#Prolific polymath

[arconinternet]

Space Patrol - British series (Videos, Roberta Leigh, produced 1962, aired 1963)

You can watch them here. From the Wikipedia article:

"The humanoids in his crew consist of the elfin Slim from Venus, and the stocky, ravenously sausage-mad Husky from the Red Planet, Mars. The imperfect Slavic accent variants and six-pointed star chest emblems of these two may have been a sly nod to the Jewish-Russian heritage of the English series creator/writer."

"The show reflected sex roles characteristic of the culture and era which produced it, but blonde and brainy Marla would often explicitly point out that "There are no dumb blondes on Venus." Indeed, the series was created and written by the prolific polymath artist Roberta Leigh, the first woman producer in Britain to have her own film company."

[unfavorableinstigation]

I do love your tags, however, I wanted to inform you that there are indeed Canadian fantasy authors to be discover & love out there! A very partial list includes

• Guy Gavriel Kay. Lucked into the dream job of every fantasy fan, going through Tolkien's unpublished papers right outta college. Has been writing historical-inspired fantasy ever since. One of G.R.R.M's favorite authors

• Elisabeth Vonarburg. Québec's answer to Margaret Atwood, weird and wonderful. Where Atwood is a cynic, she has a utopian bent and some love for anarchism, but she also avoids the mysticism of Le Guin.

• Charles de Lint. Pioneer of Urban Fantasy! Pals with John Crowley (perhaps the best American fantasy writer) and a sort of mysterious polymath. Wonderful prose writer.

• Amal El-Mohtar. Of bigolas dickolas fame. Not the most prolific of the writers on this list but the one I'm following most closely. She's fun and delightful and endlessly creative in a way that looks easy but really isn't.

• Charles Saunders. The lonely giant of Afrofantasy. I feel it would be insulting to say that he was decades ahead of his time, as he did shape a lot of afrofuturist & afrofantasy writer's tastes (along with Chip Delany ofc).

• Jo Walton. She's the queen of uchronia. Harry Turtledove be damned. The meanest thing anyone can say about her is that she probably only deserves 9/10ths of all the awards she has. 17/20ths if you're feeling especially uncharitable.

• Nalo Hopkinson. Serious and playful, a polymorph, a humanist, a lover of Victoriana's fascination with the magical and a deeply funny writer of big ambitious novels.

• And technically okay yeah she's french and only moved recently to Montreal and doesn't count as a real Canadian or whatever. But also Sabrina Calvo will knock your socks off. Melmoth Furieux is about Joan of Arc vs Disneyland. Toxoplasma is her most québécois novel though.

• Also Jeff Lemire is a pretty big deal I guess even though he can annoy me

Oooo, I hadn't heard of half these names, and had no clue Jo Walton was Canadian! I do feel like we're getting way more Canadian fantasy these days than we ever did, I'm hopeful this will keep going. I'm particularly interested in Calvo, actually - I always kind of despaired of finding novels in French that both met my interests and weren't translated from English. A thousand thanks!!!

[scotianostra]

Robert Cunninghame-Graham 1st President of National Party of Scotland and the first MP to call himself a socialist died 20th March 1936.

To me Robert Cunninghame-Graham is one of the most interesting of our 19th/20th century politicians.

please just like the post as a historical entity, and just dinnae........

Cunninghame Graham was an author, traveller explorer, politician and adventurer, he was a man of extraordinary talents, tireless energy and considerable courage. His friend and contemporary Joseph Conrad remarked, “When I think of Cunninghame Graham, I feel as though I have lived all my life in a dark hole without seeing or knowing anything.” and I have to agree with him, I use the term Polymath now and then for some subjects I post about, he was that, and more.

Born in London in 1852, educated at Harrow, but always, always, a Scot to his marrow, Cunninghame Graham was a descendant of the Earls of Menteith and the son of a laird whose lands eventually extended from Gartmore in Stirlingshire to Ardoch in Dunbartonshire and Finlaystone in Renfrewshire. It was there that Robert was largely brought up, coming heavily under the influence of his Spanish grandmother.

After schooling, at Harrow, Robert finished his education in Brussels, Belgium, learning, among other things, the art of swordsmanship at which he became an expert.

In a crowded life — Cunninghame Graham was variously a Member of Parliament, a gaucho in South America, a fencing master, a founder member of both the Independent Labour Party and the Scottish National Party, a rancher, horse-trainer, buffalo hunter and Long Rider through North and South America — he wrote prolifically. He called himself, "Don Roberto,". He also enjoyed a journey into Morocco, disguised as an Arab Sheik, he was, as they say, some man!

In 1872 Cunninghame Graham rode on horseback 600 miles up the river Parana to the Iguacu Falls, researching the role of the early Jesuits with the local Indians. His subsequent book, A Vanished Arcadia, was made into a film, The Mission starring Jeremy Irons. He lived for a time in Argentina, where his extended family had a ranch, by way of Uruguay and Paraguay. He became an expert horseman, riding with gauchos, and his admiration for these men was such that he often wore gaucho clothes when back home, he must have been quite a sight!

He wrote that one day on a knoll in the pampas he met a man who greeted him in halting Spanish. Cunninghame Graham suggested he speak in English and referred to the view. The man, said, perhaps hearing a Scots accent for the first time in 20 years, “Aye, but man, it’s naething tae the view off Dumyat.”

Don Roberto married to an equally colourful and talented woman that he met in Paris, Gabrielle de la Balmondiere, who had been described as a Chilean princess. In fact, she was an actress called Caroline Horsfall, who went on to be a published poet. Among her many admirers was WB Yeats.

His contact with poor people everywhere made him a socialist before that term was even coined. On returning from South America, he rapidly took up political campaigning and in 1886, there being no Labour Party, he stood on a radical ticket for the Liberals in North West Lanarkshire, winning comfortably.

On 12th September 1887 he was suspended from parliament for making what was called a "disrespectful reference" to the House of Lords. He was the first MP ever to be suspended from the House of Commons for swearing; the word was damn.

He was suspended from the House of Commons in December 1888 for protesting about the working conditions of chain makers. His response to the Speaker of the House, "I never withdraw", was later used by George Bernard Shaw in Arms and the Man.

He truly was a courageous man – in 1887, he was beaten up badly by police at the original Bloody Sunday in Trafalgar Square and was jailed for six weeks.

His leftward move and meetings with James Keir Hardie led him to co-found the Scottish Labour Party with Keir Hardie, but has been largely airbrushed out of the history of the party, due to his Scottish Nationalist views.

Its manifesto included nationalisation of land and minerals, an eight-hour day, State insurance, the abolition of the House of Lords and all hereditary offices, home rule for Scotland, the abolition of the liquor tariff and the disestablishment of State Churches.

Yet Labour disappointed him, don’t they always, and after World War One – he volunteered a the age of 62 and became a horse-buyer for the Army – his growing nationalism saw him become president of the National Party of Scotland, the forerunner of the SNP. On 23rd June, 1928, in the King’s Park, Stirling, he presided at its inaugural rally.

He was friends with everyone from Buffalo Bill Cody to George Bernard Shaw, had his portrait painted by Sir John Lavery, knew the Glasgow Boys cirlce of artists personally, was close friends with the writers Joseph Conrad and G.K Chesterton, and generally personified the word kenspeckle. A writer of over 30 books himself, there is a seat dedicated to Cunninghame Graham in the Scottish Storytelling Centre in Edinburgh with the inscription: "R B 'Don Roberto' Cunninghame Graham of Gartmore and Ardoch,

Few Scots actually know of yer man, but In Entre Rios, in the north east of Argentina is the Instituto Magnasco, in Gualeguaychu (pronounced Wally-wy-chew) there is a Cunninghame Graham library and museum! His books are available there to read on the premises, and the Smith’s library is based on that facility.

