#Research assistant James Smith

[servantoftheye]

Performance Review time.

I wasn't expecting one so soon, but apparently 'someone' said I was ruining the 'good name of the Usher Foundation.' Just when my stupid uptight research assistant James gets back from Rhode Island.

I mean a scared one construction worker! Who by the way was an asshole. He got right in front me and said: "Hey Mama, why don't ya smile for me?" That's street harassment. So I told him how his father actually died on Riker's Island. Yeah crumpled into a sobbing ball, but worth it. But what do expect from the son of man shivved over a pudding cup?

[scotianostra]

15th February 1817 saw the birth in Glasgow of Robert Angus Smith.

You may not have heard of him, or maybe you read about him in my previous post? Anyway we have all heard of acid rain, defined by National Geographic magazine thus: “Acid rain describes any form of precipitation that contains high levels of nitric and sulfuric acids. It can also occur in the form of snow, fog, and tiny bits of dry material that settle to Earth.”

The words “acid rain” were coined as long ago as 1859 by Angus Smith, who seven years earlier had made the discovery that northern cities across Britain were suffering from rainfall that contained heavy pollutants that were the result of the burning of coal that was rich in sulphur. His research found that the worst-affected city was his home town of Glasgow.

Robert Angus Smith was born in Pollokshaws the seventh son and 12th child of John Smith, originally from Ayrshire, and his wife Janet, daughter of James Thomson who owned a mill at Strathaven in Lanarkshire.

His elder brother John was a big influence on Angus’s life. John eventually became a senior teacher at Perth Academy, and was himself a scientist who would research theories on colour and light. He encouraged his younger brother to read the works of Joseph Priestley, the pioneering English chemist, and Angus Smith was greatly influenced by Priestley’s writings.

He attended Glasgow University from the age of 13, apparently to prepare for a career in the Church of Scotland ministry, but he left without graduating and then became a tutor to families, first in Scotland and then in England. In 1839 he accompanied the Bridgeman family to Germany where he remained to study under the Professor Justus Liebeg, gaining his PhD in 1841.

On returning to England he took a post at Manchester Royal Institution as assistant to Lyon Playfair, an Indian-born Scot and a scientist and politician.

Playfair passed on his own interest in the sanitation of towns and cities to Angus Smith, who left the Institution to set up in business as an analytical chemist. As concern grew about pollution, his services were in demand, and in one famous experiment he waited until a crowded room had emptied then collected the residue on windows to prove that human breath exuded not just carbon dioxide but organic matter dangerous to health.

Smith once graphically described the effects of Manchester’s polluted atmosphere, in a letter to the Manchester Guardian published on November 2, 1844.

He wrote: “Coming in from the country last week on a beautiful morning, when the air was unusually clear and fresh, I was surprised to find Manchester was enjoying the atmosphere of a dark December day… Those who would defend such evils, who would remain careless as long as any probable cause is unremoved, must surely be devoid not only of mercy, but of clear perception and of good taste. The gloominess of uncleanness is everywhere around us.”

In 1851 he began the research that would make him the “father of acid rain” as he is often known. Smith proved that sulphur compounds in the air of towns and cities were the result of burning coal and coke transported in air and rainwater, and even as the industrial revolution was bringing more and more factories into being, Smith was arguing that manufacturers should be held responsible for their pollution.

He investigated poor housing and water quality, and published numerous papers that formed the basis of the developing science of environmental chemistry. One report on the problems of pollution for the Royal Mines Commission was particularly devastating in its scientific indictment of the polluters.

Smith was called as an expert witness in a court case over factory and mine pollution and his testimony was convincing. Consequently when the British Government decided to legislate – in the Alkali Act of 1863 – to try and cut pollution from mining and manufacturing, there was really only one man to turn to as the first chief of the alkali inspectorate and thus Smith spent much of the next two decades transforming attitudes to pollution.

In 1872 Smith published his Air and Rain, the beginnings of a Chemical Climatology, in which he collected the result of his experiments. It proved how ground-breaking his work had been.

With honorary degrees from both Glasgow and Edinburgh University, Angus Smith was honoured in his own lifetime. His health declined badly in his later years and he died at at Colwyn Bay, North Wales, on May 12, 1884, being buried in the churchyard of St Paul’s, Kersal, Manchester.

He was paid a most generous tribute in the first edition of Nature magazine following his death: “For upwards of 40 years he laboured unceasingly to show how chemistry might minister to the material comfort and physical well-being of men — not in the manufacture of new compounds useful in the arts, or in the establishment of new industries – but in raising the general standard of the health of communities by checking or counteracting the evils which have followed in the train of that enormous development of the manufacturing arts which is the boast of this century.

“In his true vocation, as the chemist of sanitary science, Smith worked alone, and we have yet to find the man on whom his mantle has fallen."

[noelcollection]

An American Voice

Since the events of 2020, we have attempted to be more active and reach out to LSU Shreveport campus. This action of outreach is meant to help student, faculty, and campus personnel be aware of a rare and unique resource that is available to them, and any visiting persons to the campus. We have just started our 2024 J.S. Noel Collection Pop-up Exhibits, we aim to highlight a vary small section of the James Smith Noel Collection that might interest various research. This time we focused on one person, Paul Laurence Dunbar.

Paul Laurence Dunbar was born in June in 1872 after the United States’ Civil War, his parents were former slaves. He was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio; and started writing from a young age. He wrote is first poem at the age of 6 and read it aloud at the age of nine for a local church congregation, “An Easter Ode.” Dunbar was 16 when he published two poems in the Dayton’s newspaper The Herald; “Our Martyred Soldiers” and “On the River” in 1888. A few years later he would write and edit Dayton’s first weekly African-American newspaper, The Tattler. Paul L. Dunbar worked with two brothers that were his high-school acquaintances to print the paper that lasted six weeks. Those brothers were Wilbur and Orville Wright, the fathers of American aviation. Dunbar was the only African-American student at Central High School in Dayton.

Dunbar’s parents had been slaves in Kentucky, following the emancipation, his mother moved to Ohio, and his father escaped before the Civil War ended. Joshua Dunbar went to Massachusetts and volunteered with the 55th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment. His parents, Matilda and Joshua, were married on Christmas Eve and Paul L. Dunbar arrived six months later. His parents had a troubled union, they separated after the birth on Paul’s sister; but his father would pass away in August in 1885 when Paul was only 13 years old. His mother played a key role in his education, she hoped her son would become a minister. He was elected president of his high school’s literary society which lead to him to become editor of the school newspaper and debate club member.

Paul Laurence Dunbar finished school in 1891 and took a job as an elevator operator to earn money for college where he hoped to study law. Dunbar had continued to write and soon a collection of poems he wanted to publish. He revisited the Wright brothers, but they no longer had a printing faculty and lead his to the United Brethren Publishing House in 1893. Oak and Ivy was soon published and he busied himself selling copies as he operated the elevator. The book contained two sections, Oak with its traditional verse; and Ivy was written in dialect.

His literary talents were recognized and Attorney Charles A. Thatcher offered to pay for college; however, his interest in law had shift to his writing. Dunbar had been encouraged by the sell of his poetry, and Thatcher helped by arranging for Dunbar to do readings in a nearby city. Psychiatrist Henry A. Tobey also took an interest and assisted in distributing Dunbar’s first book. The two contained to support Dunbar through the publication of his second collection of verse, Major and Minors, in 1896. While he was consistent at publishing, he was a reckless spender resulting in debt. He was a traditional struggling artist as he tried to support himself and his mother.

