#central processing training in philadelphia

[pttedu]

What Are The Different Employment Stages In Sterile Processing Jobs?

This article explains the basics of positions offered, prerequisites, and career advancement chances for each of the various sterile processing jobs.

[pttiedu]

Sterile Technician: Staying Ahead With Continuous Training

Sterile technicians must learn consistently to stay ahead of the curve. Learn more about the importance of sterile processing technician certification.

[businessesindelaware]

What Makes the Delaware Workforce So Resilient and Ready for the Future

Delaware may be small in size, but when it comes to talent, determination, and adaptability, its workforce is mighty. With a strong foundation in education, a growing mix of industries, and a forward-thinking approach to economic development, the Delaware workforce continues to stand out as one of the state's greatest strengths.

Whether you're a business looking to expand, an investor scouting potential opportunities, or a resident wondering what makes Delaware such a great place to live and work, understanding the people who power the state is key. Let's take a closer look at what makes this workforce unique and why it matters for the future of the First State.

A Talent Pool Grounded in Education and Innovation

One of the strongest assets Delaware brings to the table is its educated and skilled labor force. With respected institutions such as the University of Delaware, Delaware State University, and various technical colleges and training centers, the state continually produces graduates who are ready to contribute across multiple fields.

This educational foundation isn't limited to traditional four-year degrees. Delaware's investment in workforce training, apprenticeships, and certificate programs ensures that individuals from all backgrounds can acquire relevant, real-world skills. Industries such as technology, healthcare, logistics, and finance are particularly supported through these tailored programs, creating a pipeline of talent that is responsive to the economy's needs.

Industry Diversity Keeps the Economy Strong

The Delaware workforce doesn't just thrive because of education—it thrives because it's spread across a broad range of industries. From long-established giants in pharmaceuticals and banking to the growing presence of tech startups and green energy companies, Delaware offers professionals a range of opportunities to grow in multiple directions.

Financial services remain a central pillar, with Wilmington serving as a hub for banking and fintech. Meanwhile, the state's location along the I-95 corridor positions it as a strategic logistics hub, leading to an increase in warehousing and transportation jobs. The manufacturing and life sciences sectors are also experiencing growth, creating stable and high-quality employment opportunities.

This diversity is essential. It helps insulate the economy from shocks in any one sector and opens up new paths for workers at all stages of their careers.

Supportive Business Environment Encourages Job Growth

Delaware's pro-business environment plays a significant role in shaping opportunities for workers. With no sales tax, a modern corporate law structure, and efficient permitting processes, it's no surprise that businesses choose to set up shop in the state. When companies grow, so do job opportunities—and the result is a workforce that continues to benefit from both large-scale employers and thriving small businesses.

State agencies and economic development groups work actively to match employers with local talent, helping to close gaps in employment and training. Programs focused on inclusive hiring, remote job access, and upskilling ensure that Delaware workers are prepared not just for today's roles but for tomorrow's challenges.

A Quality of Life That Supports Career and Family

It's not all about jobs—lifestyle matters, too. Delaware offers a mix of vibrant urban spaces and peaceful suburban or coastal communities, all within easy reach of major cities like Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. That means the Delaware workforce can enjoy shorter commutes, more affordable living, and access to top-tier healthcare, schools, and recreation.

This work-life balance contributes to better employee retention, satisfaction, and productivity—making Delaware not just a place to work but a place to build a life.

As the economy evolves, so does Delaware's approach to supporting its workforce. The state is embracing innovation, technology, and workforce development initiatives that ensure its people are prepared for the next wave of industry demands. The public and private sectors continue to collaborate on initiatives ranging from clean energy training to digital literacy, future-proofing the state's most important resource: its people.

The Delaware workforce is more than just a labor pool—it's a community of driven, talented, and adaptable individuals who help power the state's growth every day. Whether it's through education, innovation, or resilience, the people behind Delaware's industries are shaping a future worth investing in.

If you're a business leader, job seeker, or policymaker, one thing is clear: Delaware is not just working—it's thriving.

[bivouacrecording]

60 Minute Cities: Philadelphia

Listen to the collection / Read the album booklet

Buy this album

Philadelphia is the birthplace of liberty in the United States / While like many American cities it has experienced a Renaissance in the past twenty years, it is still marked by many of its charming old school features—cheesesteak stands, narrow streets, local dives, sports mania, and the unforgettable Philly accent and its variants by neighborhood / In this album I visit a little of the new and the old, not to mention popular locations and more obscure ones / (Unfortunately for us, the Liberty Bell no longer rings) I made this record with the mentality that music is everywhere / However, the recording process revealed to me at a deeper level just how musical everyday noises are / This not only includes the obvious instances like the rhythm of a train but also subtler phenomena such as the melody sung by a set of truck tires as they roll along the highway / It’s a common complaint that most of us are bombarded by distractions—music, videos, social media / I wonder if we no longer trust in our surroundings to provide contentment, and as a result we miss a lot of beautiful things, including music that would be waiting for us if we would only listen for it / I’d like my album to present a compelling argument on behalf of this contingent music that occurs all around us every day / Boethius spoke of the harmony of the spheres, but the street corner also has its own harmony that is often sung by the unlikeliest of singers / This is the first album I’ve made which is strictly field recording based / I would like to thank Bivouac Recording for the opportunity to participate in this rewarding project //

All recordings and Photos by Michael Lawrence

Artist Bio:

Michael Lawrence moved to Philadelphia in 2006 from central Pennsylvania / He has been a musician for most of his life, beginning with piano and later adding trumpet and pipe organ studies / Until he broke into the rock scene as the trumpet player in The Robotrippers, a local Philly band, he had worked solely within the confines of classical music, holding positions such as music director in churches, as well as assistant organist on the Wanamaker Organ, the world’s largest functioning pipe organ, located in Philadelphia / In 2016, when the opportunity to work out of a friend’s music studio presented itself, he began field recording, having been inspired by the likes of Steve Reich, Henry Jacobs, and others / A published composer and writer, he is an advocate not only for avant-garde music but also work that transcends genre //

/ Read about the 60 Minute Cities Project /

[literaturereviewhelp]

In the past 7 weeks, social sciences have been the focus of studies. The has provided opportunities for learning additional sciences and their explanation of human experiences. Great scientific and philosophical thinkers have explored the question of “what do we know” (Prince II, 1990). People who have pursued this exploration as a career are known as epistemologists. A look at the epistemologists of the last century helps in the comprehension of the evolution of management and social theory that are crucial elements of social sciences. Social science provides a platform for understanding other sciences. This course is relevant to the study of leadership and management using the different forms of management. Leadership and management contribute to the study of the social world of humans. In social science, people learn the relationships that exist amongst individuals living in a society. Social science is important because the course shows that a postmodern society is an amalgamation of human sensory interpretations, beliefs, needs, psychological projections and cultural interpretations (Crawford-Muratore, 2011). The interpretation of these aspects is achievable using human science. Human sciences assist in the interpretation of activities, experiences, artifacts and constructs, which are associated with humans. Behavioral science is based on the the fact that behaviors are measured or determined by situational factors. In this case, behavioral science is an investigative and systemic analysis of human behavior. The analysis is dependent on naturalistic and controlled observations and disciplined scientific experimentations (Habermas, 2011). The aim of behavioral science is to accomplish legitimate and objective conclusions using rigorous observations and formulations. In social, behavioral and human sciences, the individual is not overlooked. He or she is given a central role in processing of components of a situation. Individuals control reasoning, perception and memory, in addition to internal psychological responses. The main motivator for participating in this course is to understand social sciences. Social sciences can be supported by management studies. The multi disciplinary program offers training on management. In addition, it can be supported by organizational studies that examine how people construct processes and structures. These are practiced in order to shape social relations and establish institutions that influence people (Apel, 2007). Organizational studies and social science cooperate in different areas in order to support different operational aspects of an organization. Most of the approaches used in organizational studies are critical and functionalist. Geisteswissenschaft comprises human sciences such as philosophy and history and social sciences. ConclusionSocial sciences best describes the focus of attention towards the course. The course focused on social science in order to understand the relationships that exist amongst people living in a society. Social science uses methods and tools that are similar to those used in natural sciences. This approach is used to understand the society and define sciences using a modern sense. The course focused on social science because it can be studied together with the other forms of science. Social science supports Geisteswissenschaft, human science, organizational studies and behavioral science. ReferencesApel, K. (2007). Types of social science in light of human cognitive interests. In Delanty, G. & Strydom, P. (Ed.). Philosophies of social science. The classic and contemporary readings. Philadelphia, PA: McGraw-Hill.Crawford-Muratore, J. (2011). Constructing Meaning. University of Phoenix class forum PHL/717Habermas, J. (2011). The tasks of a critical theory.  In Delanty, G. & Strydom, P. (Ed.). Philosophies of social science. The classic and contemporary readings. Philadelphia, PA: McGraw-Hill.Prince II, H.T. (1990). Moral development in Individuals. In Wren, J. T. (Ed.), The leaders companion insights on leadership through the ages. (pp. 484-491).  New York, NY: The Free Press. Read the full article

