text:
- Lars Jan
- Los Angeles, CA
- United States
Artistic Director / Founder, Early Morning Opera
This conversation is closed.
How can creatives use new technologies to increase empathy across cultural and geographic distances?
I'm fascinated by how people feel close to one another and how the answers to that question are evolving.
Live TED Conversation: Join TED Fellow Lars Jan
Lars is a media artist and founder of Early Morning Opera, a multidisciplinary art lab creating works about "America right now."
This conversation will open at 1:00PM ET on November 18th
Closing Statement from Lars Jan
THANK YOU ALL CONTRIBUTORS ! Lots of insight, passion and bunch of new threads to follow. I think the conversation veered towards empathy as relates to how we experience the world via the web, which seems like the trunk of this conversation. I'm also curious about what other branches will evolve — comments about universal translation and the future of gaming sparked my imagination in particular.
Benedict Anderson calls nations 'imagined communities.' We are pretty successful at imagining our affiliation with 300 million other folks, and that was the case well before the web and other social tools emerged. I'm constantly wondering about how we might expand that number to about 7 billion. 300 million and 7 billion both feel like infinity, at least to me. So I'm essentially imagining the same thing anyway.
Looking forward to connecting with you again, in thought or person as the case may be, somewhere down the line. Thanks again for sharing your passion! Onwards and upwards...
Nov 18 2011: Hi everyone out there in non-TV land, thanks for tuning in to the unanticipatable (and misspelled) stream of words that follow. I should say at the outset, questions around the expansion of the empathic phenomenon are central to my research as an artist, but I am far from an expert in the area. My hope for this conversation is to hear about ideas that are new to me, and to have some perspectives I'm familiar with reframed. In short, please crush me with your insight and confound me with your questions.
Let the games begin.
Selina Rawe
Sean Kim
Arne StroutNov 18 2011: As a software engineer and avid "Gamer" I am struck by the type of interactions that are being promoted in video games and have been since the inception of the medium. Video Games are the media of the next generation. They are playing call of duty far more hours than they are watching television. For the developed world I believe this is becoming the norm. If we are going to increase empathy in the next generation, cross culture, I think we need to provide experiences in this medium which are engaging and create empathic reactions in the player. One amazing example (while somewhat sexist) is the game ICO by Japan Studio. It's rather dated now, but nearly the entire game mechanic is driven off of causing the player to empathize for and want to protect Yurda (a frail young girl). What's more, the character interacts with the player entirely without words (she does not speak english or japanese) and instead uses body language and physical emotes, so the experience is the same no matter which culture you are from. Upon reading this topic I immediately thought of the juxtaposition of ICO (which was made in Japan) and Call of Duty (which was made in the US). One is an amazing training tool for empathy, while the other seems to be an amazing training tool for shameless one-up-manship and the disregarding of any human life not "on your team". We need artists with vision in this industry if we are going to create cross-cultural experiences like ICO that expand the next generation's capacity for empathy. I could go on for hours, but the conversation is closing :]
Nov 18 2011: Hey Arne, just caught this post from earlier. I entirely agree with you here. Just like HBO revitalized what TV could be for an audience that had largely given up on it — and also sparked a bunch of competitors to raise the level of their offerings — I wonder when some game visionary will create an interactive experience that is much more than entertainment. This may exist, and I just don't know of it....
Nov 18 2011: Fascinating example (ICO) - thanks Arne. In related turf, Deepak Chopra has a new meditation game called "Leena" I think. I've long thought that the field of computer gaming was in it's infancy and has a lot more promise than has been realized thus far. Now - how to combine live, human performance with the games?
Selina Rawe
Dan Moran
Dance Aoki
Nov 18 2011: Good question.
In times of large-scale war we tend to believe that we're less empathetic. How can I humanize the enemy? I would guess we're a lot less empathetic than we should be. B-? How's that for a grade?
Let me redirect the question: In such a globally connected world is there such a thing as too much empathy?
Nov 18 2011: Well, if we get sci-fi for a moment, and I feel wholeheartedly what anyone else, world wide might feel. Then how do I cope everytime someone's mother dies, if I feel like it's my mother? How do we not grind to an emotive hault? Now this is a bit tongue in cheek, and certainly not our problem a the moment. I wish we had this problem...
Nov 18 2011: Given Lars's last point, yes, it would be difficult to experience every mother's death as our own mother's death. However, I think if we did experience tragedy on a much deeper and personal level, we would understand what mourning is, or what celebration means, and the importance of rituals that help us process those emotions.
Nov 18 2011: As a story teller, ill say stories is the best medium of increasing empathy across culture. The way we tell stories has evolved over the time but still the essence remains. We can take those stories, the stories of the legends that are being respected across the geographies and string them together in a continuous motion picture.
Selina RaweNov 18 2011: I agree Siddhesh. Story telling is also more personable because the teller is giving voice and action to the story. Experience is the best teacher, so when people can share in the experience they create a common bond.
Technologicallly speaking we can all fly to the top of the mountains and watch the sun rise over the valleys. An image we can all share. But when someone tells you about the trip up the mountain, the personal side of the adventure... it becomes so much more.
Nov 18 2011: I would say the obvious answer is to make those stories into experiences. I posted already a diatribe on the subject, but I think interactive media would be the perfect way to bridge that gap between telling someone about an experience which evokes empathy, and having a person actually experience that emotion. I have long thought that the best way to help the first world appreciate what it is like to live in the third world would be to create an engaging interactive story which takes place there, and put the user in the role of someone trying to survive. Perhaps as a young woman in Somalia right now for example. I have no doubt an interactive piece of entertainment like that would change minds. The hard part will be creating one which is engaging enough that the user will not turn it off to protect their more comfortable model of the world. I think it can be done however.
Nov 18 2011: Body language. Currently the news is related by a person sitting behind a desk in front of a video monitor or standing on scene. But the delivery is cold, sober and analytical.
When there is banter amongst the news team, it creates a sense of camaraderie that the viewer can relate to. If this could be drawn into the news stories, particularly stories that relate to the viewer immediately. i.e. news of an earthquake elsewhere in the world doesn't directly affect the viewer/listener so the story doesn't need to be as compelling. But something that affected the local community should be delivered with more emotion/human connection.
Maybe not the reframe you were thinking? (I'm writing and this and arguing both sides in my head. lol).
Nov 18 2011: Lovely, this statement Selina
//. But when someone tells you about the trip up the mountain, the personal side of the adventure... it becomes so much more.//
We have come a long way from telling stories around campfire to news bites. People are loosing the personal touch behind the story. A news remains objective, while in fact it should be personal. People consider other geographies as objects, like They do this, They do that, general stereotyping, which loses empathy towards each other.
Nov 18 2011: That's a good point Siddhesh, particularly about objectivity. In fact, what happened to objectivity in journalism? It seems like we traded that idea in? Any journalists, reporters, news bloggers out there? Where does objectivity fit into the conversation with story-telling as a means of understanding someone else's situation? Is that even a relevant component in the idea of "news"?
Nov 18 2011: Arne, I wonder if what you differentiate here: "that gap between telling someone about an experience which evokes empathy, and having a person actually experience that emotion."
is really the same thing? The way I imagine it, they are. Also, the real trick with all these simulations is that the player / user / viewer knows that they can leave, that they will end. Tricky...
Nov 18 2011: I always debate about Journalist, they cannot be subjective as for the profession of journalism is not a social service but a paid service to relay news. If they dwelve in emotions and empathy in the news they will never be able to get back to work the next day nor be able to scoop news out of it. No, in 'News' you cannot create empathy but have to remain objective, while in story telling you can use Blogs, Twitter, social media tools to broadcast terms.