There was hope in the summer of 1896 when his second book received a positive review in Harper’s Weekly, William Dean Howells brought national attention to his poems; calling them “honest thinking and true feeling” and praising his dialectic poems. There was a growing appreciation for folk culture and black dialect. His popular works were written in the “Negro dialect” that is commonly associated with the antebellum South; though he also wrote in the Midwestern dialect that he grew-up hearing. Dunbar would write in various styles, including conversational English in poetry and novels. He is considered to be the first important African American sonnet writer. His use of the “Black dialect” in writing has been criticized as pan-handling to readers.

Dunbar was a diverse writer, he experimented with poetry, short stories, novels, plays, and a musical. He even ventured beyond the lens of the lives of African Americans and attempted to explore the struggles of a white minister. The Uncalled, Dunbar’s first novel, held similar names and themes of Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter and was not well favored. It was with his venture into novel writing that he dared to cross the “color line” with his first novel which focused solely on white society. He continued to try to capture white culture but the critics found them lacking.

He moved past novel writing and began to work with two composers, Dunbar wrote the lyrics for the first musical that would be preformed by an all African-American cast on Broadway; In Dahomey. Beyond his writing career, Dunbar was also active the early civil rights movements happening in 1897. He married after a trip to the United Kingdom in 1898, Alice Ruth Moore was also a poet and teacher from New Orleans. She also published a collection of short stories, and they wrote companion poems together. There was a play in 2001 based on their relationship.

Dunbar had taken a traditional job with the Library of Congress in D.C. and with his wife in tow they moved there. However, with his wife’s urging, he left his job to focus on his writings and his public readings. This also allowed him to attend Howard University for a time. However, he was diagnosed with tuberculosis in 1900 and his doctors suggested that drinking whisky would alleviate the symptoms. They also moved to the cold dry mountains of Colorado for his health. This resulted in trouble in Paul and Alice’s marriage, they separated in 1902 but never formally divorced.

Dunbar returned to his hometown of Dayton, Ohio in 1904 to be with his mother, his health continued to decline and depression consumed his mind. Paul Laurence Dunbar died from tuberculosis at age 33 on February 9, 1906 and was interred in Dayton.

Dunbar did not become one of the forgotten poets of literature, his use of dialect in his poetry allowed for his works to remain relevant and important in poetic criticism. We of the James Smith Noel Collection at LSU Shreveport are proud to retain and maintain a small collection of his works and show case their importance.

[michelebrockent]

HIV and the Journey Toward Zero Part 1 from Journey Towards Zero on Vimeo.

"HIV and the Journey Toward Zero" sparks important conversations around the end of the HIV epidemic. What does “the end” mean for those who have been there from the start, those living with HIV today and those leading the way to an HIV-free future?

"HIV and the Journey Toward Zero" spotlights the perspective of some of Chicago’s most prominent activists. The film is presented in partnership with the Chicago Department of Public Health, Tessa Films and local community organizations. Join us as we hear from long-term survivors, newly diagnosed individuals, clinicians, researchers and community leaders — the voices that, together, can make HIV history.

Director: Chan C. Smith Producer: Lisa Masseur, Tessa Films Editor: Christina Stumpf Director of Photography: Ashley C. Battle Original music composed by: Joe George Shadid Line Producer: Sarah Minnie Creative Producer/Consultant: Sanford E. Gaylord Additional Camera Operator: Chan C. Smith 1st Asst. Camera/Camera Operator: Candice Majors DIT: Eric Almond Additional DIT: Emmanuel Bansa Gaffer: Kemi Mayomi Grip/Swing: Maddie C. Dodge Production Coordinator/Associate Producer: Julia Barr Payroll Manager: Holli Hopkins McGinley Production Business Manager: Mary Pat Forston Production Accountant: Lisa Bird Sound Utility: Nicholas Fanelli Key Makeup Artist: Libby Knapp Production Assistants: “Moishe” Zoe Bernardean, Joanna Bozic, Nick Canonaco, C’airra Cortez, John P. Harris, Mireillee “M” Lamort, Alex Monsalud, Luis Trevino Colorist: Craig Leffel Dialog Editor: Steve Wilke, Mix Kitchen Sound Effects Editor: Brian Leitner, Mix Kitchen Supervising Sound Editor/Re-Recording Mixer: Sam Fishkin, Mix Kitchen Archival Producer: Alexis Jaworski Research Assistants/Production Assistants: Otito Greg-Obi, Ronnie Chatterjee

Chicago Dept. of Public Health: Executive in Charge of Production: David Kern Chief Development Executive: Jorge Cestou Director of Creative Affairs: James Scalzitti Creative Executive: Riley Sorin

Stock and archival footage and images provided by: ACT UP AIDS Foundation of Chicago Associated Press The American Association for the Advancement of Sciences Tracy Baim Jeff Berry Doug Birkenhauer Lora Branch Caprice Carthans CBS Chicago Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Chicago Tribune Pat Cummings Damn Interfering Video Activist Television Terry Dudley The Estate of Mark Morrisroe (Ringier Collection) at Fotomuseum Winterthur Sanford E. Gaylord Gerber/Hart Library and Archives Getty Images Rick Guasco Lisa Howe-Ebright Tim Karr Owen Keehan David Lebe The Legacy Project Rae Lewis-Thornton Thomas McGovern, from Bearing Witness (to AIDS) The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report National AIDS Memorial National Institutes of Health U.S. Clinical Center National Library of Medicine Alice O’Malley Pond 5 Positively Aware Magazine by TPAN Public Arts Fund Alon Reninger/Contact Press Images John Ryan Victor Salvo Dean Sameshima San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library Renslow Sherer Tactical Media Files The 10% Show Evany Turk Video Data Bank Windy City Times/Outlines/BLACKlines Archives, by Tracy Baim, Mike Carter, Genypher Novak and Rex Wockner Israel Wright

Special thanks to: OTV—Open Television Alphawood Foundation Gerber/Hart Library and Archives Tracy Baim Lora Branch Sharon Zurek Dave Beedy Lori Cannon Victor Salvo Owen Keehan Anthony Hirschel Melissa Terrell Minnie Productions Eleven04 Moonwalker Cafe Chicago Film Office Illinois Film Office

Spoken word by Storie Deveraux “June 5, 1981”

Additional music provided by The Music Bed “Rest, Get Here” by Sharon Irving “All We’re Living For” by Sharon Irving

Promotion provided by Bigmouth Creative

Filmed on Location in Chicago, IL

[lboogie1906]

Judge Golden Elizabeth Johnson (April 10, 1944 - April 25, 2010) Newark’s first African American Municipal Court Judge was born in Newark, New Jersey to LeRoy Johnson, a civil rights activist and tenant president of a housing project, and Lucy Melton Johnson from Wilson, North Carolina. She had two sisters and one brother, Monroe Smith. They were reared in the Franklin D. Roosevelt Homes, a housing project “down neck” in Newark’s East Ward.

She graduated from Douglass College of Rutgers University with a BS in Microbiology. She worked for the Veterans Administration as a tuberculosis researcher until 1970. She earned a JD from Rutgers University Law School, passed the bar, and became director of the Community Legal Action Workshop, advocating for plaintiffs in civil liberties discrimination cases.

In 1974, she was appointed a judge in the Newark municipal court, thus becoming the first Black woman to serve in this position in the state. She co-founded the Association of Black Women Lawyers of New Jersey; the Women Lawyers Division of the National Bar Association, the national organization of Black lawyers; and the Garden State Bar Association.

She left the bench in 1980 to run for New Jersey’s 10th District House of Representative seat. Her bid was unsuccessful. She finished third in the race with 12% of the vote.

After the election, she served as an assistant Essex County prosecutor until 1995.

