Are you a professional photographer? Do you like having perfect lighting for your shoots? Do you draw lighting diagrams and like them to be handy? If you are a lighting diagrams freak like me you will love this new Iphone App. This week saw the launch of Strobox – an ap designed for Iphone, that allows photographers to draw lighting diagrams on their phones. The best part is, it’s free.

Strobox allows you to share your lighting techniques with others, repeat the same photoshoot (it keeps a record of your old diagrams) and provides you with over 25 different lighting equipment options to choose from. MacRumors users state that, ‘It generates PNG file that you can share with anyone as easy as by sending it by email within this app’. The Strobox has been created by Janis Lanka.

In an interview with DIY Photography Janis commented that the Ap would be free forever he stated that, ‘Oh, this will be totally free forever. This actually is a part some upcoming bigger community website, but that will be only after 4-5 months. But as far as this app, it will be free adn we’ll add more equipment and all for free. Believe it or not, we did think to charge for it, but then decided that it would be a really big obstacle for people. We want that more people use it, rather than less.’ Strobox is an excellent example of community sharing and new media development. For all the photographers out there this would be a great gift to add to your Christmas list.

Currently, the app gives you over 25 lighting equipments to choose from:

• Backdrops
• Strobes
• Softboxes
• Umbrellas
• Hairlights
• Diffusion panel

There are plans of adding more equipment to the site.

I can’t wait to try this App out and create my Lighting diagrams.  Images from Strobox.com

The Annie E. Casey Foundation – Atlanta Civic Partners’ Forum on the Grade Level Reading Initiative was held Dec. 9 to launch a pilot literacy initiative. The focus of the public-private initiative is to move APS students from meeting state educational standards to exceeding them. Piloted at Dunbar Elementary School, the initiative also seeks to improve the literacy rate and increase the vocabulary of students who come from economically disadvantaged homes.

Studies indicate that students from underprivileged backgrounds are exposed to significantly fewer words and engage in fewer “vocabulary rich” conversations than their more economically advantaged counterparts. The program is aimed at remediating these inequities. Initiative partners include the Casey Foundation, the United Way, Bright from the Start, Sheltering Arms, the Atlanta Speech School and APS.

oh how adorable, my dashboard is snowing. anyway, a compilation of lo-fi film snapshots from the past few weeks:

and some Holga rolls from the summer, which I had forgotten about, and which make me ~nostalgic~

It’s interesting because I made a moderately snarky comment in my thesis draft -later revised- about Lomography and important moments being made more dear when viewed through the haze of vignetting, light leaks and chemical color casts – an indirect and shallow approach to the meaning of the object in photography. But then I scanned these and get this, they did ‘take me back’ to summer. I’d even go as far as to say the infidelity and multiple exposures make it more true to the way my memory functions than straight photography does. idk.

If I got my hands on a Hasselblad though it would still go straight in the trash.

We can ALL help by going to this website and JOINING: http://www.countygrandjury.org/

http://www.youtube.com/ohwidow

• Posted by Rae Steinbrink on December 10, 2009 at 6:53pm

You must read up and watch this poor woman’s battle with Adult Protective Services. Apparently they have declared she is not “competent”; forcefully removed her to a nursing home, appointed a 79 year old guardian with access to her bank account, stock account and home…claiming they need to sell them in order to “cover” her expenses at the nursing home and subsequent doctor’s care. There’s more to the story to watch, read and weep that this type of nonsense is happening to our seniors. As you will see from the videos, this brave woman has all her mental faculties….and because her family/friends are filing charges, they (protective services) has a put out restraining orders against those trying to help her. Is this what you want for America? Is this what you want for your ‘golden years? This needs to go viral….send everyone you know about this story. Why isn’t this in the local papers or any papers? This poor woman is scared to death, and wonders, how can this happen to her???

Evelyn Schwartz Videos

After watching the videos, the following website is trying to help: The County Grand Jury

When is enough enough? When are we going to stop the nonsense? When are we willing to quit supporting this corruption?

We the Pro Se People

URL To Blog: http://fightingforliberty.ning.com/profiles/blogs/adult-protective-services

APS students demonstrated steady improvement on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) for the 2008-2009 school year, based on the scores released today. Since 2003, APS students have demonstrated improvements every year the test has been administered.

NAEP, also referred to as the Nation’s Report Card, is a uniform assessment of student performance administered across the nation by the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES).  The standards upon which the NAEP is developed are more rigorous than the current Georgia state standards upon which the state’s CRCT is based.

“The performance of APS students on the NAEP mirrors and validates what we have experienced on the CRCT in recent years,” said APS Superintendent Dr. Beverly L. Hall. “The results of both the national and state tests reflect similar progress in learning gains for our students.”

* Since 2003, the percentage of APS fourth- and eighth- graders performing at or above basic levels has steadily increased. In the fourth grade, the increase was 13 percentage points, and in the eighth grade it was 16 percentage points.