Nov 18 2011: Good point. Movies can make a really big difference. The problem with the global culture regarding movies (and music) right now is that it's very focused on the US (though sometimes it also includes UK and Canada). This creates lots of empathy and understanding toward Americans. If we reach a point when it's normal to have movies from all around the world in our local cinema, instead of just local and American movies, we will reach a high point of empathy, tolerance, and understanding between cultures. Now, almost all non-American movies are shown in only their country.
Nov 18 2011: I think one of the big issues in spreading empathy and understanding is that many people never touch that wonderful piece of art that would inspire them.
They just never see it or hear their personal heart-piercing piece, though it's out there! The number of artworks, be they visual, musical, sculptural, written or performed, is just too big.
What would be needed is a sorting out, a personal selection, a little pond in the ocean. How would this work? Technology is the key of course!
A sorting algorithm wouldn't work; art can't be summed up. But what would work (and I know of experiments where it is already running, in some cases badly, in others brilliant) is a personal "buddy" style recommendation system; your friends know what you dig. Now let them see what else is amongst your most beloved books/ songs/ exhibitions, see if there are parallels, recommend them something.
I would love to see this happening for people who simply do not have the time or will to search through countless pieces of art to find their special gems. For example, I consider myself an absolute art-junkie, I NEED new music, books, paintings as often as I can get them, but my taste is so eclectic and fine that I wad through rivers of things that I cannot connect to.
Now what should an elderly man do, in a retirement home? I get it why in so many places the TV runs on the same channel everyday. But I want to believe that for every one there are beautiful, amazing things out there, that just have to be tried! I would love to bring it to them! I would never have believed that I could be so enthralled by something, but I just had to randomly get free tickets for a modern ballett performance until I knew!
This is what I want. Confront people everywhere with the most amazing, most different things they have ever seen, and let them find their taste. Best case with a personal recommendation from a friend. Like last.fm, or better: linoq.
Nov 18 2011: Excuse the taste of sweet-talking you into a voodoo spell, but that revolution is starting up already. Linoq is a platform that is trying that, for the moment, for independent musicians, and it's doing it via facebook. I find it pretty hot, but it needs attention! Too many musicians just can't make it because they don't get the attention they deserve. They want to export to other art platforms. I would so love to see a truly networked world, with everyone getting their deserved (and possible!) audience!
Nov 18 2011: Interesting question! To kick start empathy you have to initiate understanding. Using an online co-creation platform where others can participate in the process of creation will facilate just that. Providing instant (audio and visual) feedback on the results will grow commitment, necessary for empathy to increase. Currently I'm not aware of such platform. But surgeons are able to work on a 'distant' patient, so the technology is already available.
MK Barr
Nov 18 2011: You're right, there is the feeling of unity when you're a part of an audience and you're able to get a very real visceral feeling when you actually see a performance. However, the internet and new technology allows for audience members to come from all over the world to hear your message and your voice as the performer. How can we give those audiences the same visceral experience?
Nov 18 2011: These are big questions for me. I made a performance recently that was also filmed live, with the camera embedded into the performance rather than "documenting" from the outside. I found that many folks watching the video, edited to 4 minutes from 60, had a surprisingly strong experience of the work. I'll also mention that about 5 times (and counting) as many people saw the work online as were able to take in the event itself...
My overall feeling is that live events are going to become increasingly crucial in our mediated lives, BUT that the way we interact online and connect can become immeasurably deeper once we stop flailing about amidst the newness of it all.
Nov 18 2011: "once we stop flailing about amidst the newness of it all."
That is such a relevant statement! I love it! I have a professor who really loves the idea of collaborating and interacting in virtual worlds like Second Life and World of Warcraft. It is always really off putting to think about this platform for some reason. But as long as we're thinking out of the box, and talking about new ways to utilize technology to connect, collaborate and create, then perhaps it is worth mentioning.
The only problem with that is, as creatives, we want to exemplify what it means to be human, that is the spark of empathy building. And a platform like second life allows for a lot of hiding behind avatars. Perhaps there is a way to utilize the community building strategies of online gaming, but in a much more real way?
Dance AokiNov 18 2011: What other technologies, other than video, would you consider using in your art to meet the goal of inspiring empathy across cultural boundaries? (I'm an aspiring documentarian, struggling artist-poet-writer, and all around creative who seeks to use my passions to promote social change and hopefully engage other artists in using their work to change the world)
Nov 18 2011: good question. I definitely come at this first from considering how new communication technologies are expanding our abilities to see ± feel so-called distant lands. So, while we had news reels bring us the war and/or protests in the 40s, TV in the 60s + 70s, and now youtube, or livestream today... the evolution in question is really one of the moving image.
But something like Usha Hidi, that let's one track disaster reports from individuals as the crisis unfolds, is a much more dispersed way of tracking individual experiences.
I think beyond video, new places and ways to share comments and ideas — blogs, sites, apps — are extremely revolutionary in terms of how the global community has a conversation.
Nov 18 2011: Are there other definitions of new technology that an artist can use? Can online forums be better designed to enhance collaboration and cross cultural conversations? What about Joseph Gordon Levitt's project that is completely collaborative: http://www.hitrecord.org/
Nov 18 2011: have you seen any attempt out there at defining the terms of this etiquette? this is fun, though not exactly what we're talking about: http://eetiquette.com/
Nov 18 2011: yes "etiquette" sounds like funny and stiff. I meant common codes... but to me the overall basis is to set common goals as an incentive for empathy in cross cultural interaction, such as a common task or interest that can even be playful. Empathy grows when we drop our guard, i think.
About virtual body language, that is an ambitious concept. I bring it up because the closer you can get to a real conversation, there is more room for empathy.
When the head up for this came up in facebook, i expected a video. The fact that it turned put to be this forum, a public space made it more interesting, more 2.0 if you will, as long as we all know english of course. I registered ad hoc and have not uploade a picture, and am aware that showing a human face naturally enhances closeness, if we could add gesturing to this the "relational quality" would be even better.
Nov 18 2011: I think the notion of crippling levels of empathy is a valid one. Although it isn't a problem for our society it may be a problem for individuals who would change things - thus high suicide rates among veterans, high numbers of people taking anti-depressants. On the other hand the revival of Ayn Rand is a frightening one since she despised the notion of empathy and glorified the self-sufficient few. I heard a woman call into an NPR show saying that she and her family are healthy, live healthy life styles, work to keep healthy. She honestly wanted to float the question: why should I pay for health insurance for people who cannot say the same. I loved that woman for at least admitting she feels the question and for her happy innocence - may it last. Compassion admits that anything can happen to anyone, that tragedy is not a punishment, not a sign of some moral failure, that we are unequipped to judge although we may be equipped to help. Empowering compassion what we want.
Nov 18 2011: With smartphones becoming a more mainstream communication tool, the method for people to find each other physically and interact within different physical spaces is becoming more important.
Because the technology is based inherently on mobility and transmission of information, smartphones want to create an environment that changes depending on where you are physically.
As a graduate thesis project I wanted to focus on how specific places contain history that when in the presence of the place, activates a different sense of understanding of that place. Personal histories are important and technology should open up how people can recall their memories with smartphones being a great tool. Creating spaces that otherwise would remain inert.
Nov 18 2011: hi, sorry just saw the posting...so i'll make it quick, time is running out. what strikes me about the question is the word 'empathy' and i wonder, are you using it as an active or passive agent? 'inspire' leans towards more the 'active' use, but empathy, unfortunately, can often end up being a fleeting moment, a feeling, a 'ohhh' and then, it's gone. can i assume that in asking the question using the word 'empathy' you are also leaning towards the 'active' also regarding action, whether on a larger or more personal day to day level?
Nov 18 2011: One model for how technology and in-person performance can work together is to structure it so that the recorded or broadcast version of a live, in-person performance creates interest and actually enhances or elevates the value of the in-person performance. I've been thinking a lot about the value of watching a theater performance unfold in front of you, and that feeling of shaping it, sometimes subtly (in the case of traditional theater) and sometimes overtly (in more overtly participatory theater).