[on-to-logical]

Urban Density in the United States

Yousuf Hafuda

Despite the fact that most urban thinkers are staunch advocates of high levels of density, most cities across the US are sparsely populated, especially relative to other developed countries. I will argue that the main causes for this are the advent of the automobile, the abundance of land in the US, and the existence of a land use political regime that allows for the corrosive effects of NIMBYism to manifest widely.

As a general rule, development will always tend towards sprawl absent any physical, economic, or logistical limitations that necessitate building up rather than out. The reason for this is primarily economic, and also is a byproduct of the collective action problem.

The paradox of urban development is that it is one of the few fields where reality exists in stark contrast with most conventional wisdom produced by its practitioners. Density has many benefits that include a greater sense of community, more robust cultural institutions, better opportunities for professional advancement and innovation, lower transportation costs, and more walkable built environments. However, the reality, especially in the US, is that most cities are not built up at a level that facilitates the existence of all these positive byproducts of density (with a few exceptions).

The first reality that density boosters must contend with is the fact that the US possesses an abundance of land, especially relative to its overall population. This very fact reduces the cost of additional land and makes it easier for cities to build outward rather than upward.

Thus, even if all actors agree that density is broadly desirable, building out is frequently the path of least resistance because of how inexpensive it is. It may come as no surprise that one country that suffers the same effects of sprawl is Australia, which likewise possesses an abundance of land relative to people. That being said, there are examples of countries with abundant land and dense urban environments, though that is beyond the scope of this article.

Geography often has a deterministic effect on a city’s built environment. The densest cities in the US such as New York City (specifically Manhattan) and San Francisco are almost completely surrounded by bodies of water, meaning that the path of least resistance (ie spreading outward) was not a possibility.

Other dense cities in the US such as Chicago, Los Angeles, Seattle, Boston are all at least partly bordered by a major body of water. Many are also bordered by mountains, or in some instances nearby cities. By contrast, cities such as Dallas or Phoenix do not have these geographic barriers and thus are some of the least dense big cities in the US.

Additionally, there is a clear relationship between cities that developed before the advent of the automobile and high levels of density. In the same way that geographic barriers necessitated density, so too did the inability for humans to traverse physical space. The invention of trains and subsequently the car had the effect of minimizing spatial restrictions for development.

Cities such as Boston, Philadelphia, and Chicago were all (at least initially) developed before the automobile revolution and as a result developers had to build up so that its residents could access the same amenities (chiefly the central business district and other cultural institutions). Conversely, cities such as Los Angeles, Houston, and San Antonio are auto centric and also unsurprisingly much less walkable and convenient for public transportation.

Politics is also a contributing factor to the lack of density. In most US cities zoning codes are intentionally restrictive on how dense developments can be. Developers cannot usually build dense developments without going through a political process that is subject to community feedback.

This is an intentional mechanism for regional political actors to extract concessions and exert greater control over what gets built in their communities. In many cases, it also allows for neighbors to unequivocally block new developments, purportedly due to affordability concerns, although frequently because they stand to gain economically from pent up demand for housing in their neighborhood. Because the process involved in approving a zoning change is often so chaotic, it frequently has the effect of preventing new development at all.

Additionally, many neighborhoods enact ordinances that mandate a certain percentage of units to be affordable, or insist on any new developments providing concessions in order to gain approval. Unsurprisingly, these all have the effect of making development more expensive and laborious and as a result serving as a hindrance to density.

Urban development also suffers from the collective action problem. While most individual actors will broadly agree to the benefits of a dense built environment, they individually stand to gain from deviating from what is needed to achieve this result. In other words, each individual actor would benefit from owning a spacious estate in the middle of the city right in front of a subway station. As a result, urban environments are less dense than they can and perhaps should be.

The topic of density is complex and multitudinous, affected by economic, geographic, historical, political, and cultural factors. However, its importance is underscored by the fact that our built environment essentially dictates the type of life we collectively live. Very few issues are as multifaceted, critically important, and under-analyzed.

[conniephleb]

Open Your Future: Top Phlebotomy Degree Programs for Aspiring Healthcare Professionals

Unlock Your Future:‌ Top Phlebotomy Degree Programs for‍ Aspiring Healthcare Professionals

Are⁤ you considering ⁤a career ⁤in healthcare? Phlebotomy ⁢is an​ essential ‍role that can open doors to numerous opportunities in the medical field. As a vital first step⁢ in patient care,certified phlebotomists specialize in the collection of blood samples,and this role is increasingly in demand. In this article,we will explore the top phlebotomy degree programs available,their benefits,practical tips,and firsthand experiences from professionals.

what is Phlebotomy?

Phlebotomy is​ the practise of drawing blood from patients for ​tests, transfusions, donations, or research. Phlebotomists play a crucial role in both laboratory work and patient care, ensuring⁤ that blood is collected and processed ⁤accurately.⁤ Earning a degree in ​phlebotomy not only equips individuals with the necessary skills but also enhances career prospects.

Benefits of Becoming a Phlebotomist

Short ⁤Training period: Most programs ​can ‌be completed in under a year, ‍allowing you to enter the workforce quickly.

Stability and Demand: The healthcare industry is steadily growing, with the⁣ need for qualified phlebotomists increasing.

Client Interaction: Phlebotomists work directly with patients, allowing for meaningful interactions and relationship-building in healthcare.

Job‍ Flexibility: Phlebotomists can work in various settings including‌ hospitals, ​clinics, laboratories, and even mobile blood banks.

Pathway to Further Education: Many who start as phlebotomists move⁣ on to pursue⁢ nursing or other healthcare careers.

Top Phlebotomy Degree Programs

Choosing the right program is essential for a successful career in phlebotomy. ⁢Here’s a list of some of ⁢the top phlebotomy degree programs across the United States:

Institution

Location

Program Duration

Certification

Southern Nevada Health District

Las ⁢Vegas, NV

6 ⁤Months

National ⁢Certified Phlebotomy Technician

Penn Foster Career School

Online

Up to 8 Months

National Certification through NHA

University ⁤of California, San Diego

San Diego, CA

1 Year

Certified Phlebotomy Technician

community⁤ College of Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA

1 Year

National Healthcareer Association Certification

Central Texas College

Killeen, TX

1 Year

American Society for Clinical Pathology Certification

Practical‍ Tips for Aspiring Phlebotomists

Here are some invaluable⁢ tips to help‌ you succeed in your‌ phlebotomy journey:

Choose the Right Program: Research various programs ‌to select one that aligns⁢ with your career goals and offers hands-on training.

Focus on dialog Skills: Good communication with patients is key; practice active listening and empathy.

Gain Experience Early: Look ⁤for internships or‌ volunteer opportunities to gain ⁢practical experience.

Prepare⁢ for Certification Exams: Utilize study guides and participate in review sessions to enhance your chances of passing.

