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Wednesday, 10 January 2024

[wapadc] WAPA Social Media + Please Send Member News

Please find WAPA's social media below (Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram). Please feel free to like, follow, and share. Spread the word! We will be collecting member news to post regularly. If you have events, publications, or anything to share via WAPA's social media, please send me the details. My contact information can be found on the GMU link below my name. It would be ideal if you can include 1) a brief description that can be posted (happy to edit as needed to fit format and word count so send whatever you can), 2) any website or link associated with what you are sharing, and 3) an image that can be used. Many thanks!

Sincerely,

Cortney Hughes Rinker

Programming Chair for WAPA

https://globalaffairs.gmu.edu/people/chughe13

www.linkedin.com/in/washington-association-of-professional-anthropologist-76570a2a9

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555521390383

https://www.instagram.com/washassocprofanthropologists/

@washassocprofanthropologists

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[wapadc] Flyers for Brian Smithson's Talk to Share

Hello, if you would like to circulate a flyer for Dr. Brian Smithson's talk on January 24, 2024, please find one attached. The flyer directs to wapadc.org to register in order to receive the Zoom link.

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[wapadc] WAPA Speaker Series - Dr. Brian Smithson "From Collaborator to Star: Ethnographic Fieldwork and Celebrity Labor in West African Digital Filmmaking" (January 24, 2024)

Please save the date for our next speaker in the WAPA 2023-24 Speaker Series, Dr. Brian Smithson. Details to follow shortly on how to register to receive the Zoom link.

From Collaborator to Star: Ethnographic Fieldwork and Celebrity Labor in West African Digital Filmmaking
Dr. Brian Smithson, St. Mary's College of Maryland

Wednesday January 24, 2024

6:30-8:00pm EST

Zoom

Abstract

For Bénin's Yorùbá (or Nàgó) people, digital video is an accessible medium to tell stories about idealized African pasts and prospective African futures. Nevertheless, economic barriers make movie production difficult. Based on participant–observation helping to plan, shoot, and even produce Beninese movies, I show how West African moviemakers respond to economic precarity both socially and aesthetically. Their labor regime relies on wealth-in-people: well-known celebrity actors ("stars") calling upon large networks of supporters to make movies at minimal cost. This system encourages openness and negotiation over aesthetics and narratives by casts, crews, and audiences. Meanwhile, it regulates behavior by invoking forms of social sanction marked as "traditional"—understood as Indigenous and African rather than white or Western. Aesthetically, these movies use digital montage, or editing, to intersperse close-ups on actors, bolstering their recognition within the small Beninese communities where these movies circulate. Yet, I also show how my participation in Beninese moviemaking as a white American anthropologist both illuminated and challenged this system. Specifically, I focus on the improvised roles filmmakers gave me to play, showing how the aesthetics and narratives of my scenes speak to moviemakers' economic concerns about centering African traditions as an alternative to white economic power—all while amplifying my public profile in local communities in ways I never anticipated.

Biography

Brian C. Smithson is a cultural anthropologist who studies the audiovisual cultures and religions of West Africa. He is completing a book titled Aesthetics of Praise: Making Movies Religious in Bénin—a story about cash-strapped movie producers, Christian–Muslim animosities, and professional rivalries in Yorùbá-speaking Bénin. The book shows how moviemakers overcome these hurdles by championing Yorùbá indigenous religion, its ethical principles, and its moral demands. In the process, they emphasize Yorùbá Indigenous religion as an essential resource to shape political possibilities across religions, borders, and oceans in the face of global trends that lead to religious division and economic insecurity in Africa. Dr. Smithson's work draws from his experience as an apprentice video filmmaker in Bénin, and his co-production of a full-length, Yorùbá-language movie under the guidance of several Yorùbá filmmakers. He earned a Ph.D. in Cultural Anthropology at Duke University and a master's degree in African Studies at UCLA. He has taught at Duke, Bowdoin College, and the University of Virginia.

