Mayfield Robotics

Sarah Osentoski is COO at Mayfield Robotics, who produced Kuri, ‘the adorable home robot’. Previously she was the manager of the Personal Robotics Group at the Bosch Research and Technology Center in Palo Alto, CA. Osentoski is one of the authors of Robot Web Tools. She was also a postdoctoral research associate at Brown University working with Chad Jenkins in the Brown Robotics Laboratory. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, under Sridhar Mahadevan. Her research interests include robotics, shared autonomy, web interfaces for robots, reinforcement learning, and machine learning. Osentoski featured as a 2017 Silicon Valley Biz Journal “Women of Influence”.

Kirsten H. Petersen

Assistant Professor – Cornell University

Kirstin H. Petersen is Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering. She is interested in design and coordination of bio-inspired robot collectives and studies of their natural counterparts, especially in relation to construction. Her thesis work on a termite-inspired robot construction team made the cover of Science, and was ranked among the journal’s top ten scientific breakthroughs of 2014. Petersen continued on to a postdoc with Director Metin Sitti at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems 2014-2016, and became a fellow with the Max Planck ETH Center for Learning Systems in 2015. Petersen started the Collective Embodied Intelligence Lab in 2016 as part of the Electrical and Computer Engineering department at Cornell University, and has field memberships in Computer Science and Mechanical Engineering.

Kristen Y. Pettersen

Professor Department of Engineering Cybernetics – NTNU

Kristin Ytterstad Pettersen (1969) is a Professor at the Department of Engineering Cybernetics, and holds a PhD and an MSc in Engineering Cybernetics from NTNU. She is also a Key Scientist at the Center of Excellence: Autonomous marine operations and systems (NTNU AMOS) and an Adjunct Professor at the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI). Her research interests include nonlinear control theory and motion control, in particular for marine vessels, AUVs, robot manipulators, and snake robots. She is also Co-Founder and Board Member of Eelume AS, a company that develops technology for for subsea inspection, maintenance, and repair. In 2017 she received the Outstanding Paper Award from IEEE Transactions on Control Systems Technology, and in 2018 she was appointed Member of the Academy of the Royal Norwegian Society of Sciences and Letters.

Veronica Santos

Assoc. Prof. of UCLA Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering / Principal Investigator – Director of the UCLA Biomechatronics Laboratory

Veronica J. Santos is an Associate Professor in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department at UCLA, and Director of the UCLA Biomechatronics Lab. She is one of 16 individuals selected for the Defense Science Study Group (DSSG), a two year opportunity for emerging scientific leaders to participate in dialogues related to US security challenges. She received her B.S. from UC Berkeley in 1999 and her M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Mech. Eng. with a biometry minor from Cornell University in 2007. Santos was a postdoctoral research associate at the Alfred E. Mann Institute for Biomedical Engineering at USC where she worked on a team to develop a novel biomimetic tactile sensor for prosthetic hands. She then directed the ASU Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Program and ASU Biomechatronics Lab. Santos has received many honors and awards for both research and teaching.

Casey Schulz

Systems Engineer – Omron Adept

Casey Schulz is a Systems Engineer at Omron Adept Technologies (OAT). She currently leads the engineering and design verification testing for a new mobile robot. Prior to OAT, Schulz worked at several Silicon Valley startups, a biotech consulting firm, and the National Ignition Facility at Lawrence Livermore National Labs.Casey received her M.S in Mech. Eng. from Carnegie Mellon University in 2009 for NSF funded research in biologically inspired mobile robotics. She received her B.S from Santa Clara University in 2008 by building a proof-of-concept urban search and rescue mobile robot. Her focus is the development of new robotics technologies to better society.

Kavitha Velusamy

Senior Director Computer Vision – BossaNova Robotics

Kavita Velusamy is the Senior Director of Computer Vision at BossaNova Robotics, where she builds robot vision applications. Previously, she was a Senior Manager at NVIDA, where she managed a global team responsible for delivering computer vision and deep learning software for self-driving vehicles. Prior to this, she was Senior Manager at Amazon, where she wrote the “far field” white paper that defined the device side of Amazon Echo, its vision, its architecture and its price points, and got approval from Jeff Bezos to build a team and lead Amazon Echo’s technology from concept to product. She holds a PhD in Signal Processing/Electrical Communication Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science.