Connect with Professionals: Networking with existing ​phlebotomists can provide insights and ⁣job leads in⁣ your area.

Case Studies: Real-Life Experiences

Learn from those who have walked the path:

Jane’s Journey

Jane started her journey in ⁢phlebotomy as a way to gain entry into nursing. ‍She enrolled in a program at a community college and completed her certification within six months. “The hands-on training was vital. I learned not only how to draw blood but also how to make patients feel pleasant,” she shares.

Mark’s Transition

After years as a medical assistant, Mark decided to specialize in phlebotomy to enhance his skills.His practical experience in patient care made the transition smooth. “Phlebotomy opened up a whole new area for me in healthcare,” he⁣ says. “I​ now work in a‌ blood bank and love the rewards ⁢that come​ with helping save lives.”

Conclusion

Embarking on a career in phlebotomy is not just about drawing blood; it’s about enhancing the‌ lives of patients and being an integral part of the healthcare team.With an array of top phlebotomy⁣ degree ‍programs available, aspiring healthcare professionals have multiple⁢ pathways to success. By choosing the right program, gaining hands-on experience, ⁣and connecting with ⁢the phlebotomy community, ​you can unlock a fulfilling and​ stable ⁣career in this​ essential field. Start your journey today and join the ranks of this vital profession!

https://phlebotomytrainingcenter.net/open-your-future-top-phlebotomy-degree-programs-for-aspiring-healthcare-professionals/

[hayleymedbil]

Leading 10 Medical Billing and Coding Certification Schools: Your Path to a Rewarding Career

Top 10 Medical Billing‌ and Coding certification Schools: Your ​Path to a Rewarding Career

Choosing a ​career in ‌medical billing and coding ⁤offers a pathway to a stable and rewarding profession within the healthcare industry. For individuals looking to enter this field, obtaining a certification from a reputable school is crucial. This article outlines​ the top 10 medical​ billing⁤ and coding certification schools that can ⁤help you gain the necessary skills and ⁣knowledge to succeed.

What is Medical Billing and coding?

Medical billing and ​coding ⁣is the process of translating healthcare services⁣ into Global Medical Code.This is ⁤crucial for billing purposes, ensuring that healthcare providers are reimbursed accurately for their services. Professionals in this field work behind‌ the⁤ scenes in hospitals, clinics, and health insurance companies, ‌playing a ‌vital role in the ⁢healthcare system.

Benefits of Getting Certified

Increased Job Opportunities: Certification opens the door to ‍a range of job positions across healthcare facilities.

Higher Earning Potential: Certified ⁢professionals frequently enough earn more than their non-certified⁤ counterparts.

Professional ⁢Credibility: A certification demonstrates your expertise and commitment to continuing‌ education.

Remote ⁢Work Options: Many billing and coding jobs offer ⁣flexible working conditions, ⁣including remote positions.

Top‌ 10 Medical Billing and‍ Coding Certification Schools

School Name

Location

Certification Offered

program Duration

Southern careers Institute

Texas

Medical Billing and‌ Coding Certification

9-12 months

Penn Foster College

Online

Medical Billing and Coding Diploma

8-12 months

Herzing University

Multiple Locations

Associate Degree ⁤in Medical Billing and Coding

16-24 months

Drexel University

Philadelphia,‍ PA

Medical Billing and ⁣Coding Certificate

6 months

Ashworth College

Online

Medical Billing and Coding Online Course

Approximately 6 months

University⁤ of⁢ Phoenix

Multiple⁣ Locations

Medical Coding ‌Certificate

8-10 months

Kaplan University

Online

Associate Degree in Health Data Technology

24-36 months

Central Texas college

Texas

Medical Coding Certificate

1⁤ year

Western Technical College

Wisconsin

Medical Coding Technical Diploma

1 year

Gateway Community College

Arizona

Medical Billing and Coding Certificate

1 ‍year

Practical Tips⁢ for Success in Medical Billing ‍and Coding

Stay Updated: The healthcare field is always changing. ⁤Keeping up with coding updates and changes in laws ‍is essential.

Network: Join professional organizations like the American Academy of Professional ⁤Coders (AAPC) ⁤to ⁤connect with others in the⁢ field.

Practice: Hands-on experience through internships or volunteer work can greatly enhance‌ your skills and resume.

Consider Specializations: Depending ⁤on your interests, consider specializing in areas like billing for specific​ healthcare services, which can give you a competitive⁤ edge.

Case Studies: Real Success Stories

Many graduates of these programs have found fulfilling careers in medical billing and coding.‌ For example, Jane ⁤doe, who graduated from Penn ⁣Foster College, started her career with an entry-level position at a local hospital and quickly advanced to a coding supervisor role within three years.Her story highlights the importance of ​continuous professional advancement and networking.

First-Hand⁢ Experience: insights from professionals

We spoke with John smith, a ⁤certified ⁣medical coder who completed⁢ his training at Herzing University.He‍ notes that while the​ coursework can be challenging, the real-world applications and⁣ support ⁢from instructors made⁣ it worthwhile. “I never expected to enjoy this field as much as I‍ do. It’s rewarding to ensure that the healthcare providers get paid for⁤ the services thay deliver,” John shared.

Conclusion

Choosing the right school for a medical billing and coding certification can set the foundation for a successful career. The programs listed in this article are among the best in the industry, each offering robust​ training that meets the demand for skilled professionals in this vital sector of healthcare. By ​pursuing certification, you not only enhance ‍your job prospects but also your earning potential‍ and professional credibility. Start your journey today and take that first step towards⁤ a rewarding career ⁤in medical billing and coding!

https://medicalcodingandbillingclasses.net/leading-10-medical-billing-and-coding-certification-schools-your-path-to-a-rewarding-career/

[stephleb]

Discover Your Path: Top CNA Training Programs in PA for a Rewarding Healthcare Career

Discover Your Path: Top CNA Training Programs in PA for a Rewarding Healthcare Career

If you are considering a‌ career ⁤in ⁤healthcare, becoming a Certified Nursing⁢ Assistant (CNA) is an excellent ​place ​to start. With the ​high demand for healthcare professionals in Pennsylvania, CNA training programs are preparing a new generation​ of caregivers ready to make a significant impact. In this article,⁤ we will explore some of the top CNA training programs in PA, their unique benefits, and why this rewarding career path can be⁢ perfect⁣ for you.

Why Choose a Career as a CNA?

High Demand: The healthcare industry is‌ booming, and⁤ CNAs are consistently in demand across hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics.

Short Training Duration: ​Most CNA programs can be completed in a matter of months, enabling you to enter the ​workforce quickly.

Rewarding Experience: ‌Working closely with patients allows you to make a real difference in their daily lives.

Flexible Schedules: Many healthcare facilities offer varied shift options to accommodate your lifestyle.

Top CNA Training​ Programs in Pennsylvania

Here are some standout CNA training programs ‌in Pennsylvania that can help you launch your healthcare career:

Program Name

Location

Duration

Cost

Comfort Care CNA Training

Pittsburgh, PA

4 weeks

$900

Central Pennsylvania ⁢Institute‍ of ‌Science and Technology

Bridgewater, PA

6 weeks

$1,175

Bright Horizons Medical Institute

Philadelphia, PA

8 weeks

$1,200

York ⁢County School of Technology

York, PA

5 weeks

$800

Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences

Lancaster, PA

4 weeks

$1,000

Program Highlights & Benefits

Each CNA training program offers unique‍ aspects that can make your educational journey engaging​ and⁢ informative. ⁢Here are key highlights:

Comfort Care CNA Training

Hands-on⁣ clinical experience in real-world settings.

Small class sizes for ⁣personalized attention.

Job placement assistance upon program completion.

Central Pennsylvania Institute of ‌Science and ‌Technology

Offers state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.

Comprehensive curriculum designed to meet certification requirements.

Networking‌ opportunities with local healthcare providers.

Bright Horizons Medical⁣ Institute

Flexible evening and weekend classes available.