Nov 18 2011: Character Education Partnership is currently developing its web presence to be more interactive and a fuller resource for educators, students, parents, and community members at large to understand character education (which includes empathy) and its necessity to develop a more just and compassionate citizenry.
This topic is especially of interest to us because we are working to develop the answer to exactly this question. Thank you for everyone who has contributed an idea and TED for hosting such an interesting and lively conversation! Excellent idea!
Right now, our vision is to revamp our website to be much more engaging and sharable. We want educators to find the resources they need to deliver the best education possible, and we strive to do that by providing access to exemplar schools' lesson plans, "promising practices", and more.
Nov 18 2011: The BMW Guggenheim Lab is a great example of a physical space where people gather and technology is used to tell a compelling story and facilitate an in-person discussion. Most of the topics were focused on city-planning and hyper-local issues which makes paying attention easy, since issues pertain to your back yard but those local topics I was largely unaware of.
Nov 18 2011: The Levi's Filmmakers Workshop that was a part of the Street Art exhibit at the Los Angeles MOCA was an incredible educational vehicle that taught anyone and everyone who wanted to learn how to make a movie or an animation. I met some really amazing creative people of all shapes and sizes and they all had their own messages, visions and dreams!
Nov 18 2011: I think personal universal language translation is about a decade away. Language is one of the great barriers to the inter-connection of cultures, and if that technology becomes a reality I think we will start to see a lot more travel between areas of the world, and more importantly it will become much more difficult for countries like China to filter what information their population has access to. Already things like website translation have revolutionized access to information from other cultures, I'm looking forward to the day when language is more of a thin film than a brick wall in terms of our communication.
Selina RaweNov 18 2011: I saw a story on television about a deaf woman who traveled through China on her own. She said that she had very little problem making her self understood. (Personal interaction evoking empathy and understanding through gesture and mime).
So while the world's languages are diverse there is still a universal language of humanity that we share. It's intangible, but most of it is the facial expressions, body language and tonal qualities.
Nov 18 2011: Sure, I've traveled a ton with just a handful of hand gesture, and a ton of patience and time. But I could never be particularly interesting, or funny — and I always felt so frustrated at the fact that here I was, in the presence of people who I'll never likely meet again, and I just can't ask the questions I want to ask... Still, there's something so fundamental about realizing that you don't need to talk to have a pretty great time with strangers...
Nov 18 2011: Personally, I believe that socail media allow us to empathise with people by allowing to observe what they think, share and like. Emphatising is recognising what they feel, and letting them know.
It would be interesting to see if social media have the ability to increase levels of oxitocyn in people.
In a different way, showing people videos taken from one's camera viewpoint, allows them to share one's own perspective of the world. Head mounted cameras are used to study how experts interact with machines (human factors), and the ability to see things through the eyes of others allow the development of empathy (and tolerance).
And then there is the usual catarsys by emphaty. TED sure enough gets me into emphatising a lot with their best speakers. I feel closer to them than quite some acquaintances.
Well, that's what I think ... or some of it
Nov 18 2011: Games create empathy. I use them a lot in my training. A shared game with little data transfer with far away people may actually be a good way to give them a sense of togetherness.
I sort of did that with Antarctic winter over personnel after I trained them. Involved them with a mistery game. But technology was not new. Satellite, email, videoconference.
Same technologies to keep close to astronauts during their spaceflights (mainly they call using IP phone which goes via satellite). Not really new though ... but sure this enables empathy.
Nov 18 2011: Global internet-based networks help us gain a broader understanding of fellow humans. As said by Chimamanda Adichie in her talk "The danger of a single story" and Sam Richards in "A radical experiment in empathy", it is much easier to cast the "other" in a single light where one's sentiments are too often narrowed down to pity or villainizing when our knowledge base is limited. Through dialogue about what actually is, rather than what we've stereotyped a portion of the world to be, we can gain a more realistic view of people we've developed assumptions about.
As I see it, the issue that remains to be addressed is this: when putting out a story or an artistic expression - how do you encourage your public to interact? Conversation will always be more inherently powerful than a statement in my mind, as it encourages one to engage the dialogue and develop personally.
The internet is a great foundation for global interaction, yet when encouraging empathy we must develop interaction.
Nov 18 2011: Yes, technology can enable global conversation, but to engender empathy requires a sense a closeness that comes from personal impact. Can I understand what your pain or joy feels like? How is that made real for me?
During the disasters in Japan I was taking an online Cultural Anthropology course. One of my fellow students was Japanese. I could watch all the videos, read all the news, yet that one personal contact made the experience all the more personal and therefore more painful, frightening, sad, and ultimately uplifting, for me.
So the question, in my mind, becomes how do we build the bridges that enable a plethora of personal 1:1 or F:F social ties that cross cultural and geographic distances.
Nov 18 2011: hey!
i'm into an artistic research trying to build a bridge between a theater show and some flash-mobs. my goal is to find my own approach to a theater stage. and also the my own meaning of art... and also to re-unite people using their breath by dancing together. the show and the flash-mobs can interact through internet. images of the flash-mobs can be seen during the show, where people are invited to attend the next flashmob. and people attending the flashmob are invited to attend the show.
my goal is to create moments of human unison on breath through the virtual: internet and a stage...
here is a video of my flash-mob project:
my utopia is that my choreography would be danced around the world. and maybe one day, male a performance with skype in which many parts of the world are dancing the choreography at the same moment, live...
do you think that ca n increase empathy across cultural and geographic distances?
Nov 18 2011: Clement, well you certainly don't have trouble thinking small! I think the idea of a flash mob is fascinating, and it's an artistic tool that is going to evolve in meaningful ways. Increasingly we'll see spontaneous gatherings (which people are soooo thirsty for — it's a desert out there!) activated not-only by the wow factor of the happening itself (ALan Kaprow, thank you), but also by a deeper attention to ideas and meaning within these gatherings.
Sean KimNov 18 2011: I agree. I used to think I had ADD, but then I realized it was due to the strong feeling of not working on something that was worthwhile. Working on a project that I'm passionate about gives me clarity and focus like nothing else. I think that our lack of attention span comes down to a sort of subconscious cry for help-- "why am I doing this, what else could I be doing to make best use of my time?" These days, there's so much meaningless crap floating around that we have to wade through, but if we do we can do incredible work.
Nov 18 2011: Well, I'd say the first thing we do is start thinking about how we might reform visual culture to deal with this attention span issue. Just like the slow-food movement gained traction, I think we'll have a lot of folks advocating for a deeper experience with their media. How do we control the flood? And how will we deduce that screens are just plain addictive!
Nov 18 2011: That's ironic, I just went to my first slow-food event two days ago... But I think it's making an even greater push towards getting away with friends to places where cell signals and internet aren't an option. We've come to the point (when I say we, I mean I) have a lot of trouble with controlling our intake valve on communication and content.
Nov 18 2011: I have the same trouble with that valve. I think many of us do. I think we need to be educated, sort of like,
don't drink forty glasses of wine or you'll be sick
don't touch that electric burner
don't look at a screen for 14 hours a day and expect when you close you're eyes as you try to go to bed that you won't dream of electric youtube sheep.
Nov 18 2011: I couldn't agree more. Cultural habits - via training and practice- should be established. (They are, to some degree, in early schools, but as those classrooms integrate screens more and more, those places are also overrun with media/high volume streams.)
I really appreciate Lars' comment re: expectations about quality of life. When people complain about not having enough time to do "things" or connect in a 'real way' I think they could honestly evaluate their 'screen time' and change some basic and key things about their lives.
Nov 18 2011: Good question re: attention span. There is a great book "Proust and the Squid" - a treatise on the reading brain -- which asks much the same and likens this point in history to the transition from an oral culture to a literate one, chronicling Socrates cautions about the demise of analytical thinking. Sound familiar?