Martha Wells

Author

Martha Wells is a New York Times bestselling author of sci-fi and speculative fiction. Her Hugo award-winning series, The Murderbot Diaries, is about a self-aware security robot that hacks its “governor module”. Known for her world-building narratives, and detailed descriptions of fictional societies, Wells brings an academic grounding in anthropology to her fantasy writing. She holds a B.A. in Anthropology from Texas A&M University, and is the winner of over a dozen awards and nominations for fiction, including a Hugo Award, Nebula Award, and Locus Award.

Andie Zhang

Global Product Manager – ABB Collaborative Robotics

Andie Zhang is Global Product Manager of Robotics at ABB, where she has full global ownership of a portfolio of industrial robot products, develops strategy for the company’s product portfolio, and drives product branding. Zhang’s previous experience includes 10+ years working for world leading companies in Supply Chain, Quality, Marketing and Sales Management. She holds a Masters in Engineering from KTH in Stockholm. Her focus is on collaborative applications for robots and user centered interface design.

Join more than 700 women in our global online community https://womeninrobotics.org and find or host your own Women in Robotics event locally! Women In Robotics is a grassroots not-for-profit organization supported by Robohub and Silicon Valley Robotics.

And don’t forget to browse previous year’s lists, add all these women to wikipedia (let’s have a Wikipedia Hackathon!), or nominate someone for inclusion next year!

Andra Keay

robot startup strategist..

#robot #robotics #women in stem

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smartersiptv · 2 years ago

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A Guide To Choose The Right OTT App Development Company

When you're looking to develop an OTT app for your new or existing business, you need to find the right OTT app development company that can handle all of the technical aspects of integration and design. It’s a good idea to work with a well-established company that has a history of successful projects.

Choosing the right OTT apps development company is a big decision that can have a significant impact on your business. But how do you know which OTT app development company is right for your needs? How can you find one that will go above and beyond what you need?

That's why we've created this guide to help you choose the best OTT app development company for your unique needs. However, there is no need for you to worry about this because we will help you out in this matter.

Here we will discuss some important considerations that you need to keep in mind before hiring any company for developing an OTT app:

1. Business Understanding and Compatibility

Make sure you choose an OTT app development partner who understands your business and has experience with businesses like yours. This will make it easier for them to understand your problems and how to solve them, as well as how to frame your solution in a way that will resonate with your users and potential customers.

2. Experience:

How many years has the company been in business? How many clients do they have? It's important to choose a company with significant experience developing apps similar in size and scope to yours. Look for companies that have worked on similar projects before, as they will be best equipped to understand and meet your needs.

3. Platforms They Support

There are tons of different platforms available for building OTT apps, but not all companies work with all of them. Make sure you choose an OTT app development company that works with the platform you want to build on. Make sure they have experience in building OTT apps for multiplatform like Android, iOS, Windows/Mac, Smart TV, and web apps.

4. Design Expertise

The design of an app is vital, in terms of both functionality and aesthetics. It helps people get where they need to go in the app quickly, makes sure they don't miss important features like Parental Control, EPG, Recording, And Catch Up, Master Search, Chrome Casting, VPN Integration, etc.

5. Customer Service:

The best OTT app development companies will provide excellent customer service, which means they'll be responsive, attentive, communicative, and helpful. Find out how often they check in with clients during projects and how quickly they respond to questions through various channels like Email, Skype, or Social media before hiring them as your development partner.

6. Transparency

How transparent is the company about its Work? Make sure you can check everything.

By considering these factors, you can choose the right OTT app development company with a global presence that has earned its reputation by providing high-quality services for its clients.

Choosing the right company is a difficult task. But, with these considerations in mind, it can definitely make the process less daunting,.and ensure that you select a company that is experienced and knowledgeable enough to do your app justice.

In the end, we sincerely hope that this article has helped you learn about various things to consider when choosing an OTT app development company and can help you make a more informed decision, in order to find the right OTT app development company.

#OTT App development #OTT player #ott business

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riilsports · 2 years ago

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NFHS Launches Free National Book Study Supporting DEI Initiatives

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (August 17, 2022) — A four-week national book study discussing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) will be conducted via a virtual webinar series by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) from October 19 to November 9. Registration for this first-ever free national initiative is open now through September 15 at meetings.nfhs.org/NFHSNationalBookStudy/.

