Monday, feb. 17
- 10am – 6pm // Feb 17 – Feb 19 // Center for Children’s Books Annual Book Sale// The Center for Children’s Books, Room 24, Library and Information Science Building, 501 East Daniel Street // MAGGIE
- 12:00 pm //Watching Glee and reading Jasbir Puar: The many colors of queer immigrant life// Women's Resources Center // ROSHNI- 3:00pm// The Changing Publishing Environment// Main Library, Library 314// CHRIS
- 6:00 PM // Community Gamelan // School of Music, Room 1188, 1114 W. Nevada Street Urbana, IL // ALEX
Tuesday, feb. 18
- 11:00 am - 12:30 pm // Videoconference Panel Discussion (with U. of Pittsburgh): Spy Games: Technology & Trust in the Transatlantic Relationship // 507 E. Green St., Room 411 // ANNE
- 12:00 pm // Meet and Greet with Cynthia Faullin and Erich Diesel // EnterpriseWorks Conference Room 130, 60 Hazelwood Drive Champaign // MAGGIE
- 12:00 PM // Japanese American Cultural Values: A Personal & Historical Perspective // Asian American Cultural Center // PUJA
Roshni: He went to
the U of I and was the only minority in his dorm and ROTC class. I found it
interesting that he lived in Forbes hall since I lived just a few dorms down in
Snyder Hall my freshman year, which is now so diverse. It is amazing to see how
much can change in such short periods of time within our society.
Puja: He asked us
to imagine in our heads that we’re living our normal lives and suddenly one day
a government official comes knocking on your door saying you must leave your
home soon, without any information as to where you’re going, for how long, or
why.
- 12:00 pm // Feminist Masculinities: Lunch + Workshop with Sunny Drake // Women's Resources Center // PUJA
- 6:00 pm-8pm // Crafts Unleashed // Illini Union Food Court // MAGGIE
- 6:00pm // Poetry Out Loud Eastern Ill. finals // Krannert Stage 5 // SEANO
- 6:00 pm // Roommate Conflict Workshop // Lincoln Hall Room 1065 // ANNE
Anne:
For my event this week, I
attended the roommate conflict workshop with Maggie. I was rather excited about
this event because I have been having problems with my roommates for quite some
time now.
Maggie: The
presentation basically showed us how to address conflicts with roommates in a
calm and mature manor. They also gave us tips on how to create positive
roommate agreements before any problems arise in the living space.
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM // College Dating: Uncovering the Dating Scene // Room 405 at the Illini Union // PUJA
Wednesday, feb. 19
- 12:00 PM // Special ICMT Seminar: "A Novel Ultra-Cold Quantum Plasma: Could this be a 'Supersolid'?" // 280 Materials Research Laboratory // ALEX
- 12:00pm-1 pm //Teaching with Technology Brown Bag: Technology and Collaborative Learning// 23 Illini Hall // ROSHNI
- 12:00pm-1:00 pm // Skype Brown Bag Presentation: The Impact of Socioeconomic Crisis on Health Sector in Greece: Challenges for Hospital Social Work // School of Social Work, Room 2015, 1010 W. Nevada St., Urbana // Brian
- 1:00 pm // Success Workshop: Time Management & Procrastination (Free) // Native American House 1206 W Nevada // JILL
- 4:00pm// The Art & Science of Job Offer Negotiation// 210 Illini Union// CHRIS
- 7:30 pm// Me to We: Searching for the Genetic Root Sociality // The Center for Advanced Study Twenty-Third Annual Lecture// Knight Auditorium, Spurlock Museum; 600 S. Gregory Street// JOEY
- 8:00PM // Illini Music Unplugged // Courtyard Cafe // CORIE
Thursday, feb. 20
- 4:00 pm // REEC New Directions Lecture: Biography as History: The Case of the Bulgarian Communist Functionary Tsola Dragoitcheva (1898-1993) // 101 International Studies Building, 910 S. Fifth St., Champaign// JILL
- 5:00pm and 7:30pm // Tribute to PSH, Capote and Synedoche, NY // Art Theater // SEANO
Seano: The biggest commonality between the films was the
way it was cut. Both films took place over an extended period of time (Capote
is over 5 ½ years, Synecdoche, NY is over ~30 years). The cuts are often abrupt
in the dialogue and jump across noticeable amounts of time.
In Synecdoche, NY you
could see the passage of time in the physical aging of the characters in
makeup.
In Capote a brief blackout
in between cuts and duly Truman’s developing angst for his “masterpiece”
signify a year.
- 5:00 PM // Uncorked with the BR Quartet // Krannert, Stage 5 // FREE //CORIE
- 7:00 pm // 2014 W.E.B. DuBois Lecture: "Reflections on the African Renaissance after President Mandela: Where Have We Been? Where Are We Now? Where Are We Headed?" // Ballroom; Alice Campbell Alumni Center; 601 South Lincoln Avenue; Urbana, IL // CATE
- 7:00pm-9 pm //Sex & Gender Film Series | Reflections Unheard: Black Women in Civil Rights// Women's Resources Center, 703 S. Wright Street, 2nd Floor, Champaign (SW corner of Wright & Green St)// ROSHNI
Jill: sex and
gender film
This next phrase summarizes
the view of a woman in the documentary. Black nationalism is so male
identified; they still want women to be this mule who is at their command. Her
comment really stood out to me. Basically, she is stating that she still does
not even feel as an equal in black nationalism, because black men still looked
at women as lesser.
Chris:
Unfortunately, I did not take away as much from the film as I could
have, because I was far too distracted by the unpreparedness of the people
setting things up, coupled with how awkward and unwelcome the lone other
audience member made me feel. I agree with Jill, this event was pretty much a
bust.
Brigitta: An overtone
that sort of enlightened me was how many people think taking pity on the Black
American woman is the same as justice.
Alex:
The coolest part of the
lecture was when he asked the audience to raise their hands if they were
working on anything cool and new, and the first person he saw raise their hand,
he brought on stage to pitch their idea.
Friday, feb. 21
-10:00 pm // Dance for People with Parkinson's // Krannert Center, Drama Rehearsal Room // BRIGITTA
- 12:00pm-1:00pm // ISTC - Sustainable Seminar Series - Beyond RFS and MPG: Promoting Cleaner Trucking Services // Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, One E. Hazelwood Dr., Champaign // Brian
- 12:00 pm //21 Community and Culture, Not Politics: Clyde Warrior’s Crafting of the Early Red Power Movement// Native American House 1206 W. Nevada St. // ROSHNI
- 6:00pm-6:00pm feb. 22 // C-U at Home One Winter Night // downtown champaign // ALEX-
- 9:30 pm// Global Transfer Afterglow: Joshua Abrams' Natural Information Society// Krannert Center, Stage 5// JOEY
Kelly:
Global transfer afterglow
Overall,
this event has been my favorite thus far. The music, the atmosphere, and
especially the people at this event were so bizarrely fascinating and I really
enjoyed being exposed to something so out of the box and brand new to me. This
is something I never would have ventured out to see on my own, so I’m really
glad for the push to check it out.