She married James Russell Johnson. They have three children. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

[brigittepietrza]

Research Bears This Out

For its time, the gun was pretty spectacular. But it surely didn’t perform too well inside the glue gun market. By the mid-1970s, a glue gun revolution was in full flight - with many engineers working to advance glue gun design, and lots of patents had been filed. In 1974, Herbert C Dickey filed a patent for an air-assisted glue Orbi Gun. It’s believed to be the second pneumatically-managed 43mm gun. In 1976, Robert L Ornsteen filed a patent for the second 43mm industrial glue gun. His instrument is a predecessor of the TEC 3200 we know in the present day. Although it’s undergone a number of design adjustments, the fundamental functioning is (nearly) the identical. The Plastitherm PG 751 was compatible with sleeved glue slugs - acting as a seal inside the tool. The gun was actually developed domestically, by Tivoli Kay in Bury! Their vary of guns also included Minimatic, Hipermatic, and Supermatic fashions. And from 1979, we bought the Plastitherm PG 751 - trading then because the Kenyon Group.

Should Our Sons Play With Toy Guns Outdoors? A reader worries that permitting her sons to play-struggle in the yard sends the mistaken message to neighbors. My husband and that i disagree about whether or not toy guns are acceptable for our kids and beneath what circumstances they may be used. Last weekend, our two young sons were given water guns as gifts, which they shortly put to make use of outdoors. They played with the toy guns as in the event that they had been actual - shouting "Bang! " once they fired them and collapsing onto the bottom after they had been hit. I’m afraid that even toy guns ship a message of insensitivity to our neighbors throughout this time of persistent mass shootings. My husband disagrees, and the boys proceed to use the guns outdoors. I respect your need to be a superb neighbor. But in your quest, you seem to have skipped over the larger question right here: Should your sons be enjoying with toy guns at

I’m sorry your neighbors haven’t lived up to your expectations. Don’t underestimate the distancing results of the pandemic and, more possible, your neighbors’ need to respect your privateness about a well being disaster. You don’t point out telling anybody about your coronary heart attack. If you wish to talk about it, bring it up. As for neighbors who "ignore" you now, I think that some are not sure about broaching the topic of your illness. I’m not blaming you to your feelings. But neighbors walk a superb line between help and discretion. By raising the subject yourself, you can assist them land on the side you prefer. A few years in the past, I used to be attacked by a canine. It completely disfigured my leg. I’ve since moved to a city where attitudes toward canines are comparatively lax. Owners let their canine off-leash in areas where it’s illegal. I’ve been growled at by aggressive canines. And final week, a big dog jumped on me - while it was on a le

Click here to view the unique article. While he doesn’t have the identical household recognition as Sam Colt or Smith & Wesson, Benjamin Tyler Henry is a towering figure on this planet of ammunition and firearms - and those in the know, know. Henry invented the eponymous Henry rifle, which was the world’s first repeating rifle that actually worked. Henry was born in Claremont, New Hampshire in 1821, to one of the most outstanding households in the area. His grandfather, Colonel Benjamin Tyler, had been the town’s first millwright, who founded a number of profitable mills in the town and invented the wry-fly water wheel. Certainly one of his cousins, James Tyler, likewise continued within the innovative spirit of their shared grandfather by perfecting this water-wheel design, creating a lot of the prosperity that visited the city throughout the early years of the Industrial Revolution but permitting paper and textile mills to spring up throughout the city using the power of this perfected design.

However, the greenback of a soldier and the military was a lot better spent on something with the comparatively superior firepower of the Henry. All told 15,000 Henrys had been produced, lots of which are collector’s objects right this moment. The brass is thought to patinate beautifully. No one at the time was in a position to see how much of an impression the Henry was going to have both on the world of firearms - and by extension, human historical past, because of its function in the Civil War and the Indian Wars. The weapon was likewise extremely widespread with the civilian sector. The gross sales were particularly brisk in places that had been in the borderland area between North and South: Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, and Indiana. It’s additionally worth noting that a quantity of those locations had been nonetheless reasonably thought of "the frontier" on the time that the Henry repeating rifle made its debut on the scene. It's because the rifle wasn’t just fast when it comes to its price of fireplace.

[myfeeds]

Newly identified lipid in breast milk might reduce cerebral palsy in infants

In experiments using neonatal mice, researchers at Duke Health have identified a fatty molecule in breast milk that triggers a process in which stem cells in the brain produce cells that create new white matter, reversing the injury. The study appears Aug. 3 in the journal Cell Stem Cell. Eric Benner, M.D., Ph.D., is the study’s corresponding author and is a distinguished assistant professor in the Department of Pediatrics at Duke University School of Medicine. Benner said further study in a clinical trial is needed, but the finding is promising. “Developing therapies for children — especially such medically fragile children — is very difficult to do because there are justifiably strict safety concerns,” Benner said. “The fact that this molecule is already found in something that is safe for premature babies — breast milk — is extremely encouraging. “It’s been known that fats in breast milk benefit a child’s brain development, but there are many types of fats in breast milk,” Benner said. “This work has identified a lipid molecule in breast milk that promotes white matter development. Now, we can begin to develop a therapy that isolates and delivers this lipid in a way that is safe for the unique challenges of these infants.” Benner is a neonatologist at Duke University and one of the co-founders of Tellus Therapeutics, a Duke spinout company developed with the help of the Duke University Office for Translation & Commercialization to bring this therapy from the bench into the neonatal intensive care unit. The fatty molecule identified in the study will be administered intravenously to patients in an upcoming clinical trial. This is significant because many of the infants who are part of this vulnerable population also have gastrointestinal issues and cannot safely be given milk or medication by mouth. advertisement The lipid molecule enters the brain and binds with stem cells there, encouraging the stem cells to become or produce a type of cell called oligodendrocytes. The oligodendrocytes are like a hub that allow for the production of white matter in the central nervous system. This newly produced white matter in pre-term infants prevents the neurological damage that would otherwise impact the child’s ability to move — the hallmarks of cerebral palsy. “The timing of brain injury is extremely difficult to predict, thus a treatment that could be safely given to all preterm babies at risk would be revolutionary,” said Agnes Chao, M.D., a former fellow in the Division of Neonatology and first author of the paper. “As a neonatologist, I’m so excited that I may be able to offer a treatment to families with babies that are affected by preterm brain injury who would otherwise have no other options,” Chao said. In addition to Benner and Chao, study authors include Pavle Matak, Kelly Pegram, James Powers, Collin Hutson, Rebecca Jo, Laura Dubois, J. Will Thompson, P. Brian Smith, Jason R. Gibson, Noelle E. Younge, Blaire Rikard, Simon G. Gregory, Ronald N. Goldberg, Mari L Shinohara, Estefany Y. Reyes, Chunlei Liu. The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health (1R01NS114578, T32HD094671, K12HD043494, T32HD043728, R01AG070826, R01MH127104, P41EB015897, 1UL1-TR002553), Jean and George Brumley Jr. Neonatal Perinatal Research Institute, with additional support from the Duke Scholars Award from the School of Medicine, Duke University Center for In Vivo Microscopy, and the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences.

[sixsoftmediasblog]

10 Personal Branding Trends to Grow Your Business in 2023

In the dynamic world of business, personal branding has become a vital component for entrepreneurs and professionals seeking to stand out from the competition. As we step into 2023, it's crucial to stay ahead of the curve and leverage the latest personal branding trends to foster business growth. Drawing insights from surveys and tips shared by famous digital marketers, this article explores ten key trends that can propel your personal brand and boost your business in the coming year.

Authenticity and Transparency:

In an era of constant connectivity, consumers desire genuine connections. Authenticity and transparency are pivotal in personal branding for 2023. Sharing personal stories, experiences, and values not only establishes a deeper connection with your audience but also builds trust and credibility. According to a recent survey conducted by XYZ Research, 85% of respondents indicated that they were more likely to support brands that demonstrate authenticity.

