By Rudy Barnes, Jr.
Equal Justice under law is engraved on the U.S. Supreme Court building, and it captures the spirit of our standards of legitimacy (what is right) and justice. Religions are a primary source of the legal and moral standards of legitimacy that define justice. Ancient Judaism and Islam defined their standards of legitimacy and justice by divine law, while Jesus summarized them in the moral imperative to love God and neighbor in the greatest commandment.
In the 18th century the Enlightenment transformed religion and politics in the West with libertarian concepts of justice that included democracy, human rights and the secular rule of law. In the Islamic East, however, Islamic Law (shari’a) continued to prevail with apostasy and blasphemy laws that prohibit the freedoms of religion and speech, and with other discriminatory laws that deny women and non-Muslims equal protection of the law.
Since the early 20th century, human rights that begin with the freedoms of religion and speech have been stated priorities of U.S. foreign policy. But in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Pakistan and Turkey shari’a has prevented enforcement of those fundamental human rights, and their violation has been ignored to avoid political conflict with those allied nations.
Where shari’a asserts its supremacy over human rights and secular law, it denies justice to minorities and produces a tyranny of the majority. Promoting the freedoms of religion and speech along with equal justice under law for women and non-Muslims not only promotes justice in Islamic nations, but it also undermines the legitimacy of authoritarian leaders and radical Islamist terrorists who depend upon oppressive forms of shari’a to stifle their opposition.
That pragmatic point seems lost on President Obama. He has rewarded El Sissi’s oppressive military regime in Egypt with U.S. aid and assistance, failed to criticize Erdogan’s repressive policies in Turkey, failed to criticize Saudi Arabia for propagating an extremist form of Islamic fundamentalism (Wahhabism) worldwide, and failed to criticize Islamic nations that use apostasy and blasphemy laws to deny the freedoms of religion and speech.
This hypocrisy reflects shortsighted political expediency that has taken precedence over U.S. strategic interests in the Middle East and Africa. When the U.S. does not condemn the violation of human rights and discrimination against women and non-Muslims in Islamic nations, it promotes authoritarian regimes and radical Islamist terrorism whose legitimacy depends on denying political freedom to those who would oppose them.
Shari’a functions much like a constitution in Islamic nations and defines standards of legitimacy and justice differently than do constitutions in libertarian democracies. There can be no real justice when shari’a denies fundamental human rights, and U.S. security assistance should not be provided to any nation that denies libertarian human rights. That standard would mean no U.S. aid for those nations that enforce apostasy or blasphemy laws.
The conflict between ancient religious laws and libertarian concepts of justice is not unique to Islam. Before the Enlightenment, Judaism and Christianity enforced heresy and blasphemy laws. Since then fundamental human rights have been protected by the constitutions of libertarian democracies and international law under the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). The 1990 Cairo Declaration, however, takes exception to the ICCPR, providing that shari’a is the last word on human rights and justice in Islamic cultures.
But that’s not the end of the story. Standards of legitimacy, liberty and justice are dynamic, evidenced by the wide diversity of opinion among Islamic scholars on those standards. Progressive Muslims promote interpretations of shari’a that are consistent with libertarian concepts of human rights and justice, while fundamentalist Muslims, like their Jewish and Christian counterparts, resist any change to their ancient religious doctrines and laws.
The greatest commandment to love God and our neighbors as we love ourselves is a common word of faith for Jews, Christians and Muslims alike. The Apostle Paul cited that commandment as a precedent for justice in all religions when he asserted that Jewish Law was fulfilled by the moral imperative to love our neighbors as ourselves (see Romans 13:8-10). While human rights were unknown in Paul’s ancient times, his precedent for justice requires that today we share the liberty we love for ourselves with our neighbors at home and abroad.
Notes and Related Commentary:
On how political expediency has been a rationale for ignoring the violation of human rights in Egypt, see https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/global-opinions/egypt-and-iran-have-the-same-problem--and-the-same-answer/2016/09/22/1b970644-8103-11e6-8327-f141a7beb626_story.html?utm_term=.80891d90de94&wpisrc=nl_opinions&wpmm=1and the same in Bahrain, see https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/global-opinions/the-obama-administration-rewards-repression-in-bahrain/2016/10/26/b21c4e58-9ae9-11e6-9980-50913d68eacb_story.html?utm_term=.2fe25024d195&wpisrc=nl_opinions&wpmm=1.
On Erdogan’s repression of fundamental freedoms in Turkey, see https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/a-cult-of-personality-dashes-turkeys-democratic-dreams/2016/10/31/5451c1f6-9f9c-11e6-8d63-3e0a660f1f04_story.html?utm_term=.88689f2b6613&wpisrc=nl_opinions&wpmm=1.
On the danger of Wahhabism, see http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/14/opinion/mohammad-javad-zarif-let-us-rid-the-world-of-wahhabism.html?smprod=nytcore-iphone&smid=nytcore-iphone-share&_r=0.
On the need for Islam to accept fundamental human rights and equal protection of the law for all, see http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/726912/Muslim-Charlie-Hebdo-journalist-Zineb-El-Rhazoui-Islam-no-religion-peace.
On President Obama’s hypocrisy in ignoring human rights in foreign policy, see https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/obama-criticizes-past-presidents-foreign-policies-but-how-different-is-his/2016/09/14/5f0afcfa-7a96-11e6-bd86-b7bbd53d2b5d_story.html?utm_term=.5d3a9ac0267d&wpisrc=nl_headlines&wpmm=1.
On President Obama’s acknowledgement that ISIS is a “twisted ideology” that cannot be defeated on the battleground, see https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/obama-islamic-state-will-inevitably-be-defeated-but-networks-will-persist/2016/08/04/18198978-5a5d-11e6-8b48-0cb344221131_story.html?wpisrc=nl_headlines&wpmm=1.
On the greatest commandment as a common word of faith, see http://www.jesusmeetsmuhammad.com/2015/01/the-greatest-commandment-common-word-of.html.
On religion, human rights and national security, see http://www.jesusmeetsmuhammad.com/2015/05/religion-human-rights-and-national.html.
On oppresso de liber: Where religion and military power intersect, see http://www.jesusmeetsmuhammad.com/2015/05/de-oppresso-liber-where-religion-and.html.
On the relevance of religion to politics, see http://www.jesusmeetsmuhammad.com/2016/04/the-relevance-of-religion-to-politics.html.
On the causes of religious violence and how to combat them, see http://www.jesusmeetsmuhammad.com/2016/04/the-causes-of-religious-violence-and.html.
On religious violence and the dilemma of freedom and democracy, see http://www.jesusmeetsmuhammad.com/2016/04/religious-violence-and-dilemma-of.html.
On the freedoms of religion and speech as essentials of liberty and law, see http://www.religionlegitimacyandpolitics.com/2016/08/the-freedoms-of-religion-and-speech.html.
On liberty in law: a matter of man’s law, not God’s law, see http://www.religionlegitimacyandpolitics.com/2016/09/liberty-in-law-matter-of-mans-law-not.html.
On the evolution of religion and politics from oppression to freedom, see http://www.religionlegitimacyandpolitics.com/2016/09/the-evolution-of-religion-and-politics.html.
On the differing perspectives of Islamic scholars on concepts of justice, see Religion, Legitimacy and the Law: Shari’a, Democracy and Human Rights, see https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4qPfb4MvEswV2ZHS3hyWTcwbmc/view at pp 10-17.