Saturday, feb. 22- 10:00 am - 1:30 pm // I-Journey Retreat: Looking in the Mirror // Lincoln Hall 1051 // KELLY-
- 2:00 pm // Winter Tales // Spurlock Museum, 600 S. Gregory, Urbana, IL // BRIGITTA
Joey: Winter Tales
The room was full of some
pretty hysterical little kids running around, talking when they weren’t
supposed to, and best of all not wearing any shoes or socks.
Cate: But I do
think this is why we can leave an event that’s meant for children (or an
audience that’s not for you) and feel satisfied. We can take it for what it is
and not really nitpick because it wasn’t really meant for us in the first
place...
- 3:00 pm // Student Professional Awareness Conference 2014 // Siebel 1404 // KELLY
Sunday, feb. 23
FEB 8th- 24th // The Sarajevo Winter Olympics: A Photo and Media Retrospective // Main Library, North/South Corridor, 1408 W. Gregory Dr., Urbana // CATE
feb. 19 // 1:00 pm // Success Workshop: Time Management & Procrastination (Free) // Native American House 1206 W Nevada
ReplyDeletePatricia Ricketts workshop on how to be more successful. the event is free but RSVP to nah@illinois.edu by Feb. 18, 5pm.
http://illinois.edu/calendar/detail/7?eventId=31585379&calMin=201402&cal=20140208&skinId=1
feb. 20 // 4:00 pm // REEC New Directions Lecture: Biography as History: The Case of the Bulgarian Communist Functionary Tsola Dragoitcheva (1898-1993) // 101 International Studies Building, 910 S. Fifth St., Champaign
ReplyDeleteThe lecture, based on the life trajectory of Tsola Dragoitcheva, a Bulgarian political functionary during the state socialism, presents (her) biography as a useful historical tool which would help scholars to find the balance between treating women from the past patriarchal contexts as agents of change or as constrained by the specific historical structures. It is a contribution to the ongoing historical debate regarding women's situation in the East European state socialist countries during the Cold War period.
http://illinois.edu/calendar/detail/7?eventId=31505103&calMin=201402&cal=20140208&skinId=1
feb. 21 // 10 pm // Dance for People with Parkinson's // Krannert Center, Drama Rehearsal Room // BRIGITTA
ReplyDeleteExperience the fellowship of communal dance with instructors Marianne Jarvi and Kate Kuper of Dance at Illinois. If you or a loved one is living with Parkinson's, join us to explore gentle movement in a safe, welcoming environment. Please dress comfortably for this full-body workshop.
http://illinois.edu/calendar/detail/7?eventId=31008116&calMin=201402&cal=20140210&skinId=1
feb. 22 // 2pm // Winter Tales // Spurlock Museum, 600 S. Gregory, Urbana, IL // BRIGITTA
ReplyDeleteJoin us for one of the Museum’s most popular annual events, a concert of American Indian tales, told during the winter months, the traditional time of telling. Winter Tales concerts are sponsored by an endowment from Reginald and Gladys Laubin.
http://illinois.edu/calendar/detail/7?eventId=31206322&calMin=201402&cal=20140210&skinId=1
At the Winter Tales event a small, packed auditorium listened as Tchin, a Native American man, told us a few lessons. ‘Lessons’, he said, because they are meant to teach something, much like Aesop’s Fables. The room was full of some pretty hysterical little kids running around, talking when they weren’t supposed to, and best of all not wearing any shoes or socks. As Tchin began his stories I quickly realized that this event was tailored more to the little barefoot boy than it was for me. But that’s okay! It was fun, and reminded me of my favorite of Aesop’s Fables and perhaps some Shel Silverstein poems as well.
DeleteThe lessons all involved animals or humans of the “way past-time”, and told of how things they did made things the way they are today. For example, a girl who spilled her basket full of the rainbow’s colors and created flowers; or the rabbit who fell out of a tree, catching his little ears on all of the branches and stretching them out as they are now. They were cute little anecdotes, often times ending in a witty twist that everyone laughed at. Tchin also played some very beautiful Native American flutes, one of them with his nose! Which got a laugh, but actually I thought it had the prettiest tone of all the flutes.
Altogether it was a nice little story time, even if I wasn’t exactly the intended audience. I realize now that that’s quite the change-up from what I am typically surrounded by in college, and in fact the more I think about it the more I appreciate it. I got to hear a speaker tell sweet stories, not sexually charged, not full of violence, not on my laptop screen, my cell phone turned off (not just silenced). Kind of makes me miss being able to pull off bare feet in public.
I think Joey hit the nail on the head with that last paragraph (especially the bare feet part).
DeleteTo add some of my opinions on instead of repeating shared thoughts…
I think at some point in our lives we begin to criticize things more and more as an adult would rather than appreciating them as children do. We beginning to see how much better things could be and are never fully happy with what we have… so in searching for fulfillment we are preventing ourselves from actually ever really feeling fulfilled... rather than just experiencing and becoming fulfilled through our experiences (maybe..? I don’t know). But I do think this is why we can leave an event that’s meant for children (or an audience that’s not for you) and feel satisfied. We can take it for what it is and not really nitpick because it wasn’t really meant for us in the first place... it was just something we simply experience in a non-biased fashion. Kind of a flawed theory but I’m no philosopher.
feb. 17// 3pm// The Changing Publishing Environment// Main Library, Library 314// Chris
ReplyDeleteDescription: Academics from all disciplines face a myriad of choices when publishing – and these are only increasing now that much of the publishing process has moved online. How do you assess different publishing venues? Sarah Shreeves will lead a discussion of the current scholarly publishing environment including factors to consider when choosing a journal publisher and how to assess so-called ‘predatory’ publishers. This is meant to be an interactive session so please bring your questions and concerns.
http://illinois.edu/calendar/detail/500?eventId=31551073&calMin=201402&cal=20140210&skinId=1
feb. 19// 4pm// The Art & Science of Job Offer Negotiation// 210 Illini Union// Chris
ReplyDeleteDescription: Once you receive a job offer you have a short window of time to negotiate. Be prepared! Learn more about how to evaluate the offer, what to negotiate, and strategies for conducting a successful negotiation at this informative workshop.