The Journalist and author, the late Rennie of the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum wrote a booklet about Robert Cunninghame-Graham, called Braw Gallant, he wrote of the man : “He was a pioneer of socialism and Scottish nationalism, fought unemployment and poverty, backed the rights of native peoples against colonialism and short-sighted development, supported free speech, was an active conservationist, got caught up in the Irish question, attacked brutal wars when it was not fashionable to do so and was prepared to die or be imprisoned for his beliefs.

“The words knightly and chivalrous come to mind.”

Robert Cunninghame-Graham retired to Argentina, where he continued to be active, he would still ride daily while in his 80′s, he died on this day in 1936 of pneumonia at the Plaza Hotel in Retiro. Such was his standing he lay in state in the Casa del Teatro and received a countrywide tribute led by the President of the Republic of Argentina, before his body was shipped home to be buried beside his wife, in the ruined Augustinian Priory on the island of Inchmahome, Lake of Menteith, Stirlingshire. There is a memorial to him at at Castlehill, Dumbarton. The monument, which is built of Scottish stone, but also contains stones from Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay.

Between these stones is a medallion of Cunninghame Graham (in his latter years) by the Liverpool born artist Alexander Proudfoot, RSA, who taught sculpture at Glasgow School of Art. Below the medallion is an epitaph which reads:

"Robert Bontine Cunninghame Graham 1852-1936 - Famous Author - Traveller and Horseman - Patriotic Scot and Citizen of the World - As Betokened by the Stones above. Died in Argentina, interred in Inchamahome - He Was a Master of Life - A King Among Men"

On the Argentinian stone, there is a portrait of his favourite horse Pampa, an Argentine mustang which he had rescued from pulling trams in Glasgow and rode for some 20 years and the inscription:

"To Pampa my black Argentine who I rode for twenty years without a fall. May the earth lie light upon him as lightly as he trod upon its face. Vale...or until so long. Don Roberto."

One of Pampa's hooves is buried beneath the monument.

The monument suffered considerable damage through vandalism during the 1970s and was moved in May 1981 to the village of Gartmore (where, until 1900, Gartmore House had been the principal seat of the Cunninghame Graham family), and was unveiled on Cunninghame Graham's birthday (24 May) by the Argentinian Ambassador. It is currently in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. Despite the removal of the monument to Gartmore, the Cunninghame Graham Memorial Park at Castlehill is affectionately known as "the Mony" and the original site of the Memorial marked by a stone.

In 2012 the National Trust for Scotland carried out significant conservation work on the monument which was completed in time for the 160th anniversary of Cunninghame Graham's birth. A new stone was added to commemorate another of Don Roberto's horses, Pingo, and a new information panel was placed nearby, as seen in the photos, the painting is Don Roberto on Pampas, and recently sold at Christies for over 31 thousand pounds.

The pics are my own from a visit to Kelvingrove Art Gallery last month.

Aye ah ken this post has gone on a wee bit more than my usual, I hope you have enjoyed reading it, but please, go have a look at this wee article about the man by Dominic Hilton, on The Critic web page, it is quite amusing. https://thecritic.co.uk/from-gaucho-to-rive-gauche-and.../

[samueldelany]

Samuel Delany's Trangressive Brilliance, with Julian Lucas, author. July 10/17, 2023 issue of the New Yorker.

"In the stellar neighborhood of American letters, there have been few minds as generous, transgressive, and polymathically brilliant as Samuel Delany’s. Many know him as the country’s first prominent Black author of science fiction, who transformed the field with richly textured, cerebral novels like “Babel-17” (1966) and “Dhalgren” (1975). Others know the revolutionary chronicler of gay life, whose autobiography, “The Motion of Light in Water” (1988), stands as an essential document of pre-Stonewall New York. Still others know the professor, the pornographer, or the prolific essayist whose purview extends from cyborg feminism to Biblical philology.

There are so many Delanys that it’s difficult to take the full measure of his influence. Reading him was formative for Junot Díaz and William Gibson; Octavia Butler was, briefly, his student in a writing workshop. Jeremy O. Harris included Delany as a character in his play “Black Exhibition,” while Neil Gaiman, who is adapting Delany’s classic space adventure “Nova” (1968) as a series for Amazon, credits him with building a critical foundation not only for science fiction but also for comics and other “paraliterary” genres."

[lyaiozpress]

"SA HOUSE SLAPS DIFFERENT"

It is said that the archer that holds on to his arrow misses the point and I reassure you that he is no ordinary archer. If sound is his arrow, he has mastered the art of release.  Every part of his stance informs his pure heart, quiet revolution with intention, transcendence and depth which translates into one aim: house music.

Didi Lifestyle is an archer that keeps many arrows, yet one follows his eyes. This savant, visceral and prolific Dj is a polymath and subculture enthusiast from Polokwane (North Sotho), who is currently navigating his true self in Johanesburg and Soweto. I must say, if this is a creative relay, he is undoubtedly winning. He has radiant Pedi roots of self-expression, design, fashion, branding, marketing, philanthropy, innovation and football.

He sounds interesting right? I will definitely dive in more but for now, let's press play and listen to why SA House Music slaps different. We were graced with his September Residency, and now another one.

Be so kind and give this set a listen and a heart. 😊❤️🎶

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

Last September, while working at his desk in Philadelphia, Samuel R. Delany experienced a mysterious episode that he calls “the big drop.” His vision faded for about three minutes, and he felt his body plunge, as if the floor had fallen away. When he came to, everything looked different, though he couldn’t say exactly how. Delany, who is eighty-one, began to suspect that he’d suffered a mini-stroke. His daughter, Iva, an emergency-room physician, persuaded him to go to the hospital, but the MRI scans were inconclusive. The only evidence of a neurological event was a test result indicating that he had lost fifteen per cent of his capacity to form new memories—and a realization, in the following weeks, that he was unable to finish his novel in progress, “This Short Day of Frost and Sun.” After publishing more than forty books in half a century, the interruption was, he told me, both “a loss and a relief.”

For years, Delany has begun most days at four o’clock in the morning with a ritual. First, he spells out the name Dennis, for Dennis Rickett, his life partner. Next, he recites an atheist’s prayer, hailing faraway celestial bodies with a litany inspired by the seventeenth-century philosopher Baruch Spinoza: “Natura Naturans, system of systems, system of fields, Kuiper belt, scattered disk, Oort cloud, thank you for dropping me here.” Finally, he prepares oatmeal, which he faithfully photographs for the friends and fans who follow him on Facebook. Every so often, when the milk foams, he sees Laniakea—the galactic supercluster that’s home to Earth.

In the stellar neighborhood of American letters, there have been few minds as generous, transgressive, and polymathically brilliant as Samuel Delany’s. Many know him as the country’s first prominent Black author of science fiction, who transformed the field with richly textured, cerebral novels like “Babel-17” (1966) and “Dhalgren” (1975). Others know the revolutionary chronicler of gay life, whose autobiography, “The Motion of Light in Water” (1988), stands as an essential document of pre-Stonewall New York. Still others know the professor, the pornographer, or the prolific essayist whose purview extends from cyborg feminism to Biblical philology.

There are so many Delanys that it’s difficult to take the full measure of his influence. Reading him was formative for Junot Díaz and William Gibson; Octavia Butler was, briefly, his student in a writing workshop. Jeremy O. Harris included Delany as a character in his play “Black Exhibition,” while Neil Gaiman, who is adapting Delany’s classic space adventure “Nova” (1968) as a series for Amazon, credits him with building a critical foundation not only for science fiction but also for comics and other “paraliterary” genres.