Nov 18 2011: I am truly terrified when I read literally anything from the 18th or 19th century. The level of literacy and deduction, though not shared by a majority of people at the time, is stunning when compared with what seems to be the idea innovators and commentators in our age — with exceptions of course.
But, might we be a much more creative, if less literate, age? I'd wager yes. How do we raise both bars...
Selina Rawe
Nov 18 2011: I'm not sure if this evokes empathy but I like to ask people to think about all the material things that they have in their life. This allows one to analyze what they've accomplished or obtained and gives a sense of self worth. Then I pose the tougher question, how did you get to where you are right now and achieve these "things". Was it hard work? Was it luck? Ultimately what we "have" in our lives is the product of two things: hard work and our environment. Can you guess the ratio of which holds more importance?
Over 99% percent of what we have is the result of our environment, not how hard we work. The difference between you, me, and a talented street vendor in Haiti is the location and families we were born into, not that a given party works harder.. But then again, I could be wrong. Please feel free to disagree or debate!
Nov 18 2011: Did everyone see the show that was done for the Millenium? It went all around the world and included all sorts of performances. It was unique in so many ways. One, the world was united in presenting itself country/region by country/region. Two it showcased the diversity of our artistic expression.
As to my previous comment, while the world is unified in one way, it is diverse in others. Art is defined by different cultures and they bring their own sets of rules and definitions. So it can be and can't be easy. While many diverse nations embrace the "American Idol" concept (even in Afghanistan), at the same time, there are cultural purists who see it as a reflection of the "Americanisation" of the globe. Now it opens a whole 'nother discussion.
Just rambling. :)
Nov 18 2011: I tend to think that human answer to these type of challenges will evolve when faced with common, specific goals, that will actually demand from people of different cultures to trim off differences and find common codes, values and attitudes, which is to me the basis for empathy.
Would you agree that technology should resemble actual personal dialogue, maybe provide some sort of virtual 'body language'?
Nov 18 2011: hey!
i'm into an artistic research trying to build a bridge between a theater show and some flash-mobs. my goal is to find my own approach to a theater stage. and also the my own meaning of art... and also to re-unite people using their breath by dancing together. the show and the flash-mobs can interact through internet. images of the flash-mobs can be seen during the show, where people are invited to attend the next flashmob. and people attending the flashmob are invited to attend the show.
my goal is to create moments of human unison on breath through the virtual: internet and a stage...
here is a video of my flash-mob project:
my utopia is that my choreography would be danced around the world. and maybe one day, male a performance with skype in which many parts of the world are dancing the choreography at the same moment, live...
do you think that ca n increase empathy across cultural and geographic distances?
Nov 18 2011: There was a story published in the Darwin Awards (I think... I'm checking on that) about missionaries who dropped photographs of themselves in an area frequented by the group of people that they wanted to visit. The people found the pictures and studied them. When the missionaries showed up the people killed them.
It was an exercise in cross-cultural understanding that failed miserably.
While the missionaries wanted to announce the arrival of Caucasians to the area, and build rapport with the locals, the locals interpreted the pictures of being from the gods as a warning against these ghosts.
Nov 18 2011: The question might be, does technological interfacing diminish empathy? According to research at UM empathy rates in college students are on the decline, perhaps because of increasing reliance on technology for interpersonal relationships. Konrath, S., O'Brien, E., & Hsing, C. (2011). Changes in dispositional empathy in American college students over time: A meta-analysis. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 15, 180-198. [ PDF | PubMed ]
Nov 18 2011: Empathy is at the heart of storytelling -- great point. Although I would argue it's the feeling, not the hearing that matters, and perhaps deeper still, to personal reflection where the heart of real change exists.
To the creative then "move us!" Not just to anger, which is cheap and easy to come by, but to serious reflection.
Nov 18 2011: Yes, it takes talent and skill for an artist to "move us!" It's about invoking feelings of empathy and then creating an environment for participation. There have been cognitive behavioral studies about the effectiveness of media in social change movements when you can invoke empathy in an audience and then provide opportunities for people to go out and make that change. Participant Media's (An Inconvenient Truth, Food Inc, Waiting for Superman Jeff Skoll's production company) strategy is to create movies that invoke empathy and then give audiences action points on how they can contribute and make a real impact.
Nov 18 2011: However, if we learn how to experience empathy predominantly through technology, then I suspect we will need the technology to have the experience. One could argue that's happened already with TV and movies - how many of us can readily experience empathy with a fictional character in a movie, but put us in the same or similar situation in real-life and we have a very different empathic reaction, or none at all.
Nov 18 2011: No question that this technology in this regard is a very sharp double edged sword. However, I think like most technologies, new types of interface can be leveraged for good and bad. We as a society also need to become better at managing these interfaces in our own lives, AND how we educate young folks in this regard. On the whole, I think new technologies offer us the best chance yet to feel what it is to be outside our own shoes.
Nov 18 2011: Love this point. I find it harder and harder to talk and meet with good friends, because I find myself conversing with so many new people. Of these new people I meet, many remain acquantainces, yet some connections grow and become integral new friendships and collaborations. I still haven't figured out how to not feel a little guilty talking with folks abroad and having the defacto mode of communication be in my native language, English.
Nov 18 2011: I think we're getting to the point where group meetings are the only way to stay in touch (on any sort of regular basis) with our large social circles. Not to say we're going to see the end of one on one dialogue but those times are going to be extremely protected/limited.
And it's also becoming more and more common to have close relationships where conversation may not be on a weekly basis. We're redefining what close relationships look like based on time restraints.
Nov 18 2011: Well, live events are very interactive in the way I imagine them. That's why everyone shows up — screen watching is quite passive, but live performance, done right is inherently interactive in unspeakable, magical ways. Now, I'm also a technophile, so to give you one example.
You walk into a giant room, and there's a giant panda wearing ipads on his paws waving at your from afar. When he waves, a voice over instructs you how to approach him, and place your fingers on both his iPaws, just so. From that point on, you follow the panda as he guides you through an audio visual experience — with you triggering data visualizations that you see on an array over Mr. Panda's shoulders that complement additional voice overs. You learn the system as you go. You are guided by a performer. You have some agency over your interaction with the media. Your body is engaged physically. Interactivity is easier one on one, I have to say...


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Apron Strings
We Are Family
By Nancy Kiu, Director of Medical Research
November is National Adoption Month, and this past Saturday, Nov. 17th 2012, was National Adoption Day. There are thousands of children in foster care nationwide awaiting loving forever homes, and National Adoption Month helps to raise "awareness about the urgent need for adoptive families for children and youth in foster care."
One of the basic tenets of Private Practice is that families are not just those with whom you are related by blood – families come in all different forms, so long as there is unconditional love and support present. At Seaside Health and Wellness, they've redefined their family countless times, and they have seen many family members come and go.
We've been excited to tell this story for a very long time. The journey of Addison Forbes Montgomery has gone from New York to Seattle to Los Angeles, the one constant being her desire to be a mother. When it didn't pan out with Derek, she decided not to have Mark Sloan's child, a decision that came with its own share of regrets. A baby cost Addison her relationship with Sam, but it also made her realize that she wanted to be a mother so badly that she was willing to sacrifice her own personal desires in the quest for a child. Jake's relationship with Addison grew as he became her fertility doctor and tried to get her pregnant, and now that she has Henry, Jake accepts the fact that Addison is a mother and will not give that up for anyone. She has sacrificed a lot and done everything in her power to make it happen, but when Judi, Henry's birth mother, returns and wants to have a relationship with Henry, that power is taken from Addison's hands.