http://illinois.edu/calendar/detail/500?eventId=30740996&calMin=201402&cal=20140210&skinId=1
Feb 18 // 11:00 am - 12:30 pm // Videoconference Panel Discussion (with U. of Pittsburgh): Spy Games: Technology & Trust in the Transatlantic Relationship // 507 E. Green St., Room 411 // ANNE
ReplyDeleteThe Guardian first revealed the NSA's comprehensive surveillance program in early June of last year, working from information from the now-infamous Edward Snowden. Two weeks later, a series of articles exposed NSA and British spying on European and South American officials at a G20 meeting and by the end of the month, Der Spiegel had published details of America’s electronic surveillance and bugging of European Union offices and the embassies of France, Italy, Greece, and others. German Chancellor Angela Merkel was particularly upset over revelations that her personal cellphone had been compromised. European, particularly German, outrage over what has been characterized as U.S. spying on its allies has exposed a number of differences in the European and American approaches to data privacy and protection, national security and surveillance. But have the revelations significantly damaged the transatlantic relationship? At a time when U.S.-European cooperation is becoming more formalized in talks to create a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), have the NSA spy scandals dampened European enthusiasm to work closely with American allies? More generally, how have new technologies changed intelligence gathering practices? And to what extent can comprehensive surveillance programs like PRISM be subject to legal limitations on a national or global scale? Moderated by EUCE Director and Professor of Political Science, Ronald Linden, our panel of experts will include: Ami Pedahzur, Professor of Government at the University of Texas-Austin; Pia Bungarten, Friedrich Ebert Foundation Representative to the U.S. and Canada; and Anthony Glees, Professor of Politics and Director of the Centre for Security and Intelligence Studies, University of Buckingham. Audience participation is encouraged.
http://illinois.edu/calendar/detail/500?eventId=30883796&calMin=201402&cal=20140127&skinId=1
Feb 18 // 6:00 pm // Roommate Conflict Workshop // Lincoln Hall Room 1065 // ANNE
ReplyDeleteHaving roommate trouble? CCSS's Roommate Conflict workshop on February 18th to learn how to resolve your conflict! We will be discussing different strategies on how to work with your roommate to solve your differences. On everything from paying rent to keeping your place clean, we're here to help!
AMEN. I wish I knew about this type of event 2 years ago... Anyway, my roommates suck and this would have been beneficial, may still go to see what its all about!
http://illinois.edu/calendar/detail/500?eventId=31662172&calMin=201402&cal=20140127&skinId=1
For my event this week, I attended the roommate conflict workshop with Maggie. I was rather excited about this event because I have been having problems with my roommates for quite some time now. Maggie and I were the first people there, and I’m pretty sure we were the only ones who attended the event from the public. There were others who came and listened but I am pretty sure that they all worked within the student services center on campus.
DeleteThe event was well structured, we were handed out pamphlets and we followed along with a PowerPoint, which the girls who were giving the presentation had made. It was silly because in the PowerPoint, it had asked the audience to raise their hands if they have ever had roommate problems, obviously, I did. So, I briefly gave examples of some of my roommate problems as the PowerPoint came to an end, and it felt good to share what I have been going through and to gain some good advice from the presenters and even those who were in the audience. The most valuable piece of knowledge that I have gained from this lecture was that when my roommates and I have ‘meetings’ to voice our opinions and to resolve issues, we start on one topic and throughout the conversation we bounce around to several other topics… which I have learned doesn’t accomplish anything. It is most important to stick with one topic at a time when resolving roommate problems. Even though I thought this event would be a bit more populated, I still had a good time and I did take away a few good notes for the future.
http://tinypic.com/r/k1t0d5/8 Maggie and I
http://tinypic.com/r/219qx6q/8 Some handouts we received
http://tinypic.com/r/bikto5/8 They asked us to rate our values on a scale of 1-10. This was surprisingly difficult!
For week 5, Anne and I attended a roommate conflict workshop in Lincoln Hall. Her and I were the only ones who showed up, which was slightly uncomfortable at first, but then got better because the people putting on the workshop were very nice and didn't mind that we were the only ones there. I don't currently have any roommate conflicts, but I looked forward to learning about addressing conflicts. I thought this would be helpful to hear about considering I plan on being a social worker in the future. I learned a lot of great information from this event. The group that put on the presentation is called CCSS, or Campus and Community Student Services. A fellow Social Work student was a part of the organization and came to the event to support her fellow members. They created a PowerPoint slideshow, and they gave us pamphlets which listed the main points that were focused on in their presentation. The presentation basically showed us how to address conflicts with roommates in a calm and mature manor. They also gave us tips on how to create positive roommate agreements before any problems arise in the living space. After the group put on their presentation, they did a type of Q & A segment with Anne and I, which I thought was very nice. Overall I thought this event was very useful from a neutral point of view, as well as from someone's point of view that is actually experiencing these problems.
DeleteFeb 18 // 12:00 pm // Feminist Masculinities: Lunch + Workshop with Sunny Drake // Women's Resources Center // PUJA
ReplyDeleteFeminist Masculinities: “What is a Feminist Masculine Person?” Relationships, emotional labour, consent, challenging femme-phobia, masculinism & trans-misogyny (transphobia/ sexism faced by trans-women), fashion, accountability, care, political priorities... Open to people of all genders, although focused on feminism in masculine and/or male gendered people including butch women, masculine men, effeminate men, masculine genderqueers... Sunny has over 15 years professional experience in the arts and community sectors, as a consultant, educator, facilitator, strategic planner and project manager. As the inaugural General Manager of Propel Youth Arts, Sunny was instrumental in establishing this state-wide youth arts development and advocacy body in Western Australia. He has facilitated over 250 workshops.
http://illinois.edu/calendar/detail/2345?eventId=31517822&calMin=201402&cal=20140211&skinId=2292
Feb 18 // 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM // College Dating: Uncovering the Dating Scene // Room 405 at the Illini Union // PUJA
ReplyDeletePresented by The Counseling Center Paraprofessionals, part of the "Tuesday @7" workshops
"Students Helping Students"
http://www.counselingcenter.illinois.edu/educational-services/ccp/tuesday-seven-workshops/
FEB 8th- 24th // The Sarajevo Winter Olympics: A Photo and Media Retrospective // Main Library, North/South Corridor, 1408 W. Gregory Dr., Urbana // Cate
ReplyDelete"2014 and the Sochi Olympics in Russia mark the 30th Anniversary of the Winter Olympics in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia. To celebrate the Winter Olympic Games, the International and Area Studies Library has partnered with Bosnian-American sports photographer, Ivica (John) Jurisic, to exhibit photography and highlight media advertising coverage of the Games from across the globe."