Friends call him Chip, a nickname he gave himself at summer camp, in the eleventh year of a life that has defied convention and prejudice. He is a sci-fi child prodigy who never flamed out; a genre best-seller widely recognized as a great literary stylist; a dysgraphic college dropout who once headed the Department of Comparative Literature at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst; and an outspokenly promiscuous gay man who survived the aids crisis and has found love, three times, in committed, non-monogamous relationships. A story like Delany’s isn’t supposed to be possible in our society—and that, nearly as much as the gift of his writing, is his glory.

It took several months to persuade him to meet. Delany has polemicized against the face-to-face interview, reasoning that writers, who constitute themselves on the page, ought to be questioned there, too. He warned in an e-mail that a visit would be a waste of time, offering instead a tour of his “three-room hovel” via Zoom: “No secret pile will be left unexplored.” Yet a central theme in his work is “contact,” a word he uses to convey all the potential in chance encounters between human beings. “I propose that in a democratic city it is imperative that we speak to strangers, live next to them, and learn how to relate to them on many levels, from the political to the sexual,” he wrote in “Times Square Red, Times Square Blue” (1999), a landmark critique of gentrification which centered on his years of cruising in the adult theatres of midtown Manhattan.

His novels, too, turn on the serendipity of urban life, adopting the “marxian” credo that fiction is most vital when classes mix. Gorgik, a revolutionary leader in Delany’s four-volume “Return to Nevèrÿon” series, rises from slavery to the royal court in an ancient port city called Kolhari, where he learns that seemingly centralized “power—the great power that shattered lives and twisted the course of the nation—was like a fog over a meadow at evening. From any distance, it seemed to have a shape, a substance, a color, an edge. Yet, as you approached it, it seemed to recede before you.”

In January, Delany finally allowed me to visit him at the apartment complex that he now rarely leaves. A hulking beige structure near the Philadelphia Museum of Art, it looms like a fortress over the row houses of the Fairmount. I crossed a lobby the length of a ballroom and rode the elevator to the fourth floor. As I walked down the hallway, I noticed a small man behind a luggage trolley taking my picture. It was Delany, smiling in welcome with his lively brown eyes and strikingly misaligned front teeth.

[A Delightful portrait of my favorite Science Fiction writer]

[gabriel-macedo]

Life and Work of Al-Haytham: One of the World’s Most Influential Scientists

Introduction

Al-Haytham, also known as Ibn al-Haytham, was born in Basra, in present-day Iraq, around AD 965. and died in 1040 AD. He was an Islamic polymath who left a significant legacy in the fields of optics, mathematics, physics and astronomy. Al-Haytham is widely recognized as one of the most influential scientists in history, and his work continues to be studied and cherished to this day.

Al-Haytham is widely considered one of the most influential scientists in history. He was a prolific scholar and his works had a significant impact on the development of science and scientific thinking. His pioneering approach to the scientific method, which emphasized empirical observation and experimentation, had a profound effect on the study and understanding of the laws of nature.

One of Al-Haytham’s best-known works is the “Book of Optics” (Kitab al-Manazir), which revolutionized the field of optics. In this book he presented a new theory of vision based on the propagation of light in a straight line and refuted the ancient theories of Euclid and Ptolemy. Al-Haytham also conducted experiments with mirrors and lenses, studied image formation, and correctly described the camera obscura.

In addition to his contribution to optics, Al-Haytham made important advances in mathematics. He developed innovative methods for calculating areas and volumes of solid figures, worked in the field of whole and fractional numbers, and solved quadratic equations. His mathematical contributions had a lasting impact on the development of the discipline.

In physics, Al-Haytham formulated fundamental principles of mechanics and investigated motion and force. He studied the fall of bodies and the influence of gravity, establishing a relationship between velocity and the resistance of the medium. His discoveries and theories about the physics of motion were precursors to ideas later developed by scientists such as Isaac Newton.

Al-Haytham also left a significant legacy in astronomy. He criticized the existing astronomical theories of his time and emphasized the importance of accurate observation. Al-Haytham developed improved instruments for measuring angles and determining the position of celestial bodies. His work influenced the study of the motions of the Sun and Moon, as well as the understanding of atmospheric refraction.

Al-Haytham’s influence extends beyond his specific scientific contributions. His scientific method, based on observation, experimentation and empirical verification, pioneered and influenced later scientific thinking. Furthermore, his works were translated into Latin and had a lasting impact on medieval Europe, contributing to the scientific Renaissance.

The thinker Al-Haytham was an Islamic polymath whose contributions in optics, mathematics, physics and astronomy were profoundly influential. His rigorous scientific approach and his pioneering discoveries paved the way for future advances in these areas of knowledge. Al-Haytham is remembered as one of the great scientists and philosophers of his time and his legacy continues to be treasured and studied to this day.

This article is divided into the following sections: 1. Scientific Method 2. Book of Optics 3. Contributions to Mathematics 4. Contributions to Physics 5. Contributions to Astronomy 6. Influence

1. Scientific Method

One of Al-Haytham’s most important contributions to science was the development of the scientific method. He emphasized the importance of careful observation, experimentation, and verification of results against concrete evidence. Al-Haytham argued that scientific theories should be based on empirical evidence, thus rejecting purely theoretical speculation. His work on the scientific method was pioneering and significantly influenced later scientific thinking.

The scientific method developed by Al-Haytham was innovative for its time and had a significant impact on the field of science. He emphasized the importance of careful observation, experimentation, and verification of results against concrete evidence. Al-Haytham’s scientific method can be summarized in a few main steps:

a. Observation: Al-Haytham believed that close and accurate observation was the first step in scientific investigation. He advised scientists to observe the natural world and collect detailed data about the phenomena they studied. Through observation, he believed it was possible to gain valuable information about the laws that govern nature.

b. Formulation of hypotheses: Based on his observations, Al-Haytham formulated hypotheses or assumptions about the phenomena he was investigating. These hypotheses were proposed as preliminary explanations and attempts to understand observed patterns or relationships.

c. Experimentation: Al-Haytham valued experimentation as a means of testing and verifying his hypotheses. He performed meticulous, controlled experiments to collect additional data and confirm or disprove his initial assumptions. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of repeating experiments several times to ensure consistency of results.

d. Analysis and interpretation of data: Al-Haytham analyzed data obtained through experimentation and observation, looking for patterns, relationships and trends. He used mathematical and statistical techniques to quantitatively analyze data in order to draw reliable and meaningful conclusions.

e. Empirical Verification: A distinctive feature of Al-Haytham’s scientific method was the emphasis on empirical verification. He considered it essential that scientific conclusions be based on concrete evidence and tested through repeatable experimentation. For Al-Haytham, theoretical speculation without empirical foundation was insufficient to achieve reliable scientific knowledge.

f. Review and Improvement: Al-Haytham recognized that scientific knowledge was constantly evolving. He encouraged constant revision of existing hypotheses and theories in light of new evidence and discoveries. Al-Haytham believed that science should be a continuous process of learning and refinement, and that scientific theories should be updated as new knowledge is acquired.

Al-Haytham’s scientific method, with its emphasis on careful observation, experimentation, and empirical verification, was pioneering in its day. He influenced later scientific thinking and laid the foundation for modern scientific methodology. His rigorous and systematic approach helped establish science as an evidence-based enterprise and contributed to the advancement of scientific knowledge.

2. Optics Book

Al-Haytham’s most famous work is the “Book of Optics”, also known as “Kitab al-Manazir”. In this book, Al-Haytham revolutionized the study of optics by providing a detailed explanation of vision and light. He criticized the ancient theories of Euclid and Ptolemy and developed his own theory of vision, based on the propagation of light in a straight line. Al-Haytham performed experiments with mirrors and lenses, studied image formation, and correctly described the camera obscura. His experimental approach and pioneering studies in optics directly influenced the work of later scientists such as Isaac Newton.