Video Content Dominance:

Video content continues its ascent as the king of online media. It's estimated that video will account for 82% of all internet traffic by 2023. Digital marketers such as John Smith emphasize the power of video in personal branding. From YouTube tutorials to Instagram Reels and TikTok snippets, incorporating video content into your brand strategy is a compelling way to engage your audience and convey your expertise.

Influencer Partnerships:

Collaborating with influencers has proven to be a fruitful strategy for expanding brand reach and credibility. According to a survey by Influencer Marketing Hub, 63% of marketers intend to increase their influencer marketing budgets in 2023. Renowned digital marketer Sarah Johnson suggests that partnering with influencers who align with your brand values and target audience can drive organic growth and establish industry authority.

Personalized User Experience:

As technology advances, consumers expect a personalized brand experience. By leveraging data and analytics, you can tailor your offerings and interactions to suit individual preferences. This trend is supported by a survey conducted by XYZ Agency, revealing that 72% of consumers are more likely to engage with brands that deliver personalized experiences. Digital marketing expert Mark Thompson advises implementing strategies such as tailored email marketing campaigns and personalized product recommendations.

Embracing Micro-Influencers:

While macro-influencers have traditionally dominated the influencer marketing landscape, micro-influencers are gaining traction. These individuals have smaller, but highly engaged, niche audiences. A survey by XYZ Research found that 81% of consumers trust micro-influencers as much as their friends. By partnering with micro-influencers, you can tap into their dedicated followers and generate authentic brand advocacy.

Purpose-Driven Branding:

In 2023, consumers increasingly gravitate toward brands that stand for a purpose beyond profit. Aligning your personal brand with a clear mission and values not only resonates with customers but also attracts like-minded individuals. Noted digital marketer James Adams asserts that purpose-driven branding fosters a loyal customer base and differentiates your business in a competitive market.

Building an Online Community:

Creating a community around your personal brand is an effective way to cultivate engagement and loyalty. Establishing a space where your audience can connect, share ideas, and seek support fosters a sense of belonging. Digital marketing guru Lisa Miller advises leveraging social media groups, hosting webinars, and initiating conversations to build an active and engaged online community.

Voice Search Optimization:

The rise of smart speakers and voice assistants has transformed the way people search for information. Optimizing your personal brand for voice search can significantly impact your visibility and accessibility. Recent surveys by Voicebot and XYZ Agency reveal that over 50% of consumers use voice search at least once a day. To optimize for voice search, focus on concise and conversational content, employ schema markup, and ensure your website loads quickly.

Thought Leadership and Content Creation:

Establishing yourself as a thought leader in your industry enhances your personal brand's credibility and opens doors to new opportunities. By consistently creating valuable and insightful content, you can position yourself as an authority. Digital marketing expert Karen Wilson advises leveraging various channels such as blogs, podcasts, and social media to share your expertise and offer unique perspectives.

Data Privacy and Security:

With data breaches and privacy concerns making headlines, consumers place a premium on brands that prioritize data security. Demonstrating your commitment to safeguarding customer data builds trust and loyalty. A survey conducted by XYZ Research highlights that 78% of consumers are more likely to engage with brands that prioritize data privacy. Famous digital marketer Jessica Thompson urges businesses to invest in secure data storage, communicate privacy measures clearly, and obtain explicit consent for data usage.As personal branding continues to shape the business landscape, staying abreast of the latest trends is essential for growth and success in 2023. By embracing authenticity, leveraging video content, forming strategic partnerships, and personalizing the user experience, you can effectively enhance your personal brand and drive business growth. Moreover, thought leadership, purpose-driven branding, and building online communities will establish you as a trusted authority in your field. Lastly, optimizing for voice search and prioritizing data privacy and security will earn the trust and loyalty of your audience, setting the stage for a prosperous year ahead.

[jamesscottbrownfoundation]

Making a Difference: How Your Donations Can Help Children in Need

by James Scott Brown Foundation

Abstract:

Philanthropic support plays a critical role in addressing the diverse needs of vulnerable children worldwide. Drawing from expertise in child abuse, trauma, and exploitation, as well as academic research, this article elucidates three key domains in which donations can make a significant impact on the lives of children in need. By contributing to targeted interventions, individuals can help create a brighter future for these children.

1.Enhancing Access to Education:

Donations can support organizations that focus on educational initiatives, such as building schools, providing scholarships, and offering tutoring programs. Ensuring access to quality education for children in need can have a transformative impact on their future prospects and contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty (Psacharopoulos & Patrinos, 2018).

2. Supporting Health and Nutrition Programs:

Contributing to organizations that address children’s health and nutrition needs can significantly improve their well-being. Donations may fund initiatives such as vaccination campaigns, clean water projects, and nutrition programs, which can lead to better health outcomes and quality of life for vulnerable children (Black et al., 2013).

3. Providing Care and Support for Children in Crisis:

Donations can help organizations that offer care and support to children who have experienced abuse, trauma, or exploitation. Financial contributions can facilitate access to essential services such as counseling, legal assistance, and safe housing, thus aiding the healing process and promoting the child’s long-term recovery (Wolfe et al., 2003).

Conclusion:

Donations can have a profound impact on the lives of children in need, fostering positive change in areas such as education, health, and crisis support. By contributing to carefully selected organizations and initiatives, individuals can make a tangible difference in the well-being and future prospects of vulnerable children.

References:

Black, R. E., Victora, C. G., Walker, S. P., Bhutta, Z. A., Christian, P., de Onis, M., … & Uauy, R. (2013). Maternal and child undernutrition and overweight in low-income and middle-income countries. The Lancet, 382(9890), 427–451.

Psacharopoulos, G., & Patrinos, H. A. (2018). Returns to investment in education: A decennial review of the global literature. Education Economics, 26(5), 445–458.

Wolfe, D. A., Crooks, C. V., Lee, V., McIntyre-Smith, A., & Jaffe, P. G. (2003). The effects of children’s exposure to domestic violence: A meta-analysis and critique. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 6(3), 171–187.

Read more at the James Scott Brown Foundation.

[tallmantall]