When Judi chose Addison to be the adoptive parent back in episode 518, they entered into an independent adoption agreement, wherein "the birth parent and prospective adoptive parents arrange the adoption on their own." In this case, that means that Judi chose Addison to be the adoptive parent for her child. In addition, in an independent adoption, the birth parent and the adoptive parents set the terms for the adoption themselves; this means that they work out the guidelines for visitation and sharing of information that works best for them, so that the birth parents have the option of remaining a part of the child's life. In some situations, the birth parents may want no information about the child, in others, they may request daily, weekly, or monthly updates. In the case of Addison and Judi, Addison agreed to send weekly photos to Judi and for Judi to have monthly visits, but Judi never responded to any of it… until now.
There is no right or wrong way to navigate an independent adoption; ultimately, the question that must be asked is what is best for the child. If Judi wasn't in Henry's life, would he grow up wondering who his mother was, why he was adopted, and what his life would have been like with his birth mother? Or does having Judi present help remove any illusions that Judi would have given Henry a better life than the one he has now with Addison? Or, would it just be confusing for Henry to have two mothers present in his life?
What's the best way to parent? For Judi, it was knowing that she couldn't take care of her child, and choosing someone who could give him a better life. For Sean Petrucci, who just lost her job and whose daughter needs extra care and attention, it's trying to find a way to best take care of her child. Misguided though it may be, Sean sues Addison for wrongful birth, which implies that had Sean known the severity of Gwen's ailment, she should have been advised by Addison to abort rather than carry to term. Suing for wrongful birth is extremely controversial – some parents may be emotionally or financially incapable of caring for a special needs child, but the flipside is that this means the parents are saying that their child's life isn't worth living, and both child and parent would be better off had the child not been born. Is parenting a child, even if it's a special needs child, always a blessing? Or is it a curse if one can't handle being a mother?
Sean realizes sooner rather than later that if she were to continue with this lawsuit, one day she would have to look her daughter in the eyes and tell her that at one point, she thought Gwen should never have been born. Sean loves her daughter and doesn't really believe that. But motherhood is not rational. It is exhausting and overwhelming under the best circumstances, never mind when you're unemployed with a child who needs special attention and you're worrying about how to provide for that child's care, rehab, and well being. Mothers try to protect their children, but sometimes in the process, they can cause a lot of damage when trying to do what they think is best.
Vivian's mother tried to do what she thought was best for Vivian, but her actions left Vivian with a lifetime of regret over not knowing her daughter. On the other hand, Vivian's circumstances also pushed her to be a mother in a different way – to her students, including her best pupil, Addison.
What does it mean to be a mother? For Vivian, Sean, Judi, and Addison, it means many different things, but the one uniting factor is that it means that you'd give up everything in your life for your child and do what's best for them, even if it meant sacrificing what's best for you. Addison realizes this when she tells Judi that they are both Henry's family. By making the ultimate sacrifice of motherhood and acting in the best interest of her child, Addison Forbes Montgomery has truly and finally become the mother she has always wanted to be.
For more information about National Adoption Day, please visit their website at: http://www.nationaladoptionday.org/
For more information about National Adoption Month, please visit their website at: http://www.childwelfare.gov/adoption/nam/
For more information about adoption in the county of Los Angeles, please visit the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services website at: http://dcfs.co.la.ca.us/adoptions/index.html
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It's very important that your child be as healthy as possible for the liver transplant. When the liver transplant coordinator contacts to let you know a suitable liver is available, he or she will ask you about your child's health. Let the coordinator know if your child has recently had a cold, flu or fever, or been exposed to chickenpox or other infectious diseases. If there are any concerns, the liver transplant coordinator will discuss them with the transplant physicians.
Once you're contacted, you will be instructed about your arrival time at the hospital, when your child should stop eating and drinking, and given any other special instructions. The liver transplant coordinator may be able to give you an estimated time for the transplant surgery.
Talk to your liver transplant coordinator about where to go when you arrive at the hospital. At The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, you should proceed to the welcome desk, located on the first floor of the main building. Between the hours of 5 p.m. and 8 a.m., you should enter through the emergency room. Once the admission process has been completed, you and your child will be escorted to an assigned room.
When you arrive on the patient unit, we will give your child an intravenous (IV) line through which he will receive antibiotics and other medications. We will draw blood, take X-rays and obtain a urine sample, as well. The anesthesiologist (the doctor who will help your child sleep during the surgery) and the transplant surgeon or surgical resident will perform physical examinations to assess your child's health and review the surgical procedure. They will ask you to sign the surgical and anesthesia consent forms — standard procedures before any surgery.
Note: Sometimes patients and their families are called into the hospital for liver transplant and the donor liver is then found to be unsuitable for the child. Although this is extremely disappointing, the surgeons want to be confident the organ is perfect for your child before transplanting it.
Reviewed by: Elizabeth B. Rand, MD
Date: November 2012


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I Love It When You Talk Retro
Waves of technological advance can leave English expressions washed up on the shore, flotsam with no obvious origin for those too young to know what generated them. We still dial telephone numbers and hang up the phone even though the verbs refer to types of phones that have been out of use for decades. We may refer to the flip side of a situation or describe a person as talking like a broken record or of being stuck in a groove, even though gramophone records are rarely seen these days.
Similarly, common phrases often have their origins in popular cultural references that are opaque for those who weren't around to experience the originals: double whammy, show me the money, I'll have what she's having, the $64,000 dollar question, the seven year itch, Stepford wife, will it play in Peoria?, the Twinkie defense, where's the beef?
Ralph Keyes calls such verbal fossils retroterms. This book has hundreds of them, at the risk of taking readers to the brink of indigestion. They're arranged in chapters by themes such as sport, politicians, films and comics and the workplace, ending with a look at phrases of today that might turn up in a future edition of the book. Most are from the US, but some older ones are part of the common currency of all English speakers.
Mr Keyes is good on his American popular culture, but stumbles when etymology is involved. Though skeleton in the closet was indeed introduced by Thackeray (and closet was what he wrote, though the British form today is skeleton in the cupboard), it is extremely unlikely that it came about through the practice of doctors keeping the skeletons of bodies they had dissected locked in a closet out of public view. Why would they want to keep them? It's surely a folk etymology. It is also improbable that reading between the lines, to look for hidden meaning, derives from the use of invisible inks to send a secret message hidden in an innocuous one. Folk etymology again.
Old fogey for a person with antiquated views is not from a US military term, fogey pay, for long-service pay. Fogey pay is known, of course, but dates from the latter part of the nineteenth century; old fogey is 100 years older — it's in Grose's Classical Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue of 1785, where it is said to mean an invalid soldier; our standard English sense and the military one both derive from it. Did third degree for harsh questioning by police really derive from a supposedly harrowing induction rite for the highest grade in freemasonry? It has been known since Shakespeare's time as a grade or level and was used for the classification of burns before it turns up in the interrogation sense. As the US legal term for the least serious grade of a particular crime is also earlier, it's more likely to be the origin. Yellow journalism and yellow press didn't derive from sponsorship by William Randolph Hearst of a bicycle race across America in 1896 (participants wore yellow jerseys) but from Joseph Pulitzer's experiment in colour printing in the New York World in 1895 in which a child in a yellow dress (The Yellow Kid) was a figure in a cartoon.
Many other examples could be cited, which demonstrate the pitfalls faced by an expert in another field who attempts etymology without sound preparation or being primed to question the origins given in his sources. Such errors spoiled the book for me. Readers prepared to take his etymological assertions with a large pinch of salt may still find this a pleasant trip down nostalgia alley.
[Ralph Keyes, I Love It When You Talk Retro; St Martin's Press; 1 Apr. 2009; hardback, 310pp. including index; ISBN 9780312340056; list price US$25.95.]
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As the state's peak environmental organisation since 1955, the Nature Conservation Council of NSW (NCC) proudly represents more than 100 local and regional environment groups. NCC works closely with its member groups, local communities, government and business to protect, sustain and conserve the NSW environment.