All members of the high school sports and performing arts community – students, parents, coaches, officials, athletic directors, school administrators and others – are encouraged to participate in the NFHS National Book Study, featuring the book entitled, “From Athletics to Engineering: 8 Ways to Support Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for All,” co-authored by Johnnie Johnson and Dr. Michael E. Webber.

“This book study will allow readers to gather a collection of diverse perspectives from other readers and participants,” said Mautrice Meriweather, NFHS chief talent officer, who led the development of the national book study. “Each of the four sessions is intended to stimulate thinking, encourage self-reflection and move readers toward intentional action steps that demonstrate support for work in the diversity, equity and inclusion space.”

The webinar-based virtual discussions will take place October 19, October 26, November 2 and November 9. At that time, book study participants will have the opportunity to join the NFHS, members of its 51-member state associations, and national DEI experts to gain a better understanding of DEI-related issues.

“The NFHS is a learning organization. In that light, the book study represents a solid educational initiative that has the infrastructure of the NFHS to extend to those who champion education-based sports and performing arts participation at the grassroots level,” Meriweather said. “It’s important to engage in collaborative learning around concepts that drive effective diversity, equity and inclusion practices to broaden one’s overall intellectual perspective.”

Throughout each of the book study’s four weeks, master facilitators, equipped with experience in athletic administration, coaching, school administration, teaching and DEI consulting, will rotate in leading the discussion on all eight chapters of the book. Links to the webinars will be distributed to participants prior to the first discussion on October 19.

Master facilitators include Natalie Iwamoto, director of information at the Hawaii High School Athletic Association (HHSAA), who as a student-athlete at Kaimuki High School in Honolulu earned varsity letters in basketball, volleyball, softball and soccer, and later served as assistant coach for the school’s varsity and junior varsity girls basketball teams; Dr. Tamika Pollins, who for 23 years has held positions as a teacher, principal and school administrator, in addition to serving as the director of diversity, equity, access and inclusion at West Orange Public Schools in New Jersey and as a consultant for Pollins and Associates, providing educational services on social justice, strategic planning, diversity, equity, inclusion, communication and “think tanks;” Mark Robinson, an educator of 30 years, who currently teaches and coaches at St. Georges Technical High School in Middletown, Delaware, and has experienced a diverse educational journey as an educator, connecting with students from varied backgrounds, including at-risk youth in alternative settings; and Janet Mauldin, senior vice president of relocation for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties, who has served on the Metro Atlanta Relocation Council Board of Directors, its advisory council and as a member of other distinguished national relocation councils, in addition to supporting her three children in football, baseball, wrestling, competitive and sideline cheer as a mom and booster club member.

Authors of the book are entrepreneur Johnnie Johnson, a former high school, collegiate and professional athlete, and Dr. Michael E. Webber, an educator and engineer. They use decades of experience in education, coaching, mentoring and leadership to suggest eight concepts to help in forward moving and sustaining programs that support diversity, equity and inclusion with an attitude that promotes harmony and prosperity for all in education-based activities, the workplace, community, and for everyday living.

The NFHS first engaged Johnson and Webber early last year, ahead of adopting “From Athletics to Engineering” in April 2021 when its internal DEI team began studying the book. The entire NFHS staff followed with a study of its own from August to October, featuring discussion led by the internal NFHS DEI team. This past spring, several of the NFHS member state association staffs and boards participated in the initiative.

“Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” was one of five strategic priorities developed in 2021 by the NFHS Strategic Planning Committee, which was composed of 17 state association executive directors/assistant directors representing all eight NFHS sections, and is included in the 2021-2025 NFHS Strategic Plan.

“We believe the opportunity to involve thousands of individuals in our nation’s schools in the study of this book dealing with diversity, equity and inclusion is exactly what our membership envisioned in formulating the Strategic Plan,” said Dr. Karissa Niehoff, NFHS chief executive officer.

The NFHS’ efforts in leading this study have since received support from the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA), which is recommending participation in the book study to its network of more than 13,000 interscholastic athletic administrators. Similarly, the National Organization of Minority Athletic Directors (NOMAD) is encouraging participation in the book study to its membership.

At the conclusion of the National Book Study on November 9, participants will have an opportunity to register to facilitate a book study with their own groups.