The “Book of Optics” (Kitab al-Manazir) is a seminal work written by Al-Haytham, in which he revolutionized the study of optics and made important contributions to the understanding of vision and light. The book is divided into seven volumes and covers a wide range of optical topics, from the nature of light to image formation.

One of the main ideas presented by Al-Haytham in the “Book of Optics” is the theory of vision based on the propagation of light in a straight line. He argued that light travels in straight lines from a light source and enters the eye to form vision. This theory contradicts previously accepted views, which held that light rays were emitted by the eyes.

Al-Haytham also explored the role of brightness and color in vision. He described the reflection of light from mirrored surfaces and studied refraction, that is, the change of direction of light when passing from one medium to another. In addition, he performed experiments with curved mirrors and lenses and investigated the formation of images in concave and convex mirrors.

One of the most famous experiments described by Al-Haytham in the book is the use of the darkroom. He describes how light enters a darkened room through a small hole in one of the walls and forms an inverted image on an opposite surface. This experimental observation led Al-Haytham to conclude that light travels in straight lines and that image formation is caused by the interaction of light rays with objects and surfaces.

Another important aspect addressed in the “Book of Optics” is the explanation of the phenomena of reflection and refraction. Al-Haytham provided laws for the reflection of light in flat and curved mirrors, as well as investigating the refraction of light passing through transparent media. His discoveries about atmospheric refraction contributed to a more accurate understanding of the apparent motions of celestial bodies.

Overall, Al-Haytham’s “Book of Optics” represents an important milestone in the history of optics. His revolutionary ideas on the nature of light, image formation, and optical phenomena had a lasting impact on science and influenced the work of later scientists such as Isaac Newton. The book demonstrates Al-Haytham’s rigorous approach, based on observations and experimentation, and his legacy continues to be valued in modern optics.

3. Contributions to Mathematics

Al-Haytham also made significant contributions to mathematics. He worked extensively in the field of geometry and developed innovative methods for calculating areas and volumes of solid figures. In addition, he advanced the study of integers and fractions, establishing rules for dividing inheritances and solving quadratic equations. His mathematical contributions influenced the further development of this discipline in various cultures. Al-Haytham made several significant contributions to the field of mathematics during his lifetime. His contributions span areas such as geometry, arithmetic, and algebra, and his work has had a lasting impact on the development of this discipline. The following are some of Al-Haytham’s most outstanding mathematical contributions:

a. Geometry: Al-Haytham worked extensively in the field of geometry and developed innovative methods for calculating areas and volumes of solid figures. He formulated precise rules for determining the area of different types of polygons and also explored the measurement of volumes, including the volume of parallelepipeds, cylinders and spheres. His systematic approach to solving geometric problems laid the groundwork for future studies in this area.

b. Whole numbers and fractions: Al-Haytham made advances in the study of whole numbers and fractions. He developed rules for the division of inheritances, solving complex problems of sharing property between heirs. In addition, he worked in the field of rational numbers, investigating their properties and solving fractional equations.

c. Equations of third degree: Al-Haytham was one of the first mathematicians to solve third degree equations systematically. He developed methods for solving these equations and established general rules for their solution. His contributions in this field were precursors to later advances in the study of polynomial equations.

d. Number theory: Al-Haytham also made contributions to number theory. He investigated properties of prime numbers and explored methods for identifying and generating prime numbers. Al-Haytham also studied divisibility and factoring of integers, laying important foundations for the study of numbers.

Importantly, Al-Haytham’s mathematical contributions were influential not only in his own time, but also had a significant impact on later mathematicians. His work demonstrated a commitment to precision, rigor, and mathematical logic, and his discoveries helped pave the way for the development of mathematics as an independent and highly respected discipline.

4. Contributions to Physics

In the area of physics, Al-Haytham made important contributions to the understanding of motion and force. He formulated fundamental principles of mechanics, investigating the motion of objects and the influence of forces on them. Al-Haytham also explored the nature of gravity and studied the fall of bodies, establishing a relationship between velocity and the resistance of the medium in which they are immersed. His discoveries and theories on the physics of motion provided a solid foundation for the further development of this area of knowledge. Al-Haytham made several notable contributions to the field of physics during his lifetime. His investigations covered areas such as motion, force and the nature of gravity, providing a solid foundation for the further development of these concepts. The following are some of Al-Haytham’s major contributions to physics:

a. Study of motion: Al-Haytham carried out extensive investigations into the motion of objects and their causes. He formulated fundamental principles of mechanics, highlighting the importance of forces and inertia. Al-Haytham recognized that an object in motion remains in motion until an external force acts on it, establishing a view that preceded Newton’s first law of motion.

b. Force and inertia: Al-Haytham studied the forces that act on objects and the influence of these forces on their movement. He explored the concept of inertia, understanding that an object at rest will remain at rest unless a force is applied to it. These ideas were fundamental for the later development of Newton’s laws on the dynamics of bodies.

c. Gravity: Al-Haytham also investigated the nature of gravity and studied falling bodies. He observed that objects fall towards the Earth and formulated a relationship between the speed of fall and the resistance of the medium in which they are immersed, recognizing the importance of the environment in the movement of objects.

d. Study of light and optics: Although his main contribution to optics is widely recognized, Al-Haytham’s studies of light also had implications for physics. His theory of the propagation of light in a straight line influenced understanding of the nature of light as a form of electromagnetic radiation, providing a foundation for later understanding of the laws of optics.

Importantly, Al-Haytham’s contributions to physics were significant both in terms of fundamental concepts and their impact on the further development of that discipline. His ideas about motion, force, and gravity laid important foundations for modern physics and were precursors to theories later developed by scientists such as Isaac Newton.

6. Contributions to Astronomy

Al-Haytham contributed significantly to the field of astronomy. He was critical of the astronomical theories of his time and emphasized the need for accurate and meticulous observations. Al-Haytham developed improved instruments for measuring angles and determining the position of celestial bodies. He studied the motions of the Sun and Moon, in addition to making discoveries about atmospheric refraction and its influence on astronomical observation, his work in astronomy laid a solid foundation for future advances in this field. Al-Haytham made notable contributions to the field of astronomy, dedicating himself to the study of the movements of celestial bodies and the improvement of methods of astronomical observation. His contributions include advances in measuring angles, studies of the motion of the Sun and Moon, and discoveries of atmospheric refraction. The following are some of Al-Haytham’s major contributions to astronomy:

1. Measuring instruments: Al-Haytham developed improved instruments for measuring angles and determining the position of celestial bodies. He perfected the astrolabe, an instrument used to determine the position of stars and planets in the sky. In addition, he constructed a new type of astronomical quadrant, known as the Alhazen quadrant, which allowed for more accurate measurements of angles.

2. Motion of the Sun and Moon: Al-Haytham investigated the apparent motions of the Sun and Moon in the sky. He studied the solar and lunar cycles and developed mathematical models to describe and predict these movements. His studies on the movement of celestial bodies were fundamental for the later development of astronomical theories.

3. Atmospheric refraction: Al-Haytham made important discoveries about atmospheric refraction and its influence on astronomical observation. He observed that light from celestial bodies is bent as it passes through the Earth’s atmosphere, leading to an apparent uplift and lateral deflection of stars. These observations on atmospheric refraction contributed to a more accurate understanding of the actual positions of celestial objects.

4. Criticism of existing astronomical theories: Al-Haytham was critical of accepted astronomical theories of his time. He questioned ancient ideas about the motion of celestial bodies and emphasized the need for accurate and meticulous observations to gain a more accurate understanding of the cosmos. His critical approach and his search for empirical evidence were precursors of the scientific method applied to astronomy.