* There were also improvements in the percentage of students scoring at the basic level or above from 2007 to 2009.  APS fourth grade students increased by two percentage points and the increase in the eighth grade was five percentage points.

Dr. Hall attributed the steady increase in NAEP math scores to the development of a common curriculum and professional development for teachers. “Benchmark assessments, enhanced scope and sequence of math courses and the alignment of math curriculum, teaching practices and resources contributed to the performance improvement by our students on the NAEP math tests over the past six years,” said Hall.

About TUDA

Atlanta Public Schools is one of 18 urban school districts that voluntarily participates in the Trial Urban District Assessment (TUDA) and has its NAEP results individually reported. Other districts participating are Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Cleveland, District of Columbia, Detroit, Fresno, Houston, Jefferson County, Los Angeles, Miami-Dade, Milwaukee, New York, Philadelphia and San Diego. Other school systems take the NAEP, but their scores are included in their state’s overall NAEP results. National and state NAEP scores were released in September.

Tuesday is no ordinary day for the students, parents, faculty and staff of Morningside Elementary. December 8 marks the 80th day of the school’s 80th year. To mark this occasion, Morningside will have a PTA-sponsored breakfast for alumni and honored guests, student-led interviews of former students, teachers and administrators and a Dine-Out at D.B.A. BBQ  (1190 North Highland Ave.) later in the day.

The event also will honor teachers who have worked at Morningside for several years, including 20-year veterans:

• Betty Meek, our Media Center director
• Teresa Westwood, first-grade teacher
• Cindy Nester, second-grade teacher
• Beth Burney, fifth-grade Challenge teacher
• Amy Mather, fourth-grade teacher
• Elizabeth Ashmore, kindergarten teacher

Student interviews will be part of the Morningside History Project, a 12-year effort to record and celebrate the school’s rich history.  Birthday book donations to the Media Center will feature a special 80th year bookplate inside the front cover in honor of this special occasion.

Check out Talk Up APS for photos, interviews and more information on the big day.

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We just had to share this awesome letter from South Atlanta High senior Larry Baker (pictured above, middle), who has an amazing story to tell:

“My name is Larry Baker. I am a senior at South Atlanta Educational Complex. I am currently holding the office of [Georgia's Career & Technical Instruction] Vice President. The CTI program assists students with disabilities with making successful career path choices. Although I have a learning disability, this program has helped me to enhance and develop my career goals through career assessments, leadership city and state competitions, college fieldtrips, job shadowing, special counseling, leadership training, workshops and community service activities.

“Being enlisted in the National Guard and the CTI program has empowered my ability to be a leader because I represent the entire Atlanta Public Schools in the state of Georgia. I now speak before very large groups of people and have met state coordinators and other students with disabilities throughout our state who are trailblazers; this experience has built up my confidence because it magnifies my abilities and has caused me to become more accountable for my lifestyle choices in every area of my life.

“After graduation from high school this spring I will be attending Le Cordeu Bleu College [of Culinary Arts Atlanta] and become a chef in a fine-dining restaurant. I believe that I really can make a difference in my community and state and my world.”

Just to be clear: Mr. Baker is a senior at South Atlanta, is already enlisted in the National Guard, and plans to attend Le Cordon Bleu to become a chef — thanks in part to his work in the National Guard! Impressive. Read more here.

Aqui !

Si informa la cittadinanza che a seguito della ultimazione dei lavori del nuovo serbatoio idrico di c.da Rigano e della messa in funzione, nei giorni  Lunedì 23 e Martedì 24 novembre 2009, sarà sospesa l’erogazione idrica. Il servizio riprenderà a funzionare nella serata di Martedì 24 novembre.

dal sito del comune

When first-graders at Dobbs Elementary finished their science standards, Principal Dana Evans knew how ensure young minds remembered the information. She simply called for backup. Fortunately,  11 Alive meteorologist Chesley McNeil was ready, willing and able to show students exactly how science applies to daily life.

A visit from the Channel 11 weather van kept boys and girls focused on the water table, as well as tornado safety and other science-driven elements of the weather. McNeil said that the school visits allow him to celebrate his love of science. “Third or fourth grade is when students seem to turn their attention to other things,” he said. “Anything I can do to bring that love back makes me happy.”

Students crowded around the weather van for a closer look at all the gadgets required for a location report. First-grader Kashay Bass said the cameras were, “cool.” But she really enjoyed learning about what to do during a tornado.

“You have to get under a table or go to the basement and take cover,” she noted.

Six-year-old Camille Hughes also learned a few more science lessons during McNeill’s visit. She said he helped explain evaporation, which was part of students’ discussion of the water table.

“This real-life approach to science is good for the students,” Principal Evans said. “It helps for them to see professionals in the field of science.”

Stay tuned, a Dobbs student may provide the weather report on your news station someday soon.

