Oregon Humanities

More information about sports at UO here: http://www.youtube.com/luddite333

zach, Eugene, Oregon | on Think & Drink with Richard Lariviere, Mike Bellotti, Barbara Altmann, and Kitty Piercy

A year ago I read Virginia Postrel’s Substance of Style: How the Rise of Aesthetic Value is Remaking Culture, Commerce and Consiousness and what I mostly got from it was the idea that it is misleading to think things are either beautiful or useful, that something can be smart and pretty. But while I enjoyed reading it, I missed the sort of thoughtfulness you put into this—that sometimes design is tyrannical, sometimes it deceives, that sometimes it becomes a projection that interferes with authenticity. I like your dividing line, because it seems essential to the critical examination of our lives and culture to ask “how is the design here manipulating me?” Design can make our lives easier, I think of how many websites have great content that I cannot stick around to read, but when there is style without substance, when I am persuaded to behave in a way I wouldn’t otherwise, to buy something I don’t need, then it seems like a perversion of the value design has.

Mara Collins, Portland, OR | on Harriet Fasenfest on the intentions of design

I think Kamla makes a great point (although I admit I read the blog to find out what the gasp moment was in The Crying Game. But in fact, her writing kept me going….). But seriously, isn’t this why everyone should get involved? Not only for others, but also for themselves? Isn’t this why people gave $10 for Haiti, so they could self-identify as caring people WHILE they are helping people from Haiti? So that they wouldn’t feel quite so horrible sitting in comfortable living rooms watching people’s lives forever destroyed in Haiti?

But then the second issue is about the arts. Why the arts? Because frankly, the arts are no longer something that can be supported by government. Whether that’s local schools, local governments or the national government, the money simply isn’t there. So if you want the arts, you’ll have to pay for them, in my view. If you want your grandchildren to have the arts, you have to endow them. But then, that’s just my opinion.

Nice blog, Kamla Hurst. It reminded me of the film The Last Picture Show.

Karen Dawisha, Washington DC | on Kamla Hurst on The Crying Game

To get everyone thinking about tomorrow evening’s Eugene Think & Drink about sports and American culture, I thought I’d share two websites that have some interesting information about the topic.

The first is the webpage for an upcoming conference called A Mirror of our Culture: Sport and Society in America:

http://www.snc.edu/sportandsociety/

And the second is a blog dedicated to the philosophy of sport:

http://philosophyandsports.blogspot.com/

Annie Dubinsky, Portland | on Think & Drink with Richard Lariviere, Mike Bellotti, Barbara Altmann, and Kitty Piercy

Those of you in Portland who can’t attend our Eugene Think & Drink might want to attend an upcoming talk by Tom Krattenmaker, author of “Onward Christian Athletes” on christianity in an age of religious diversity. Presented by PSU Department of Religious Studies. February 25, 12:00-2:00 PM, Smith Student Center, Rm. 338.

Jennifer Allen, Portland | on Think & Drink with Richard Lariviere, Mike Bellotti, Barbara Altmann, and Kitty Piercy

Dear O.Hm.

I like the website when i am just playing around, but coming back to find something—anything—is the problem.  I can’t find things when I want to find them!  I think the website is visually interesting but very confusing - great for exploring but inefficient when I want something in particular.

kate powell, portland | on Letter from the Editor Fall/Winter 2009

Please send an application for the OHIP class in Salem at Willamette. Thanks.

nicole taylor, salem, oregon | on Oregon Humanities 2010 grant application deadine

Bartending will definitely help you learn things about people, overall kind of depressing.  I definitely couldn’t do the job.  Overall though sounds like it was a few good years for you.

Charles, Michigan | on Dave Weich on the job that changed his life

I don’t think so. Coz some people just think that it’s only an art in their body. They don’t make the tattoo as something to define themselves.
fake tattoos

Belinda Scheider | on Dave Weich on the job that changed his life

So do you think people with tattoo are bad people or someone who has bad temper?

fake tattoos | on Dave Weich on the job that changed his life

kathleen, i am trying to figure out how to submit something.  but your website is confusing.  how do i do it?  actually, i sent it to you as a letter and wish you would just publish it without further hassle.  wont you do that?

diane allen | on Letter from the Editor Fall/Winter 2009

I hope that Dr. Jensen will talk about Jane Addams and the founding of the Women’s Peace Party.  Addams was probably the most famous woman in America, consorted with presidents, etc., until she opposed the First Imperialist War.  Then she was ostracized.  And it was a woman who voted in Congress against both WWI and WWII.

diane allen | on Eliza Canty-Jones on women and war

What a great article and full of so much wisdom.  I am wondering if we have passed the point of no return.

University of Oregon
Class of ‘65

Wally Larsen, Eugene, Oregon | on John Frohnmayer on the destructive nature of capitalism

Thanks, Trista. I’ve actually considered starting a practice blog (which would be separate from this one) but haven’t gotten around to it yet. If I do, I will certainly let you know! I’m vaguely familiar with the concept of beginner’s mind. I hadn’t connected my post to that idea, so thanks for the insight.

Raina Hassan, Portland | on Raina Hassan on being bad at violin

It is a shame that the Council does not support these terrific former Chautauquans.  How many libraries, museums, etc., can afford to pay for these folks?

diane allen | on Past Oregon Chautauqua Scholars Available for Independent Programs