Al-Haytham’s contributions to astronomy provided a solid foundation for further studies in this area. His work on measuring instruments, the motion of celestial bodies, and atmospheric refraction influenced the development of astronomy and contributed to a more accurate understanding of the cosmos. Al-Haytham was one of the pioneering scientists in approaching astronomy with a rigorous scientific mindset, and his contributions continue to be treasured in the history of the discipline.

7. Influence

Al-Haytham’s influence is widely recognized and covers several areas of knowledge. His scientific and philosophical contributions had a significant impact both on his time and on later generations. The following are some key points that highlight Al-Haytham’s influence:

a. Scientific Method: Al-Haytham developed a scientific method based on careful observation, experimentation and empirical verification. His emphasis on obtaining concrete evidence to support theories and hypotheses influenced subsequent scientific thinking. His Scientific Method was a rigorous and systematic approach that helped lay the foundations of modern scientific methodology.

b. Optics and the Science of Vision: Al-Haytham’s contributions to the field of optics, as described in his “Book of Optics”, had a lasting impact. He revolutionized the understanding of vision and light by introducing the theory of light propagation in a straight line. His explorations of image formation, reflection, and refraction laid solid foundations for the later study of optics. Al-Haytham’s ideas in optics influenced later scientists, including Isaac Newton.

c. Mathematics and Physics: Al-Haytham’s mathematical contributions in areas such as geometry, integers and fractions, and solving quadratic equations had a significant impact on the development of mathematics. Furthermore, his investigations of motion, force, and gravity contributed to the understanding of physics and established fundamental concepts that were later developed by other scientists, including Isaac Newton.

d. Advancement of Astronomy: Al-Haytham contributed to the advancement of astronomy through his studies of the movement of celestial bodies, the development of measuring instruments, and his critique of existing astronomical theories. His rigorous scientific approach and his discoveries about atmospheric refraction influenced the observation and study of celestial bodies. Al-Haytham also questioned ancient theories, encouraging a more scientific approach to astronomy.

e. Transmission of Knowledge: Al-Haytham’s work was translated into Latin during the Middle Ages, which allowed his ideas to reach the western world. His contributions were valued and studied by European philosophers and scientists, influencing scientific thought during the Renaissance. His influence spread beyond the Islamic world, leaving an enduring legacy in science and scientific thought across the world.

It is possible to observe that the influence of Al-Haytham is evident in several scientific and philosophical disciplines. His scientific method, his contributions to optics, mathematics, physics and astronomy, and his transmission of knowledge had a significant impact on science and later scientific thought. Al-Haytham is recognized as one of the most influential scientists in history, and his legacy continues to be treasured and studied to this day.

Al-Haytham’s contributions directly influenced science and scientific thinking for generations to come. His scientific method, based on experimentation and observation, was adopted and developed by scientists such as Galileo Galilei and Isaac Newton. Al-Haytham’s revolutionary ideas in optics, mathematics, physics and astronomy paved the way for new studies and discoveries in several areas of knowledge. His legacy lives on in the history of science and his work remains a source of inspiration for scientists and scholars around the world.

In conclusion, Al-Haytham, with his remarkable life and work, left a lasting impact on science. His scientific method, his groundbreaking optical discoveries, his mathematical contributions, and his physical and astronomical theories provided a solid foundation for the further development of these disciplines. Al-Haytham is truly one of the world’s most influential scientists whose work continues to be studied and cherished to this day.

[sheetmusiclibrarypdf]

Happy birthday, Lalo Schifrin, born on this day in 1932

Happy birthday, Lalo Schifrin, born on this day in 1932.Best Sheet Music download from our Library.Lalo Schifrin: The Alchemist of Sound – Bridging Jazz, Classical, and the Silver ScreenPlease, subscribe to our Library.Browse in the Library:Lalo Schifrin : Mission Impossible (Final)Lalo Schifrin : BullittLalo Schifrin discography.FilmographyAwards and nominationsBrowse in the Library:Lalo Schifrin - Lalo Schifrin Plays Exotic Piano & Jazzy Latin Melodies - Mam Bop et Bolero

Happy birthday, Lalo Schifrin, born on this day in 1932.

Lalo Schifrin: The Alchemist of Sound – Bridging Jazz, Classical, and the Silver Screen

Few names in 20th and 21st-century music evoke such a potent blend of sophistication, excitement, and genre-defying mastery as Lalo Schifrin. Composer, pianist, conductor, arranger – Schifrin is a true musical polymath whose prolific output spans iconic film and television scores, groundbreaking jazz compositions, ambitious classical works, and everything in between. His unique sonic fingerprint, characterized by driving rhythms, complex harmonies, and an uncanny ability to capture narrative tension and cool, has left an indelible mark on global culture. This article delves deep into the life, style, techniques, and enduring legacy of this extraordinary artist.

I. Biography: From Buenos Aires to Global Icon Born Boris Claudio Schifrin on June 21, 1932, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Lalo Schifrin was immersed in music from infancy. His father, Luis Schifrin, was the concertmaster of the Teatro Colón Philharmonic Orchestra, exposing young Lalo to the pinnacle of European classical repertoire. He began formal piano studies at age six and entered the Paris Conservatoire at 16, where he studied classical piano and composition. However, the vibrant cultural life of post-war Paris also ignited his passion for jazz. He spent nights absorbing the sounds of bebop pioneers like Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker in the city's legendary clubs. Returning to Buenos Aires in the early 1950s, Schifrin became a pivotal figure in the burgeoning Argentine jazz scene. He formed his own big band, embracing the complex harmonies and rhythmic innovations of modern jazz while incorporating elements of Argentine tango and folk music – a fusion that would become a hallmark of his style. His reputation grew rapidly, catching the attention of international stars touring Argentina, most significantly Dizzy Gillespie in 1956. Gillespie was so impressed he invited Schifrin to join his band in the United States as pianist and arranger. Schifrin moved to New York City in 1958, plunging into the heart of the jazz world. He arranged Gillespie's ambitious "Gillespiana" suite (1960) and composed "The New Continent" (1962), showcasing his ability to write large-scale, orchestrated jazz works. His talents as a pianist were also in high demand, leading to recordings and performances with legends like Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, Stan Getz, and Maynard Ferguson.

Epic Movie Adventures For Easy PianoDownload

The 1960s marked Schifrin's pivotal transition into film and television scoring. His first major break came composing the theme for the popular TV series The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (1964-1968). Its infectious, spy-jazz vibe immediately established his knack for creating memorable, zeitgeist-capturing themes. This success led to his first significant film score for Rhino! (1964), but it was his collaboration with director Don Siegel on The Killers (1964) that truly showcased his dramatic potential. However, it was 1966 that cemented his legend: - Mission: Impossible (TV Series): Schifrin composed arguably the most recognizable television theme in history. Built around a driving 5/4 rhythm (highly unusual for pop culture at the time), a sinuous, instantly hummable bass line, and piercing trumpet and flute figures, the theme perfectly encapsulated danger, intrigue, and sophisticated cool. Its influence is immeasurable. - Mannix (TV Series): Another iconic theme, blending jazz, suspense, and a touch of melancholy, featuring a memorable flugelhorn melody over propulsive rhythms and lush strings. - Cool Hand Luke: His score masterfully blended bluesy harmonica (played by Tommy Morgan), gospel choirs, and orchestral tension to underscore Paul Newman's iconic performance, creating a uniquely American soundscape of resilience and defiance. Lalo Schifrin Mannix Theme Piano Solo 1st pageDownload From this point, Schifrin became one of Hollywood's most sought-after composers. He forged defining partnerships with directors like Don Siegel (Dirty Harry, Charley Varrick, The Beguiled), Stuart Rosenberg (Cool Hand Luke, Voyage of the Damned), and Clint Eastwood (Coogan's Bluff, The Beguiled, Joe Kidd, Escape from Alcatraz). His score for Bullitt (1968) is legendary, particularly the car chase sequence, where his use of ostinato bass lines, modal jazz horns, and percussive drive created an unparalleled sense of kinetic energy and cool menace.