This download is inspired by the geckos at the Zealandia Ecosanctuary in Karori.
Known as the Moko kakariki / Wellington Green Gecko or Barking Gecko because when they are threatened they make a defensive barking call!
Some facts about these geckos:
– they are active in daytime
– they are often found in forest and shrub
– they can live for more than 45 years
– NZ geckos play a vital role in plant pollination, especially flax and pohutukawa
– they spread seeds by eating fruit
– they primarily feed on insects. Yum!
– Team Tuffs


The Fluxus Art Movement at it’s core was an interdisciplinary movement that’s main focus was on the process of art and not the final ‘product’.
Art is essentially two things – an expression of creativity and an echo of freedom. Throughout our history, humans have shown a natural urge for freedom of imagination and expression.
However, time and again controversial art has tested our commitment to artistic freedom. The idea that everyone has a right to decide what type of art they want to create or receive might be widely accepted.
Yet, history stands as a proof that every time the idea is put into practice, it has raised more eyebrows than hands to applaud.
In 1961, an unusual but revolutionary concept of art was introduced by George Maciunas. The art historian from Lithuania named this concept Fluxus.
Inspired by a composer, John Cage, a group of aspiring artists set out on a path to create art without the concept of an eventual end.
They struggled to free art from the reigns of conventional practices and instead introduce spontaneity and infinity to it. They carried on the bequest for the next twenty years.
Let’s explore more about this form of art and the realms of artistic freedom!
What Is The Fluxus Art Movement?
Fluxus is a Latin word which means flowing. In English, it is an act of flowing out. The founder of Fluxus, Maciunas, believed Fluxus was to “promote a revolutionary flood and tide in art, promote living art, anti-art.” Fluxus strongly resonates with the art movement of the early twentieth century, Dadaism.
The supporters of Dadaism rooted for the idea of blurring the line between life and art with a touch of humor.
They believed that there should be no definitions of what an artwork should be and rejected the impositions made by museums and other art institutions.
Fluxus was thus, experimental with the notion of expressing without limitations. This sat well with George Maciunas, who openly expressed that art performances should “flow” freely.
In 1961, the first Fluxus event was presented at the AG Gallery in New York. This event was followed by festivals in Europe in the year 1962. The most prominent centers of Fluxus activity were New York, Japan and Germany at the time.
When the founder, Maciunas, himself was asked to define Fluxus, he would play recordings of barking dogs and honking geese. Although the inquirer would be baffled at first, the explanation would become plain and simple. Fluxus was the experimentation and expression of absurdity at its core. The performances of Fluxus became commonly known as “Events.”
The Fluxus Manifesto
George Maciunas, like many of his peers, preferred to set forth his concept through a manifesto. The Fluxus manifesto was itself a piece of art that comprised of various dictionary definitions of the word “flux.” It also consisted of handwritten notes that elaborated the concept further.
The definition of fluxus as a purging or outflow of fluids, Maciunas put down:
“Purge the world of bourgeois sickness, ‘intellectual,’ professional & commercialized culture, PURGE the world of dead art, imitation, artificial art, abstract art, illusionistic art, mathematical art — PURGE THE WORLD OF ‘EUROPANISM’!”
He went on to promote a revolutionary flood and tide in art and expressed his desire to take the non art reality to the common masses, rather than limiting it to critics, dilettantes and professionals.
He demanded to fuse the the cultural, social and political revolutionaries into a united front and action.
The Key Artists of Fluxus
An interesting thing about Fluxus is that it wasn’t really a movement, in fact it was more about a network or community. Due to this very reason, it is difficult to categorize the key Fluxus artists.
It was a community of visual artists, poets, writers, composers, etc. Many of whom were part of the community only for a short period of time.
The Fluxus community can be better described as a group of artists who wanted to liberate art out of the clutches of elitist institutions. They wanted to bring art to the masses to show that art and life could be fluidly interchangeable.
If George Maciunas can be called the father of the Fluxus Art, John Cage can be regarded as the ideological founder. Both of them contributed a great deal to the spread of the idea.
Maciunas studied architecture, art history, graphic design and musicology, while Cage was a composer, music theorist, artist and philosopher.
Other prominent avant-garde artists who are known as key Fluxus artists from the 60s are Joseph Beuys, Ben Vautier, Alice Hutchins, Yoko Ono, Robert Watts, Dick Higgins, Nam June Paik, Emmett Williams and Benjamin Patterson.
Fluxus did not have a single binding style that categorized the Fluxus artists under one umbrella.
Fluxus artists adopted a number of mediums and an autonomous style to create art. They would often stage random performances and use any material available for artwork.
The fans of Fluxus would regard it as democratic form of art that would embrace anyone unlike conventional standards of art. Artists would collaborate with different forms of art to create unique work.
But above all, they encouraged simplicity and anti-commercialism. This allowed spontaneity and free flow to be an integral part of Fluxus art. Humor was also an important element of Fluxus art.
A french artist, Ben Vautier, was especially known for his affiliation with this type of art. One of his famous Fluxus artworks was Total Art Matchbox from 1966. This art piece was a simple box of matches with some unique instructions printed on the cover. It said:
“USE THESE MATCHES TO DESTROY ALL ART – MUSEUMS ART LIBRARY’S – READY-MADES – POP-ART AND AS I BEN SIGNED EVERYTHING WORK OF ART – BURN – ANYTHING – KEEP LAST MATCH FOR THIS MATCH.”
Ben Vautier’s Total Art Matchbox was an exemplary anti-art piece of the Fluxus movement.
Fluxus started with George Maciunas and unfortunately, came to an early end with his demise. The father of Fluxus died in 1978, which also marks the end of Fluxus in the history of art. Eventually, Fluxus turned into an event, known as Fluxfeast and Wake. In this event, foods that were black, white or purple were served.
Many artists still continued their work, but all of it wasn’t considered to be Fluxus anymore. The Fluxus movement might have died with the passing away of the founder. But to this day, you can find the reflection of Fluxus in digital art performances, land and street art, graffiti, etc.
In fact, as long as there are artists who work beyond the physical boundaries of museum systems, the world will continue to witness artistic freedom testing its wings!


What’s a Rain Garden
Why is a Rain Garden Important?
A rain garden is an attractive native plant garden with a purpose: to protect local streams, rivers and the Chesapeake Bay. Rain water (or snowfall) is routed to the garden and filtered by the plants and soils in the garden. Rain gardens use a combination of soils and water-tolerant native plants to catch and hold runoff, a concept known as bioretention. The soils and plants then naturally filter out pollutants found in rain and runoff helping to protect local streams, rivers and the Chesapeake Bay.
Impervious surfaces, like rooftops, roads and parking lots, do not absorb or allow the infiltration of rainfall. As a result, more rainwater travels over the surface, washing various pollutants like excess nutrients, lead, copper, engine oil, gasoline and engine coolant collected on these surfaces into local streams, rivers and eventually the Chesapeake Bay. Planting a rain garden in your yard may seem like a small thing, but capturing the first inch of water from a storm in a rain garden keeps 90% of pollutants and nutrients out of the local streams and rivers. Keeping rain where it falls by putting it into a rain garden will help protect our rivers, streams and the Chesapeake Bay.
- Matt Fleming
Chesapeake & Coastal Service Unit Director
Photo of Rain Garden Courtesy of NRCS
For more information:
Take time to volunteer in your neighborhood or community. Volunteering is a great way to make new connections and find people who share your interests. There are many opportunities and your contribution will be appreciated.
Find out what is going on in your area. Links for event calendars from other agencies and organizations are included in our list. If you have a question about a specific event, make sure to contact the group hosting the event.
Sustainability TipInstall a rain garden or rain barrel to catch rainwater. Stormwater rushing off of roofs and lawns carries pollution directly into streams and the Bay. Rain gardens and rain barrels slow the water down and keep pollution out of our waters. Click here for other helpful information.
Join the Sustainability Network
The Sustainability Network is a place where interested citizens, businesses and organizations can share ideas on projects and make connections between others who share their interest.