If you belong to a non-government conservation organisation operating in NSW we would be delighted to have your group apply for NCC membership. It is only through broad-based membership that we can provide a representative and united voice to protect our rural and urban environments.
Membership gives you access to the services and support of the NCC, and helps you liaise with other like-minded groups and conservation networks. You will also have your own free NCC web page to publicise, promote and link to your activities and receive our fortnightly e-newsletter, Nature News.
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Molly Sims
Possibly stocking up on her holiday must-haves, Molly Sims and her son, Brooks, went out for a little retail therapy at Barneys New York in Beverly Hills on Friday (December 14).
The 39-year-old iconic supermodel showed off her slim physique in black leggings, combat boots, and a white top, as she gave a quick wave to the shutterbugs before heading off.
Presenting her bouncing baby boy to the world, Molly Sims was spotted at Bristol Farms in Hollywood on Wednesday (December 5).
The 39-year-old model looked radiant in a pretty black top, flowy skirt, and black flats, as she held baby Brooks in a front-facing carrier. The little guy wore a tan outfit and a white bib with his name embroidered on it.
A number of Hollywood's gorgeous starlets were on hand at the Hollywood Reporter's "Power 100: Women in Entertainment" breakfast in Beverly Hills, CA on Wednesday (December 5).
The annual event brought together a number of actresses including Elizabeth Banks, Ellie Kemper, Mindy Kaling and Kerry Washington, all of which enjoyed a delicious spread at the famous Beverly Hills Hotel.
In an effort to help women keep off the extra baby weight, fitness guru Tracy Anderson launched her Pregnancy Project in New York City this afternoon (October 5).
Joining up at Le Bain inside the Standard Hotel, Gwyneth Paltrow, Christy Turlington, and Molly Sims were all on hand to support fitness during pregnancy.
Closing out the weekend with a special press function for his new film, Jake Gyllenhaal took over the spotlight at a private screening of "'End of Watch" in East Hampton, New York on Sunday (August 19).
The handsome 31-year-old actor suited up as he was joined by actress Gwyneth Paltrow for the Goose Creek held event sponsored by The Hollywood Reporter and Samsung Galaxy SIII .
She's the proud new mother of a beautiful baby boy, and Molly Sims unveiled her son via her website earlier today (August 9).
The model/actress named her newborn Brooks Alan Stuber and it sounds like she's having a blast with her new role as mommy.
A week after giving birth to her first child, Molly Sims and her hubby, Scott Stuber, have finally revealed the name of their newborn son!
As for their choice, the supermodel's rep confirmed that the pair have decided to call their little prince Brooks Alan Stuber.
Sharing the baby news on her blog, Molly Sims happily announced she gave birth to her first son with Scott Stuber on Wednesday (June 20).
Titling the blog post, "The Happiest Day of My Life!", the American model and actress gushed, "It is with such absolute pride and pure joy that we welcome baby Stuber into our lives. He weighs in at just over 7 lbs., and I could just eat him up he's so sweet!"
Congratulations to Molly Sims and Scott Stuber as they welcomed their son into the world on Tuesday (June 19).
The 39-year-old actress gave birth to a healthy baby boy who weighed in a little over 7 lbs, yet no name has been revealed.
They've been all over the globe doing promotional events, and tonight (May 10) the cast of "Battleship" showed up in Los Angeles for the big premiere.
The Nokia Theatre LA Live was hopping as stars like Rihanna, Alexander Skarsgard, Taylor Kitsch, Brooklyn Decker and Liam Neeson made their arrivals prior to the screening.
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To view this page ensure that Adobe Flash Player version 10.0.0 or greater is installed.
Orhan Pamuk delivered his Nobel Lecture, 7 December 2006, at the Swedish Academy, Stockholm. He was introduced by Horace Engdahl, Permanent Secretary of the Swedish Academy. The lecture was delivered in Turkish.Copyright © Nobel Web AB 2006
The Nobel Prize in Literature 2006 Lecture (pdf)
On 27 November 1895 Alfred Nobel signed his last will in Paris.
Try to save some patients and learn about human blood types!
Discover the 2012 awarded research on stem cells and cell signalling.


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Wilkinson's exit gives chance for minister with drive
In a portfolio requiring a certain political robustness, Kate Wilkinson always looked out of her depth as Minister of Labour.
Today's resignation, which has been hung on the Pike River inquiry, is probably not a bad thing overall for the John Key-led government, depending on who picks up the role now.
Ms Wilkinson stays in the cabinet, holds her 16th ranked position and hangs on to the conservation and food safety portfolios.
So she is not really giving up anything by resigning – the main thing she is sacrificing is a tough job.
Chris Finlayson is acting Minister of Labour and could certainly do the job, but the government might do well to keep it away from the legal profession.
For that has been seen as Ms Wilkinson's problem in the role. There have been some behind-the-scenes mutterings about her decision-making ability in the job and what is seen as a certain lack of political drive.
While the Minister of Labour is not the high-profile portfolio it was in the days when wages awards and strike settlements were hammered out over late-night meetings in the Beehive, labour market rules are still one of the largest points of difference in politics.
Ms Wilkinson has tended to bring a lawyer's approach the role, something which initially was seen as a plus but as time wore on has turned more into a minus.
That is not to say her time has not been without achievement. Getting the three-month trial period law through, her technocratic rather than political approach helped defuse some of the political sting.
More recently, though, the legalistic approach has drawn fire as it has caused issues to stagnate when they needed speedily resolution.
Business has also been frustrated at the pace of promised labour reform.
That was heightened last week when Ms Wilkinson's long-awaited tweaks to Part 6A of the Employment Relations Act, concerning "vulnerable worker" provisions, were seen as a gutless move by the government and having taken far to long to emerge from the minister's office.
Although small businesses with less than 20 staff were unshackled from the messy Part 6A provisions, business groups felt large businesses should have also been made exempt from legal obligations to take on any existing staff or meet their entitlements if they are taking over a business or service contract.
Better still, the complex provisions should have been repealed in their entirety, Employers and Manufacturers Association boss Kim Campbell said.
More by Rob Hosking and Georgina Bond
Comments and questions10
Dear John, Anyone at all other than Nick Smith thank-you.
Dr 'Dick' Smith is scheduled to be our ambassador extraordinaire to Kyoto so he can attend the funeral of his love child, the ETS/ Kyoto 'Agreement'.
Wilkinson has qualified for the Smith Club. And sadly, Findlayson qualifies too as he has filled the Bell Gully trough for a generation....while screwing the next non-Maori generation's access to our beaches etc.
Not much talent in Parliament these days really.
We have to agree with this analysis.
Ms Wilkinson did look weak and a stronger political push in this portfolio could sort out the problems that are surfacing here,particularly with unions.
Which particular trouble with unions are you referring to, liberte? The waterfront workers? The High Court thought they had a point. The miners? To say they require more representation would be an insulting under-statement, if it wasn't so tragically true.
Plank by plank, the platform is burning. John Key is trying to run everything his own way. But he also hides behind cabinet members who are supposed to know how to build and execute policy. His problem is that they don't. Everything they touch turns into an ideological custard. At best.
Let's say he muddles his way through to the next election. Which of his current muddle of mediocre ministers look remotely capable of navigating the country through another three years?
You have it in one Private sector Anarchist, this would have to be the least competent Government in my life time and I can remember back to Walter Nash as Prime minister in 1957
With lack of vision, lack of leadership, lack of comprehension of how the economy works.
Keith Holyoake, Norman Kirk, Robert Muldoon, David Lange (Roger Douglas) all had visions for this country and clear ideas of what was required to deliver that vision. You may not have agreed with them but they did have vision and the tenacity to actually do something productive.