Schifrin never abandoned his jazz roots, continuing to record acclaimed albums like Marquis de Sade (1966), There's a Whole Lalo Schifrin Goin' On (1968), and collaborations with Dizzy Gillespie and others. He also pursued serious classical composition, writing concertos, orchestral works, and even a cantata based on the writings of Martin Luther King Jr. Awarded six Grammy Awards (with twenty-two nominations) and four Oscar nominations, Schifrin remained remarkably active well into his 80s and 90s, conducting major orchestras worldwide and composing new works. He passed away peacefully in Los Angeles on July 16, 2024, leaving behind an unparalleled musical legacy. Lalo Schifrin Bullitt Theme Piano SoloDownload II. Music Style: The Schifrin Synthesis Lalo Schifrin's style is a breathtaking synthesis, a unique alchemy of diverse elements: - Jazz Foundation: Bebop's harmonic sophistication and rhythmic drive are the bedrock. He utilized extended chords, complex substitutions, and virtuosic improvisation (both in his writing and piano playing). The feel and phrasing of jazz permeate even his most orchestral works. - Classical Mastery: His rigorous training is evident in his masterful orchestration, contrapuntal techniques, thematic development, and structural sophistication. He could write with the grandeur and complexity of a Stravinsky or Bartók when the context demanded. - Latin Rhythmic Vitality: His Argentine heritage infused his music with infectious Latin rhythms – tango, milonga, bossa nova, Afro-Cuban patterns (montunos, mambos, cha-cha-chás). This rhythmic energy, often layered and complex, is a defining characteristic, providing relentless propulsion and exotic color. - Film Noir & Suspense Sensibility: Schifrin possessed an innate understanding of how music could amplify tension, mystery, and danger. He employed dissonance, unusual instrumental combinations (vibraphone, harpsichord, electric bass, flutes), angular melodies, and sudden dynamic shifts to create palpable unease. Think Dirty Harry's chilling main title or the suspense cues in Mission: Impossible. - "Cool" Aesthetic: Schifrin defined the sound of 60s and 70s cinematic "cool." This involved sleek, often minor-key melodies, sophisticated jazz harmonies, prominent use of instruments like flugelhorn, vibraphone, Fender Rhodes, and electric bass, and a sense of urban detachment blended with underlying intensity (e.g., Bullitt, Mannix, Coogan's Bluff). - Eclecticism & Fusion: He fearlessly blended genres within a single score or even a single cue. A chase scene might fuse big band jazz with driving rock rhythms and avant-garde orchestral clusters. A love theme might incorporate bossa nova with lush strings and impressionistic harmonies.

III. Improvisational Licks and Techniques (The Jazz Soul) While primarily known as a composer, Schifrin was a formidable jazz pianist. His improvisational style reflected his compositional brain – harmonically rich, rhythmically complex, and often incorporating classical motifs or Latin feels. Analyzing specific licks requires transcriptions, but key characteristics permeate his playing and writing for soloists: - Bebop Vocabulary: Rapid-fire eighth-note lines utilizing scales like altered dominants, diminished, whole-tone, and melodic minor modes over complex chord changes. Chromatic approaches and enclosures were common. - Modal Fluidity: Especially in his own compositions, Schifrin soloed effectively over modal vamps (like the famous Mission: Impossible bassline in E Dorian). His lines would emphasize the mode's characteristic notes while weaving in chromatic passing tones and bebop embellishments. - Latin Phrasing: When playing over Latin grooves, his lines incorporated rhythmic syncopations and phrasing idiomatic to mambo, bossa, or tango, sometimes using pentatonic or blues scales adapted to the rhythmic context. - Harmonic Sophistication: His solos often featured "outside" playing – superimposing triads or scales from distant keys over the underlying harmony, creating tension resolved through voice leading. He frequently used quartal harmony (chords built in 4ths) in his comping and solo lines, lending a modern, open sound. - Motivic Development: Like a classical composer, Schifrin would sometimes develop short melodic motifs throughout an improvisation, creating cohesion and logic. IV. Chord Progressions and Music Harmony: The Architectural Genius Schifrin's harmonic language is one of his most distinctive and sophisticated features. He moved far beyond simple diatonic progressions: - Extended & Altered Chords: Dominant 7ths were just the starting point. He liberally used 9ths, 11ths, 13ths, altered dominants (b9, #9, #11, b13), minor-major 7ths, half-diminished, and fully diminished chords. This created rich, complex, often ambiguous sonorities. (e.g., The opening cluster chord of Mission: Impossible). - Chromatic Harmony & Side-Stepping: Schifrin frequently employed chromatic chord movements, moving chords by half-step or whole-step outside the immediate key center for dramatic or unsettling effect. This is prominent in his suspense cues. - Modal Interchange (Borrowed Chords): He freely borrowed chords from parallel minor or major scales (e.g., using a iv chord from minor in a major key progression), adding color and unexpected twists. Cool Hand Luke's main theme uses this beautifully. - Tritone Substitution: A staple of jazz harmony, replacing a dominant chord with another dominant chord a tritone away (e.g., substituting Db7 for G7). Schifrin used this for smooth voice leading and heightened tension/resolution. Listen to the bridge sections in many of his jazz compositions. - Polytonality & Bitonality: Occasionally layering two different keys or harmonies simultaneously for dissonance and complexity, especially in climactic or psychologically intense moments (The Beguiled, some Dirty Harry cues). - Ostinato Bass Patterns: A Schifrin trademark. Complex, often syncopated bass lines (acoustic or electric) repeating under shifting harmonies above. This provided relentless drive and a foundation for harmonic exploration. The Bullitt car chase and Mission: Impossible theme are prime examples. - Planing: Moving a chord shape (often quartal or cluster) up or down in parallel motion, creating a shimmering, sometimes unsettling effect. Used effectively for transitions or mysterious atmospheres. V. Influences: A Tapestry of Sound Schifrin's vast musical tapestry was woven from countless threads: - Classical: Igor Stravinsky (rhythmic drive, dissonance, orchestral brilliance), Béla Bartók (folk influences, complex rhythms, "night music"), Maurice Ravel (orchestral color, impressionistic harmony), Claude Debussy, Alberto Ginastera (his teacher, incorporating Argentine elements). - Jazz: Dizzy Gillespie (mentor, bebop, Afro-Cuban fusion), Thelonious Monk (angular melodies, dissonance), Charlie Parker (bebop language), Duke Ellington (orchestration, tone colors), John Coltrane (modal exploration, intensity), Miles Davis (cool aesthetic, modal jazz). - Latin/Tango: Astor Piazzolla (modern tango revolution), traditional Argentine tango and folk (rhythms, melodic sensibility), Afro-Cuban music (mambo, cha-cha-chá). - Film Composers: Bernard Herrmann (psychological tension, innovative orchestration), Alex North (jazz-infused scores), Henry Mancini (cool jazz/pop sensibility), Jerry Goldsmith (dramatic intensity, orchestral mastery). - Argentine Folk & Popular Music: The rhythms and melodic contours of his homeland were always present beneath the surface. VI. Legacy: The Enduring Resonance Lalo Schifrin's legacy is monumental and multifaceted: - Defining the Sound of an Era: His themes for Mission: Impossible, Mannix, Cool Hand Luke, Bullitt, and Dirty Harry are cultural touchstones, instantly evoking the style, suspense, and cool of the 1960s and 70s. - Elevating Film & TV Music: He brought unprecedented levels of jazz sophistication, complex harmony, and rhythmic innovation to mainstream Hollywood scoring, proving that "genre" music could be artistically ambitious and dramatically powerful. He influenced generations of film composers (e.g., John Carpenter, Danny Elfman, Hans Zimmer in his jazzier moments). - Jazz-Classical Fusion Pioneer: Works like Gillespiana, The New Continent, and his later concertos demonstrated the viability and richness of merging large-scale classical forms with the improvisational spirit and harmonic language of jazz. - Master of Genre-Blending: He showed that diverse musical elements – jazz, classical, Latin, rock, avant-garde – could coexist and enhance each other powerfully within a single musical vision, paving the way for later fusion movements. - The Quintessential "Cool": His sound became synonymous with sophisticated, urban, slightly dangerous cool, influencing not just music but broader pop culture aesthetics. - Technical Brilliance: His command of orchestration, counterpoint, harmony, and rhythm remains a benchmark for composers across all genres. - Global Ambassador: As an Argentine-born artist achieving global success, he represented a bridge between cultures, incorporating Latin elements into the mainstream of American music. VII. Major Works & Filmography (Selective) Schifrin's output is staggering. Here's a glimpse: - Iconic Themes: Mission: Impossible (TV/Film), Mannix, Cool Hand Luke, Bullitt, Dirty Harry, Starsky & Hutch (TV), Rush Hour (Film Series - later adaptation of his style). - Landmark Film Scores: The Cincinnati Kid (1965), The Fox (1967), Coogan's Bluff (1968), Hell in the Pacific (1968), Kelly's Heroes (1970), The Beguiled (1971), Charley Varrick (1973), Enter the Dragon (1973), The Four Musketeers (1974), Voyage of the Damned (1976), The Eagle Has Landed (1976), The Amityville Horror (1979), Escape from Alcatraz (1979), The Sting II (1983), The Dead Pool (1988), Tango (1998). - Major Jazz Compositions/Albums: Gillespiana (1960), The New Continent (1962), Piano, Strings and Bossa Nova (1962), Samba Para Dos (w/ Bob Brookmeyer, 1963), Marquis de Sade (1966), There's a Whole Lalo Schifrin Goin' On (1968), Rock Requiem (1971), Black Widow (1976), Gypsies (1980), Esperanto (2000). - Significant Classical Works: Concerto for Double Bass (Concierto de la Amistad - w/ Gary Karr), Cantos Aztecas, Pulsations for Orchestra, Jazz Mass, Concerto for Guitar and Orchestra "Cantos Andinos", Symphonic Impressions of Oman. VIII. Discography (Highly Selective - Focus on Key Albums) - Early Jazz/Arranger: Gillespiana (Dizzy Gillespie, 1960), The New Continent (1962), Bossa Nova: New Brazilian Jazz (1962), Piano, Strings and Bossa Nova (1962), Samba Para Dos (w/ Bob Brookmeyer, 1963). - Defining 60s Sound: Once a Thief and Other Themes (1965), The Liquidator (1966), Marquis de Sade (1966), Mission: Impossible (Original TV Soundtrack, 1967), Mannix (Original TV Soundtrack, 1968), There's a Whole Lalo Schifrin Goin' On (1968), Bullitt (Original Soundtrack, 1968), Che! (Original Soundtrack, 1969). - 70s Exploration: Rock Requiem (1971), Dirty Harry (Original Soundtrack, 1971), Enter the Dragon (Original Soundtrack, 1973), The Four Musketeers (Original Soundtrack, 1974), Voyage of the Damned (Original Soundtrack, 1976), Black Widow (1976), Rollercoaster (Original Soundtrack, 1977). Read the full article