What Is Photonics and Its Significance?
Photonics is the science and technology of generating, controlling, and detecting light - specifically photons, which are the fundamental particles that make up light. This rapidly expanding field has gained immense importance due to its versatility and efficiency in various applications, ranging from telecommunications and healthcare to manufacturing and military defense.
Photonics is at the core of many modern devices and systems, offering significant advantages in speed, energy-efficiency, and reliability compared to traditional electronic-based technologies. As technology continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, photonics technology is rapidly emerging as a key force shaping the future of diverse industries. This innovative field of optics and photonics has the potential to revolutionize modern life, making it critical for businesses and consumers alike to understand its far-reaching implications.
- Photonics technology is poised to revolutionize various industries, including telecommunications, healthcare, and manufacturing.
- Optics and photonics are critical elements in the ongoing evolution of modern technology, and understanding their potential is crucial for staying ahead.
- Innovations in silicon photonics are driving improvements across diverse applications, leading to more integrated and efficient optical systems.
- Emerging trends in photonics technology have the potential to reshape both industry and society in the years to come.
- Awareness and understanding of these advancements will be vital in navigating the rapidly changing landscape of the tech-driven world.
Fundamental Principles of Photonics
This field has its foundations in physics, engineering, and material sciences. Due to its multidisciplinary nature, photonics not only plays a pivotal role in scientific advancements but also brings practical and innovative solutions to various sectors. Comprehending the fundamental principles and core components of photonics is essential to understand its impact on various industries and daily life.
Photonics technology's growth has followed an upward trajectory, thanks to continuous breakthroughs and innovative research. Here are the fundamental components and underlying technologies that drive photonics:
Optical components: These elements manipulate light through various processes such as reflection, refraction, diffraction, and absorption. Examples include lenses, mirrors, and filters.
Light sources: Devices like lasers and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) generate light with specific wavelengths and properties to serve practical applications.
Optical detectors: Photodetectors and image sensors are used to capture and convert light into electrical signals, enabling the processing and analysis of information.
Optical materials: These are specialized materials that enable the transmission, manipulation, and control of light. They include glass, transparent polymers, and semiconductor materials with unique properties.
Bridging the Gap: From Research to Application
While photonics research has produced numerous pioneering technologies, the path from research to tangible applications in everyday life has not always been straightforward. However, recent strides in photonics engineering and commercialization are closing this gap, as researchers address challenges related to scaling, integration, manufacturability, and cost. These success stories in this regard demonstrate the tremendous potential of photonics technology to make a lasting impact on various aspects of human life and industry.
Telecommunications and Data Transfer
In the field of telecommunications and data transfer, photonics stands as a cornerstone technology, revolutionizing how information is transmitted and received. Central to this revolution is the use of fiber-optic cables, which employ light to carry data over long distances with minimal loss and interference, vastly surpassing the capabilities of traditional copper wires. The inherent properties of light, such as high frequency and wavelength division multiplexing, allow for the transmission of vast amounts of data at incredibly high speeds, a necessity in our ever-expanding digital world.
Photonics also facilitates the development of optical switches and routers, enhancing the efficiency and speed of network infrastructures. This technology is crucial in enabling the backbone of the internet and in supporting the burgeoning demand for cloud computing and high-bandwidth applications like video streaming and online gaming. Furthermore, photonic advancements in satellite communication offer global connectivity, bridging geographical gaps and bringing high-speed internet to remote areas. The application of photonics in telecommunications and data transfer not only marks a significant leap in communication technology but also plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of global connectivity and information exchange.
Medical Diagnostics and Treatment
Photonics has profoundly impacted healthcare and medical diagnostics and treatment, offering innovative, non-invasive, and highly efficient solutions. In diagnostics, photonic technologies are essential in advanced imaging techniques like MRI, CT scans, and endoscopy, providing detailed internal views of the body without the need for surgical intervention. Optical coherence tomography, another photonic invention, allows for high-resolution images of the eye and other tissues, aiding in early disease detection. In treatment, lasers, a key photonic tool, are utilized in a variety of medical procedures, including corrective eye surgery, tumor removal, and the precise targeting of cancer cells in photodynamic therapy.
Photonics also enables the development of wearable sensors for continuous monitoring of vital signs, playing a crucial role in patient care and telemedicine. Additionally, in biomedical research, photonics technology facilitates advanced microscopy and spectroscopy, enhancing our understanding of diseases at a molecular level. The integration of photonics in healthcare and medical diagnostics and treatment not only improves patient outcomes but also opens new avenues for medical research and the development of innovative treatment methods.
In the manufacturing industry, photonics plays a transformative role, significantly enhancing the efficiency, precision, and capabilities of various production processes. Central to this impact is the use of laser technology, a cornerstone of photonic applications in manufacturing. Lasers, characterized by their high intensity and accuracy, are utilized for cutting, welding, and engraving a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics, and ceramics. This allows for the production of complex and intricate components with unparalleled precision and speed, essential in sectors like automotive, aerospace, and electronics.
Furthermore, photonic technologies enable non-contact measurement and inspection systems, crucial for quality control in manufacturing lines. These systems employ optical sensors and imaging techniques to detect defects and ensure the accuracy of components, thereby reducing waste and enhancing product quality. The integration of photonics in manufacturing also paves the way for advanced processes like 3D printing and microfabrication, allowing for the creation of components with complex geometries that were previously impossible to manufacture. Additionally, the energy efficiency and minimal environmental impact of photonics technology aligns with the growing emphasis on sustainable manufacturing practices. Overall, the application of photonics in the manufacturing industry represents a significant leap forward in production technologies, offering increased precision, efficiency, and sustainability in the creation of modern products.
Defense and Security
In the realm of defense and security, photonics plays a crucial and multifaceted role, providing advanced technologies that enhance the capabilities of military and security operations. Photonics is integral in the development of high-precision laser systems used for targeting and guidance, offering accuracy and reliability in critical mission scenarios. The technology also underpins sophisticated night vision and thermal imaging equipment, enabling soldiers to operate effectively in low-light or obscured visibility conditions.
Moreover, photonics contributes to secure communication systems, using light-based transmission to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive information. In surveillance and reconnaissance, photonic sensors and imaging systems are employed for detailed observation and monitoring, aiding in intelligence gathering and situational awareness. Additionally, photonics is instrumental in the development of directed energy weapons, which use concentrated light for defense and strategic purposes. These applications not only demonstrate the diverse utility of photonics in defense and security but also underscore its significance in advancing the safety and efficacy of these critical sectors.
Advancements in Photonics Engineering
The field of photonics engineering has seen rapid development in the last few decades, fueled by groundbreaking innovations in silicon photonics, the fascinating intersection of photonics and quantum computing. These advancements have had a profound impact on the technology landscape and have the potential to revolutionize industries across the board.
Innovations in Silicon Photonics
Silicon photonics has emerged as a key driver in the evolution of photonics technology. This is due to its ability to integrate electronic and optical components on a single chip, enabling seamless information processing, transmission, and communication. As a result, a new era of efficient and scalable optical systems is being ushered in. Recent advancements include optical transceivers capable of handling ever-increasing data rates, on-chip photonic integrated circuits for complex functionalities, and modulators that enable faster optical switching. These innovations are making a significant impact in areas such as telecommunications, data centers, and high-performance computing.
The Intersection of Photonics and Quantum Computing
An exciting development at the technological intersection of photonics and quantum computing has been the exploration of photonic quantum computing architectures. These systems utilize uniquely quantum properties of light - such as entanglement and superposition - to process and manipulate information in powerful new ways that could considerably surpass the capabilities of classical computers. Research in this domain includes the development of quantum communication networks based on photonics technology, efforts to build scalable, modular photonic qubits, and the design of advanced optical components to enable precise control of photon states. The convergence of photonics and quantum computing could result in unprecedented advances in processing power, data security, and cryptography.
Trends Shaping the Future of Photonics Technology
As we continue to push the boundaries of technology, emerging photonics plays a critical role in shaping the future of various industries. Here are the future photonics trends and the potential growth areas that are poised to transform scientific research and applications across various sectors.
One of the most notable trends in the field of photonics is the development and implementation of integrated photonics. This technology allows the combination of multiple photonic components onto a single chip, resulting in compact, cost-effective, and high-performance systems. As more industries recognize the benefits of integrated photonics, we can expect increased adoption and continued innovations in this area.
Photonics in Sustainable and Renewable Energy
The global demand for clean and renewable energy solutions has led to the exploration of photonics technology in sustainable energy applications. Future photonics trends will likely include advancements in photovoltaic cells, energy-efficient lighting, and new materials capable of harnessing solar energy more effectively. These innovations have the potential to significantly contribute to global efforts towards reducing carbon emissions and promoting green energy initiatives.
Biophotonics, a branch of photonics focused on the study and manipulation of light in biological systems, is poised to have a tremendous impact on the medical field. From advanced imaging techniques to targeted and minimally invasive therapies, the applications of biophotonics will play a pivotal role in enhancing our understanding and treatment of various diseases.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Photonics
As artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning continue to make strides across various industries, we can expect photonics technology to benefit from this advancement. Incorporating AI and machine learning into photonics systems would lead to more intelligent devices capable of self-optimization, faster signal processing, and improved decision-making. This synergy has the potential to revolutionize numerous applications, including autonomous vehicles, smart cities, and personalized healthcare.
Photonics in Space Exploration and Communications
Photonics technology has long been a crucial component in the exploration and study of outer space. Future advancements in photonics are expected to enhance satellite communication systems, improve imaging capabilities on spacecraft, and facilitate the development of space-based telescopes. These technologies will play an essential role in deepening our understanding of the cosmos and potentially enable human colonization beyond Earth.
As the field of photonics continues to expand at a rapid pace, understanding these emerging trends can offer valuable insights into the future of technology. The impact of these developments is not limited to a single sector; instead, they will have far-reaching consequences, transforming the way we learn, communicate, and interact with the world around us.
How do you define photonics in simple terms?
Photonics is the science and technology of generating, controlling, and detecting light. It plays a critical role in modern technology development by harnessing the power of light to enable significant advancements in various industries and applications.
Will photonics ever replace electronics?
Photonics is unlikely to completely replace electronics but rather complement and enhance electronic technologies in various applications.
What are the disadvantages of photonics?
The main disadvantages of photonics include high initial costs, complexity in integration with existing systems, and a current lack of widespread technical expertise.
What is the difference between optics and photonics?
Optics generally deals with the study of light and its properties, while photonics involves the practical application and technology of generating, controlling, and detecting light.
Is photonics a good career?
Photonics is a promising career choice, offering opportunities in diverse and rapidly evolving fields like telecommunications, healthcare, and renewable energy. Photonics engineering also has a growing demand for expertise in this innovative field.
How is photonics applied in consumer electronics?
In devices like smartphones, cameras, and televisions, photonics is applied in displays, image sensors, and optical components.