The three since Bolger Clarke and now Jonkey have been a steady decline to mediocrity bordering onto the incompetent
Which way is up? and with who? from here
National is coming apart at the seams but it doesn't matter, because Labour is liquefied jelly.
If Wilkinson is incompetent then John Key, as her boss, picked her for the roll, and should take some responsibility for the debacle.
It s such a blimming shame that the Labour Party has just as many incompetent looking MPs., from top to bottom. One can just imagine that if Labour by some miracle wins the next election, we will be faced with same old problems ! We can all rest assured that neither Labour nor National are capable of digging the country out of whatever issues we faced - both wants to get into power or stay in power, promised the earth, deliver zilch ,
Get real folks. Pike River claimed Kate's ministerial post. What could she have possibly done about it when the writing was on the wall before she took up the role. It was a terrible incident that was going to happen.Kate has huge strengths and has done a fantastic job. Yes she may be a lawyer and bring a legalistic approach to her job but what is wrong with that. What about all of the positive things she has achieved. Her abiliity will see her around the cabinet for a long time to come.


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In Black v. The Queen (2014 TCC 12), Lord Conrad Black argued that he was not subject to tax in Canada on certain income and taxable benefits. Both Lord Black and the CRA agreed that he was a resident of both Canada and the...more
One of the most recognizable names in professional golf—although not the most winning name, having never won a major golf tournament—is Sergio Garcia. He is especially known for his tree shots, the latest of which was a...more
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Allstate wants to work with you because you know the needs of your community.
Together we'll be able to use your knowledge and build your business.
You'll also be able to:
You'll also have the flexibility of Agency Choice Technology (ACT) which
provides options to lease/purchase technology that meets your unique needs.
You select the vendor for installation and support.
Allstate Exclusive Agents are Independent Contractors, not employees of Allstate.
Allstate Exclusive Agencies are not franchises.
Ashburn, VA


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Woodworker's Journal
For me, there is one overriding reason for using a right-tilt saw which they did not mention in their discussion.
Giving back to the community is what Torben and Catherine Helshoj, founders of Laguna Tools, try to foster as a business philosophy and model in their personal lives.
How Can I Set Accurate Bevel Tilt Angles?
Is there a Reliable Way to Glue Ipe?
Setting a Lock Miter Bit Accurately?
The painful truth is that I can be a bit of cheapskate. When I used to live in a big old 1906 vintage house, I would try to avoid starting the furnace until the end of October.
When she began woodworking, Brenda Stein's husband had told her, "Before you know it, you're going to want a lathe."
Smaller rounded heads should make for easier gluing in tight spots.
Let's say I clamp two flat boards together. Is there any way to figure out how much pressure (pounds per square inch) is exerted?


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Village of Skokie Maps
Geographic Information System (GIS)
The Village of Skokie maintains an accurate and sophisticated geographic information system (GIS). The Village joined the GIS Consortium in 2005 and is one of 23 area municipal member communities united by the goal of enabling GIS technology for Village staff and residents. GIS integrates maps and other geographical data for capturing, managing, analyzing and displaying all types of geographically referenced information. GIS technology works by linking information in databases to a specific place or location and allows users to visualize where things are with descriptive and illustrated information. GIS can be used for nearly everything from scientific investigations, environmental impact assessments and urban planning to sales and marketing.
My Skokie Property SearchThe Village of Skokie offers My Skokie Property Search, a detailed property search where you can find your refuse and recycling pickup dates, school district, zoning and much more. You can also view aerial photography, measure distance and area, draw, create and print maps.
To begin searching please enter an address.
Click here to see a listing of available commercial properties located in the Village of Skokie. For more information on these properties please contact Leslie Murphy, Economic Development Specialist, at 847/933-8446.
Benchmarks in Skokie
A benchmark provides precise information, including the height and location of a certain geographic point, for the use in surveying. Skokie provides over 100 benchmarks, most of which are classified as having second order accuracy. Please click here to view the benchmark interactive map..
Bicycling in Skokie
For a map of existing bicycle routes in Skokie please click here (Interactive Map). To learn about the Bicycle Facilities Plan that identifies existing and future bike routes in Skokie please click here.
Community Map (Skokie Street Map)
A print copy of the Village of Skokie Community map is available in the Village Manager's Office or by calling 847/933-8257.
Downtown Skokie Parking Map
For more information on Downtown Skokie, click here.
Recycling Map (Interactive Map)
- Monday collection: Residents living east of Kostner Avenue and north of Greenleaf Street have recycling collection every Monday.
- Tuesday collection: Residents living east of Kostner Avenue and south of Greenelaf Street have recycling collection every Tuesday.
- Thursday collection: Residents living west of Kostner Avenue and north of Greenleaf Street have recycling collection every Thursday.
- Friday collection: Residents living west of Kostner Avenue and south of Greenleaf Street have recycling collection every Friday.
- Monday and Thursday collection: If you live on the north side of Greenleaf Street or north of Greenleaf Street, refuse is collected on Monday and Thursday.
- Tuesday and Friday collection: If you live on the south side of Greenleaf Street or south of Greenleaf Street, refuse is collected on Tuesday and Friday.
School District Map
For more information on Skokie public school districts, click here.
TIF District Maps
To see maps of TIF Districts in Skokie, please click the links below. Click here for an interactive map of all three TIF Districts. For more information on Redevelopment Plans and TIF Districts in Skokie, please click here.
- Amended Downtown TIF District Map
- Illinois Science + Technology Park TIF District Map
- West Dempster Street TIF District Map
Zip Codes Map
To see the boundaries for the three zip codes in Skokie, please click here (Interactive Map).
Zoning Map (Interactive Zoning Map)
A print copy of the Zoning map can be purchased for $12 from the Planning Division at 847/933-8447.
Voting Districts Map
For information on where to vote, visit www.voterinfonet.com


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16 U.S. Code § 6210 - Right of appeal and judicial review
(a) Right of appeal
Notwithstanding any action of a cabin owner to exercise rights in accordance with section 6209 of this title, the Secretary shall by regulation grant the cabin owner the right to an administrative appeal of the determination of a new base cabin user fee.
Source(Pub. L. 106–291, title VI, § 611,Oct. 11, 2000, 114 Stat. 1021.)
The table below lists the classification updates, since Jan. 3, 2012, for this section. Updates to a broader range of sections may be found at the update page for containing chapter, title, etc.
The most recent Classification Table update that we have noticed was Tuesday, August 13, 2013
An empty table indicates that we see no relevant changes listed in the classification tables. If you suspect that our system may be missing something, please double-check with the Office of the Law Revision Counsel.
|Description of Change
|Session Year
|Public Law
|Statutes at Large
LII has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references LII.


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Product Recall: We are voluntarily recalling fewer than 8,000 cases of regular Kraft American Singles Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Productlimited to 4 SKUs on two "Best When Used By" dates of February 20, 2015 and February 21, 2015. Click Here.
PREPARE cake batter and bake as directed on package for 24 cupcakes, blending 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp.) dry drink mix into batter before spooning into prepared muffin cups. Cool in pans 10 min. Remove to wire racks; cool completely.
MIX remaining drink mix with frosting in medium bowl until blended. Gently stir in COOL WHIP. Spread onto cupcakes.


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The Iowa Supreme Court is hearing a case that could shape the future of how solar power is sold in the state and region.
The case involves electric companies and Eagle Point Solar, a Dubuque solar energy company.
Attorneys and advocates for both sides will argue in front of the high court Wednesday.
Eagle Point Solar wants to install its solar systems on businesses or city buildings and then sell the electricity produced back to the entity.
Attorneys for the electric companies say the arrangement violates state law, which gives the electric companies exclusive rights to those customers.