Focus on patient-centered care and communication skills.

Online study materials offered for convenience.

York County School of Technology

Affordable tuition with financial aid options.

Experienced⁣ instructors with backgrounds in nursing.

In-depth preparation ‌for the⁢ state certification exam.

Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences

Integration of technology in the training process.

Exposure to diverse clinical⁣ settings.

Post-completion‍ support for career advancement.

Practical Tips for Choosing a CNA Training Program

When selecting a CNA training program, consider the following tips to‌ ensure a good fit for your ⁣career goals:

Evaluate Your Budget: Check for tuition fees and ⁤additional costs such as textbooks and uniforms.

Consider Location: Choose a program ⁤that is convenient to your home or workplace.

Research Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited and recognized ‌by the state of Pennsylvania.

Read Reviews: Look for testimonials from previous students regarding their experiences and ‌job placements.

Real Stories: First-Hand Experiences from CNAs

Nothing speaks clearer than the experiences of ⁤those who ⁢have walked the same path. Here ‍are a few snippets:

Maria J., Pittsburgh, PA

“I completed my training⁢ at Comfort Care and ‍landed a job right after finishing. The skills I learned were directly applicable, and the staff⁢ was incredibly supportive.”

James​ T., Philadelphia, PA

“Enrolling in Bright​ Horizons was one of the best decisions I made. Their flexible schedule allowed me to balance work and training, and I​ felt well-prepared for the certification exam.”

Conclusion

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant can open the door to a rewarding career in healthcare, especially​ through the excellent CNA training programs available in Pennsylvania. Whether you are looking for a short-term commitment or a stepping ‌stone⁣ to further education in nursing, these programs offer the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed. By choosing the right training program that aligns with your goals, you can begin your journey towards a fulfilling⁤ healthcare career. Start exploring ‍the options today, and⁤ discover your path in the healthcare field!

https://cnatrainingcentral.com/discover-your-path-top-cna-training-programs-in-pa-for-a-rewarding-healthcare-career/

[pttedu]

What Does The Work-Life Balance Look Like In A Sterile Processing Job?

Explore the work-life balance challenges in sterile processing roles. Learn how healthcare professionals prioritize personal well-being amidst job demands.

[sunaleisocial]

Empowering systemic racism research at MIT and beyond

New Post has been published on https://sunalei.org/news/empowering-systemic-racism-research-at-mit-and-beyond/

Empowering systemic racism research at MIT and beyond

At the turn of the 20th century, W.E.B. Du Bois wrote about the conditions and culture of Black people in Philadelphia, documenting also the racist attitudes and beliefs that pervaded the white society around them. He described how unequal outcomes in domains like health could be attributed not only to racist ideas, but to racism embedded in American institutions.

Almost 125 years later, the concept of “systemic racism” is central to the study of race. Centuries of data collection and analysis, like the work of Du Bois, document the mechanisms of racial inequity in law and institutions, and attempt to measure their impact.

“There’s extensive research showing racial discrimination and systemic inequity in essentially all sectors of American society,” explains MIT Professor Fotini Christia, who directs the MIT Institute for Data, Systems, and Society (IDSS), where she also co-leads the Initiative on Combatting Systemic Racism (ICSR). “Newer research demonstrates how computational technologies, typically trained or reliant on historical data, can further entrench racial bias. But these same tools can also help to identify racially inequitable outcomes, to understand their causes and impacts, and even contribute to proposing solutions.”

In addition to coordinating research on systemic racism across campus, the IDSS initiative has a new project aiming to empower and support this research beyond MIT: the new ICSR Data Hub, which serves as an evolving, public web depository of datasets gathered by ICSR researchers.

Play video

MIT Initiative on Combatting Systemic Racism Video: IDSS

Data for justice

“My main project with ICSR involved using Amazon Web Services to build the data hub for other researchers to use in their own criminal justice related projects,” says Ben Lewis SM ’24, a recent alumnus of the MIT Technology and Policy Program (TPP) and current doctoral student at the MIT Sloan School of Management. “We want the data hub to be a centralized place where researchers can access this information via a simple web or Python interface.”

While earning his master’s degree at TPP, Lewis focused his research on race, drug policy, and policing in the United States, exploring drug decriminalization policies’ impact on rates of incarceration and overdose. He worked as a member of the ICSR Policing team, a group of researchers across MIT examining the roles data plays in the design of policing policies and procedures, and how data can highlight or exacerbate racial bias.

“The Policing vertical started with a really challenging fundamental question,” says team lead and electrical engineering and computer science (EECS) Professor Devavrat Shah. “Can we use data to better understand the role that race plays in the different decisions made throughout the criminal justice system?”

So far, the data hub offers 911 dispatch information and police stop data, gathered from 40 of the largest cities in the United States by ICSR researchers. Lewis hopes to see the effort expand to include not only other cities, but other relevant and typically siloed information, like sentencing data.

“We want to stitch the datasets together so that we have a more comprehensive and holistic view of law enforcement systems,” explains Jessy Xinyi Han, a fellow ICSR researcher and graduate student in the IDSS Social and Engineering Systems (SES) doctoral program. Statistical methods like causal inference can help to uncover root causes behind inequalities, says Han — to “untangle a web of possibilities” and better understand the causal effect of race at different stages of the criminal justice process.

“My motivation behind doing this project is personal,” says Lewis, who was drawn to MIT in large part by the opportunity to research systemic racism. As a TPP student, he also founded the Cambridge branch of End Overdose, a nonprofit dedicated to stopping drug overdose deaths. His advocacy led to training hundreds in lifesaving drug interventions, and earned him the 2024 Collier Medal, an MIT distinction for community service honoring Sean Collier, who gave his life serving as an officer with the MIT Police.

“I’ve had family members in incarceration. I’ve seen the impact it has had on my family, and on my community, and realized that over-policing and incarceration are a Band-Aid on issues like poverty and drug use that can trap people in a cycle of poverty.”

Education and impact

Now that the infrastructure for the data hub has been built, and the ICSR Policing team has begun sharing datasets, the next step is for other ICSR teams to start sharing data as well. The cross-disciplinary systemic racism research initiative includes teams working in domains including housing, health care, and social media.

“We want to take advantage of the abundance of data that is available today to answer difficult questions about how racism results from the interactions of multiple systems,” says Munther Dahleh, EECS professor, IDSS founding director, and ICSR co-lead. “Our interest is in how various institutions perpetuate racism, and how technology can exacerbate or combat this.”

To the data hub creators, the main sign of success for the project is seeing the data used in research projects at and beyond MIT. As a resource, though, the hub can support that research for users from a range of experience and backgrounds.

“The data hub is also about education and empowerment,” says Han. “This information can be used in projects designed to teach users how to use big data, how to do data analysis, and even to learn machine learning tools, all specifically to uncover racial disparities in data.”

“Championing the propagation of data skills has been part of the IDSS mission since Day 1,” says Dahleh. “We are excited by the opportunities that making this data available can present in educational contexts, including but not limited to our growing IDSSx suite of online course offerings.”

This emphasis on educational potential only augments the ambitions of ICSR researchers across MIT, who aspire to use data and computing tools to produce actionable insights for policymakers that can lead to real change.

“Systemic racism is an abundantly evidenced societal challenge with far-reaching impacts across domains,” says Christia. “At IDSS, we want to ensure that developing technologies, combined with access to ever-increasing amounts of data, are leveraged to combat racist outcomes rather than continue to enact them.”

[fifaworldcup2026tickets]

FIFA World Cup 2026: Number of teams and the qualifying process for FIFA 2026

FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets: Three states will co-host the next Football World Cup. And six nations will share the honour in 2030, while a lead contender for 2034 has emerged. England men’s next major competition after the Euro 2024 will be the FIFA 2026 staged in North America. The contest will break new ground as it is presented by three nations. The United States, Canada and Mexico, and being expanded to consist of 48 sides.