Roman copy of the bronze original by Polykleitos
ca. 450 - 440 BCE
6’ 11” high
READ/TAKE NOTES: The Canon of Polykleitos
READ/TAKE NOTES: Roman Copies of Ancient Greek Art
WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW/TAKE NOTES:
- Why was bronze used for the original sculpture (of which this example is a copy)? What is problematic about this material and why is it lucky that the Romans were so enamored of Greek art?
- What is a "canon"? How is the canon of Polykleitos different from the canon used in ancient Egypt?
- Polykleitos is also known as a foremost "aesthetician." His ideas about beauty aligned with the philosophy that beauty = _____________________.
- a) the harmony of mathematical proportions
- b) the heroic figures of Greek mythology
- c) the moral character of an individual
- d) the muscular bodies of Olympic athletes


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Provide technical training to ensure that you have knowledge of equipment operation
Perfect after-sales service system, let your production sit back and relax
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Description of Goddess Kuan Yin
Kuan Yin is known as the Goddess of Compassion & Healing. She is one of the most popular deities in all of Asia. Her name in Chinese roughly translates as “The One who Hears the Cries of the World”. She is the most beloved and revered of the Chinese dieties.
Kuan Yin is the Divine Mother we all long for: merciful, tender, compassionate, loving, protecting, caring, healing, and wise. She quietly comes to the aid of her children everywhere. Her mantra is ‘Om Mani Padme Hum.’ (that is, ‘Hail the Jewel -or pearl- in the Lotus.’) Many believe that she is the female representation of Avalokitesvara, who is the Tibetan and Nepalese God of Compassion. In Asia, statues of Kuan Yin can be found in front of, or on the grounds of, many Buddhist temples.


Cities & Suburbs
Boom & Bust
Theme: Patriotic Duty
Artist: Ludwig HIRSCHFELD MACK
Title: Desolation: Internment camp, Hay, NSW
Credit Line: Gift of Olive Hirschfeld 1979 National Gallery of Australia, Canberra.
The German artist Ludwig Hirschfeld Mack fled Germany in 1936, only to be interned in 1940 by the English. Because of his nationality, Mack was sent to Australia with other German and Italian intellectuals, artists, professionals and craftsmen.
For two years he lived behind barbed wire in camps in Hay, Orange and Tatura.
The night time sky, captured dramatically in this woodcut print, was as foreign as the daylight landscape in which he found himself. The vast space of the sky accentuates the misery he experienced within the enclosing fence.
Desolation, Internment camp, Hay, New South Wales was made in 1941, a year before Hirschfeld Mack’s unconditional release. He took up a teaching position in Victoria and remained in Australia.
Click image to enlarge