To register and to learn more about the NFHS National Book Study, its authors and master facilitators, please visit meetings.nfhs.org/NFHSNationalBookStudy/. Questions regarding the book study may also be directed via email to [email protected] or by phone to (317) 822-5715.

This press release was written by Cody Porter, manager of media relations for the National Federation of State High School Associations.

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corgisocks · 7 years ago

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wait just curious, why don't u believe in the concept of sexuality? like what do u mean

warning: very long post incoming because i got carried away oops

POINT A: it doesn’t work for everyone

what we think is uncertainty actually isn’t, but we’re afraid of it anyway. it’s referred to as ‘questioning’ and that makes people feel like they have to leave that ‘stage’ of not having a label. but i find that the most certain thing in the universe is that we can’t know anything for certain, and that comforts me. it’s also what’s helped me accept myself as well as others–i’m not inclined to make assumptions or jump to conclusions anymore, so i have more potential to actually understand people. i think.

in regards to ‘sexuality’? i don’t need to know what my preferences are. it’s not like i’m seeking people out based on them; i’m just letting stuff happen. and i’m acting on my feelings genuinely, too–like, i’m not confusing attraction or wanting to ‘be with someone’ with anything. i have no standards for any kind of bond; i’m open to anything, really, as long as it doesn’t harm anyone involved.

i’m not saying i’m like ‘above’ having a sexuality or that my way of existing is the ‘right’ way or whatever. it’s just what’s worked best for me (whereas attempting to label myself has actually been detrimental in many respects). and from there, i’ve reached this conclusion:

POINT B: sexual preferences are a thing, but sexuality doesn’t have to be.

you might be going “wtf???” right now, but hear me out:

labels are fucking CONFUSING. it’s like people can’t always find labels to fit into, so more often than not, they settle for an imperfect one. and then others incorrectly judge them based on it. or like people who also use the label might not accept you if you’re not like them. or like…they misunderstand you. and from there you stop understanding yourself. granted, this isn’t what happens to everyone, but the fact that it IS happening is a problem. it’s happened to me. it’s happened to people in my life. heck, it’s happened to a lot of people in my friend group–they were too scared to speak up about it until i did, and even then, they don’t trust the queer activist/very openly bisexual/social justice enthusiast of the group (who still assumes that all of us are exclusively heterosexual and complains that they don’t have enough non-straight friends) to know because they’re terrified that they’ll be shut down by them like i was.

that one friend assumed i was ‘too pansexual to be able to get it’ or that i was ‘claiming not to be straight in order to make it seem like [i’m] a good person.’

she was so set on sticking to the concept of everyone having a sexuality that she felt more inclined to invalidate me than she did to support me regardless of her own views. and it fucking hurt.

POINT C: sexuality is a fabricated concept based upon heteronormativity

sexuality, from what i can tell, is primarily related to gender (re: homo vs hetero vs bi vs pansexual/romantic, etc). then it’s based upon extent (i.e. demi, allo, lith, asexual/romantic, etc). then categorisation is considered.

but like…how does ‘gender’ actually apply to it? do we even know? like, does being gay include attraction to people who aren’t cis? if it does then, does that mean those people’s concept of gender is not good or that they’re immoral or less valid or WHAT? and does it depend on one’s personal definitions of things? like…it’s mind-boggling. it probably prevents people from expressing themselves fully. it keeps people from actually understanding themselves and staying true to that. and it’s caused me and many others a lot of confusion.

you don’t have to identify as straight to only want to date people whom you perceive to be belonging to the opposite sex, and you don’t have to specify romantic vs sexual attraction in order to prove it. you don’t have to identify as bisexual in order to make it known that your sexual attraction isn’t necessarily limited by gender.

unfortunately, there is something that prevents people from actually believing this, hence the importance we place upon ‘coming out’, representation, and the like. that something is called heteronormativity.

here is an example of heteronormativity:

person a: i’m not like all these people getting married to the opposite sex and having kids. i like the idea of marriage but i don’t want a husband; i want a wife

person b: you’ll come around one day and have beautiful children with a lovely man. you’ll be such a good wife and mother…

person a: no…fyi……i like vagina.

person b: you’re delusional. one of these days you’ll realise that you only want to be with men and you like the idea of having a husband and–

person a: no. i’m not like that. i’m DIFFERENT.

see what i’m getting at here? heteronormativity, in some cases, can lead to the need to explicitly differentiate from others in order for them to actually be understood. that is why sexuality exists instead of something similar to it just being an aspect of one’s sexual preferences.

here is a timeline (of sorts?) of the most frustrating concept of all, aka heteronormativity:

- a very very long time ago, on this wonderful planet we call earth, life was created.