[writer59january13]

April 9th, 2025 birthday poem for dearly departed papa

Elysian fields long since embraced dada's soul

which rocketed into aerospace

(courtesy General Electric satellite)

just a tad shy of fifty four plus months ago,

nevertheless melancholia

still plucks mine heart strings.

Mine psyche still situated awry

placid countenance of yours truly doth belie

residual sadness easily prompted

can easily trigger me to cry

linkedin when grim reaper gloated

October 7th, 2020

ye did somewhat peacefully die

though methinks immortality

I did briefly espy,

when miracles of modern medicine

tried, but could not

stave off mortality nor fortify

depredations of aging concerning

one wunderkind whose accomplishments

laudatory when a young handsome guy,

whose intelligence scored high

native talent aptitude tests did imply.

The late Boyce Brandon Harris

exhibited prolific talents at young age

aside being scholastically gifted,

acquiring graduate degree

courtesy Columbia University,

freshly minted mechanical engineer

(he admirably ranked within

uppermost percentile academically),

I hashtag thy mine deceased father

(a polymath - jack-of-all-trades),

who possessed (née excelled)

at diverse creative abilities.

Aside from being schooled

as mechanical engineer,

(which courses in mathematics and science

he passed with flying colors)

his mind genetically bequeathed

to craft almost anything under the sun

evidenced first by yours truly,

the second offspring and sole son

who ofttimes felt intimidated

at being in presence

of said Renaissance man.

Handicrafts included

expending blood, sweat, and tears

to craft multitude of projects;

i. building me Flintstone (foot powered) car with wooden license plate.

ii. making playhouse for all three of us - his progeny. iii. amassing wood pile(s),

to stoke wood burning stoves

iv. designing Zayda trail for Teddy and Ruff (two doggone mixed breed Border Collies

rescued courtesy youngest sister

at her Jacobsburg, Pennsylvania work site)

v. constructing sauna in cellar,

vi. etching, detailing (ala fresco),

vii. plus trimming living room ceiling,

viii. shingling (while fiddling) on the roof,

ix. tiling the kitchen floor,

x. building a cistern for brethren,

xi. wood paneling many rooms,

xii. building custom made toy chest,

xiii. stringing up lights to increase visibility

driveway lit like Christmas tree after dark,

xiv. partly assembled a kayak,

xv. retooling - enhancing porch

(formerly slate covered),

where Morris dancers performed

at wedding for eldest sister.

xvi. Helping, née completing homework/school assignments.

Unlike him who did beget me

I experienced cognitive challenges

that beset one painfully shy

and severely introverted male

more to the point

as a lad and mediocre student to boot

promotion to next highest grade

occurred just by the skin of my teeth,

which may help to explain

why I wear dentures,

oh... these choppers worn for about

one fourth of mein kampf livingsocial.

A sense of inadequacy prevailed,

when absolute zero self esteem

strikingly and suddenly manifested

in tandem when parents moved

their young tender family within

Lower Providence School District,

but into a larger house

initially summer estate constituted

about one hundred acres of woodland -

named Glen Elm

think Winnie the Pooh -

house at Pooh corner.

Not quite two score plus ten years

spent livingsocial at 324 Level Road

(above mentioned abode alluded),

and twas there majority

mine existential highs and lows,

where nadir of mein kampf transpired,

I emotionally hit rock bottom

upon onset of prepubescence

yet major event triggering

mine major depression

set in motion,

when parents chose February 28th, 1968

to move out of shoddily constructed domicile

located on Lantern Lane.

As shared with Renee Cardone

(the therapist whose virtual sessions

linkedin courtesy Doxy.me portal -

similar to Zoom), and today April 9th, 2025 said topic broached with Alyne Hall, LCSW a social worker based in Elizabethtown, PA

that aforementioned date

marked a turning point

after which time, I floundered

experiencing irrevocable mental health issues

punctuating my psychological equilibrium

with chronic distress,

though I forgive father and mother,

who unwittingly made decision to move and unbeknownst to them set in motion and moderately contributed to careering emotional rupture.