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Monday, 8 January 2024

Water Softeners and Sizing: How to Choose the Right One for Your Home

Water hardness can make everyday tasks a hassle. It leaves soap scum on your shower walls, creates stubborn stains on your dishes, and dries out your skin and hair. The solution? A water softener. But with so many options available, figuring out the right size for your home can be tricky.

Grains of Hardness and Grain Capacity: Breaking Down the Essentials

Water hardness is measured in grains per gallon (GPG). The higher the GPG, the harder your water.

Typical hardness levels:
- Soft: 0-3 GPG
- Slightly hard: 3-6 GPG
- Moderately hard: 6-12 GPG
- Hard: 12-18 GPG
- Very hard: 18+ GPG

Water softeners have a grain capacity, which indicates how many grains of hardness they can remove before needing to regenerate.

Factors Affecting Water Softener Size

Several factors influence the size of water softener you need:

Number of people in your household: More people mean more water usage.
Average daily water consumption: This includes showering, laundry, dishwashing, and other water-related activities.
Water hardness level: The higher the hardness, the larger the softener you'll need.

How to Calculate Grain Capacity

Here's a general formula to estimate the grain capacity you need:

Number of people in household x Average daily water usage (gallons) x Water hardness (GPG) x 7 = Grain capacity

Example: A family of four uses 80 gallons of water per day, with a water hardness of 15 GPG.

4 x 80 x 15 x 7 = 33,600 grains

They would need a softener with a grain capacity of at least 33,600.

Common Size Recommendations:

1-2 people: 20,000-30,000 grains
3-4 people: 30,000-40,000 grains
5+ people: 40,000+ grains

Additional Considerations:

Iron content: If your water has high iron levels, you may need a larger softener.
Water usage patterns: If you have periods of high water usage (e.g., frequent guests, laundry days), consider a larger softener.
Space constraints: Ensure you have adequate space for the softener and its brine tank.

Consulting a Professional for Accurate Recommendations

For the most accurate sizing recommendations, consult a water treatment professional. They can test your water hardness and assess your specific needs.

Remember, choosing the right size water softener is essential for ensuring its effectiveness and efficiency. By understanding the factors involved and following these guidelines, you can select the perfect fit for your home.

Sources:

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Friday, 5 January 2024

Best Biodynamic Gardening Courses

Biodynamic gardening goes beyond organic principles to create a truly holistic approach to cultivating life. It blends science and spirituality, recognizing the interconnectedness of all elements within a garden ecosystem. By aligning with cosmic cycles and fostering a deep understanding of nature's rhythms, biodynamic gardeners strive to produce nutrient-rich food, vibrant plants, and a harmonious relationship with the environment.

I recommend that you read this Biodynamic Gardening Book - https://www.amazon.com/Biodynamic-Gardening-Composting-Preparations-Agricultural/dp/B0CLDKZ2GR

Unlocking the Secrets of Biodynamics Through Expert Guidance

Whether you're a seasoned gardener seeking a deeper connection with nature or a beginner eager to explore this sustainable practice, biodynamic gardening courses offer invaluable insights and hands-on experiences. These courses delve into:

Key Principles and Practices:

Understanding the foundations of biodynamic philosophy, developed by Rudolf Steiner in the early 20th century.
Preparing and applying biodynamic preparations, unique compost and herbal remedies that enhance soil health and plant vitality.
Working with the lunar and astrological cycles to guide planting, harvesting, and other gardening activities.
Integrating composting, cover cropping, and other regenerative techniques to build healthy soil ecosystems.
Fostering biodiversity through companion planting and pollinator habitats.
Creating a closed-loop system that minimizes waste and maximizes resource utilization.