Feb 20 // 7:00 pm // 2014 W.E.B. DuBois Lecture: "Reflections on the African Renaissance after President Mandela: Where Have We Been? Where Are We Now? Where Are We Headed?" // Ballroom; Alice Campbell Alumni Center; 601 South Lincoln Avenue; Urbana, IL // Cate
ReplyDeleteCampus-wide lecture.
ReplyDeleteFeb 17 // 12:00 pm //Watching Glee and reading Jasbir Puar: The many colors of queer immigrant life
// Women's Resources Center // ROSHNI
Watching Glee and reading Jasbir Puar: The many colors of queer immigrant life
Speaker Pronoy Rai
Date Feb 17, 2014
Time 12:00 pm
Location Women's Resources Center
Sponsor LGBT Resource Center
Views 44
Originating Calendar LGBT Resource Center
Feb 21 // 12:00 pm //21 Community and Culture, Not Politics: Clyde Warrior’s Crafting of the Early Red Power Movement// Native American House 1206 W. Nevada St. // ROSHNI
ReplyDelete21 Community and Culture, Not Politics: Clyde Warrior’s Crafting of the Early Red Power Movement
Speaker Paul McKenzie-Jones, Visiting Lecturer, American Indian Studies
Date Feb 21, 2014
Time 12:00 pm
Location Native American House 1206 W. Nevada St.
Cost FREE
Sponsor FUNDED BY THE STUDENT CULTURAL PROGRAMMING FEE
Contact Native American House
E-Mail nah@illinois.edu
Phone 217.265.0632
Event type Chat 'N Chew
Views 775
Originating Calendar
Feb 20 // 7-9 pm //Sex & Gender Film Series | Reflections Unheard: Black Women in Civil Rights// Women's Resources Center, 703 S. Wright Street, 2nd Floor, Champaign (SW corner of Wright & Green St)// ROSHNI
ReplyDeleteSex & Gender Film Series | Reflections Unheard: Black Women in Civil Rights
Date Feb 20, 2014
Time 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location Women's Resources Center, 703 S. Wright Street, 2nd Floor, Champaign (SW corner of Wright & Green St)
Cost FREE
Sponsor Women's Resources Center
Contact Rachel Lauren Storm
E-Mail rstorm2@illinois.edu
Phone 217-333-3137
Event type WRC Documentary Film Series
Views 733
Originating Calendar Women's Resources Center
Reflections Unheard: Black Women in Civil Rights focuses on the marginalization of black women between the intersections of Black Power and Feminist ideologies from Civil Rights, up to now. One of the most pressing is the contradictory nature of several white women’s movements, which used (and some continue to use) racist ideologies to justify the equal nature of (white) women to (white) men, hence marginalizing the unique experiences and social issues that black and other women of color face. In addition, a more critical perspective will be given to the Black Power Movement in which many black women activists participated, and how it also reinforced white patriarchal conceptions of race and gender. The Sex + Gender Film Series occurs on Thursdays at the Women's Resources Center in collaboration with the Department of Gender and Women's Studies, National Organization for Women UIUC Chapter, DiversityEd, and Department of Media and Cinema Studies. Free and open to the public- bring your friends! Should you require any accommodations (assistance with food and seating, large print programs, an ASL interpreter, visual/audio assistance, etc.), please contact us at your earliest convenience. Paid for by the Student Cultural Programming Fee.
On Thursday, I headed to the Women’s Resources Center on Wright Street for the Sex and Gender Film Series. I have passed the center multiple times, but have never entered. I was surprised to find out that once you enter through the doors, there is not an office/desk but an option to either take an elevator or stairs. I took the elevator up the second floor; I expected to walk out of the elevator into a hallway, but the elevator opened up directly to this office space with a few desks, a couch area, etc. I arrived 10 minutes early; I was the first to show up. Running the screening were two women, they told me to take a seat until more people arrived.
DeleteAfter ten minutes no one had shown up except the people I came with and one other girl, so they decided to start the movie, but had some technical difficulties hooking up the laptop to the computer. They enlisted the help of Chris Daleen (who I arrived with and the only male in the room). He got it set up and one of the girls made a remark about the Y chromosome to him. The tone in which she said the comment was condescending.
After this whole debacle, the movie started and they shut the lights off. The documentary, Reflections Unheard: Black Women in Civil Rights, discussed the way black women were treated between the civil rights to the 21st century. There documentary would switch between clips from the present and the past. This next phrase summarizes the view of a woman in the documentary. Black nationalism is so male identified; they still want women to be this mule who is at their command. Her comment really stood out to me. Basically, she is stating that she still does not even feel as an equal in black nationalism, because black men still looked at women as lesser.
In total, this event was to be honest a bust. They did provide free snacks, which were nice, but I would think that since this is a Sex and Gender Film Series, they would have been more prepared for the screening. Asking an audience member to help set up the computer to the TV was a little unprofessional. I have attended documentary screenings before and I expected there to be a little introduction from the women running the event about the documentary, but they just started the movie and went over to their desks and worked.
I went into this event with Jill and Brigitta with a fairly open mind, and I must say I was quite disappointed with this event. I knew I was in for an uncomfortable time as I walked into small common room with a little TV. There were snacks, which was nice, but we had to wait ten minutes after things were supposed to begin, because things were still being set up. The two girls setting things up put out the rest of the snacks and fidgeted with the TV, as the three of us awkwardly stood in almost complete silence.
DeleteThen, things got even more uncomfortable for me in particular. As the girl working on setting up the TV continued to struggle, I offered to help set it up. As I got up to help her I heard "This is great for gender stereotypes, the man saves the day" from the one other audience member who had entered since we got there. I was under the impression that I was helping out, my gender hadn't even crossed my mind. On my way back to my seat, the same girl remarked "Thank god the Y chromosome was here". I was aware I'd be in the minority being a male at an event located at the women's resource center, but I didn't think any comments regarding my gender would be made.
We got the TV working, the lights were turned off, and the documentary began. I tried to focus on the content which was actually pretty interesting. It touched on the Black Panther party, and it's masculine nature, and how Black women were struggling for gender equality, while also fighting for racial equality. I think the issue of gender discrimination is often over looked at this point in time, because the Civil Rights Movement gets much more attention.
Unfortunately, I did not take away as much from the film as I could have, because I was far too distracted by the unpreparedness of the people setting things up, coupled with how awkward and unwelcome the lone other audience member made me feel. I agree with Jill, this event was pretty much a bust.