The Des Moines Register reports (http://dmreg.co/1msUQFa ) the Iowa Supreme Court will determine if Eagle Point Solar should be classified under state law as a public utility like the electric companies.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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December 21, 1966. One of the Governors present at the ranch on Dec. 21, 1966, is John Connally of Texas, who has just won election to a third term with 74% of the vote. His relationship with the President has lately become more fraught: Connally opposes two pieces of 1966 legislation supported by the White House: raising the minimum wage and repeal of right-to-work provisions in the Taft-Hartley Act. Especially egregious to Connally was the FBI monitoring of Texas voter registrations in March 1966. According to George Christian, who worked for both men:
"Connally wanted to be independent. He didn't want to be identified as just 'Lyndon's boy John' type of thing. He had his own views on things.He was quite upset at some of the things that the federal government was doing in Texas, and he sounded off. If he didn't like it, he'd call Marvin Watson or Willard Wirtz or whoever he could get to‑‑….The President made reference from time to time that John was more conservative than he was, 'John doesn't feel the same as I do on that,' or something to that effect. But he knew it. He might think in his own mind, 'Old John's wrong on that.' But I never heard him say anything mean or anything of that nature about John Connally. Now I heard him say some things about lots of people, but I don't recall him ever, ever referring to John Connally in any demeaning fashion. In the first place he had very great respect for him. And one of the few people I think that the President just really has up on a pedestal."
Transcript, George Christian Oral History Interview IV, 6/30/70, by Joe B. Frantz. Photo is LBJ and Gov. Connally (in foreground) at the Houston Astrodome, 04/09/1965, #A267-12. Both from the LBJ Presidential Library.
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Order wholesale safety products and promotional wellness products in bulk at cheap prices for promotional giveaways, tradeshows or merchandise for your store. These personalized wellness products and safety items can be custom printed with your logos, names or images.
We have an extent selection of wholesale safety products and promotional wellness products. You can choose from over 160 different products that can be customized for all of your promotional needs. If youre a company trying to expand and promote your business and services, than you know giving out promotional products has been proven to be one of the most cost-effective ways to advertise any business. We have custom pill boxes, hand sanitizers, first aid kits, lotions, sun blocks, pedometers, bandage dispensers and more. You can give these custom safety items out at your next tradeshow, convention or promotional giveaway event. You can choose from a variety of designs and colors, depending on the products, and get them printed with your logo or company name. They can serve as a marketing tool for you for when your clients use these products they will have your information displayed on them. Everyone will be appreciative of your company trying to raise safety and wellness awareness. They will be able to use these promotional safety items in their everyday lives for themselves and their families at home.
All of our promotional wellness products and safety items can be bought in bulk at wholesale prices for stores, pharmacies, hospitals and other healthcare related facilities to have available for sale or to give out to their patients and customers. They can be customized and printed with logos, names or images, or they can be ordered blank. You can order products such as lip balms, printed clipboards, stethoscope accessories, travel kits, dental products or health equipment. Show everyone your safety and health concerns by having these personalized wellness products and safety items available at all times at your business.
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Wendy's® Nutrition Facts
Asiago Ranch Chicken Club Sandwich, Spicy Fillet
tender, all-white meat Spicy chicken fillet topped with 3 strips of thick-cut Applewood smoked bacon, natural Asiago cheese, creamy ranch sauce, lettuce and sliced tomatoes
Spicy Chicken Fillet: Chicken Breast, Water, Seasoning (salt, spice, sodium phosphate [sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium polyphosphates, glassy], modified corn starch, paprika, natural flavor, extractives of paprika, extractives of turmeric). Battered and Breaded with: Wheat Flour, Water, Salt, Modified Corn Starch, Bleached Wheat Flour, Wheat Gluten, Spice, Gum Arabic, Egg White Solids, Spice Extractives, Yellow Corn Flour, Leavening (sodium acid pyrophosphate, sodium bicarbonate, monocalcium phosphate), Extractives of Paprika. Cooked in Vegetable Oil (soybean oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, hydrogenated soybean oil, citric acid [preservative], dimethylpolysiloxane [anti-foaming agent]). Cooked in the same oil as menu items that contain Fish (where available). CONTAINS: EGG, WHEAT.
Premium Bun: Enriched Flour (wheat flour, malted barley flour, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, niacin, iron, folic acid), Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Yeast, Soy and/or Canola Oil, Wheat Gluten, Contains 2% or less of the following: Salt, Dough Conditioners (contains one or more of the following: sodium stearoyl lactylate, ascorbic acid, azodicarbonamide, mono and diglycerides, DATEM, calcium peroxide, calcium sulfate, L-cysteine, enzymes), Yeast Nutrients (contains one or more of the following: ammonium sulfate, tricalcium phosphate, ammonium chloride), Modified Food Starch, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Wheat Starch, Maltodextrin, Gum Arabic, Calcium Carbonate, Calcium Propionate (preservative). Topped with Yellow Corn Meal. CONTAINS: WHEAT.
Applewood Smoked Bacon, 3 Strips: Pork Cured With: Water, Salt, Sugar, Sodium Phosphates, Sodium Erythorbate, Sodium Nitrite.
Natural Asiago Cheese: Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes. CONTAINS: MILK.
Tomatoes, 1-2 slices.
Ranch Sauce: Soybean Oil, Buttermilk, Water, Distilled Vinegar, Egg Yolk, Asiago Cheese (part skim milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes), Sugar, Granular, Swiss and Parmesan Cheese (milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes), Garlic (including dehydrated), Seasoning (salt, garlic & onion [dehydrated], sour cream solids [cream, non fat milk, cultures], buttermilk solids, sugar, spice, whey solids, lactic & citric acids, parsley), Salt, Onion (dehydrated), Xanthan Gum, Egg Whites (dehydrated), Natural Flavors, Spices, Dry Skim Milk, Citric Acid, Butter (cream, salt), Whey, Lactic Acid. CONTAINS: EGG, MILK.
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Could Jaromir Jagr be thinking about a return to the NHL? It sounds like he hasn't ruled it out.
Minutes after helping the Czech Republic defeat Russia for the bronze medal at the World Hockey Championship, Jagr was asked by the Edmonton Journal about the possibility of resuming his NHL career.
Jagr spent most of his 17-year NHL career with the Pittsburgh Penguins, a team that now boasts two of the best players in the game.
"You never know. Maybe it will be still fun to go back to NHL. Maybe Pittsburgh. I don't know. Maybe Montreal. Maybe New York," Jagr told the Journal. "Pittsburgh, I played there for a long time. Mario (Lemieux) is the owner. It's better to play with great centres like (Sidney) Crosby and (Evgeni) Malkin, this game is a little bit easier and I'm not young anymore."
After 11 seasons with the Penguins, Jagr was traded to the Washington Capitals, where he spent less than three years before moving on to the New York Rangers.
After the 2007-08 campaign, Jagr decided to sign with Omsk of the Kontinental Hockey League, where he has played at close to a point-per-game clip for three seasons.
But it sounds like Omsk may not be in his future, leaving the door open for a possible return to the NHL.
"I don't know if they really want me to come back or not. I feel they don't even want me to go back. I'll have to wait and see," Jagr told the Journal.
Should he return, Pittsburgh would not be the only team on his list of possible destinations.
"New York, I always had a great feeling about that city. They gave me a second chance. I never forget about that," Jagr told the newspaper. "And Montreal and Canada, it's totally different hockey. The fans are crazy about hockey and I've never played in Canada in my life. You never know."
In the NHL, Jagr scored 646 goals and added 953 assists for 1,599 points in 1,273 games. He won five scoring titles, one Hart Trophy and two Stanley Cups.
At the recent World Hockey Championship, he scored five goals and added four assists for nine points in nine games, including a hat-trick against the United States in the quarter-finals.


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REVENGE - "Illumination" - Eli wants to know more about Victoria and the rest of the Graysons.
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