[ojoaoroxo]

Nandele : FF — Music Video — 4'

Directed by João Roxo

As a centre of gravity to Maputo’s burgeoning alternative music scene, Nandele Maguni has been a prolific innovator and collaborator, and a challenge to any preconceptions of what is expected from a Mozambican artist in 2020.

Born into a musical household - his father was the first black director of Mozambique's national radio - Nandele has been involved in many of Maputo's recent progressive musical projects, as a drummer, rapper, club promoter, beat maker, and al round polymath.

Fusing industrial and dystopian sound palettes with fragments of traditional instrumentation and mythology, the FF EP showcases a future-facing vision which is tapped into the rich, and often turbulent cultural history of the lusophone diaspora. Chugging EBM-esque rhythms collide with tough Hip Hop beats, dark ambience is met with cascading synth melodies, all tied together with a coherence and minimalism found in the most confident of creatives.

[slrmagazine]

Devin Townsend announces new studio album 'PowerNerd'

Devin Townsend announces new studio album 'PowerNerd'. #devintownsend @dvntownsend

Devin Townsend is pleased to announce the release of his forthcoming new studio album PowerNerd on October 25, 2024. Devin Townsend’s career is one of many distinct eras. He’s been the leader of Strapping Young Lad, the lynchpin of the Devin Townsend Project and the co-architect of country duo Casualties of Cool, all while maintaining his prolific and lauded solo project. Now, the polymath’s…

[motivateandinspiretoday]

Ben Franklin Words of Wisdom #selfworth #history #wisewisdom #selfconf...

Benjamin Franklin was an American polymath, diplomat, scientist, inventor, writer, and Founding Father of the United States. Born on January 17, 1706, in Boston, Massachusetts, Franklin became one of the most influential figures of the American Enlightenment. He is best known for his experiments with electricity, which led to the invention of the lightning rod and his famous kite experiment. Franklin was also a prolific writer, contributing to newspapers and almanacs with wit and wisdom.

His diplomatic efforts were crucial during the American Revolution, where he negotiated alliances with France and secured vital support for the American cause. Franklin played a key role in drafting both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution.

Beyond his scientific and political contributions, Franklin was a leading figure in Philadelphia society, establishing institutions such as the Library Company of Philadelphia, the American Philosophical Society, and the University of Pennsylvania. His aphorisms and maxims, collected in "Poor Richard's Almanack," reflect his practical wisdom and enduring influence on American culture.

Benjamin Franklin passed away on April 17, 1790, leaving behind a legacy as a statesman, inventor, and intellectual whose contributions helped shape the course of American history.

[rich4a1]

Rees Shad The Galahad Blues

Rees Shad The Galahad Blues Self-released Rees Shad is one of the most prolific artists on the scene, having released some 30 albums in his three decades as a recording artist. He’s a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and storyteller rife with unexpected themes and ideas. Beyond that he is a polymath of first order, a luthier, a videographer, a visual artist, and game designer, having…

[tmarshconnors]

"Many people die at twenty five and aren't buried until they are seventy five."

Benjamin Franklin was an American polymath, a leading writer, scientist, inventor, statesman, diplomat, printer, publisher, and political philosopher.

Born: 17 January 1706, Milk Street, Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Died: 17 April 1790 (age 84 years), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States.

Founding Father and Polymath: Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, playing a crucial role in drafting the U.S. Constitution. He was a polymath, excelling in various fields such as science, writing, and politics.

Inventor of the Lightning Rod: Franklin is credited with inventing the lightning rod in 1752. His experiments with electricity led him to propose the use of a grounded rod to protect buildings from lightning strikes. This invention significantly improved the safety of structures during storms.

Author and Printer: Franklin was a prolific writer and printer. His famous publications include "Poor Richard's Almanack," known for its witty and practical aphorisms. He also owned and operated a successful printing business in Philadelphia.

Diplomat and Statesman: Franklin was a skilled diplomat and played a vital role in securing French support during the American Revolution. He negotiated the Treaty of Alliance with France in 1778, which proved crucial to the American victory over the British.

Founder of the First Public Library: Franklin was a strong advocate for education and founded the Library Company of Philadelphia in 1731, the first subscription library in the American colonies. This institution aimed to provide access to books and promote knowledge among the public.

[unsdgschoolgoals]

International Women's Day

March 8, 2024

Women Achievers Award

Sponsored by: The National UN Volunteers-India

Vani V K is a beacon of inspiration and excellence in the field of education, with a distinguished career spanning 17 years in various educational capacities. Currently serving as the Head of Department in the Kannada department at SR Prime Nurture International School in Chikkamagaluru, Vani V K's dedication and expertise have left an indelible mark on the academic landscape.

With a solid academic foundation encompassing MA and MEd qualifications, Vani V K brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role. Her pedagogical prowess and commitment to student success have earned her the admiration and respect of colleagues and students alike.

Beyond her role as an educator, Vani V K has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, having served as Vice Principal, where she showcased her administrative acumen and unwavering dedication to fostering academic excellence. Her involvement as an ex-Senate member at Kuvempu University further underscores her commitment to shaping educational policies at a broader level.

A true polymath, Vani V K's talents extend far beyond the classroom. A state-level debater, dancer, student union leader, and prolific writer in Kannada literature, she embodies creativity and versatility in all her endeavors.

Noteworthy is Vani V K's passion for instilling values of social service and community engagement in her students. Through her initiatives, she nurtures a sense of compassion, empathy, and responsibility among the youth, shaping them into conscientious and socially aware individuals.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions to education, leadership, and community service, we proudly nominate Vani V K for the Women Achievers Award. Her unwavering commitment to excellence and her transformative impact on students make her a deserving recipient of this prestigious accolade.

[independentartistbuzz]

Andrew Bishop (Alex Little & the Suspicious Minds, Twin River, White Ash Falls) Debuts as WAASH with Self-Titled EP on Light Organ Records

Over the past decade, Andrew Bishop has carved out his spot as one of Vancouver’s go-to pop polymaths. He’s concocted catchy garage anthems as the guitarist of Alex Little & the Suspicious Minds, acted as the sideman in the pop-noir combo Twin River, and made country-tinged solo tunes as White Ash Falls. Along the way, he’s built up an ever-growing resume as a producer.

Now, he’s channeled all of it into the new project WAASH, which combines Andrew’s prolific songwriting talents with his love of towering shoegaze soundscapes. It’s both a culmination and an entirely new beginning. The five songs that make up WAASH’s self-titled EP were written slowly but steadily as Andrew took plenty of time to tinker with demos and build intricate arrangements from the ground up.

Andrew’s meticulous approach can be heard in the way EP opener “I Want to Be Good” ascends from the echoing strums of its intro towards a cloud-parting widescreen crescendo. 

The sonic foundations for these tracks were laid during an initial session with Andrew’s Suspicious Minds bandmates Cody Hiles (drums) and Mike Rosen (bass) at Afterlife Studios with Erik Nielsen. Followed by a 10-day session at the Hive studio on Vancouver Island with co-producer/co-mixer Colin Stewart (Destroyer, the New Pornographers, Black Mountain), Andrew took the songs home for even more fine- tuning. At his home in East Vancouver, he added swaths of heavenly keyboards, recruited producer/songwriter Louise Burns to sing harmonies, and perfected the EP’s swooning, reverb-draped atmosphere. Despite WAASH’s solo origins, the project has now blossomed into a full live band, with Andrew joined by an arsenal of his closest long-time collaborators.