I went to the screening of this documentary with Chris and Jill. Upon arrival we were the only ones present, so they had us sit and wait for a while. No one else showed up (perhaps due to the weather; this was the night the huge rainstorm occurred) so they decided to start after we had waited past the listed time for maybe ten minutes. Chris had to help them set up the film because of some technical difficulties. When he had successfully started it, one of the girls made a comment along the lines of, "Oh, OF COURSE the Y chromosome got it to work." It came off rather rudely.
DeleteThe documentary focused on the struggle Black women faced in the 60s, 70s, and the continuously into the present between defending their race or their gender. The author notes in the film how she has trouble identifying with the Civil Rights movement because of her gender, with the Black Panther party being very much affiliated with masculinity. A overtone that sort of enlightened me was how many people think taking pity on the Black American woman is the same as justice.
If the event wasn't so stalled and if that one girl wasn't so rude, making the environment a little tense, the screening would have been much more enjoyable. To be honest I was rather relieved to get out of there when the film ended.
Feb 19 // 12-1 pm //Teaching with Technology Brown Bag: Technology and Collaborative Learning// 23 Illini Hall // ROSHNI
ReplyDeleteTeaching with Technology Brown Bag: Technology and Collaborative Learning
Speaker Emma Mercier (Curriculum and Instruction)
Date Feb 19, 2014
Time 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Location 23 Illini Hall
Cost Free, no registration
Sponsor Center for Innovation in Teaching & Learning and CITES
Contact Ava Wolf
E-Mail arwolf@illinois.edu
Phone 244-4813
Event type Workshop
Views 26
Originating Calendar Center for Teaching Excellence (new)
See the results of a research project that used multi-touch tables for collaboration in the classroom, and discuss other strategies for using technology to support collaborative learning.
Feb 21// 9:30 pm// Global Transfer Afterglow: Joshua Abrams' Natural Information Society// Krannert Center, Stage 5// JOEY
ReplyDeleteFREE
Joshua Abrams' Natural Information Society centers around and recontextualizes the sounds of the guimbri, a traditional lute of the Gnawa, integrating composition and improvisation to create hypnotic, highly rhythmic, psychedelic environments with an orientation toward uplift.
This week I attended ‘Global Transfer Afterglow: Joshua Abrams’ Natural Information Society’ at the Krannert center. The description mentioned the use of a “guimbri”, which I’d never heard of before, as well as highlighting the “hypnotic, highly rhythmic, psychedelic” quality of the music. I thought it sounded super quirky and was worth checking out.
DeleteBy the time I showed up to the concert (about 15 minutes late), the band was already in full swing playing to a pretty full lobby. The first thing I noticed was the diversity of the audience in terms of age, style, and party size, especially in comparison to the piano concert I attended last week. (The majority of audience members at that event were middle-aged and sat alone, for example.) Many people in the crowd were sipping on a glass of wine as well.
The second thing I noticed was the truly unique sound coming from the band. The video really doesn’t do it justice. The best way I can describe it is trance-like. It definitely did not have the elements of a traditional song. There was no beat or anything like that. As I watched the band members play, I realized it was all improvisation. They were playing in the moment according to what sounded right to them. Their faces made that evident; I’d never seen a group of people so entranced while playing an instrument. Most of them had their eyes clothes. One hugged his instrument. One swayed to her own beat. One hung bells from his mouth. It struck me that they could all look so peaceful and meditative and in their own world when they were on stage performing for an area full of people. I also wish I could identify the instruments that were being played to translate a better idea of the event, but many of them I had never seen before.
One of the most interesting aspects of the concert wasn’t even the band and I definitely regret not filming it. In the back of the lobby, a group of about 8 young people (probably mid-20s) were gathered together dancing to the music. When I say dancing, I mean this totally zoned-out body swaying and spinning. It was super abstract and organic, and completely fit with the style of the music. I found I kept turning around to watch the people dance…it almost made the music easier to understand.
Overall, this event has been my favorite thus far. The music, the atmosphere, and especially the people at this event were so bizarrely fascinating and I really enjoyed being exposed to something so out of the box and brand new to me. This is something I never would have ventured out to see on my own, so I’m really glad for the push to check it out.
Feb 19// 7:30 pm// The Center for Advanced Study Twenty-Third Annual Lecture// Knight Auditorium, Spurlock Museum; 600 S. Gregory Street// JOEY
ReplyDeleteFREE
Me to We: Searching for the Genetic Root Sociality
True societies are very rare in biology, but have evolved repeatedly in a group of insects that include the ants, bees, and wasps, with the honey bee widely considered a paragon of sociality. This lecture uses the honey bee and related species to demonstrate how the new science of genomics enables researchers to study social life in molecular terms, including examples of mechanisms regulating selfish behavior that have evolved to promote cooperation, and connections between socially responsive genomes and human health.
feb. 22 // 3:00 pm // Student Professional Awareness Conference 2014 // Siebel 1404 // KELLY
ReplyDeleteThe Student Professional Awareness Conference is an annual conference where engineers from diverse backgrounds speak about career and research opportunities in the field of engineering. One lucky participant gets to walk away with a Samsung Galaxy Tab 3!
Registration required.
http://illinois.edu/calendar/detail/500?eventId=31627412&calMin=201402&cal=20140212&skinId=1
feb. 22 // 10:00 am - 1:30 pm // I-Journey Retreat: Looking in the Mirror // Lincoln Hall 1051 // KELLY
ReplyDeleteLooking In The Mirror: Exploring Our Identities. This retreat is designed to define socialization and its agents, reflect upon the impact of socialization in participants' lives, examine the impact of socialization on the internalization of feelings of dominance and subordinance, incorporate critical self-reflection and self-education, develop a plan for re-education countering the impact of socialization and systems of inequity.
iJourney Retreats are three half-day retreats that are held on Saturdays from 10am-1:30pm, giving participants an opportunity to understand how unfairness and inequity can be perpetuated on different levels, and the roles they can play to create fair and just structures shaped to meet their needs. Register at http://go.illinois.edu/iJourneyretreats.
http://illinois.edu/calendar/detail/500?eventId=31581517&calMin=201402&cal=20140212&skinId=1
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteFeb 18 // 12 pm // Meet and Greet with Cynthia Faullin and Erich Diesel // EnterpriseWorks Conference Room 130, 60 Hazelwood Drive Champaign // MAGGIE
ReplyDeleteEVENT INFO : Please join us as we welcome two new members of the Research Park team! Cynthia Faullin will be our new Assistant Director of Operations and Erich Diesel will be our new Lab Specialist for Enterprise Works. Join us for lunch and come meet Cynthia and Erich!