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The state of the fields and training services in the US have come under inspection. During the Copa America, Uruguay manager Marcelo Bielsa launched a furious attack about conditions. Temperatures are also likely to soar at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Returning to its usual summer slot after a winter renewal in Qatar.

The next Football World Cup take place at… 

In a contest first, the FIFA World Cup will be held across three host countries. After the North American trio’s bid fended off a strong offer from Morocco. The games will be played across 16 cities 11 from the US, two in Canada and three in Mexico. The quarter-finals, semi-finals and Football World Cup Final will all be held in the States. The list of cities that will be hosting at least one FIFA World Cup game.

Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Guadalajara, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Miami, Monterrey, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, Toronto, and Vancouver. The MetLife Stadium in New Jersey will host the Football World Cup final on July 19, 2026. The site has a capacity of 82,500. The ground, home of the New York Giants and Jets has hosted the Super Bowl. And recently sold-out shows by pop superstars such as Taylor Swift and Beyonce.

It boasts lavish interior member clubs with views of the New York skyline. The FIFA World Cup Semi-Finals will be held at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas and the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The quarter-finals will be at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, and the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. Massachusetts, the Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City and the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets: First game and venue for FIFA 2026

Mexico will open the tournament on June 11, 2026, with their first group game at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. The USA will begin their drive at the SoFi in LA on June 12. And will remain on the West Coast for the group leg, with two games in Seattle. Canada will play their opening game in Toronto also on June 12. Canada and Mexico are also certain to play all their group games on home soil. With Guadalajara and Vancouver also hosting.

To limit the travel of teams and admirers. The three host nations have been broken down into east, central and west regions, where sides will be based for the group stage.

Number of teams at the Football World Cup 2026

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be contested by 48 sides rather than the usual 32. FIFA said the decision to enlarge will increase participation and provide more chances for footballers around the whole world. FIFA first said there would be 16 sets of three teams. With the top two from each group proceeding to a knockout round of 32.

However, it reviewed this stance and will instead start with 12 sets of four with the top two teams. And the eight best third-placed teams qualifying for the round of 32. Under this format. There will be 104 games in total, instead of the old-style 64. Including an additional knockout round called as FIFA World Cup Round of 32.

Football World Cup: How does FIFA agree on the host country for FIFA World Cup

The host nation is defined by a bidding process. Fifa takes several factors into account when deciding which nation, or countries, will play host. Many of these measures are available for set-up including stadium measurements. Fan lodging, transport systems as well as services for the teams and referees. The countdown is on! Only 3 years until the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off in North America.

The 2030 World Cup will be held across six nations and three continents. Spain, Portugal and Morocco are the co-hosts. But the first three games of the contest will be held in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay. FIFA says the continent-hopping event will be a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Football World Cup. The inaugural edition. In 1930, was held in Uruguay.

The bid has been completed as the only candidate for the competition by the FIFA Council. The bidding process for the 2034 competition has also started. Saudi Arabia is the front-runner after Fifa accelerated the bidding procedure.

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Kansas City takes steps to ensure passage for FIFA World Cup 2026

There is a new person in charge of making sure. Kansas City has adequate carriage when the Football World Cup 2026 visits the area. KC2026, the non-profit group in charge of planning, and executing. The huge event named Julie Lorenz as Senior Advisor for Transportation. The organization said Lorenz will work with the transportation team to identify and implement carriage options. That will advantage the Kansas City metro for years to come.

Transportation is a key issue for FIFA World Cup 26. Teams will be spread throughout the region using different sites as practice locations and base camps. As part of the pitch to become a host city, Kansas City leaders ensured FIFA that there would be adequate passage to handle FIFA World Cup Teams. Well as the thousands of fans who are probable to visit the area.

As a long-time member of the Kansas City region. I’m proud to join the crew in charge of executing the largest sporting event in this region’s past, Lorenz said. The transportation needs of this project are significant. And I look forward to leveraging my experience in both the public and private sectors to deliver robust carriage plans.

Graeme guesses who will be England FIFA World Cup side captain at the FIFA 2026

All the talk around the England FIFA World Cup team right now is about who will follow in Gareth Southgate's shoes. As the next boss of the national team. However, one former Premier League boss is looking further. Afield is questioning who will lead the Three Lions if they make it to the World Cup in two years. Harry Kane is the current England skipper. But questions have been raised about his upcoming role in the team.

Speaking on a sports podcast. Graeme Souness has rubbed one of the team's young stars to be the one to take the armband. At the next contest in North America. He said, in two years’ time Jude Bellingham will be the England skipper. He will captain them at the FIFA World Cup 2026. I think leaders in the modern game tend to hide.

The most recent example was at the Euros. When England was having a hard time with the media. It was Bellingham one of the youngest members of the team. He was up there talking to them on behalf of the squad. He should’ve been one of the last ones to go up because it should’ve been the more senior players.

At eticketing.co, we understand the excitement of experiencing the Football World Cup live. That's why we partner with trusted sellers on the secondary market to offer FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets. Whether you're looking for group-stage matches or the grand finale. Our platform has the best deals on Football World Cup Tickets.

[disneyat34]

Fantasia at 34

A review by Adam D. Jaspering

By 1940, Disney proved he was as large a titan in the world of feature films as he was in animated shorts. But as the saying goes, a man's reach should exceed his grasp. His third feature, Fantasia, would be an audacious experiment.

Disney had been synchronizing animated cartoons to classical music since 1928. His trademarked Silly Symphony shorts earned him seven Academy Awards. They were a foundational element of the Disney empire, but they were outmoded by 1939. Audiences were preferring plot-driven shorts. 

Coincidentally, another Disney creation was also in decline in this era. It’s hard to fathom, but Mickey Mouse’s popularity with audiences peaked in 1935. By 1939, he was eclipsed by both Donald Duck and Goofy. More frequently, Mickey appeared alongside the two than appearing in his own independent shorts.

Disney had plans to bring both musical shorts and Mickey Mouse back into the limelight. Disney employed the assistance of The Philadelphia Orchestra and conductor Leopold Stokowsky. The Sorcerer's Apprentice was completed in 1938, pairing Mickey Mouse with the music of Paul Dukas in a nine-minute cinematic epic. 

However, Walt Disney’s brother Roy, accountant for the company, crunched the numbers. The $125,000 budget made the short a logistical nightmare. To make a profit, the short needed to be released as a feature film. And to be a feature film, it needed to be feature length. 

The Concert Feature, as it was initially called, grew in size and scale. The budget grew to $2.8 million. The crew ballooned to over one thousand artists and animators. After much effort and many headaches, Fantasia was finally released in November, 1940.

The film starts with a heavily stylized depiction of the orchestra and their instruments. The background is blue and vibrant, but every musician is ensconced in shadow. Lights from the music stands illuminate a negligible part or their personage. We can see the musicians, but only just. 

From the onset, the film accomplishes two goals: First, it wants you to understand you are seeing live-action people. Mickey Mouse is on all the posters. Disney’s name is attached to the film. But these are real, non-animated people. Quite possibly the first live-action people filmed by Walt Disney since his Alice shorts.

Second, Fantasia wants you to realize you are seeing real people, but they are not the focus. The attention is not on them, but their instruments. This is a film not about people, but sound and music.

This is furthered as the sounds of Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor begins. The silhouettes of the musicians are projected onto the backdrop, scaled larger than their sources. The musicians become literal giants. The shadows create a form of puppetry, becoming indistinguishable from animation. Fantasy and reality, sound and imagery have become intertwined. It’s difficult to determine when the cameras stop rolling, and the ink and paints take over.

We are informed from the outset that Fantasia’s visuals are not those of trained musicians or scholars. These images are the thoughts and feelings of animators and artists. We are privy to new interpretations of classic works (well, new to 1940), beginning with Toccata and Fugue. 

Defined as “Absolute Music,” Toccata and Fugue is an instantly recognizable piece of classical music. It is the go-to stock music whenever a movie, TV show or cartoon wants to quickly and unmistakably associate a scene with a sense of foreboding doom. But Fantasia undoes this eternally mired association; the booming bass offers no semblance of the intimidating or macabre.