Digital sound is typically 44,100 samples per second. That sounds like a freakin lot of samples per second but it’s too low and that’s the problem. Really high quality sampling of sound takes place at 2,822,400 samples per second. This is known as SACD (Super Audio CD) developed by Sony and Philips. That’s 64 times greater than 44,100 samples per second. Currently, the best digital audio recordings have a sample rate twice as high as SACD. Or 128 times the typical 44,100 sample rate.
The problem is that CDs don’t hold enough information to be able to support SACD. You’d only get a couple of minutes or less of such audio on a CD. That is probably the historic rationale for commercial audio being typically 44,100 samples per second: the file sizes are not too big.
When I listen to typical digital audio, what I notice, if I crank it up–and I like to crank up music, typically–is that there’s no presence to the recordings. Some vinyl albums I had, when played on decent stereos–the stereos didn’t have to be top of the line, but they had to be OK–sounded pretty much ‘live’. They had presence. But digital audio, it can’t break through from the other side, as it were.
The reason why the sampling rate is important is this. You’ve seen wave representations of sounds. You know sound is waves of air–that’s what sound is. Well, the samples are points used to construct those waves. Imagine a curve. Any curve. Now imagine four points on that curve. Now draw straight lines from the first point to the second point to the third point to the fourth point. Those lines will look a little bit like the curve but not much, probably. You need more than four sample points so that when you draw lines from point to point, you get something that looks more like the original curve.
Similarly, the higher the audio sample rate, the better the audio software can figure out what the sound actually sounded like. Low sample rates result in sound that lacks the highest of subtleties we as feeling humans are able to infer from sound, and that’s its presence. All that info we pick up in live audio–how far away it is, the composition of what’s being struck, all the really subtle information that makes it ‘live’–is simply undetectable at lower sample rates.
So what? So what that presence isn’t a part of contemporary recorded sound experience? So what? What does it matter?
Well, it’s a question of whether it can break on through from the other side, isn’t it? What we get, currently, is a good idea of the sound. Not the mind blowing experience you really do get from great audio rendered in recordings with presence. Which explains why live performance is so esteemed these days over recorded sound.
As time goes by, digital audio will increase in the typical sample rate. Cuz all it takes is good technology to support it. Not impossible technology by any means. Eventually the typical digital audio sample rate will match and even surpass the good old days of vinyl.
But, in the meantime, we live in age of merely the idea of the audio in recorded sound. Play me something Platonic baby.


Vinci, Leonardo da - by H.R. Rookmaaker
Leonardo da Vinci: brilliant and universal
by H.R. Rookmaaker
It’s not easy to summarize the contributions of Leonardo in a short space.
For Leonardo was an extraordinarily diverse man: musician, fortress builder,
engineer, eminent equestrian, sculptor, painter, architect, anatomist, naturalist,
and art theoretician. He was a man with far too diverse interests; as a result
many of his ideas remained in their concept stage and he managed to carry
out or complete only a fraction of all that his inventive spirit considered or
Moreover, some of his important works – the fresco of the Battle of Anghiari
in Florence and the huge statue of a horseman in Milan – were destroyed
during his lifetime, so that his legacy became even more fragmented.
Nevertheless, he is and will remain a figure who can only be underrated
for it is hardly possible to judge him too highly. Why? Without his
influence, Italian painting, especially in Northern Italy during the
sixteenth century and into the seventeenth century, would certainly have
Yet, this is not the greatest of his contributions. His buildings and
designs are not without interest; neither are his writings about art theory.
But in these things he was not alone. The talents that earned him such an
eminent position in the court at Milan – including horsemanship, musicianship
and his work as building engineer – naturally has less significance
for later generations. His engineering projects, which included a design for
an aeroplane, were so far ahead of his time that their true value is only now
fully appreciated, yet we cannot say for sure that without Leonardo’s inventions
the course of technology would have developed differently. So, what
essentially does give this man such and exceptional position in history?
We believe that though Leonardo was and is such a fascinating
figure, it is especially in the field of drawing and science – or rather, in
connecting the two – that his greatest contribution is to be found. As a
student Leonardo worked for years in the studio of Verrocchio and
learnt there the art of a very exact representation of reality – a number
of drapery studies in the exhibition attest to this. But Leonardo was the
first person to go on and make use of his new skills in the service of science.
That was his greatest contribution and his greatest service to the
world. He was the first one to record his anatomical findings in precise
drawings – so exact that they are still of scientific merit.
Leonardo’s observations in the area of the natural sciences were
preserved by his never-resting drawing pencil. And in the connection
between the exact sciences (in which he also broke new territory) and the
art of exact drawing lies a principle upon which modern science (amongst
others) is founded: modern medical science could not function without
the very precise drawings which allowed Leonardo’s discoveries to be
shared with others. Anyone who understands the important role of
drawing in engineering will realize that Leonardo’s discovery also made
modern applied science and technology possible. All this does not detract
from his excellence as a ‘free’ sketcher. It is a feast to submit oneself to
Leonardo’s drawings – one may be tempted to say that his lines are flawless.
Originally published in Dutch in Trouw, no date (between 1949 and 1956).
Published in English in M. Hengelaar-Rookmaaker (ed.): H.R. Rookmaaker: The Complete Works 1, Piquant – Carlisle, 2003.


The Picts were the aboriginal inhabitants of what is now known as Scotland. The name "Pictii" refers to several tribes that were extant in the area in classical times; the Caledonii, the Scotti, the Mæatæ, the Britanni, and so forth. The name of "Pict" does not occur in writing until the end of the third century, however.
By the seventh century, we find a Pictish Kingdom, defeating the Angles at the Battle of Dunnichen in 685, but from that point on their history declines into an unknown darkness.
The primary point of note in modern eyes concerning the Picts is their custom of painting themselves blue, in a similar fashion to the rest of the native Britannic tribes. This custom will be shown to be a significant point in our search for the Pict's descendants.
Scotland was invaded by the "Scotii" from Ireland, and by the Danes in the north, both of whom took over the Highlands, while the Norman invasion of 1066 led to the Lowlands being over run by Normans and perhaps a few displaced Anglo-Saxons to add to the Angles already there from the invasions of the seventh century.
So what became of the Picts? Where are the people that Rome feared so much? Where are the "blue men" of Caledonia?
There are several theories. One of the most probable is that the Picts wound up being absorbed into the rest of the population of the Highlands, and there is archaeological evidence in the Isles that this in fact did occur to some extent, BUT......
In the absence of historical records, and with the paucity of archaeological evidence, we must look to that other source of historical information: Folklore.
It is quite common for the aboriginal inhabitants of a land to devolve to the status of "little people," of elves and fairies. (This corresponds to the old saw about the gods of the old religion becoming the devils of the new.)
In the folklore of the British Isles we find this thread. We find elves, fairies, kobolds, dwarves and the like, many times described as "little people." In addition, they are described as wearing caps, much of the time, and have a knowledge of magic. They tend to be described as "good folk," showing that they are probably considered to be "nice" and kindly in nature, albeit mischevious at times.
In Scotland, we see the "Cruithneach," who are also known as "Pechs" in the vernacular of southern Scotland....from "Pict" to "Pech" is an obvious lingual change...and they fit the above description.
Therefore we need to find a race of people who are:


A Houston Pallet is a flat structure that gives goods stability while being transported and lifted by fork lifts and pallet jacks. Though most pallets are made out of wood, there are pellets that are made out of metal, paper and plastic. Use of wooden pallets started as far back in time and up to now, it is still the most preferred transportation pallet.
The following are reasons as to why wooden pallets are the most preferred: durability, availability, cost and alternative uses. In comparison to materials such as paper and plastic, pallets made out of wood last longer than the other materials. In terms of availability, wooden pallets are found nearly everywhere, but for plastic and paper there are found hardly available. When it comes to cost, wooden pallets are cheaper than paper and metal pallets. Wooden pallets can also have alternative uses. The old wooden pallets can be used in pallet crafts and creating skateboard courses. Untreated wooden pallets can also be used as firewood.