Feb 18 // 6-8pm // Crafts Unleashed // Illini Union Food Court // MAGGIE
ReplyDeleteCouldn't find much info on this, but it seems pretty self explanatory.
EVENT INFO : Come out for a night of fun with crafts! FREE! Sponsored by Illini Union Board
Feb 20 // 5 PM // Uncorked with the BR Quartet // Krannert, Stage 5 // FREE //Corie
ReplyDeleteTraditional and modern Brazilian music by the BR Quartet will ripple out from Stage 5 this week at Krannert Uncorked. Sample the wine selections and let Bob McEntyre on drums and percussion, vocalist Elis Artz, Will Kubaitis on guitar, and bass player Ben Taylor ease you into your evening.
This event will last approximately 2 hours.
Realized I never replied to this, but on Wednesday I went to Krannert and enjoyed free samples of wine, popcorn, cheese and cracker plate while listing to modern Brazilian music. The band, BR Quartet is a project the bass players has put together to bring the experience of Brazilian Music to others. While they were performed in Portuguese, the singer gave a brief introduction to what the song was about and tried to give hand signals to what the words meant. It was a fun event to attend to on a Wednesday night, they are common for Krannert to hold and I suggest everyone attend once. They get pretty crowded so if you want a table and free wine, get there early!
DeleteFeb 19 // 8:00PM // Illini Music Unplugged // Courtyard Cafe // CORIE
ReplyDeleteCost $2 for students w/I-card and $4 for general public
Come out for a great night of acoustic music and 10% off Espresso Royale drinks.
Feb 20 // 5pm and 7:30pm // Tribute to PSH, Capote and Synedoche, NY // Art Theater // SEANO
ReplyDeleteI highly recommend going to this (If Linda gives it a pass). In light of the tragic recent events, I think its a great opportunity to see some amazzzzing films THE WAY THEY WERE MEANT TO BE SEEN on the big screen with a Pekara cookie and a budweiser.
When Philip Seymour Hoffman's death was announced this week, there was an outpouring of grief from moviegoers everywhere. In their front-page obituary, The New York Times called Hoffman "perhaps the most ambitious and widely admired American actor of his generation."
To honor the exalted work of this finest of actors, the Art Theater Co-op is offering a double-feature of Hoffman's two best lead performances - his Oscar-winning performance in the titular role of Bennett Miller's CAPOTE and and in Charlie Kaufman's brilliant and underappreciated SYNECDOCHE, NY.
Come join us on Thursday, February 20, as we celebrate the life & work of Philip Seymour Hoffman.
5:00 - CAPOTE
7:30 - SYNECDOCHE, NEW YORK
Individual tickets will be available in person at the Art.
ABOUT THE FILMS
CAPOTE
2005 (R) 110 min, Directed by Bennett Miller
Bennett Miller's CAPOTE is a profile of Truman Capote (P.S. Hoffman) during the years he researched the story that was to become the basis for the book "In Cold Blood." PSH won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his breathtaking performance as Truman Cope.
"Philip Seymour Hoffman's precise, uncanny performance as Capote doesn't imitate the author so much as channel him, as a man whose peculiarities mask great intelligence and deep wounds." -Roger Ebert (4/4 review)
SYNECDOCHE, NEW YORK
2008 (R) 125 min, Directed by Charlie Kaufman
An insanely ambitious, dazzling, maddening movie, Synecdoche, NY is the directorial debut of Charlie Kaufman, the inspired screenwriter of twisty, mind-bending movies like Being John Malkovich, Adaptation., and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Broadly summarized, it's about a director named Caden Cotard (Philip Seymour Hoffman) who, after his wife leaves him, sets out to create a theater production that will mirror all of life in New York City by literally recreating the city inside of a gigantic warehouse--including versions of his lover, his new wife, and himself, who become so entrenched in his life that eventually there must also be doubles of these doubles... which only describes a fragment of the intertwining storylines. Hoffman's performance is balanced by dozens of vivid characters played by an astonishing cast, including Samantha Morton, Catherine Keener, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Hope Davis, Michelle Williams, Dianne Wiest, Emily Watson, and more.
THE BEST FILM OF THE 2000s - Roger Ebert
"To say that [it] is one of the best films of the year or even one closest to my heart is such a pathetic response to its soaring ambition that I might as well pack it in right now ... Despite its slippery way with time and space and narrative and Mr. Kaufman's controlled grasp of the medium, Synecdoche, New York is as much a cry from the heart as it is an assertion of creative consciousness. It's extravagantly conceptual but also tethered to the here and now." -Manohla Dargis, The NY Times
Part I
DeleteI had not seen either of these films prior, but I have been meaning to watch Synecdoche, New York for some time.
The biggest commonality between the films was the way it was cut. Both films took place over an extended period of time (Capote is over 5 ½ years, Synecdoche, NY is over ~30 years). The cuts are often abrupt in the dialogue and jump across noticeable amounts of time.
In Synecdoche, NY you could see the passage of time in the physical aging of the characters in makeup.
In Capote a brief blackout in between cuts and duly Truman’s developing angst for his “masterpiece” signify a year.
In films that take place over extended periods of time I can appreciate the use of these jump cuts. There’s a certain amount of time you can hold an audience and to just show the most important and the most beautiful parts is efficient and aesthetically ideal. I think people are subconsciously attracted to flashing, changing images.
A screenplay that transcends time helps fully suck the viewer in.
Other than that I didn’t feel much of a connection between the two other than the fact they were amazing.
I thought PSH’s portrayal of Truman Capote was Oscar-worthy. He did win the Oscar.
I’m skeptical of biopics because they tend to have too much influence over my understanding of the reality of those real people portrayed. For some reason film and television has that effect on me, as I’m sure it does to many people.
Truman Capote was portrayed to be incredibly self-absorbed and impressed by his own ideas.
Part II
DeleteIf I was Perry Smith I would feel a lot of things. I would think that Truman must have to want to help me because of the time he spends with me and how eager he is to hear my point of view. I think at the point I got my hands on that newspaper a few weeks before I was executed, I might put together that Truman needs me to die to finish what it is he really wants from me, his book. But then again maybe I trust Truman when he tells me ‘In Cold Blood’ isn’t actually the title of his book, that I’m being portrayed in a positive light because we’re friends and I haven’t even admitted to the murder.
I believe it’s that trust that leads Perry to tell Truman the story.
Synecdoche, New York narrowly edged out Capote as my favorite of the night.
It’s a real and honest piece, just like the theater production being created suggests.
The main theme: death.