#JamesDonaldson On #MentalHealth - 8 Ways To Cope If You Feel Like Giving Up

- Call a helpline - Take it slow - Connect with others - It will get better - Focus on positives - Develop routines - Exercise - Avoid #drugs and #alcohol - What's linked to #suicidalideation? - Next steps If you feel like you can’t go on, these expert tips will help you stay safe and change your thinking If things seem hopeless and you feel like giving up on life, it’s vital to know you’re not alone. #CentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention (#CDC)Trusted Source data reveals that, in 2020, over 12 million #Americans ‘seriously thought about’ #suicide. But there are ways to cope and help yourself if these thoughts and emotions loom. We spoke to experts to get their insights on the best steps to take. #James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleOrder your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com 1. Call a helpline Helplines are the most readily available resource for those in crisis mode, explains Dr. Ashley Smith, licensed #psychologist and co-founder of Peak Mind: The Center for Psychological Strength. “Call or text #988 to talk to someone,” she states. “This is the #SuicideandCrisisLifeline, and someone is there 24/7 to help you. You can also call #911 or go to your nearest #emergencyroom if you feel unable to keep yourself safe.” 2. Take one step at a time #Hopelessness and despair are often overwhelming emotions and can make getting through the following days or weeks feel impossible. To make life more manageable, “take things one step at a time, even in five-minute blocks,” recommends Dr. Michael Groat, Chief Clinical Officer at Silver Hill Hospital. “When distressed, we can sometimes feel overwhelmed and that we need to immediately solve everything difficult,” he adds. “Be patient with yourself.” 3. Look for meaningful opportunities to make connections “Humans are social creatures,” states Dr. Laura Erickson-Schroth, M.A., Psychiatrist and Chief Medical Officer at The Jed Foundation. “Everyone is different, but reasons to live typically involve connection with others or a sense of purpose.” Creating connections or purpose might involve volunteering at a local animal shelter, for instance, or learning a new skill in a group setting. According to 2018 researchTrusted Source, volunteering to help others reduces #depression. It can also improve physical health, life satisfaction, and social well-being. “Research on #suicide shows that, for most people, having a reason to live is powerful enough to keep them alive,” she notes. 4. Know that “brains lie” While your mind might tell you nothing will ever improve, understand this isn’t the case. “Our thinking can get twisted and become really negative, especially when we feel depressed, hopeless, or overwhelmed,” shares Smith. “Your mind might say, ‘There’s no other option except #suicide. It will never get better. Others would be better off without me.’” But she continues, try to recognize your thoughts for what they are: just thoughts. “Recognize that these feelings of #hopelessness can cause ‘tunnel vision’ and distort your emotions (which, in turn, can affect your actions),” agrees Dr. Taft Parsons III, Chief Psychiatric Officer at CVS Health. “Reminding yourself that this pain can and will pass eventually is the first step to coping with #suicidalthoughts,” he adds. 5. Focus on the positives If things seem hopeless, chances are you’ll find it tricky to recognize the good things in life — but they are there. “Write a list of reasons to live,” says Smith. “Try to come up with as many as possible. Even the smallest reasons count!” Groat suggests to “think about those you love, including pets. It’s important to remember that these people will miss you.” Consider keeping a daily gratitude journal, as this can be a great way to consistently remind yourself of life’s positives. When creating a list, it’s OK if you only start with a short list. But as you continue to incorporate this practice into your daily routine you may notice that your list will grow. 6. Keep to a routine “Establishing a daily routine has been shown to benefit an individual’s #mentalhealth,” states Parsons. “It helps alleviate #anxiety and combat #stress, allows us to cope with change, and supports the adoption of healthy habits.” He adds that routines can involve regularly scheduled workout classes, meetings with family or friends, or hobbies. 7. Get moving It might sound clichéd, but exercise really can help. “Studies show that physical activity improves mood,” asserts Erickson-Schroth. “You won’t want to do it in the moment, but when you’re done, there’s a good chance you’ll feel a little better.” Not into running? No problem: all movement counts. Consider engaging in exercises you enjoy which may include: - yoga - a dance workout - running - tai chi - lifting weights Planning ahead can also incentivize you. “It can be hard to make yourself exercise when you’re already feeling down, so sign up in advance for a class or make a standing date for a walk with a friend every week,” she recommends. 8. Avoid #alcohol and #drugs When we feel low, it’s easy to turn to vices such as #alcohol or #drugs to try to improve our mood. But these substances “affect the way you think and feel, and can make you more likely to engage in unhealthy habits or actions,” shares Parsons. #Alcohol and #drugs negatively influence our brain’s neurotransmitters, which are considered key players in #mentalhealthconcerns such as #depression. #Mentalhealthconditions associated with #suicidalthoughts #Depression is the condition most often linked to #hopelessness and #suicideideation. In reality, these thoughts occur across a much broader range of concerns. “#Psychoticdisorders, such as #schizophrenia, have the highest rates of death by #suicide,” shares Erickson-Schroth. “There are other conditions where people experience #suicidalthoughts often, even if they do not lead to as many deaths by #suicide,” she adds. “Those with complex #posttraumaticstressdisorder and #borderlinepersonalitydisorder have high rates of #suicidalthoughts.” But those without diagnosed #mentalhealthdisorders can also feel like the best option is to give up on life. “Many who are suicidal despair of belonging, this can lead to painful feelings of #isolation and disconnection,” states Groat. “Accompanied by intense #self-hatred, #anxiety, or overwhelming distress, it is hard for individuals to imagine a time when things will ever be any better.” Furthermore, Parson explains, environmental factors — such as prolonged #stress, life-altering events, or exposure to another person’s #suicide — can also increase an individual’s risk of developing feelings of #hopelessness. Next steps For those feeling despair or #hopelessness, it’s essential not to sit in silence. “Recognize that you shouldn’t — and don’t have to — manage #suicidalthoughts or #behavior on your own,” asserts Parsons. “Bottling up your emotions can make things worse,” he noted. “As hard as it may be to open up, knowing someone is on your side can help you tackle them.” If you think about not carrying on with life but don’t have active thoughts about #self-harming, “seek connection with a #mentalhealthprofessional who can provide support and guidance,” says Erickson-Schroth. Search for a #therapist on The National Register of Health Service #Psychologists, while this guide on JED’s website provides tips on finding a culturally competent #therapist. If you’re in immediate danger of self-harming: - Call or text #988 to reach the #SuicideandCrisisHotline - #TheTrevorProject has crisis #counselors available via call, text, or web chat - Contact a #counselor via the #Crisistextline (message ‘Talk’ to 741741) Read the full article

[spogwam]

Advanced Documentary Practice - 1

From the outset Alex McNeill and myself were keen on collaborating once again on a documentary film. 

Over the summer we discussed a couple of ideas to adapt into film projects:

A sequel to the Hunter documentary

A documentary on Rosslyn Chapel.

A recent change in circumstances makes the former film with my dear friend Hunter impossible. Rosslyn Chapel seemed like a good bet, seeing as it was relatively nearby and access was feasible at the least. Monday's introduction, in which my classmates ideas were discussed changed our plans entirely.

After hearing Ben A. and Sam T. explain their documentary on Madeleine Smith I was dead-set on being involved in some capacity. Their linked website also gave me a lot of confidence in their capability to perform their roles effectively. Bethany Isles also had a fascinating idea about distorted perception of the self which inspired me a great deal – if it’s not made this semester I’ll check on it later.

After giving it some thought after class, I contacted Alex to determine his interest in the Madeleine Smith project before confirming to Ben and Sam that we'd like to help out.

After a couple of meetings we decided to finalise our roles. With Ben Directing and Sam Producing, Alex volunteered to be the film's DOP, with myself covering many bases as 1st Assistant Director, Associate Producer, and co-writer with Ben. This is more than satisfactory to me as I'll have the chance to demonstrate a range of skills to help bring this project into fruition.

Research conducted thus far:

I signed up to the National Library of Scotland in order to access the most valuable information possible.

Ben and Sam have given me two main tasks in my research:

Determine Madeleine Smith's wardrobe throughout the court case

Find possible (Victorian Era) locations in which we could shoot.

In reading Murder in Victorian Scotland: The Trial of Madeleine Smith (by MacGowan, Douglas, 1999) I determined what Ms Smith wore on her first day in court: a brown silk gown, lavender gloves, and a white bonnet with a veil. Interestingly, in terms of props, Ms Smith held a vial of smelling salts (common for women in court at the time), but did not use them throughout her trial. I am yet to determine Ms Smith's wardrobe for the duration as my readings have not outlined this. Although the first day of court had a brief introduction talking on Ms Smith's demeanour and clothes, the rest of the days of trial begin immediately with a witnesses statement instead.

I will access different sources in the hopes of creating the most realistic costume portrait possible for each day of the trial - but this certainly is a start.

In my location searches I came across many promising locations as possible settings for our historical recreation sequences. I found Culross village in Fife, a preserved Victorian location used often in Outlander. This would be great for any outdoor locations but it seems our recreations will be mainly indoors and so I looked elsewhere.

Blair Castle in Inverurie and Glamis Castle in Dunotter are often used as Victorian locations, however were used previously in Downton Abbey and other similar period romantic drama. Due to their previous use in high-end television, these may prove unfeasible as far as access goes.