Emcee Deems Taylor warns outright we’ll be experiencing non-representative form and abstract imagery. If the impressionist movement coexisted with film, it would probably resemble something like this. In a way, it’s almost a warning for impatient and fickle audiences. Doubly so, as it leads the procession of animated shorts. It’s a fair warning: This is experimental film. Your mileage may vary.

The abstraction gives way to the first representative piece. Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite; perhaps the most widely known ballet in modern society. We get a great demonstration about the longevity and shifting legacy of classical works as Taylor informs us “nobody performs it nowadays.” Art does not belong to an era, it belongs to the ages. I’m 34, and I’ve never known a Christmas where The Nutcracker wasn’t being performed somewhere in the city.

The Nutcracker Suite depicts the various flora and fauna of an enchanted forest, all engaged in a unique and stylized dance suited to their physique. What’s more, each movement is indicative to a nation and culture. We see Russian flowers, Arabian fish, French blossoms, and Chinese mushrooms (questionably stylized Chinese mushrooms. Thank you, 1940s).

As problematic as the mushrooms are, I’m more perplexed by the Arabian fish. Obviously the sequence is an allusion to the eroticized stereotype of middle eastern women, particularly the Dance of Seven Veils and other subsequent belly dance numbers.

It’s a very g-rated version of the burlesque staple, but one has to wonder why it exists at all. At some point in the late 1930s/early 1940s, someone designed a fish to look and act like a belly dancer. Those eyes exist only for the purpose of portraying a sense of eroticism. Not to kinkshame somebody on Tumblr, but it’s very clear somebody on Disney’s staff was working through some things.

Each of these dances feature plants and animals evocative in style and movement of their corresponding dance’s nationality. This implies the animators were indeed versed on the background of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite and his original intent. This breaks the promise from the start of the film: interpretations of artists, not of scholars. 

It’s not an invalidating breach, and not total (surely Tchaikovsky never intended Clara and the prince to meet an amorous fish). But if Fantasia deliberately specified itself to not utilize scholarly interpretations. They waffled on this promise, and it should be noted.

Dukas’s The Sorcerer’s Apprentice is an interesting specimen. Not only has Mickey Mouse’s cautionary tale of a proper work ethic completely eclipsed its musical source in popular culture, but the short has eclipsed the entirety of Fantasia.

When one hears the word “Fantasia,” one’s mind immediately leaps to Mickey Mouse in a bathrobe. They think of the blue hat, festooned with stars. They think of an army of brooms, brought to life, obediently and endlessly carrying buckets of water. They think of the bassoons secondarily. Most are unaware the music existed before the movie.

That said, there is no better representation of Fantasia’s central tenet: a marriage of animation as an artistic medium and classical music as an eternal font of inspiration. In The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, not a word of dialogue is spoken and not a single intertitle is used. An idea is formed, expressed and delivered by the movement onscreen, buoyed by the themes and mood of the orchestral score. What results is a tale beloved for generations.

Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring offers a brief history of prehistoric life. We see the cosmos create planet Earth. Tectonic plates shift and form land. Life is formed, evolving from single celled organisms, progressing up the evolutionary ladder. But this truncated history of eons and eons comprises only half the segment. The remainder is a grandiose depiction of life in the nadir of the Mesozoic Era. Dinosaurs in all their titanic glory.

Every few years, an animation company attempts to create a dinosaur-centered film. Either through lack of confidence or executive meddling, these dinosaurs aren’t allowed to simply be dinosaurs. We don’t see the glory of the creatures or the power struggle between herbivore and carnivore. Instead, these dinosaurs speak. They learn lessons and have character arcs. They’re often used as a parable of teamwork and community, or an allegorical tale of standing up to one’s oppressors. 

Disney themselves fell into that trap in the year 2000, but we’ll address that soon enough. Dinosaurs are mesmerizing in their own right, as the animals they were. They require no personification. They need no story and no character. A musical short may be the closest we’ll ever get to such a film. For now, we can still enjoy the sight of a tyrannosaur fighting a stegosaurus to the death.

An interesting element of Fantasia, a remnant of a bygone era, is the intermission. When Taylor announced the film would break for a 15 minute intermission, I was concerned as the orchestra began slowly shuffling out of the amphitheater. Was the movie really going to stop? Fantasia is already fighting an uphill battle, trying to keep audiences with temperamental patience captivated. Stopping all inertia for fifteen minutes is suicidal.

Many films from the first half of film history, especially those longer than three hours, survive in their current forms with an intermission built in. Their home release is presented exactly as their theatrical release. The score’s overture plays over a meticulously designed title card, encouraging theater-goers to stretch their legs and visit the lobby. These intermissions have been preserved for posterity, but are wholly inconsequential with fast forward buttons and chapter select options.

I was concerned such would be the case for Fantasia, which barely crests the two-hour mark. It’s the longest of all Disney’s animated features, but surely that record is not because of a deliberate 15-minute time out? If persnickety audience of the 1940s needed a break, what of children in the digital age? They would minimize the window and never return.

Fantasia’s title card is present, but immediately returns back to the film, all for the better. It’s a pointless detour maintained for an illusion of legacy and integrity. Fantasia’s musical numbers are all well and good in their own right, but the live-action segments with the orchestra is full of questionable moments like these. 

For example, at one point, a percussionist interrupts Deems Taylor by knocking over his bells. There’s no build up to this, no explanation, and no commentary. It happens, and is promptly forgotten. If it’s a joke, it makes no sense. If it’s a mistake, why was it left in?

Perhaps Disney had no idea how to carry these live segments. He was afraid to let the segments speak for themselves, feeling obligated to inject them with more than a curated introduction. He needed to pepper in little moments that would either change the dynamic or mandate attention.

These moments rob the gravitas delivered by the orchestra, interrupt the flow of the picture, and make the audience wait impatiently for the next segment. Disney Studios would experiment with live-action film over the next decade, but these missteps display exactly why Disney Studios was not ready for a fully live-action film until the 1950s.

Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony is not the strangest segment of the film, but it becomes more surreal the more it’s examined. Early on, after a brief dance with satyrs, unicorns, and pegasi, we’re greeted with a number of topless, bathing centaurettes. One wouldn’t think Disney would brazenly depict frontal nudity, but there we are. Fully nude cherubs further the dissonance.

Greek and Roman mythology contains stories of heroes, legends, monsters, and adventure. It’s also rife with depictions of incest, rape, violence, and general malfeasance. Adapting any tale concerning the Olympians requires great skill, lest it be so thematically vulgar, it’s outright rejected by modern sensibilities. Even moreso when the tale is to be presented in a G-rated setting. As obvious a statement this may seem, it’s odd for Fantasia to have an entire segment dedicated to the Roman deity Bacchus and his trademark love of wine.

To say the wine flows is an understatement. A golden chalice overflows with some of the most tantalizing violet liquid ever depicted on film.I don’t even like wine, but I would take up a glass if it was offered.

Bacchus merrily sways back and forth in a drunken stupor for his entire appearance. Caught in a mixture of revelry and lightheadedness, the inebriated god is the central figure of a literal bacchanal. Fantasia was released the same year as Pinocchio, which depicted drunkards in such a negative light, they were turned into donkeys. Bacchus rides a unicorn-donkey who enjoys the taste of wine as much as his master. Behold: The duality of Disney.

Ponchielli’s Dance of the Hours is perhaps the second most famous segment to come from Fantasia. The premise behind the segment is simple. Ballerinas are renowned for their lithe bodies and graceful elegance. What if, instead of traditional ballerinas, they were depicted by animals? Animals renowned for their girth, gangling physique, or stumpy limbs? It’s the contrast that provides comedy. Whatever age, whatever era, it will always be funny watching a hippopotamus do ballet.

