m2a0y

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... a monthly column presenting five random topics of interest associated with the underlying themes of the site ... music . dance . life . art . culture ... 

music
The Library of Congress recently launched Citizen DJ, a project by Brian Foo developed during his time as an Innovator-in-Residence at the Library of Congress. Inviting the public to create music using the Library’s public audio and moving image collections, the Library hopes listeners can discover items in the Library's vast collections that they likely would never have known existed.  It is an immersive experience quickly increasing in popularity around the world recently, but has been used in a lot of gaming systems over the last couple of years.

dance
Limitations on life open new possibilities for the exploration of accessible classes, projects, and performances across the globe. Ten professional dancers share their insight on what is working, what is not, and the potential for new audiences, while Dancing Alone Together.

life
One of the persistent questions in cosmology is the speed of expansion of the universe, and the rate at which it is increasing.  A paper last published in Physical Review D, two collaborators reasoned expansion would speed up as more dark matter decayed over time.  Currently, with no way to prove the theory, it remains a wait and see situation.

art
Offering a different sort concept tattoo, Sasha Unisex of St Petersburg designs brightly colored prismatic watercolor skin art.  Detailing her process through social media channels, Sasha offers the option of trying out her designs through print or temporary tattoos, before committing permanent ink.

culture
A glance back at the apprehension and mistrust associated with the pandemic of 100 years ago. "The influenza pandemic did long-lasting damage to relationships in some American communities." and history seems to be repeating itself in approach and attitudes.

site
The restoration process is complete. All event photos and articles are fully restored.  The backstory is discontinued in favor of writing on specific events within already existing associated blog posts.  

Always looking to expand content, if interested in writing a column similar to this, any one of these topics, or have your own idea, leave a comment below or get in touch with the editor at phocas.net.

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a kc rep carol

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An evening with the  Kansas City Repertory  interpretation of the Charles Dickens tale, "A Christmas Carol," turned out an excellent performance in this 43rd rendition the classic.  A diverse representation of performers stood for nary a slip in their execution.  The narrator stumbled a couple of times but recovered so quick, it was hard to accept that it had really occurred. When you have that many lines, it is hard not to miss one here and there though. Early in the opening acts of the show, a phone voiced its annoying melody.  However, nobody on stage missed a beat, or even blinked, as the device quickly silenced.  Technology is hard for some, I suppose.   It was not for the production though! A revolving set appeared well manicured and suitable for every angle of the production, and actors flowed seamlessly across and between scenes.   Extending into the audience as well, extras sometime enhanced the lighting and sound, prior to thei...
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contrasting garden glow

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This date after Thanksgiving our crew remained a bit more local, visiting the  Festival of Lights at Powell Gardens .  The experience is quite a contrast with the effort last year in St Louis.   Many of the displays stand out nicely, as do a few very intentional arrangements in random locations.  They are well-placed for interaction and photographs. However, sidewalks lined with lighting stretch in random directions without any sort of guidance, seemingly without intent or construct.   The paths occasionally intersect, sometimes through tunnels of light, which is the highest level of interactivity.  Treats are available for purchase at multiple locations, but only one contains enough warmth to encourage folks to linger any length of time. Other fires pale in comparison, making the only other temperature refuge beyond the main building, Santa's workshop.  He was very busy there, enjoying the company and a photo shoot among the y...
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colorado koshare kiva

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A visit to a local Native American museum in Colorado revealed some interesting facts and inspiring artwork, in spite of their lacking ability to display artifacts. Having read about the collection online, we were very much looking forward to visiting the Koshare Indian Museum in La Junta, Colorado.  Excitement turned to disappointment when we were greeted by a plain white sign indicating the government was up to their usual antics.  The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act  does serve a greater purpose.  However, there should probably allowances for special situations, if nothing else, in the interest of continuing to educate and inform, while in process. In spite of the mandate, the space is not lacking in form or artistic presence. One of the most notable features is the largest self-supported log roof in the world.  Spanning an 18-meter room, six hundred and twenty logs support their own weight of 36...
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weston wassailing

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  A random encounter with wassailers in Weston found them shuffling along peddling their vocal wares on the opening day of festivities at Historic Weston Orchard & Vineyard .  They had chosen the perfect day, with a bright shining sun and temperatures lurking about 0ºC, though seemed a bit confused about their role. This gang of carolers were attempting to apply house wassailing to the setting.  As this was an orchard, wassailing etiquette dictates they wander about reciting their incantations and singing to the trees of the fields in an effort to promote a good harvest for the coming year.   Shoppers appeared undeterred, mostly ignoring the misguided cretins.  They were entirely too obsessed with the small row of merchant tents where freezing sellers made every effort to hoard what little warmth they could.  In the big house, aka barn, others huddled around the cider tanks, with offered a variety of food, libations, and a more infused sort o...
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celebration of the dead in 2024

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A forecast of little more than continuing rain did not deter our trek over to Central Avenue in Kansas City, KS for the annual Dia de Muertos celebration.  The memories of last year commanded a follow-up on this cultural festivity in the hometown. The afternoon had been relatively rain-free with the sun peeking through from time to time. Arriving around 4:30 pm, we almost immediately wished that we had come sooner.  Within an hour of arrival, heavy rain sent folks scurrying for cover. We were fortunate enough to have stopped about that time to enjoy a little delicious local flavor, under a canopy, and from the very same folks as in the year before.   In spite of uncooperative weather, a general air of warmth and amiability filled the streets of Central Avenue, overcome only by opportunities to enjoy music, dancing in the streets, and some of the most delicious food and treats to be found anywhere. The lineup proved every bit as enjoyable as the y...
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gladfest friday 24

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  Various rides and thrills stretched out along N. Holmes this evening for the first night of GladFest 2024.  Below the ferris wheel, surrounding parking lots and a couple of side streets hosted tents full of a random assortment of trinkets, crafts, and of course, politicians.   One can never seem to get away from that latter crowd, though most regulated to a lot more removed from the usual bustle.  Also available for the listening pleasure of everyone, amateur talent played their hearts out on the main stage.   The event picks up again with a parade on Saturday morning and more carnival and crafts through the remainder of the day into the evening, and on into Sunday.  It did not appear much different than previous years, though with a few less folks, and a bit pricier. 
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