- pretty much every life form’s goal was to survive and/or carry on its species because that’s all they were equipped to do. they didn’t have the time or energy to do other things.

- as such, many species have mating rituals/events. our counterpart to that is partnership, and it’s probably because humans value interpersonal connection AND it’s generally easier to work with someone than alone when it comes to optimising one’s chances (whether in regards to a group/species/an individual) of survival.

- we WANTED to optimise our chances of survival, so we’ve been trying to. that’s why humans have become the 'most advanced’ species on the planet even though many species that are technically 'smarter’ than us have remained content with doing what they’ve been doing for millennia.

- that is also why couples have always tended to consist of people who can reproduce with one another. sex happened to be pleasurable for some people, sure, but partnership was about reproduction because reproduction contributes to the continuation of a species. since specific types of sexual intercourse are directly linked to reproduction, the two things became intertwined to the point where it became a norm, hence the existence of heteronormativity. just because it exists doesn’t mean it’s actually biologically normal; in fact, there probably IS no normal as we each have our own individual preferences that don’t have to depend on anything. THAT should be the norm.

- sexual intercourse can lead to reproduction and/or pleasure (or even neither of the two). however, reproduction is directly linked to neither pleasure nor all types of sex, so the concept of 'a->b and a->c so b->c’ (sex->reproduction and sex->pleasure so reproduction->pleasure) does not work at all here because not even the first two situations are always true.

- most people in first-world countries don’t need to worry about reproduction anymore unless it’s in regards to making the choice to procreate. our main goal has shifted from survival to surviving comfortably. as such, our long-surviving 'norms’ for being in relationships (and the norm of valuing being in a relationship at all) are obsolete because the things that led to their existence are obsolete.

we still have instincts, though. they are connected to survival/reproduction/fertility, but we’ve passed that point as a species. we don’t need to worry about dominance or 'who will have the best kids’ or having kids at all anymore.

instead, people who are already equipped to survive generally need to worry about living their lives to the fullest or living their truth or just living well enough, whatever that may mean to them. and when an outdated version of that prevents them from achieving that and even makes their lives worse in the process, that’s how we know we need to change. it’s not just about morals; it’s about logic, too, especially considering that that logic is meant to validate people.

how does this apply to sexuality?

well, it’s simple: it stemmed from the fabrication of heteronormativity and the gender binary (which kept being reinforced by religious establishments, etc, because they’d been 'normal’ anyway). heteronormativity and the binary didn’t apply to everyone, so those people were labelled as being different, and umbrella terms serve to cover those who don’t conform to societal standards that don’t even need to exist. by using such terms, even with good intentions, we might be reinforcing those standards; we’re inadvertently differentiating ourselves further from what is supposedly typical. we’re giving ourselves more of a voice and making ourselves more visible, sure; people don’t doubt that we exist anymore, but we need to improve upon that. we’re connecting over similar experiences, too, which is part of the reason why umbrella terms usually refer to communities (and why people can be a part of them without having to label themselves). but that’s not the same thing as normalisation–we’re just becoming a more vocal and more confused 'minority’ that isn’t actually a minority at all.

we’re confused as fuck. and we’re angry; we’re upset; we want change. but most importantly, we NEED change for everyone’s sake. this is my justification for it.

#i may or may not be trustworthy here as all of this has been based on my critical thinking 'skills'#my opinion's apparently so unpopular that people haven't thought to justify anything like it 😬 so don't see sources against it #but i don't see sources that support it either.#long post #luca's rambles #sexuality #lgbtqa #lgbt community #lgbt+#queer #queer community

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moulipaulmajournal · 3 years ago

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Post 4: Books I have been reading

Our faces, our spaces : photography, community and representation, Judy Harrisson, 2014

The crit session had actually got me thinking about my project and of course in a good way. I was gradually leaning towards migration and notions of home and belonging as it was more relatable. However, migration was a lot easier for me compared to the people who had come down here 40 years back. It generally is an easy process right now for a lot of international students who fly here every year. Things are accessible and by things I mean to say food and people from your own community. It was not so fluid back then. A lot of people had migrated because they lost their home, or there was a war or unrest. Women mainly migrated as they got married and the transition was quite tough for them considering they were not well-versed in English. So, basically, I didn't have any migration story as such but I still kind of related to the feelings an immigrant goes through - specifically people who had arrived here in the 80's and 90's.