From the very beginning and throughout, Caden Cotard (PSH) is faced with a gamut of life-changing and threatening medical issues that are constantly reminding him of his own mortality. I think this is what allows Caden to be so honest with himself and his work.
The premise of the film is incredibly interesting on its own. I would compare it to a cross between Michel Gondry’s ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’ and ‘The Truman Show’ and no, I don’t just love Jim Carrey (but I do love his characters).
In an attempt to make the most honest theater piece ever, Caden uses the MacArthur grant to develop a celebration of the mundane reality in a large warehouse. He reconstructs the entire world around him exactly how it is and grows obsessed with the work. As his own life comes off the rails, he reflects it in the actors playing himself and the people around him.
It’s meta I think.
As his actual world deteriorates, Caden’s theatrical doppleganger plays him too well and follows through with his own suicide attempt.
As replacements come in and the production grows larger and longer (17+years) Caden’s sense of reality is blended and distorted into his ‘masterpiece’.
It’s a sad movie.
Both are recommended.
Feb 18 // 6pm // Poetry Out Loud Eastern Ill. finals // Krannert Stage 5 // SEANO
ReplyDeleteI went to this last year and it's kinda lame but kinda cool. High school kids reciting poetry, there are some neat selections and some talented speakers, also mixed with the nervousness of public speaking personal words and the awkwardness of being 17. I know some people like to go to events where you can buy/drink alcohol and this is one of 'em.
Champaign County - 40 North | 88 West – Champaign County Arts Council – announce the Eastern Illinois regional competition for Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest. The competition, presented in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation, is part of a national program that encourages high school students to learn about great poetry through memorization, performance, and competition. On February 18 more than twelve high school students from six local high schools will participate in the Poetry Out Loud Eastern Illinois finals at Krannert Center of the Performing Arts. The winner and runner-up of this competition will advance to the Illinois State Finals in Springfield, IL on March 14, where two winners will advance to the National Finals in Washington, DC, on April 29‐30, 2014, where $50,000 in awards and school stipends will be distributed.
At the regional competition, Poetry Out Loud contestants recite works they selected from an anthology of more than 700 classic and contemporary poems. The anthology, a website (www.poetryoutloud.org), a teacher’s guide, and media samples of poetry recitation were created by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation as free educational resources for high school students and teachers.
Poetry Out Loud seeks to foster the next generation of literary readers by building on the resurgence of poetry as an oral art form, as seen in the slam poetry movement and the popularity of rap music among youth. Through Poetry Out Loud, students can master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about their literary heritage. Now in its ninth year of national competition, Poetry Out Loud has inspired hundreds of thousands of high school students to discover classic and contemporary poetry. To find out how to get involved in the Poetry Out Loud National Recitation Contest, visit www.poetryoutloud.org.
Featured speakers and participants will be:
· Robert Ramirez, 40 North board member and Associate Professor of Theatre at UIUC, a Master Ceremonies
· Janjay Knowlden, 2013 Poetry Out Loud Illinois State Top 5 Finalist
WHEN: February 18, 6pm
WHERE: Krannert Center, Stage 5
Attendance is free and open to the public. Any further information, contact Amanda Baker at 217-363-3795
Feb 19 // 12:00-1:00 pm // Skype Brown Bag Presentation: The Impact of Socioeconomic Crisis on Health Sector in Greece: Challenges for Hospital Social Work // School of Social Work, Room 2015, 1010 W. Nevada St., Urbana // Brian
ReplyDeleteThe Impact of Socioeconomic Crisis on Health Sector in Greece: Challenges for Hospital Social Work
* The impact of economic crisis on welfare state in Greece: presents an overview of the financial crisis on current welfare state in Greece including the implications for the social services
* Economic crisis and Greece’s health-care system: discusses evidence on health effects of financial crisis in Greece and focuses on changes made to health systems and healthcare provision due to economic crisis
* Health sector cuts and the impact on hospital social services: provides an overview of the current and likely future demand for social services in hospital social work in Greece given the economic outlook. Some implications for hospital policy are also canvassed.
* Implications for social workers and conclusions
NOTE: Both Presenters will be located in Athens Greece and will conduct their presentations via SKYPE. We are hoping to have 15 minutes at the end of their presentation for questions from the audience.
Feb 21 // 12:00-1:00pm // ISTC - Sustainable Seminar Series - Beyond RFS and MPG: Promoting Cleaner Trucking Services // Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, One E. Hazelwood Dr., Champaign // Brian
ReplyDeleteTechnologies to cut truck emissions are available and cost-effective, and should be encouraged by a range of government and private actions. In 2013, Chicago approved the expansion of a railroad terminal contingent on retrofitting dozens of trucks with clean diesel filters. Illinois agencies are reforming freight and package delivery purchasing programs to implement the Transportation Sustainability Procurement Program Act of 2013. Similarly, the U.S. General Services Administration is applying new environmental preferences in selecting transportation vendors and tracking their performance.
If you cannot attend the event at ISTC you may view the webinar live by registering at https://www4.gotomeeting.com/register/917343279. The webinar will also be archived on our website www.istc.illinois.edu for later viewing.
feb 17th // 6 PM // Community Gamelan // School of Music, Room 1188, 1114 W. Nevada Street Urbana, IL // ALEX
ReplyDeletefree
The Robert E. Brown Center for World Music provides community members the opportunity to learn and play traditional Balinese Gamelan music with instruction from I Ketut Gede Asnawa, a master gamelan musician and composer at the University of Illinois.
feb 19th // 12 PM // Special ICMT Seminar: "A Novel Ultra-Cold Quantum Plasma: Could this be a 'Supersolid'?" // 280 Materials Research Laboratory // ALEX
ReplyDeletefree
Dr. Klaus Müller-Dethlefs gives a lecture on the Bose-Einstein Condensation and its possible implications for the study of "Supersolids".
feb 21-22 // 6PM-6PM // C-U at Home One Winter Night // downtown champaign // ALEX
ReplyDeleteJoin our public figures, business leaders, ministry leaders and community members as they spend 12 hours outside in Downtown Champaign, sleeping in a cardboard box, to raise awareness and funds to help the homeless. One Winter Night, Friday, February 21, 2014, 6pm-6pm. You can be a part of this powerful community event by donating, volunteering, becoming a business sponsor or sleeping in a box. Find out more at: www.cuathome.us/one-winter-night-1014.
Feb 18 // 12 PM // Japanese American Cultural Values: A Personal & Historical Perspective // Asian American Cultural Center // PUJA
ReplyDeleteGuest speaker: Major General (Ret.) James Muyokama, US Army
Food for Thought, part of the Office of Inclusion and Intercultural Relation's Lunch on Us series, is a weekly noontime discussion focused on topics relevant to the Asian American community. Past discussions include topics such as nutrition, mental health, sexual health, and issues of queer Asian Americans.