Finding the Right Course for Your Needs

Course formats vary to accommodate different learning styles and preferences:

Online Courses:

Biodynamic Association: Online Introduction to Biodynamics
Biodynamic Agricultural College: Online Course in Biodynamic Principles and Practice

In-Person Workshops and Certification Programs:

Pfeiffer Center: Biodynamic Gardening Apprenticeship
Demeter Association: Biodynamic Farmer Training
Local farms and gardening organizations (explore options in your area)

Key Considerations When Selecting a Course:

Instructor experience and expertise in biodynamic methods
Course curriculum and alignment with your learning goals
Format and duration of the course
Location and accessibility
Cost and potential financial assistance

Benefits of Biodynamic Gardening Education:

Deepen your understanding of sustainable agriculture practices
Learn to create a thriving, self-sustaining garden ecosystem
Produce healthier, more nutritious food
Connect with a community of like-minded individuals
Enhance your connection to nature and the cosmos
Contribute to a more sustainable and regenerative food system

Ready to Embark on Your Biodynamic Journey?

Explore the courses mentioned above and connect with biodynamic organizations in your area to discover the perfect learning path. As you delve into this transformative approach to gardening, you'll not only cultivate healthier plants and ecosystems but also nourish a deeper connection with the rhythms of nature and the interconnectedness of all life.

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Best Biodynamic Gardening Book 2024

Biodynamic gardening is an agricultural approach that transcends conventional organic methods. It embraces a holistic philosophy that views the farm or garden as a living organism, interconnected with the cosmos and its rhythms. By working in harmony with these natural cycles, biodynamic practitioners aim to create vibrant, resilient ecosystems that produce nutrient-rich, flavorful food.

Here is the best Biodynamic Gardening book - https://www.amazon.com/Biodynamic-Gardening-Composting-Preparations-Agricultural/dp/B0CLDKZ2GR

Unlocking the Wisdom of Biodynamic Gardening Books

If you're intrigued by this transformative approach to gardening, a wealth of knowledge awaits you in biodynamic gardening books. These books offer comprehensive guidance on:

The Principles of Biodynamic Agriculture: Delve into the foundations of biodynamic philosophy, including the concept of the farm organism, the importance of soil health, and the role of cosmic influences.
Practical Techniques and Preparations: Discover hands-on methods for composting, planting, and harvesting according to biodynamic principles. Learn how to create and apply biodynamic preparations, which are unique herbal and mineral remedies used to enhance soil fertility and plant vitality.
Seasonal Rhythms and Astrological Influences: Explore how to align your gardening practices with the rhythms of the seasons and the cycles of the moon and planets.
Case Studies and Inspirational Stories: Gain insights from experienced biodynamic farmers and gardeners, and find inspiration in their successes and challenges.

Essential Reads for Your Biodynamic Journey

Here are five books that stand out as exceptional resources for aspiring biodynamic gardeners:

Biodynamic Gardening by Monty Waldin (DK Publishing) - This comprehensive guide offers a clear and practical introduction to biodynamic gardening, covering everything from soil preparation to pest control.
Gardening for Life: The Biodynamic Way by Maria Thun (Floris Books) - Thun's classic text delves into the astrological influences on gardening and provides detailed planting calendars based on moon phases.
The Biodynamic Orchard by Ehrenfried Pfeiffer and Michael Maltas (Acres USA) - Learn how to apply biodynamic principles to fruit trees in this in-depth guide.
Moon Gardening by Matt Jackson (Chelsea Green Publishing) - Discover how to harness the power of the moon to enhance your gardening efforts.
What Is Biodynamics?: A Way to Heal and Revitalize the Earth by Rudolf Steiner (SteinerBooks) - Explore the origins of biodynamic agriculture in this foundational work by its founder.

Embarking on Your Biodynamic Journey

Whether you're a seasoned gardener seeking a deeper connection to nature or a newcomer eager to explore a more sustainable approach, biodynamic gardening books offer a path to a fulfilling and transformative gardening experience. Through their pages, you'll discover a world where gardening becomes a practice of reverence for the interconnectedness of all life.

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