Spiegelworld’s Post

Can street art help the bottom line for District Centre businesses?

This is really about our refusal to create an educated electorate. Chatting with folks in their 20s, some literally do not understand how the system works, they know they don't understand it, they see the fruits of what we've created in this very inequitable system, and they're divested. So who ends up voting? A lot of really scared, self-serving as opposed to community-driven, cynical, anti-forward thinking individuals. Who will be long dead when the country has slipped into its final morass of failed late-stage capitalism. We need to work on getting Americans aware about the voting process. Yes to more voter education -- it's a crisis now.

Check out this great article written by my friend Matt Lail, APR!

Meanwhile, it's very much a part of human nature to seek similarities among phenomena rather than focusing on differences, laying the groundwork for change. Sometimes, this inclination is justified, especially when attempting such comparisons seems unimaginable. Take, for instance, the question: What similarities exist between Opera and Jazz? Instead of assuming there are none, consider how George #Gershwin made an attempt to reconcile these two genres with his creation, "Porgy and Bess." What makes "Porgy and Bess" somewhat similar to #jazz is its incorporation of jazz elements into the operatic form. Gershwin infused the score with blues, jazz, and spiritual influences, creating a uniquely American sound. The opera features syncopated rhythms, improvisational passages, and harmonic progressions reminiscent of jazz music. Additionally, the characters often sing in a conversational, idiomatic style that reflects the vernacular language of the time. While "Porgy and Bess" is not a traditional jazz work, its fusion of operatic and jazz elements makes it a notable example of how these two genres can intersect and influence each other. Join us for Opera and Jazz Experience! 👉 https://lnkd.in/dHDb92XR https://lnkd.in/dRpwG3du

Make your voice heard - Complete the Portland City Council survey! Please take just 3 minutes, right now, to give your opinion on the REUSE and revitalization of the existing Keller Auditorium! The City of Portland's new survey will be used to convey the opinion of whoever responds so please contribute to this effort with your input! We jumped in and answered the short 10 question survey. We were taken aback at the wording of several questions that appear skewed to give results that would favor building new and abandoning the existing Keller. Turning lemons to lemonade, just sharing how Restore Oregon answered those: Question 6 - NO, because it asks only about the City's investment in a "new" facility vs investment in the existing facility Question 7 - We don't want or need a new use that is unfunded! The first thought was to just not answer the question because it will be a distraction and is meant to confuse. But, in fact, this question is an opportunity to reinforce the obvious: "There is only one use - the City must keep the existing use as Oregon's premier performing arts facility. We do not support any ideas for new or different uses." Question 9 - we chose not to answer the first "yes, no, unsure" because of the way the question is written. We wrote in the "Briefly explain" box: "This is a positive solution to balance much needed renovation work of the existing Keller while keeping a performance schedule for 7 months of each year. It's a win-win to achieve downtown's revitalization and reinvestment in the arts and culture at the existing Keller." Question 10 -- we elaborated on the 4 points from the Halprin Landscape Conservancy, starting with "Reusing and reimaging Our Next Keller is the best overall option." Finally, anyone can take this survey, not just people who live in the City. Thanks for your help! https://lnkd.in/gnGKr-5G . . . . . #restoreoregon #architecture #advocacy #KellerAuditorium #Reuse #KellerFountain #ournextkeller #halprinlandscapeconservancy #TedWheeler #commissionerdanryan #commissionercarmenrubio #commissionermingusmapps #PortlandCityCommissionerReneGonzalez #downtownportland

We hope you will enjoy the trailers for this thoughtful film called "The Ride Ahead." From the movie website, "Samuel Habib is a typical 21-year-old, itching to move out, start a career and find love. But no one tells you how to be an adult, let alone an adult with a disability. Can a community of disability activists help him follow his dreams?" Learn more about this film at https://lnkd.in/d-bwFeZw.

Norman Day's article in The Age describes the Vic markets as "theatre" which is supported by my research. (I investigated how the spatial form of the market evolved in relation to its daily use and changing social context. Essentially, I argued that the market design offered a stage for everyday performance, which visitors could access easily from multiple frontages to become co-performers. The frontages were continually refined over time). But following the redevelopment, how much harder will it be for shoppers arriving by car to get to and from the sheds? And if the building towers will create local demand, won't the market be completely gentrified?

Creating safer spaces is not just a lofty ideal; it’s an urgent necessity that affects us all. Shawna Potter’s new guide is packed with practical steps for public spaces—whether it's a concert hall, café, or art gallery—looking to combat harassment effectively. Each page is a call to action, emphasizing that change is within our reach. With real-world examples and clear tactics, this book empowers venues and communities to foster environments where everyone can feel respected and secure. It’s about making sure that everyone, especially marginalized voices, gets to enjoy the space without fear of harassment. By sharing personal stories and strategies, Potter emphasizes that real change can happen through collaboration and community commitment. Isn’t it inspiring to think about how we can all contribute to a more inclusive atmosphere? What actions do you think need to be taken in your own communities to ensure everyone feels safe? Let's share our thoughts! https://lnkd.in/eDTP75A9

Here is my latest article for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Singing about processing the exit of a person from your life, this is the new single by Maggie Rogers: #NewMusic