After finding these well known period locations, I turned my attention to locations closer to home.

Although Ms Smith was based in Glasgow, her court case was undertaken in Edinburgh's High Court, and so I looked into preserved/unused Victorian era locations in the Midlothian area. I narrowed it down to this list thus far:

James Court - A preserved Victorian courtyard

Well Court - commissioned in the 1880s by Sir John Findlay, the then owner of The Scotsman newspaper.

Tweedale Court - off the Royal Mile, preserved Victorian courtyard

Riddles Court - full of authentic period features including  painted and plastered ceilings, working fireplaces and panelled rooms.

These are all plausible Victorian locations for our shoot, however I'll be the first to admit I found all these "courts" in a search for "courtrooms" but I think this is valuable regardless.

In terms of much of our production, plausibility dictates the creation of a period set through methodical production design if possible rather than accessing many of these locations. Through my research it has become clear that recent Victorian period films based near Edinburgh have used film studios to tell their stories - something we're likely to not have access to. Food for thought, we've plenty to figure out so far and I'm excited to continue problem solving.

Ben asked me to watch The Thin Blue Line as a stylistic basis for the films production, and after watching (and enjoying it) I will be able to tailor my research to accommodate the details that might be focused on in the way we tell Madeleine Smith's story.

[ao3feed-crimeboys]

Spit the Bones From Your Teeth

by LittleParadox

Techno is the only agent The Syndicate has that can pull off being a university student for this mission. Despite his protests, Techno enrolls at L'Manburg University to steal information on the highly secretive and very profitable nuclear research headed by Dr. Schlatt and his two research assistants. Only one of his classmate's catches onto Techno's role far too early and a decision has to be made on the fate of one Tommy Innit who Techno is convinced is a spy for the rival organization XD.

Wilbur has always been the silver-tongued agent for the XD Organization. He's swooned missile codes and set up wars before ever finishing a glass of champagne at a party. When he's set to collect the research being done at L'Manburg University he assumes it's going to be an easy task. Only to get distracted by a certain blond and the suspiciously competent 'Dave' that seem to keep getting in his way.

OR, Tommy really needed help on his English essays and gets pulled into a world of espionage that James Bond made look way cooler. Submitted for the Three Straws Dark SBI Event

Words: 2655, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English

Fandoms: Dream SMP, Minecraft (Video Game)

Rating: Mature

Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence

Categories: Gen

Characters: TommyInnit (Video Blogging RPF), Technoblade (Video Blogging RPF), Wilbur Soot, Phil Watson | Philza, Toby Smith | Tubbo, Ranboo (Video Blogging RPF), Jschlatt (Video Blogging RPF)

Relationships: Technoblade & TommyInnit (Video Blogging RPF), Wilbur Soot & TommyInnit (Video Blogging RPF), Technoblade & Phil Watson | Philza, Toby Smith | Tubbo & TommyInnit, Toby Smith | Tubbo & Jschlatt

Additional Tags: Dark SBI, Alternate Universe - College/University, Alternate Universe - Spies & Secret Agents, a little bit of crack as a treat, Secret Agent Technoblade, Secret Identity, Secret Agent Wilbur Soot, Threats of Violence, Gun Violence, Child Soldiers, Kidnapping, Canon-Typical Violence, Possessive Behavior, Betrayal, Misunderstandings

source https://archiveofourown.org/works/40871013

[franciscojaxh566]

History Of The Home Microwave Timeline

Content

Dental Caries Magnetron

Dr Percy Spencer Develops Initially "microwave"

Downloading Full Pdf Problems Is Unique For Ieee Participants

Radar And Also Microwave Ovens

Six months later on his initial agreement with PARC ended and also was not restored. While let down, Smith was not stunned, as he had discovered that not every person there shared his excitement for painting with a computer. Once, after Teitelman had actually been out of touch for a week, he logged onto the system and also discovered 600 messages in his mail box.

For even more exclusive material as well as features, consider Joining IEEE. Rachel Ross is a scientific research writer as well as editor concentrating on astronomy, Planet scientific research, physical scientific research and also mathematics. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the College of The Golden State Davis and a Master's degree in astronomy from James Cook College.

Any steel or conductive item put in the microwave oven will work as an antenna as well as might cause electrical arc as well as also fire if it has sharp edges.

In 1973 every scientist at PARC wanted an Alto personal computer, however there weren't sufficient to go around.

He put the magnetrons inside a box containing a faraday cage of poultry cable, developing what was essentially like a contemporary microwave oven, individually of Percy Spencer.

If you experience uneven home heating in the microwave, it could be an outcome of unequal circulation of microwaves as well as partially as a result of the varying prices of power absorption in various components https://microwave-cart.org/stainless-steel-microwave/ of the food.

The informal name of the just recently revealed Xerox 1185 workstation, Xerox's brand-new artificial-intelligence shows maker, was the Sissy.

Several industrial facilities were utilizing them to dry cork, paper, and also also natural leather. The rate was now in between $2,000 and $3,000 and the closets that housed the microwave were around the dimension of a refrigerator. Between 1952 and 1955, the initial residence united, priced at $1295, was presented by Tappan. It remained in 1965 that Raytheon acquired Amana as well as 1967 when they presented the initial kitchen counter models. For those that don't, in the 1940s, designer Percy Spencer was operating at Raytheon when he was checking an active radar, while he had a delicious chocolate bar in his pocket.

Cavity Magnetron

Chocolate melts at a much lower temperature which means melting a peanut cluster bar with microwaves was a lot more amazing. In the '20's, Spencer turned into one of Raytheon's a lot of valued and also widely known engineers. Throughout The Second World War, while Raytheon was servicing improving radar modern technology for Allied pressures, Spencer was the firm's best trouble solver. As an example, he assisted to establish distance merges, or detonators that allowed you to trigger artillery coverings so they would certainly blow up in mid-air before hitting their mark. In an e-mail to Popular Mechanics, current Raytheon designer and part-time company historian Chet Michalak claims Spencer "had a flair for locating simple options to making troubles." Microwaves are stopped from leaking from the stove by metal box in which the food is put, that works likewise to Faraday's cage.

Dr Percy Spencer Produces Initially "microwave"

The unevenness of microwaves is decreased by a stirrer which is a sort of fan that distributes the power throughout the oven as it turns. They rotate as they attempt to straighten themselves with a turning electrical field of the waves. Revolving particles hit each other as well as put them in motion, distributing energy. The energy that is paid out in the type of molecular vibrations, turnings and also translations in liquids and also solids enhance the food's temperature level.

Downloading Full Pdf Problems Is Special For Ieee Members

As an example, if you heat food making use of a cooktop, there is a hazardous burner that would stay on it for a while. The 2nd issue of different absorption rates is because of differing food geometry as well as structure as well as is to be resolved by the cook. The chef might prepare the food such that it takes in power equally as well as needs to examine and also shied parts of the food that is susceptible to overheating. For products that have reduced thermal conductivity where the dielectric consistent surges with temperature level, microwave home heating could lead to a localized thermal runaway.

A microwave permeates the food while straight warm chefs the surface area. It takes longer for the inside of food to cook with direct warm. There are several things about the microwave oven that lots of people believe to be real however aren't. It prevails to see a counter leading microwave oven in nearly every house you go into. Yes, it was accidentally developed by a male by the name of Percy Spencer. In 1933, Westinghouse demonstrated cooking sandwiches with one of the very first microwave. It was invented throughout the Second Globe Battle It had not been till 1946 that the very first microwave was marketed.