As such, Fantasia gives us the sight of ostriches, elephants, alligators, and hippopotamuses, dressed in traditional tutus and slippers, dancing to the best of their ability. To the animator’s credit, the disparate physiques of the animals are hardly an issue. The absurd sizes and shapes of the animals bend and flex in a comical, but equally elegant manner. 

The final segment is a combination of Mussorgsky’s A Night on Bald Mountain and Schubert’s Ave Maria. Here, the devil presides over Walpurgis Night, welcoming ghouls, ghosts, and witches alike from the realm of the damned into the world of the living. They are then conquered, banished back from whence they came, by the choir of a mere church processional. 

For the longest time, I’ve heard the central figure of this piece referred to as “Chernobog,” a central figure of Russian and Balkan folklore. Much like Honest John in Pinocchio, this naming must be supplemental or subsequently; he is never referred to as Chernobog in the film. He is simply referred to by Taylor as “Satan.” 

So far in Fantasia, we’ve been exposed to murder, alcoholism, nudity, and sexy fish. Having the Prince of Darkness make an appearance is the final taboo that Walt Disney could break. Perhaps this is why the name Chernobog was attached retroactively. Pious Americans couldn’t abide a depiction of the devil in an animated feature.

All in all, I prefer the idea of the horned figure being a literal depiction of Satan over Chernobog. Primarily, it makes much more sense thematically. Why would a Russian myth be toppled by a Christian hymn? He wouldn’t, unless it was some misguided attempt at an analogy of Christianity versus Paganism. But why make an analogy when the literal interpretation is exactly appropriate? 

Possibly, western righteousness defeating a Russian emblem could be interpreted as a Cold War fable. This is rather unlikely, as the Cold War didn’t start in earnest until years after Fantasia’s release. 

Second, if we interpret the character as the devil, it further serves the story Disney’s animators were trying to tell: one of good versus evil. Darkness versus light. Chaos versus order. The sacred versus the profane. Dramatic conflict in both imagery, mood, and music. The wild, unbridled chaos of Walpurgis Night, contrasted against the elegant calmness of a serene morning in May.  If the demon was indeed Chernobog, it shows either a complete misunderstanding of the mythic figure, or a complete noncommittal to the story.

The Night on Bald Mountain portion is impressive and magnificent. The terrifying monstrosities are a cornucopia of Halloweenish delights, and they move with such intensity and power. Fire is used as a uniting theme throughout this segment, and the heat and intensity can be felt through the animation. 

I cannot find any sources confirming this, but it feels like the spiritual successor to 1922′s Häxan. Disney animators evoked the sensation of German Expressionism (particularly the works of Robert Weine) in certain moments of Snow White. I wouldn’t be surprised if Häxan served as a primary influence here.

Satan is depicted in an imposing, terrifying form. It’s a laundry list of every evil hallmark. He has glowing eyes, fangs, horns, bat wings, a muscular physique, sharp claws at the end of each finger, the ability to manipulate shadows, and more identifiers plucked from the nightmares of children everywhere.

Ave Maria sits in an odd position in popular culture. It’s been completely co-opted by the Christmas season. So much so, hearing the music detached from a holiday setting strikes up feelings of confusion. Moreso is hearing a quiet, choral interpretation backed by strings, and not a tenor vocalist belting out the opening at full force. It’s beauty is in its restraint. As the beatitude goes, blessed are the meek.

What’s more, after the thundering bravado of A Night on Bald Mountain, the hushed woodwinds and strings seem almost ashamed to make noise. Throughout, I was wondering when the piece would truly begin. Then, before I received my expected answer, the film ended. Ave Maria truly is the counterpart; quiet, dignified, and penitent.

Sitting in the darkness, watching a black screen, I’m met with nothing but a void. There’s no farewell from Stokowsky or Taylor. No final bow from the orchestra. No coda. We the viewer are simply left with a vacuum of sound and imagery. A moment, at last, to fully reflect on what we had seen. Music had provided us images and stories for two hours. In the aftermath, silence and darkness were just as powerful.

Unsurprisingly, Fantasia was a commercial failure upon release. The avant-garde presentation simply didn’t meld with audiences expectations. The film earned back roughly $325,000 of its $2.8 million budget. 

But, as I previously mentioned, art does not belong to an era, but to the ages. Critical and audience approval of the film has grown in subsequent years, and Fantasia is considered one of Disney’s masterpieces. It even turned a profit in 1969 after a series of re-releases.

Sometimes a grand experiment begins with a meager idea, like marketing a corporate mascot. Sometimes that idea can blossom into a grand work. And sometimes a showpiece needs to age like wine before it’s appreciated properly. We’ll never know our true legacy, but a truly good idea, like good music, will be appreciated through the ages.

Fantasia Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Pinocchio 

[blackkudos]

Robert Hooks

Robert Hooks (born Bobby Dean Hooks, April 18, 1937) is an American actor, producer, and activist. He is most recognizable to the public for his more than 100 roles in films, television, and stage. Most famously, Hooks, along with Douglas Turner Ward and Gerald S. Krone, founded The Negro Ensemble Company (NEC). The NEC is credited with the launch of the careers of many major black artists of all disciplines, while creating a body of performance literature over the last thirty years, providing the backbone of African-American theatrical classics. Additionally, Hooks is the sole founder of two significant black theatre companies: the D.C. Black Repertory Company, and New York's Group Theatre Workshop.

Biography

Early life

The youngest of five children, Hooks was born in Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C. to Mae Bertha (née Ward), a seamstress, and Edward Hooks who had moved from Rocky Mount, North Carolina with their four other children, Bernice, Caroleigh, Charles Edward "Charlie", and James Walter "Jimmy". Named Bobby Dean Hooks at birth, Robert was their first child born "up-north" and the first to be born in a hospital. His father, Edward, died in a work accident on the railroad in 1939.

Hooks attended Stevens Elementary School. In 1945, at the insistence of his sister Bernice who was doing community arts outreach for youngsters at Francis Junior High School, he performed the lead in his first play, The Pirates of Penzance, at the age of nine. From the ages of 6 to 12, Bobby Dean journeyed with his siblings to Lucama, North Carolina to work the tobacco fields for his uncle's sharecropping farm as a way to help earn money for the coming school year in D.C.

In 1954, just as Brown vs. Board of Education was being implemented in the north, he moved to Philadelphia to be with his mother, her second husband, and his half-sister, Safia Abdullah (née Sharon Dickerson). Hooks experienced his first integrated school experience at West Philadelphia High School. Hooks soon joined the drama club and began acting in plays by William Shakespeare and Samuel Beckett. He was graduated in 1956, passing on a scholarship to Temple University in order to pursue a career as a stage actor at the Bessie V. Hicks School of Theatre (alongside Charles Dierkop and Bruce Dern, with whom he second-acted plays doing their pre-Broadway tryouts in Philadelphia) while working at Browning King, a men's tailor shop at Fourteenth and Chestnut streets.

Career

Having trained at the Bessie V. Smith School of Theatre in Philadelphia, and after seeing A Raisin in the Sun in its Philadelphia tryout in February 1959, Hooks moved to New York to pursue acting. In April 1960, as Bobby Dean Hooks, he made his Broadway debut in A Raisin in the Sun replacing Louis Gossett, Jr. who would be doing the film version. He then continued to do its national tour. He then stepped into the Broadway production of A Taste of Honey, replacing Billy Dee Williams; then repeating the same national tour trajectory as he had done for "Raisin..." the previous year. In early 1962 he next appeared as the lead in Jean Genet's The Blacks, replacing James Earl Jones as the male lead, leaving briefly that same year to appear on Broadway again in Tiger, Tiger, Burning Bright before stepping back into the lead role in The Blacks in 1963. He then returned to Broadway, first in Ballad for Bimshire and then in the short-lived 1964 David Merrick revival of The Milk Train Doesn't Stop Here Any More (as a character created by Tennessee Williams for this revival) and starring Tallulah Bankhead and Tab Hunter in his only stage performance. Immediately thereafter, in March 24, 1964 he originated the role of Clay in Amiri Baraka's Dutchman. With this play, on the advice of Roscoe Lee Brown, Hooks became known as, Robert Hooks. He also originated roles on the New York stage in Where's Daddy? for which he won the Theatre World Award and he was nominated for Best Male Lead in a Musical for Hallelujah Baby while he was simultaneously starring in David Susskind's N.Y.P.D.—the first African American lead on a television drama.