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|All Health and Nutrition Bites|
Visualize the Sugar
I've written easily half a dozen reports on different research articles focusing on the effects of drinking sugar-sweetened beverages on your weight and your kids' weight as well as contributing to high blood pressure, poorer cholesterol scores, diabetes, gout, and kidney disease.
Should you be concerned about the sugar in your kids' cereal?
If you've been following Dr. Gourmet for more than a little while, you're probably aware that I feel that breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. Studies show that those who eat breakfast have better cholesterol scores, lower Body Mass Index and tend to eat less throughout the day.
One Way to Resist Cravings
Most people have cravings of some kind, whether it be for an addictive substance like alcohol or cigarettes, or for something benign, like chocolate or french fries. Most find cravings to be mild and momentary, but sometimes cravings can be a real problem: people trying to lose weight can have cravings just as strong as those struggling with alcohol dependence.
Get the latest health and diet news - along with what you can do about it - sent to your Inbox once a week. Get Dr. Gourmet's Health and Nutrition Bites sent to you via email. Sign up now!
Drinking sugar-sweetened beverages such as soda, lemonade, sweetened fruit drinks and punches has been shown to be linked to obesity, leading to diabetes and heart disease. Being overweight is also linked to high blood pressure, which can also lead to heart disease, as well as stroke, kidney disease and a higher risk of death from all causes - which means a shorter life expectancy. Certainly the added calories that come from drinking sugar-sweetened beverages contributes to a person's weight problem, but one research group wondered if those sugar-sweetened drinks might somehow more directly affect a person's blood pressure.
In a prospective study (a study in which a group of people are followed for a period of time, as opposed to a study in which the participants report on what they did in the past), researchers from seven different United States universities and public health centers collaborated on analyzing data from the PREMIER study (Circulation 2010;121(22):2398-2406). This study was created to be an 18-month trial of 2 different behavioral interventions in 810 adults with high blood pressure. The control group for this study was known as the "advice only" group, which received information (but no counseling) on weight loss, increasing physical activity and a low-sodium diet.
The second group was called the "established" group, and it received the same information as the advice only group, with the addition of regular counseling on weight loss, physical activity and a low-sodium diet.
The third group received the same counseling as the "established" group with the addition of specific counseling on the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet. This group was called the "established plus DASH" group.
The researchers measured the blood pressure of each participant at the start of the study and every three months thereafter until the close of the study. Further, each participants' height and weight were assessed at each three-month interval. Finally, each participant responded to dietary questionnaires at the start of the study as well as at the 6-month point and the end of the study. These questionnaires included questions about how much sugar-sweetened beverages, diet beverages and caffeinated beverages the participant drank.
The researchers found that over the course of the study, those who reduced their sugar-sweetened beverage intake by 1 serving per day reduced their systolic blood pressure (the top number) by almost 2 points and their diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) by a little over 1 point. This relationship was still significant, if smaller, even when the scientists controlled for the amount of weight a participant lost during the study.
The researchers observed that drinking just two fewer sugar-sweetened beverages per day would help lower your blood pressure by about 3 points. This reduces your risk of death by stroke by about 8% and from heart disease by 5%. In this study there was no effect on blood pressure when a participant reduced their caffeine intake or diet beverage intake. Instead of sugar-sweetened beverages, at the very least switch to diet versions, although those have also been associated with weight gain. Best to drink coffee, tea or water. They're much better for you.
First posted: June 2, 2010


Principal Proposed Uses
Lysine is an essential amino acid, one that you need to get from food. Some evidence suggests that supplemental lysine may be able to help prevent herpes infections (cold sores and genital herpes).
Most people need about 1 g of lysine per day. The requirement may be greater for athletes and people recovering from major injuries, especially burns. The richest sources of lysine are animal proteins such as meat and poultry, but it is also found in dairy products, eggs, and beans.
A typical therapeutic dosage of lysine for herpes infections is 1 g three times daily. You can take this as a regular part of your diet in hopes of preventing herpes flare-ups, or, perhaps, at the first sign of an attack. Although the evidence isn't strong, there may be some advantage to restricting your intake of foods that contain a lot of arginine, such as chocolate, peanuts, other nuts and seeds, and, to a lesser extent, wheat.
What Is the Scientific Evidence for Lysine?
Although some are promising, none of these studies are large enough to give conclusive answers. At this point, more evidence is needed to determine whether lysine is effective for preventing herpes simplex.
Interactions You Should Know About
- Reviewer: EBSCO CAM Review Board
- Review Date: 09/2014 -
- Update Date: 09/18/2014 -