El Colegio Americano de Ginecólogos y Obstetras (ACOG) publicó un boletín con las nuevas recomendaciones para este grupo de especialistas en referencia al cribado de Cancer de Cuello Uterino.

Para leer, considerar, y luego cotejar con las recomendaciones de Médicos de Familia referidas al tema.

Link de acceso al documento: http://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/documents/PB109_Cervical_Cytology_Screening.pdf

Por su parte la American Task Force (USPSTF) nos informa (¿o  sorprende?) con los cambios en el cribado de Cancer de Mama, a realizar ahora en las mujeres a partir de los 50 años, cada 2 años, y hasta los 74 años. (recomendación B)

Link al informe de las recomendaciones: http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspsbrca.htm

Jeremy Irons conducted an actors’ Masterclass at the Advanced Performers Studio at LAMDA on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 from 6:00pm – 9:00pm.

APS – ADVANCED PERFORMERS STUDIO (part of Associated Studios)

Weekly workshops and masterclasses for professional actors and singers, a studio that allows you to continue developing your craft on weekends and evenings.

Working or resting, APS gives you the chance to take a tailor made selection of workshops and masterclasses with the highest talent the performing industry has to offer.

APS Offers:

- Weekly workshops consolidated into 5-week courses for performance professionals. You may join the courses at any time.

-APS is a STUDIO. We want you to work and often directly improve your chances of employment. If you get professional performance work while on a course, you will get credit for the weeks you miss, if it is more than two consecutive weeks.

- Regular masterclasses with top industry talent including Michael Grandage (Donmar), Lindsay Posner (View from the Bridge, Carousel), Maria Aitken (the 39 Steps), Melly Still (Nation by Terry Pratchett at the National, Jonathan Kent (National Theatre), David Grindrod (casting director), James from Pippa Ailion’s office (Casting) and many more.

- A chance to keep your skills fresh

- Build your repertoire of songs with a different west-end MD every Sunday in our SINGERS’ PERFORMANCE CLASSES, including Nigel Lilley (Spring Awakening, La Cage), Joel Fram (Wicked), Dan Bowling (Phantom, Love Never Dies) and many more

-Work on Monologues, work on new writing at the Royal Court, work on Shakespeare, work on method, work on text,work on scene studies.

- Make new industry contacts

- Be seen by London’s top Artistic Directors

—————————————

Membership is by audition and all classes are capped at 12. We have flexibility to join mid course subject to availability

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND TO BOOK AN AUDITION CONTACT US ON 020 73818569

www.associatedstudios.co.uk info@performersstudio.co.uk

Why, you ask? We can think of three good reasons to come to the workshop, which features APS parent/community involvement liaisons for an “Information Celebration” on Wednesday, Dec. 9 at Frederick Douglass High School. First off, you’ll get to learn more about valuable resources available to you as a parent. You’ll also enjoy a spectacular celebration presentation. And finally, you’ll get to meet other APS parents just like you!

The workshop will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.. Call 404-802-3100. We hope to see you there!

Finesse Mitchell

Atlanta Public Schools’ journey to excellence has been undertaken in large part by the schools themselves. With strong leadership, committed teachers, eager students, vigilant parents and enthusiastic community partners, the schools around the district have effectively carried a heavy load in making a difference in our students’ lives.

That’s why APS decided to drive home the point of this success at the neighborhood level; it’s the neighborhoods help create an atmosphere of engagement. And so comes Saturday’s inaugural Neighborhood Celebration, which we hope will be the first of several rallies around the district to show the rest of the city what APS is doing to educated our children. (Download flyer here.)

The celebration, which begins at 2 p.m. at North Atlanta High School, will be a little bit pep rally and a little bit open house, with the idea being “All for All, One by One.” We’ll have student performances, a “Parade of Schools,” displays for each school, a canned food drive benefiting the Atlanta Community Food Bank, and … well, we’ll keep the surprises for the day of the show!

We start with the schools over on the north side of the district:
• North Atlanta High School
• Sutton Middle
• Brandon Elementary
• Bolton Academy
• Garden Hills Elementary
• Jackson Elementary
• E. Rivers Elementary
• Sarah Smith Elementary

Just to show you how proud we are of our schools, we’ve recruited some of our most successful APS alumni to participate in our Neighborhood Celebration, including comedian Finesse Mitchell (Douglass High). Mitchell is most known for his stint as a cast member on “Saturday Night Live” earlier in the decade, and will serve as master of ceremonies.

So we’d like to encourage everyone from the northside who has a stake in our children’s education to attend, whether it’s parents, prospective students, Realtors and all our current and potential partners – whether it’s from the school, civic, business or church communities. We’ll provide more select looks at the participating schools over the course of this week on www.TalkUpAPS.com, so please keep coming back for more info as you take a look at Atlanta Public Schools; you might be surprised what you’ll find.

For more information, please email kwgreen@atlantapublicschools.us.

INFO:
2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009
North Atlanta High School
2875 Northside Dr., NW
Atlanta, GA 30305