Asian American Cultural Center
1210 West Nevada Street, MC-149
Urbana, IL 61801
https://oiir.illinois.edu/aacc/our-programs/food-thought
This week I attended the Japanese American Cultural Values: A Personal & Historical Perspective at the Asian American Cultural Center. The speaker was Major General (Ret.) James Muyokama, who served in the US Army. He spoke about how his Japanese heritage influenced him while being an extreme minority in the US in the 60s. He never felt isolated being the only minority, but instead used his Japanese heritage to help motivate him to work hard. This reminded me of my parents, who immigrated to America and struggled to make a living in the beginning, but used the idea of hard work and passion to create a better life for themselves and for my sister and I. Hard work and determination has influenced my sister and I till this day as well, so it is interesting how much influence one generation has over the other. He spoke about his past ancestors and the struggles they went through in order to help provide a better life for future generations. One of the major struggles he described was the Japanese American Internment Camps that the American government had developed. But it was during this time when the government also asked some Japanese Americans to serve in the US army. Their involvement in the army had a huge influence on the army, which the general joined sometime later. Previously, segregation against the Japanese Americans kept the group separated, but that generation helped make changes so big that General Muyokama acquired a leadership role in the later years. He went to the U of I and was the only minority in his dorm and ROTC class. I found it interesting that he lived in Forbes hall since I lived just a few dorms down in Snyder Hall my freshman year, which is now so diverse. It is amazing to see how much can change in such short periods of time within our society. He also emphasized the importance of culture and family for the Japanese, which was so relatable for me because my family values the same things. Overall it was an interesting lecture that reminded me of how different cultures all have some similarities that help influence their people.
DeleteI also attended the Food for Thought program with Roshni at the Asian American Cultural Center, which focused on Japanese American cultural values. Major General James Muyokama, the speaker, actually attended the University of Illinois and lived in the “six pack” just as I did as a freshman. One of the first things he did was show us two old photographs from his time here, in which he was the only Asian minority present. It is strange to think that diversity was such a rare sight back then, especially if one considers how different our campus looks today. Although we have been given the opportunity to engage with people of many cultures, I wonder how often we actually take advantage of it. From what I’ve noticed, we still tend to socially segregate ourselves, which is unfortunate. I’ll be the first to admit that most of the close friends I made in college are Indian. However, I’m very grateful for the friendships I’ve made. Growing up in a small city in Kentucky made it difficult for me to meet other Indians my age. Even my cultural awareness of what “Indian” is was limited to the little ethnic community of Gujarati that existed in the tri-state area. After coming to college, I met Telugu, Tamil, Marathi, Punjabi, Bengali, and other types of Indians. Looking back, I never realized how naïve I was.
DeleteGeneral Muyokama went on to talk about Japanese American experiences after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Although he personally was not forced to live in the internment camps, many of his family members were. He asked us to imagine in our heads that we’re living our normal lives and suddenly one day a government official comes knocking on your door saying you must leave your home soon, without any information as to where you’re going, for how long, or why. I can’t imagine my family being able to handle this situation at all. It would be chaos and confusion.
During the Q&A, someone asked General Muyokama if it still ever bothers him that the United States treated so many of his people in this way. When answering, he first reminded us that he had not been through it personally. However, he believes that most people have moved past those memories and went on with their lives. When the U.S. government issued an official apology, they also gave a check to the remaining survivors of the internment camps. General Muyokama noted that the money was not so much the important part for the Japanese Americans—it was the apology that mattered.
After September 11 occurred, he was a part of a group that spoke out to the American public in remembrance of the racism against Japanese Americans that followed Pearl Harbor. They urged Americans to not let history repeat itself. General Muyokama believes that America is truly the greatest country in the world, and proud to be a part of it. I think the United States has a long way to go and so much to learn, but I am hopeful that one day it will live up to the ideals that it stands for.
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ReplyDeletefeb 20th // 7:30 // Wisconsin Union Directorate's Distinguished Lecture Series with the reddit.com founder Alex Ohanian // University of Wisconsin Union South // ALEX
ReplyDeleteThe next speaker of the spring 2014 Wisconsin Union Directorate Distinguished Lecture Series is Alexis Ohanian. This young entrepreneur will speak on Thursday, February 20, in Varsity Hall, Union South, at 7:30 pm.
No tickets are required for this event.
Alexis Ohanian and Steve Huffman co-founded reddit.com, which has become one of the most popular social news websites. After leaving his full-time post at reddit, Ohanian started the social enterprise Breadpig and later helped launch hipmunk. He ran the marketing, PR and community for hipmunk’s first year before joining the fight against Stop Online Piracy Act & PROTECT IP Act.
Today, Ohanian is an investor, a board member of reddit inc., the Y Combinator Ambassador to the East, a hipmunk advisor, co-founder of the non-profit IHAS and author of the book Without Their Permission, which will be available for sale at the event.
This week, I traveled to Madison, Wisconsin to dog sit/house sit for my sister while she was out of town at a conference with her husband. During my time here, I had to find an event to attend for this course, and luckily for me, Madison is a very happening place, especially during the winter. Madison is the State Capitol, as well as the location of the University of Wisconsin (located in downtown Madison). I had many options for events around the area, but i wanted to check out their campus buildings and explore a bit. I chose a lecture by Alexis Ohanian, one of the founders of Reddit.com, which was held at the UW south Union (apparently they have two unions....) The lecture was about entrepreneurship, Alexis's experience starting reddit, and his success thereafter. Alexis was pretty funny, and oddly inspirational. He was obviously used to speaking to young people, because he continually referenced current events, young culture, and internet humor (which makes sense, he did make a career out of this). The coolest part of the lecture was when he asked the audience to raise their hands if they were working on anything cool and new, and the first person he saw raise their hand, he brought on stage to pitch their idea. He then exchanged numbers with the student (who pitched a zombie slaughter video game), and applauded him for his bravery. Later on in the lecture, he brought guests out to talk about their successful online business ventures, such as the founder of The Verge, an online news source focusing coverage on new technology and businesses, like Netflix and Buzzfeed. Alexis and him had a candid conversation about the ins and outs of success, entrepreneurship, and their advice to students. They agreed on one main fact, that there are an endless amount of ways to become successful. There is no cookie-cutter, paint by number, sure fire way to do it. Everyone is trying to figure it out themselves, and no one will be able to tell you how to do it yourself.
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