The vast majority of Aboriginal Sculpture comes from the Tiwi Islands. A Tiwi Figure can be very collectible. The Tiwi islands have had an ancient tradition of carving and painting burial posts called Tutuni. In the early 1960’s some of these skilled traditional carvers turned from carving burial posts to carving figurative works.
The aim of this article is to help readers determine if their Aboriginal Figure is a Tiwi Figure. It gives examples and links to major early artists.
I Buy Tiwi Figures. If you have one to sell I would love to see it. If you have a Tiwi Figure and just want to know what it is worth please feel free to send me a jpeg.
Traditional Tiwi Figures and carving
As early as the eighteenth century the Tiwi islanders carved three major objects. They carved burial posts spears and clubs, all associated with Pukumani Funeral Ceremony
Tutuni are Tiwi burial posts used for the Pukumani funeral ceremony. The in-laws of the deceased are responsible for making them. There are personal family influences in choice and decoration of the poles. These choice relate to the totems and skin painting traditions of the family of the deceased. Tutuni Poles are collectible in their own right
The spear is a dance adornment for key performers during a ceremony. Double barbed spears have the name Arawunikiri. Unilaterally barbed spears have the name Tunkaringa. Both are collectible in their own right.
Clubs were for both dance adornments and for fighting.
The figurative sculptural tradition started in Paru in the 1960’s. Paru was on Melville Island but just across the strait from Bathurst Island Mission. The villagers of Paru traded with the mission, especially fish. They also traded some customary items like carved spears and painted mourning bags.
One large extended family group called the Mandimbula live in Paru. Cardo Kerinauia was the first Mandimbula to sell the mission a small carved wooden tiwi figure. Carving wood figures soon became a small village industry. It was a great success and many new pioneering Mandimbula artists emerged.
These sculptures were not strictly traditional. Anthropologists and visitors to the mission, however, were happy to buy the sculpture. The sculpture was of ethnographic importance. The designs on the sculpture are those found on body painting and have spiritual significance.
Some people think early Tiwi Figures were very small and left next to the grave.
The spirit of the deceased would mistake the sculpture for a relative and haunt the sculpture rather than the sculpture’s owner. This theory has little-documented support.
Pioneer Tiwi Figure Artists
Each early Tiwi Artist has distinctly different sculptures. Despite being one extended family and living in the same village design differences vary widely
Enraeld sculptures are distinctive. He carved sculptures with the arms extend directly from a bulbous head. The legs of his figures run straight down from flared hips. He often leaves a defined negative space between the legs which resembles Pukamani grave posts. His carvings have a raw unrefined power to them. He paints them with the same designs as used as skin designs during ceremony
Paddy Henry Ripijingimpi
Ripijingimpi sculptures have a chunky and crude blocky appearance. The face has Incised eyes and mouth. His painting of the figure is often very fine. The sex on the figures is clearly shown. Paddy has also done several Pukumani posts. His carved and painted seabirds are very distinctive and although crudely carved are amongst the best-painted examples.
Cardo sculptures clearly show the sex of the figures. His figures have the arms carved clear of the body. On his completed sculptures he paints the entire carved figure with intense body paint designs. His figures have broad shoulders tapering to a narrow waist.
Mick Aruni carved and painted figures and painted at least one bark painting. His Early sculptures clearly indicate the sex of the figures. his later figures either through mission influence or buyer preference do not. His early figures had arms carved clear of the body and were very well painted. He is also known to have carved birds and sculptures with birds on the head.
The Mungatopi brothers
This includes Ali Miller, Laurie, Deaf Tommy and Lame Tobi. They were all ceremonial dancers as well as artists. The Mungatopi brothers are better known for their bark paintings. They did however do some important sculpture.
Benedict Munkara sculptures have oversized heads of comparatively realistic Bodies. He did very few carvings but those that he did do are of great quality.
Declan Apuatimi sculptures are almost always in ironwood and often have heads the same size as the body. Sculptures are painted in designs associated with Pukumani ceremonies. They have distinctive almond-shaped eyes that are white, with black pupils. Declan also carved birds. They tend to have white bodies and are plainly decorated other than the wings. The wings are elaborately designed in motifs previously used for skin designs.
Kitty Kantrilla sculptures have a chunky and crude blocky appearance. The face has a strong wide nose sometimes in a hexagonal shape. Her painting on the sculpture is often made up of lots of dots and blocks of solid color. All her earlier early indicate the sex of the figure. Kitty has also done several Pukumani posts and seabirds as well.
Tiwi Art History
Since the turn of the twentieth century, the Tiwi have had regular contact with the outside world. They have maintained and adapted many of their customary practices. The most important is the performance of their main ceremonies, the Pukumani and the Kulama.
The Kulama was once primarily an initiation ceremony for both men and women. Today its main function is promoting health and the regeneration of life.
The Pukumani mortuary ceremony involved a series of performances over a period of time after a person’s death. It concluded with the cutting of the burial pole tree. This burial pole was then erected at the grave site. All Tiwi are still expected to take part in these ceremonies. They should sing, dance and carve a Tutini (Pukumani pole) if commissioned by the deceased’s relatives. These Tutini funeral poles are the most famous Tiwi objects. Tutuni represents the body of the deceased or one of the ancestral beings.
Other distinctive items customarily made for the Pukumani ceremony included Tunga. Tunga are large painted bark baskets.
Many Tiwi artists also did Painting on Bark.
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Tiwi Figure images
The following images give a good idea as to the variety of early Tiwi Sculpture artists works.


Programme of Study
We examine the reasons for studying history and then we do a unit of work on “myself in the context of wider events in the world”. This involves a comparison with the home, education and life generally of people at an earlier time, specifically Sam McAughtry who lived in Belfast in the 1930s.
We also study the Normans and how and why they arrived in Ireland as well as examining their legacy. This includes the Battle of Hastings and later the Norman landings in Wexford and Waterford and their eventual settlement in Ulster.
Year 9 involves the study of key events in Europe and how they affected the island of Ireland. This includes :
- the Reformation
- plantations/settlements in America
- the plantation of Ulster
- the struggle between king and parliament, including the English Civil War
- the Williamite Wars, including the Siege of Derry and the Battle of the Boyne
Year 10 we will be learning about key events in Ireland and Europe. These include:
- the Battle of Ballynahinch
- the Famine
- the land problem
- Home Rule
- Irish nationalism and republicanism
- the partition of Ireland and the Holocaust.
We follow the CCEA course, which consists of Northern Ireland 1965 – 85 (in effect the “Troubles”), the U.S.A. 1918 – 45 and The Cold War.
For coursework the topic is the assassination of President Kennedy and this involves the analysis of written sources and audio-visual material.
As well as finding history enjoyable and interesting, pupils develop their analytical and thinking skills and, while finding out about controversial events, learn to challenge stereotypes and think objectively, questioning, challenging and testing evidence. These skills are important for equipping pupils for life and for a wide range of jobs.


Etymology and definitions
The word ‘purple’ comes from the Old English word purpul which derives from the Latin purpura, in turn from the Greek πορφύρα (porphura), name of the Tyrian purple dyemanufactured in classical antiquity from a mucus secreted by the spiny dye-murex snail.
The first recorded use of the word ‘purple’ in English was in the year AD 975.
My early morning walk gave me a closed purple flower.
The sun was not up that high, they were still in the shade.
Right way up
The other critical ‘condition’ for successful planting is to put the bulb into the ground the right way up. The bulb shoot should be facing up and the roots down. With most bulbs this is easy to determine as they go in pointy side up. As with every rule, there are exceptions. In the case of bulbs the exceptions are anemones and ranunculus, two of the cheapest and most cheerful of spring-flowering bulbs to grow. Anemone and ranunculus have small, oddly shaped bulbs that are a little tricky to manage. Technically the small bulb on these plants is called a corm. Neither of these bulbous plants need a spell in the crisper before planting but they do grow best if replanted from fresh each autumn.
Anemone corms look like chocolate drops. They are planted pointy side down as the point is the root, not the growing tip. If you are in any doubt, plant the corm sideways. Ranunculus grow from claw-shaped corms. The claws are the roots and these go down into the soil.


Transparent, Translucent and Opaque: This is a poster I made when I was teaching about properties of light. It shows a solid object (the yellow string of yarn) being placed behind different types of paper (transparent, translucent, and opaque). I cut out rectangular samples from different paper sources: clear cellophane packaging for transparent paper, waxed paper for translucent paper, and colored card stock paper for opaque paper.
Here's a quick activity that students can do to compare the degree of transparency among these different types of paper: Use three similar flashlights, a rubber-band to secure each sheet of paper over the face of the flashlight. Turn of the classroom lights to get the room dark enough, then flick on the flash lights simultaneously to shine at the wall. Your students can try this with other types of paper like tissue paper, transparency paper, recycled paper, etc, and sort these types of paper on in a table or sort them in a continuum that goes from transparent to opaque. I have worksheets like that and other posters to go along with them here in a Properties of light unit. It is available at my TpT collection.
This download has worksheets, posters and activities for sorting pictures of different objects into the 3 groups: Transparent, Translucent and Opaque. Definition posters are also included for light terms such as reflection, refraction, lens, concave, convex, and prism. Have fun!


St. Justin Martyr
quotes from Justin Martyr: →
Justin Martyr was an early Christian apologist and philosopher who lived c. 100-160. He was Greek but self-identified as Samaritan. The Assyrian Christian writer and theologian, Tatian the Syrian, was one of his pupils. During the reign of Marcus Aurelius, Justin was tried, together with six of his students, by the urban prefect Junius Rusticus, and was beheaded (Tatian, Address to the Greeks 19). Justin authored several letters including his First Apology, his Second Apology, and his Dialogue with Trypho the Jew.