In 1968 Hooks was the host of the new public affairs television program, Like It Is.

Hooks was nominated for a Tony for his lead role in the musical, Hallelujah, Baby!, has received both the Pioneer Award and the NAACP Image Award for Lifetime Achievement, and has been inducted into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame. He also won an Emmy for his PBS special, Voices of Our People.

Significant roles for which Hooks is known include Reeve Scott in Hurry Sundown (1967), Mr. T. in the blaxploitation film Trouble Man (1972), grandpa Gene Donovan in the comedy Seventeen Again (2000), and Fleet Admiral Morrow in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984). He also appeared on television in an episode of the NBC crime drama series The Eddie Capra Mysteries in 1978 and portrayed Doctor Walcott in the 1980s television series Dynasty.

Activism

Arts and Culture

In 1964, as a result of a speaking engagement at the Chelsea Civil Rights Committee (then connected to the Hudson Guild Settlement House) he founded The Group Theatre Workshop (GTW), a tuition-free environment for disadvantaged urban teens who expressed a desire to explore acting. Among the instructors were Barbara Ann Teer, Frances Foster, Hal DeWindt, Lonne Elder III, and Ronnie Mack. Alumni include Antonio Fargas, Hattie Winston, and Daphne Maxwell Reid.

The Group Theatre Workshop was folded into the tuition-free training arm of the The Negro Ensemble Company (NEC) founded in 1967 with Douglas Turner Ward and Gerald S. Krone with a $1.3 million grant from the Ford Foundation under the auspices of W. McNeil Lowry.

From 1969-1972, Hooks served as an original board member of Black Academy of Arts and Letters (BAAL) (located in New York) alongside C. Eric Lincoln, President; John O. Killens, Alvin F. Poussaint, and Charles White. Chartered by the State of New York, BAAL's mission was to bring together Black artists and scholars from around the world. Additional members included: Julian Adderley, Alvin Ailey, Margaret Walker, James Baldwin, Imamu Baraka, Romare Bearden, Harry Belafonte, Lerone Bennett, Arna Bontemps, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee Davis, St. Clair Drake, Ernest Dunbar, Katherine Dunham, Lonne Elder III, Duke Ellington, Alex Haley, Ruth Inge Hardison, Vertis Hayes, Chester Himes, Lena Horne, Jacob Lawrence, Elma Lewis, Henry Lewis, Paule Marshall, Donald McKayle, Arthur Mitchell, Frederick O’Neal, Gordon Parks, Sidney Poitier, Benjamin Quarles, Lloyd Richards, Lucille D. Roberts, and Nina Simone.

In response to the violence in his home town of Washington, D.C. in the wake of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s assassination, and aided by a small grant from the Eugene and Agnes E. Meyer Foundation, Hooks took a leave of absence from the Negro Ensemble Company to create The D.C. Black Repertory Company (DCBRC, 1970-1981). As Founder and Executive Director, the DCBRC was intended as a further exploration of the ability of the arts to create healing. The a capella group Sweet Honey in the Rock was created and developed within its workshop process.

The Inner Voices (Lorton Prison arts training program, 1971) proved to be a result of the beneficial effect of the DCBRC in the D.C. area. In response to a direct plea from an inmate, Rhozier "Roach" Brown, who was serving a life sentence in Lorton, Hooks' D.C. Black Repertory Company structured the first prison-based arts program in the United States. While it is the norm now, it was then a revolutionary attempt at rehabilitation through the arts. Eventually The Inner Voices performed more than 500 times in other prisons, including a Christmas special entitled, "Holidays, Hollowdays." Due to Roach's work, President Gerald Ford commuted his sentence on Christmas Day, 1975.

His relocation to the West Coast redirected Hooks' approach to parity in the arts with his involvement with The Bay Area Multicultural Arts Initiative (1988) as a board member and grant facilitator-judge. Funded by monies from a unique coalition made up of the San Francisco Foundation (a community foundation); Grants for the Arts of the San Francisco Hotel Tax Fund, and The National Endowment for the Arts, the function of this organization was the funding of deserving local multicultural arts organizations.

In 1992, Hooks co-founded (with writer Lonne Elder III) Arts in Action. Located in South Central Los Angeles, this was a film and television training center established to guide individuals who aspired to careers in film production. It formulated strategies and training for securing entry-level jobs. Courses included: career development workshops; pre-production and production for film and television; creative problem solving in production management; directing for stage and screen—principles and practices; also the craft of assistant directors, script supervisor, technicians, wardrobe, make-up, etc.

The Negro Ensemble Company of Los Angeles (NEC-LA) (1994-1997) was created because so many New York members and original members had relocated to the west coast. Hooks, as founder and executive director enlisted alumni from his New York Negro Ensemble Company to serve as board members: Denise Nicholas, Denzel Washington, James Earl Jones, Laurence Fishburne, Richard Roundtree, Samuel L. Jackson. NEC-LA's goal was to be a new and innovative multi-ethnic cultural project that strived to achieve the community effectiveness and professional success of its parent organization.

Personal life

Hooks is the father of actor, television and film director Kevin Hooks. He married Lorrie Gay Marlow (actress, author, artist) on June 15, 2008. Previously, he was married to Yvonne Hickman and Rosie Lee Hooks.

Awards

1966 - Theatre World Award (1965–66 ) for "Where's Daddy?" (The Billy Rose Theatre)

1979 - American Black Achievement Award - Ebony Magazine

1982 - Emmy Award for Producing (1982) Voices of Our People: In Celebration of Black Poetry (KCET-TV/PBS)

1966 - Tony Nomination, Lead Role in a Musical for Hallelujah, Baby

1985 - Inducted into The Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame, recipient Oscar Micheaux Award (1985)

1986 - March 2nd declared Robert Hooks Day by the City of Los Angeles, Mayor Tom Bradley

1987 - Excellence in Advertising and Communications to Black Communities from CEBA (Excellence in Advertising and Communications to Black Communities)

2000 - Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, Honoris Causa honorary degree, Bowie State University

2000 - May 25th declared Robert Hooks Day in Washington, D.C.

2005 - Beverly Hills/Hollywood Chapter NAACP Image Award for Lifetime Achievement

2005 - Beverly Hills/Hollywood Chapter NAACP Trailblazer Award to the Negro Ensemble Company

2005 - Trailblazer Award – City of Los Angeles

2006 - The Black Academy of Arts and Letters (TBAAL), Lifetime Achievement Award (Dallas)

2007 - The Black Theatre Alliance Awards / Lifetime Achievement Award

2015 - Living Legend Award (2015) National Black Theatre Festival

2018 - October 18th proclaimed Robert Hooks Day by Mayor Muriel Bowser, Washington, D.C.

2018 - Hooks is entered into The Congressional Record by the Hon. Eleanor Holmes Norton, September 4, 2018, Vol. 164

2018 - Visionary Founder and Creator Award - D.C. Black Repertory Company on its 47th anniversary

Acting Credits

Film

Sweet Love, Bitter (1967) .... Keel Robinson

Hurry Sundown (1967) .... Reeve Scott

Last of the Mobile Hot Shots (1970) .... Chicken

Carter's Army (1970) .... Lt. Edward Wallace

Trouble Man (1972) .... Mr. T

Aaron Loves Angela (1975) .... Beau

Airport '77 (1977) .... Eddie

Fast-Walking (1982) .... William Galliot

Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984) .... Admiral Morrow

Passenger 57 (1992) .... Dwight Henderson

Posse (1993) .... King David

Fled (1996) .... Lt. Clark

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