I had got in touch with few other people as well, mainly grocery stores as they seemed the easiest way to approach them rather than knocking on doors. I wasn't too hopeful though as most of the people I had talked with seemed too busy to care for a MA project. In the meantime, I also planned to visit Bristol to hunt for South Asian grocery stores. This was proving quite challenging!

The good part was that I was slowly getting access to almost all the technical equipment plus the library. I mean, the library was always there but, I was gradually able to understand which books could be prove a useful read. I had started with Robert Frank: The Americans to take a look at the documentary style of photography he had undertaken for this book. This didn't actually provide me with anything useful for my work but it was a real good piece of visuals. The one book which I really loved reading was Our faces, our spaces : photography, community and representation, Judy Harrisson, 2014. There were excerpts from a lot of contributors namely Stephen Foster, Professor Sunil Gupta, Sian Bonnell and Christopher Pinney. Judy had given her own excerpts as well featuring the photographic work done by the Batra Sikh community between 1977 and 1992. They were young children, basically students who had become members of the Mount Pleasant Photography Workshop in Southampton. None of these children had any prior experience in photography nor their parents did. Judy had provided each of them with a film camera and to her surprise, they did complete justice to the medium as well as the equipment. They had taken pictures of themselves, their family members, of friends, and provided everyone with an interpretation of their social, cultural and religious landscape which till date serve as a tangible piece of nostalgia.

Judy is still in touch with most of the members who have now grown old. Relationship building here played a large part of her practice which till today serves an evidence of the unattainable past.

Book - Photographers and Research: the role of research in contemporary photographic practice by Shirley Read & Mike Simmons.

The second book is Photographers and Research: the role of research in contemporary photography practice by Shirley Read & Mike Simmons. The reason behind choosing this book was because I had no clue about what a photographic research practice could look like. I was definitely doing a lot of things, but do they count as practice? Both Shirley and Mike have covered case theories of various photographers who are current practitioners exploring diverse topics - war, migration, mental health, loss, climate change and even Judy's work on Mount Pleasant Photography Workshop.

I will share few excerpts which informed me about what photographic practice might look like.

Maria Paschalidou believes that research is very much a creative process that exposes multiple possibilities; a process that requires openness to new pathways that may not be visible at the beginning of a project.Hybrid forms of knowledge create a dynamic context for theory and practice to collide and evolve in new waysPatricia Townsend believes that in creating a new body of work, photographers not only relate to elements of the outside world (the subject of the photographs, the camera, the prints and so on), but they also embark on a personal journey, which in turn will reflect some aspects of their inner world. (this was exactly what I have been doing)In contrasting the ‘two cultures’ of science and art John Dewey highlights the unique and intimate relationship that develops between artist and subject through the creative process, where the reciprocal action of research and practice fold into one another Mike Simmons: A useful and straightforward approach for photographers is the ‘What’? Framework for structured reflection. ( I keep on asking this to myself all the time)Reflection prompts interpretation and understanding in a number of ways and not only stimulates critical distance from your own practice, but it can also be applied to the work of others to examine a range of approaches, theories and contexts.Photographers use a range of mechanical devices and processes that can at times have a ‘mind of their own’ (This too! Mamiya 7ii stopped working midway and I am still struggling with a Zoom H5 recorder!)Scholarly studies across different disciplines have acknowledged the existence and influences of intuition and chance (I agree)The literature has also identified that an ‘open and questioning mind’ is required to identify and acknowledge such opportunities, which can be made explicit through the recording, reflection and evaluation of your activities.

Through my practice, I have come across quite a few people from various communities. Most of the time it has been people from Bangladesh, and as I share the same language with them which is Bengali, the connect was instant. In the meantime, I was getting myself for another shoot at Mr.Reza's home and not the store. The thing which I realized later was that I really needed to prepare lists of what I need to photograph or else it was tough to come out with any results.

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