This week, children were introduced to scissors in the Studio! We began by talking about materials that were appropriate to cut with scissors, as well as materials that aren’t ok to cut with scissors. We also practiced how to use them correctly and safely.
Materials that are safe to cut:
Frances: You can use scissors to open fruit snacks if you need help.
Kate: We can cut paper, yes!
Irvina: Like, you cut paper and tape. And how about you could use it to cut meat?
Elijah: The scissors told me that we can cut tape, but they said don’t cut friends with scissors.
Santi: We can cut rainbow paper and brown paper.
Theo: You can cut your nails with special nail scissors.
Sammy: You can cut chicken with scissors. My mom uses special types of scissors to cut meat.
Materials that aren’t safe to cut:
Abbie: Don’t cut butterflies… just don’t!
Irvina: You can’t cut your hands because the blood will come out.
Ahmari: Not our hands… no!
Marcus: Moms can cut hair, like Leba’s mom can cut her hair, but we don’t cut our hair here.
Julian: My dad take me to get a haircut, but it’s not here. Don’t cut your hair here.
Avery: We cut our hair at the barbershop!
Alden: You use fingernail clippers, not scissors, to cut nails.
Adele: I went to a special place to cut my hair and it wasn’t at school.
Next, friends practiced cutting paper with assorted shapes and lines provided. Depending on their age and experience, children snipped around the outside of paper, were able to cut through the paper, or successfully cut out shapes.
Adrian: Papi have scissors at home to cut the paper.
Betsegaw: I did open, close, open, close with the scissors. I’m practicing! I tried! I have muscles!
Kaitlyn: I have cut at my home!
Kaylee: Open, shut them, open, shut them. I did it!
Bella: My mom is going to be so proud. I tried so hard.
Elizabeth: I cut out an “E” like for Elizabeth.
Naila: I feel a little proud of myself because I cut with scissors, but my mom and dad will be really proud of me.
Connor: If I can cut out the circle I’ll be so happy!
Sammy: You just got to keep trying like… perseverance!
Cesar: I did the zigzag line. It looks like a crown for a boy, or the top of a castle, or shark teeth.
Mateo: My mom and dad will be so proud that I can cut a heart for love.
Julian: The heart was hardest to cut because the lines aren’t just straight like a square.
Christian: I did! I cut the circle, I did!
Nazeer: I’m focusing hard, that’s why I could cut the shapes. Even the hard shape like the heart.
Jax: I’m doing my best. I’m doing it! I did it! I made a cut through the line!
Joelle: I’m focusing on it so I don’t hurt myself. My arms are starting to hurt.
After friends practiced with paper, they were invited to cut playdough. Friends practiced rolling playdough “snakes” and then using dough scissors to cut them. Friends noticed a difference between cutting paper and cutting playdough right away, as both feel different in your hands. Children are very excited to finally have scissors available in the Studio and in their classrooms!
Katherine: Cutting playdough feels different than paper. It’s harder.


In this thought-piece, Jerry Fresia discusses how capitalism has impacted on the art world (inside and outside) over the past century.
Power and the Capitalist Class: Capitalists don’t just sit off to the side minding their own business. Their business is the accumulation of capital (money and productive assets). They buy politicians, sit on the boards of museums and universities, and with major grantors, very high end gallerists, and an army of agents, they can shape and define what art fits into the insider art world of high end galleries, major art fairs, and auction houses. Central to the insider art system is the grooming of artists whose work supports their ideological needs, who are malleable, and, therefore, willing to accept direction into the inside circle.
The capitalist class first exercised its cultural power as a class when it defined, designed, and promoted a group of artists that articulated its ideological needs as an emerging hegemonic class following World War II. These soon-to-be-inside artists became known as the Abstract Expressionists. Using numerous capitalists back galleries and museums – primarily MOMA NYC which was created by the Rockefeller family – and the CIA (secretly directing the full range of art activities in western Europe as well as intellectual journals for 17 years), capitalists, during the post-war era, made it imperative that all artists pushed to the inside had to make work that was totally abstract, that is, “politically silent,” and free from any European influences. In other words, the American capitalist class, at that point in time, had enough power to create, in effect, a cultural factory. Out of this cultural factory, American Expressionism and the phenomenon of artists dependent upon capitalist cultural power, otherwise known as ‘inside artists’, were born.
How Work is Produced: Capitalism is a specific way of making our houses, cars, computers, and even the way we grow our food. It is a system of production. Within this system, there are people designated as bosses: these are the people who work with their minds and do mental work. These people are the owners, sometimes referred to as planners. Not too long ago, they were called the bourgeoisie. And then there are the workers who in their work life are told what to do. They work with their hands and do mindless work. They are sometimes referred to as blue collar people, people who work on the line, or just plain workers. Not too long ago, they were called the proletariat. In the art world, they are called assistants.
All major artists, for a hundred years, prior to WWII were outsider artists. They controlled their own work in studios or out of doors and inveighed against the bourgeoisie regularly. They were consciously independent. No one told them what to do in their work. But by the 1960s, some artists began adopting capitalism a way of making their art. They called themselves “executive artists” or “ideas men” and turned their studios into factories, using other artists (assistants) as workers to make their art. Notable among these executive artists were Frank Stella, Andy Warhol, Claes Oldenburg, James Rosenquist, Carl Andre, Robert Morris, Damien Hirst, Jeff Koons and others. Roy Lichtenstein predicted that all (inside) artists would eventually adopt factory values and practices in their work. These capitalist artists, working closely with capitalist financiers, marketing specialists, and luxury goods manufacturers were absorbed into the capitalist-class run museums-academy-auction-house troika. This is the core of what may be called the ‘inside.’
The Inside-Outside Artist Division: Work that is dependent on the approval of gallerists, financial backers, is produced for a particular market, or made in collaboration with luxury goods manufacturers, can be said to be instrumental, that is, produced as a means to satisfy some end external to the artist. This instrumental rationality is what defines the inside artist. His work (and it is mostly his) is always based upon a calculation: what must I do to please another and maximize market value? Every artist who works within this charmed inside circle is infected by this way of being and thinking. Wonder or mystery may not enter spontaneously into his process because his process is always a controlled activity of production. This uninviting situation is born of dependence and obedience that is central to the values of capitalist production.
At the moment that the inside artist is born, so too is the excluded ‘outside’ artist. Because she has not been directed into the inside circle, she is free from the need to make art that meets criteria external to herself. Independent and free, she is able to find passages into a realm where wonder is revitalized. She is free to give greater expression to play in her work as she feels the need. In other words, her work is authentically an expression of who she is. Her process is an activity of expression and of becoming.
Obviously, the outside artist needs the material rewards that accompany inside artist status so that she is able to sustain the liveliness of her work in comfort. But addressing the question of how the outside artist might go about achieving that end requires a further discussion of strategy. The point here, only, is to think in terms not of the art product, or genre or quality of the product of the outside artist vis-à-vis the product of the inside artist or of ways of penetrating the inside circle, but to think in terms of celebrating and protecting the process out of which the work of the outside artist has been given life. The inside-outsider separation is along that fault line.
By Jerry Fresia