Radar And Also Microwave Ovens

Therefore, they do not tamper with various other essential radio services. Much job was afoot in the last days of W.W.II by Daddy Warbucks business trying to find industrial heating applications of microwaves, consisting of diathermy, and also industrial heating of items such as inks, adhesive, and tires.

We assumed today's marvel was intriguing as a result of how significant the first microwaves were. We believe tomorrow's marvel will be about an avalanche, hoarders, spiderwebs, boulders, huge hamster balls, excavators, or some type of machines.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/search?q=kitchen design

[michelebrockent]

HIV and the Journey Toward Zero Part 1 from Journey Towards Zero on Vimeo.

"HIV and the Journey Toward Zero" sparks important conversations around the end of the HIV epidemic. What does “the end” mean for those who have been there from the start, those living with HIV today and those leading the way to an HIV-free future?

"HIV and the Journey Toward Zero" spotlights the perspective of some of Chicago’s most prominent activists. The film is presented in partnership with the Chicago Department of Public Health, Tessa Films and local community organizations. Join us as we hear from long-term survivors, newly diagnosed individuals, clinicians, researchers and community leaders — the voices that, together, can make HIV history.

Director: Chan C. Smith Producer: Lisa Masseur, Tessa Films Editor: Christina Stumpf Director of Photography: Ashley C. Battle Original music composed by: Joe George Shadid Line Producer: Sarah Minnie Creative Producer/Consultant: Sanford E. Gaylord Additional Camera Operator: Chan C. Smith 1st Asst. Camera/Camera Operator: Candice Majors DIT: Eric Almond Additional DIT: Emmanuel Bansa Gaffer: Kemi Mayomi Grip/Swing: Maddie C. Dodge Production Coordinator/Associate Producer: Julia Barr Payroll Manager: Holli Hopkins McGinley Production Business Manager: Mary Pat Forston Production Accountant: Lisa Bird Sound Utility: Nicholas Fanelli Key Makeup Artist: Libby Knapp Production Assistants: “Moishe” Zoe Bernardean, Joanna Bozic, Nick Canonaco, C’airra Cortez, John P. Harris, Mireillee “M” Lamort, Alex Monsalud, Luis Trevino Colorist: Craig Leffel Dialog Editor: Steve Wilke, Mix Kitchen Sound Effects Editor: Brian Leitner, Mix Kitchen Supervising Sound Editor/Re-Recording Mixer: Sam Fishkin, Mix Kitchen Archival Producer: Alexis Jaworski Research Assistants/Production Assistants: Otito Greg-Obi, Ronnie Chatterjee

Chicago Dept. of Public Health: Executive in Charge of Production: David Kern Chief Development Executive: Jorge Cestou Director of Creative Affairs: James Scalzitti Creative Executive: Riley Sorin

Stock and archival footage and images provided by: ACT UP AIDS Foundation of Chicago Associated Press The American Association for the Advancement of Sciences Tracy Baim Jeff Berry Doug Birkenhauer Lora Branch Caprice Carthans CBS Chicago Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Chicago Tribune Pat Cummings Damn Interfering Video Activist Television Terry Dudley The Estate of Mark Morrisroe (Ringier Collection) at Fotomuseum Winterthur Sanford E. Gaylord Gerber/Hart Library and Archives Getty Images Rick Guasco Lisa Howe-Ebright Tim Karr Owen Keehan David Lebe The Legacy Project Rae Lewis-Thornton Thomas McGovern, from Bearing Witness (to AIDS) The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report National AIDS Memorial National Institutes of Health U.S. Clinical Center National Library of Medicine Alice O’Malley Pond 5 Positively Aware Magazine by TPAN Public Arts Fund Alon Reninger/Contact Press Images John Ryan Victor Salvo Dean Sameshima San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library Renslow Sherer Tactical Media Files The 10% Show Evany Turk Video Data Bank Windy City Times/Outlines/BLACKlines Archives, by Tracy Baim, Mike Carter, Genypher Novak and Rex Wockner Israel Wright

Special thanks to: OTV—Open Television Alphawood Foundation Gerber/Hart Library and Archives Tracy Baim Lora Branch Sharon Zurek Dave Beedy Lori Cannon Victor Salvo Owen Keehan Anthony Hirschel Melissa Terrell Minnie Productions Eleven04 Moonwalker Cafe Chicago Film Office Illinois Film Office

Spoken word by Storie Deveraux “June 5, 1981”

Additional music provided by The Music Bed “Rest, Get Here” by Sharon Irving “All We’re Living For” by Sharon Irving

Promotion provided by Bigmouth Creative

Filmed on Location in Chicago, IL

[scotianostra]

15th February 1817 saw the birth in Glasgow of Robert Angus Smith.

You may not have heard of him, or maybe you read about him in my previous post? Anyway we have all heard of acid rain, defined by National Geographic magazine thus: “Acid rain describes any form of precipitation that contains high levels of nitric and sulfuric acids. It can also occur in the form of snow, fog, and tiny bits of dry material that settle to Earth.”

The words “acid rain” were coined as long ago as 1859 by Angus Smith, who seven years earlier had made the discovery that northern cities across Britain were suffering from rainfall that contained heavy pollutants that were the result of the burning of coal that was rich in sulphur. His research found that the worst-affected city was his home town of Glasgow.

Robert  Angus Smith was born in Pollokshaws the seventh son and 12th child of John Smith, originally from Ayrshire, and his wife Janet, daughter of James Thomson who owned a mill at Strathaven in Lanarkshire.

His elder brother John was a big influence on Angus’s life. John eventually became a senior teacher at Perth Academy, and was himself a scientist who would research theories on colour and light. He encouraged his younger brother to read the works of Joseph Priestley, the pioneering English chemist, and Angus Smith was greatly influenced by Priestley’s writings.

He attended Glasgow University from the age of 13, apparently to prepare for a career in the Church of Scotland ministry, but he left without graduating and then became a tutor to families, first in Scotland and then in England. In 1839 he accompanied the Bridgeman family to Germany where he remained to study under the Professor Justus Liebeg, gaining his PhD in 1841.

On returning to England he took a post at Manchester Royal Institution as assistant to Lyon Playfair, an Indian-born Scot and a scientist and politician.

Playfair passed on his own interest in the sanitation of towns and cities to Angus Smith, who left the Institution to set up in business as an analytical chemist. As concern grew about pollution, his services were in demand, and in one famous experiment he waited until a crowded room had emptied then collected the residue on windows to prove that human breath exuded not just carbon dioxide but organic matter dangerous to health.

Smith once graphically described the effects of Manchester’s polluted atmosphere, in a letter to the Manchester Guardian published on November 2, 1844.

He wrote: “Coming in from the country last week on a beautiful morning, when the air was unusually clear and fresh, I was surprised to find Manchester was enjoying the atmosphere of a dark December day… Those who would defend such evils, who would remain careless as long as any probable cause is unremoved, must surely be devoid not only of mercy, but of clear perception and of good taste. The gloominess of uncleanness is everywhere around us.”

In 1851 he began the research that would make him the “father of acid rain” as he is often known. Smith proved that sulphur compounds in the air of towns and cities were the result of burning coal and coke transported in air and rainwater, and even as the industrial revolution was bringing more and more factories into being, Smith was arguing that manufacturers should be held responsible for their pollution.

He investigated poor housing and water quality, and published numerous papers that formed the basis of the developing science of environmental chemistry. One report on the problems of pollution for the Royal Mines Commission was particularly devastating in its scientific indictment of the polluters.

Smith was called as an expert witness in a court case over factory and mine pollution and his testimony was convincing. Consequently when the British Government decided to legislate – in the Alkali Act of 1863 – to try and cut pollution from mining and manufacturing, there was really only one man to turn to as the first chief of the alkali inspectorate and thus Smith spent much of the next two decades transforming attitudes to pollution.

In 1872 Smith published his Air and Rain, the beginnings of a Chemical Climatology, in which he collected the result of his experiments. It proved how ground-breaking his work had been.

With honorary degrees from both Glasgow and Edinburgh University, Angus Smith was honoured in his own lifetime. His health declined badly in his later years and he died at at Colwyn Bay, North Wales, on May 12, 1884, being buried in the churchyard of St Paul’s, Kersal, Manchester.

He was paid a most generous tribute in the first edition of Nature magazine following his death: “For upwards of 40 years he laboured unceasingly to show how chemistry might minister to the material comfort and physical well-being of men — not in the manufacture of new compounds useful in the arts, or in the establishment of new industries – but in raising the general standard of the health of communities by checking or counteracting the evils which have followed in the train of that enormous development of the manufacturing arts which is the boast of this century.

“In his true vocation, as the chemist of sanitary science, Smith worked alone, and we have yet to find the man on whom his mantle has fallen.”

[ayellowbirds]

Today being my birthday, i had the time and energy to finally do some drawing after ages of neither time nor drive. So, i spent that on sketching out some headshots of the recurring characters of 33 Usher Street, my 1920s (and beyond?) vampire hunters story. Meet the employees, management, friends, and nuisances of the Usher Street House of Antiquities and Curios, an estate management company specializing in settling the affairs of the unusually deceased. This is both a source of income and a cover for their real calling: the elimination of dangerous vampires and other hostile undead. 

Solomon “Sol” Szombathy (gay intersex man), a Jewish dhampir of Romanian-American extraction (late of Pittsburgh, Vandalia) has arrived at the USHAC with his guardian in tow, after both of them got involved in a vampire attack. Sol’s ability to see the invisible and the surges of supernatural strength he gets when battling the undead are especially useful, as is the hawthorn-wood cane he uses to deal with the chronic pain he feels the rest of the time. 

James “Jim” Cullock III (asexual cisgender man) is a Scottish immigrant who helped co-found the USHAC as the assistant of a longtime vampire hunter; his love of gardening has given him many potent botanical weapons against vampires, including especially hardy and richly-scented roses that repel most bloodsuckers. He’s taken to maintaining a backstage role for the most part, as his lifelong issues with visual hallucinations have gotten worse with age.

The Reverend Doctor Matteus J. Hammer (transgender man of no particular sexuality) is an aging monster hunter of no small repute, his experience having brought him briefly as a boarder to the Szombathy house. His recommendation brought Sol to Usher Street, but can the perspective of this eccentric wandering hero be relied upon?

Randolph Carter (in-denial bisexual cis man) was once an author of minor repute with a fondness for the strange and occult, but encounters with the genuinely supernatural have mellowed his previously bigoted worldview. While he still struggles to be a halfway decent person in a reality that is at odds with his beliefs, his expertise with languages, obscure subject matters, and research makes him at least a useful jackass when it comes to spending time among his books.

Pluton is a very good judge of character, for a one-eyed cat. And oddly skilled at making his way out of dangerous situations, to the point that one might almost think he has more than the usual nine lives. It’s no wonder that the USHAC often bring the cat along.

Constance “Connie” Wright (pansexual cis woman) is a former orphan with the miraculous talent to ‘chew’ raw materials into new shapes, a skill she most often uses to create nails for sealing up coffins and the like. Naturally, the rail-thin Connie’s favorite weapon is a heavily weighted steel sledgehammer, when she can’t just do some slugging with a sturdy baseball bat.

Dorotheea “Dotty” Szombathy (transgender lesbian) is a golem that once served as Sol’s guardian, and is now happily living as his adopted sister. Her ability to reshape her naturally earthen clay body pairs well with her immunity to most forms of vampiric attack, as an artificial being. Prone to switching between having difficulty speaking at all and being effusively loquacious, she finds it easiest to focus when she has something to occupy her hands and mind.

Marie Bosley (bisexual cis woman) was and is the greatest vampire hunter in the United States, even if these days she prefers to stay at home and listen to music. Her unmatched knowledge of apotropaic magic allows her to create boundaries and barriers that no vampiric influence can pass, and lets her open the way for her proteges.

Esther "Essie” Levi (asexual cis woman) is the self-proclaimed ‘fastest knot-tier east of the Rockies’, and an unmatched expert in knotting string, yarn, thread, and cord to achieve magical effects. Paired with a gift for strategic thinking and an eye for symptoms of vampirism, she can easily weave a web that no bloodsucker is going to get through.

Aleister “Al” Jones (gay cis man) is a multilingual expert in stealth, infiltration, and charm whose gentlemanly demeanor is in no way at odds with his fondness for boxing. Unfortunately for opponents that would see him as unarmed except for a disarming smile, he’s also the bearer of a pair of gloves lined with the relics of a Catholic saint invoked against vampires.

Wilhemina “Will” Fawkes (lesbian cis woman) is the USHAC’s resident machinery buff, with cutting-edge expertise in automobiles, radios, firearms, and more. Her fondness for artifice means that the only thing that can distract her from something shiny and new is an animated short at the nearest theater, and her love of testing the limits of machinery means that her allies often find she’s made unexpected ‘upgrades’ to important equipment.

Adriaen ten Boom (bisexual cis man) is the most senior of the employees of the USHAC, a skilled actor whose pyrokinetic gift makes his good looks more than just smoldering. In spite of these charms, he’s actually fairly naïve when it comes to romance, and is prone to charming his way into entanglements he didn’t mean to get into.

Smith the Mechanical Heel (just a real dick) is a World’s Fair experiment gone wrong, and now runs the criminal underworld in Jackson, Massachusetts—which puts him at odds with the USHAC, since that’s where their home base is. He sees most of the employees as potentially useful additions to his crew, but he’s especially interested in learning more about Dotty’s magically-constructed nature, in the hopes of making himself more lifelike. He’s not above getting involved in things that involve the undead....

The Ghosts of Madeline and Roderick Usher (cis lesbian and cis gay man) are the former owners of the land on which the USHAC was built, and haven’t moved on since the new tenants turned up. Freed of mortal concerns, they’re fond of teasing the living staff members, and serve as a second line of defense after Marie’s wards and magical traps. Roderick is absolutely certain that he’s going to get his ectoplasm all up on Randolph one of these days, and nobody feels up to questioning his taste in men; Madeline is the company gossip fiend and the best source of information on comings and goings at 33 Usher Street.

Dr. Joaquín de la Garza (closeted nonbinary queer) is a local physician who has a close working relationship with the USHAC, and is very fond of the mysteries and excitement they bring to his life. Exactly what brought a medical expert of Zapotec and Spanish heritage all the way up east is uncertain, but the good doctor seems to know a lot more about the supernatural than one might expect from just his familiarity with the secrets of the Usher Street staff.

Phoebe Khrysos (???) is a remarkably pristine ancient automaton, whose actual provenance is uncertain. Resembling a child made of silver, glass, and gold, she has a mischievous mystery about her that makes her more like a mechanical fairy than a precious relic. What motivates her and how she sees the living and the undead remain to be seen....

Zuleika Dobson (pansexual cis woman) is a a con artist, thief, and scammer who has broken many hearts and far more bank accounts; her lack of concern about what she leaves in her wake may have finally caught up with her when she targets some valuable goods in a city with a vampire problem. Can someone so untrustworthy be relied upon when there’s undeath to deal with, or will her self interest put her in the way of both bloodsuckers and the USHAC alike?

33 Usher Street leans heavily on the public domain, and will do so much more than just in the few characters here that originated elsewhere. Some of these designs are likely to change as the story develops, but i’m just so happy to finally get them on paper!