Disciplinarity, Maps of Faith and The Snorgh and the Sailor Book Release

20 April 2012 I attended the ‘Disciplinarity Symposium’, which proved a blend of acknowledgement and debate—acknowledgment of successful programmes that combine the expertise of specialists from diverse disciplines to find solutions to a given research question or questions AND a debate, in the sense that under discussion was the very definition of ‘discipline’ and ‘interdisciplinary’. 

Given the plethora of ideas raised it is difficult to be selective but one that stood out especially (to me) was the supposition that today’s 'academy' believes that the criteria for excellence is that we have ‘better answers to better questions’. I personally do not know how to respond to the concept of ‘better answers to better questions’.  I can somewhat understand the idea of a more or less accurate correlation of one set of information to another set of information but what exactly constitutes a ‘better question’? Better in terms of what?

I do not understand how better or worse enters into things . . . simply new or different questions, or perhaps questions that further understanding--or am I to suppose that is what is meant by better? If so . . . then . . . what might be intended, is that the ‘academy’ or those all working on a particular region of knowledge ask questions and obtain answers to those questions that further a progression toward goals that are perceived to be useful or productive?

Okay. Fine, I suppose. Well no, not entirely fine. I mean, how does one even know that the direction furthered toward isn’t pointless?

You see, to me, that’s the great advantage of the ‘interdisciplinary’ inquiry, or of the collaboration of expertise from different ‘disciplines’—it creates a kind of ‘checks and balances’ dynamic in the construction of knowledge. By sharing differing perspectives and experiences it becomes possible to grasp fuller dimensions of implication, meaning and purpose.

Admittedly I had a TERRIBLE cold/flu that day however and as such was not at my best. I did overall enjoy listening to the differing perspectives. Here is a link to more information about that 'Disciplinarity: Representing Reformation': http://representingreformation.net/get-involved/events/disciplinarity/ 

On 25 Wednesday April I had the opportunity to attend a ‘Mapping Faith’ workshop, which trained attendees in the use of an application called ‘Mediascape’, to create media-imbued, mobile maps. I think it will prove quite useful in the creation of an interactive, hyper-cartographical narratives as ancillary commentary and information support for the thesis case studies I’m currently working on. Here is a link to more information about the 'Mapping Faith and Place' project: http://www2.le.ac.uk/departments/archaeology/research/projects/mapping-faith

The Snorgh and the Sailor Book Release Party was on 26 Thursday, April at the ‘Crumblin’ Cookie’. During the gathering, the audience was treated to a ‘story time’ complete with participatory opportunity (the audience provided the sound effects for accompaniment to the story). Here is a lovely link to more information about the book, its author, Will Buckingham and the illustrator, Thomas Docherty: http://www.dmu.ac.uk/dmu-staff/news/the-snorgh-and-the-sailor-book-launch.aspx

Liminalities of the Heart.

On Monday 09 April my mother informed me that my paternal grandfather Eddie James had passed away the previous Friday, 06 April 2012. During the past fourteen months, I have lost my father (February 2011), my 'godmother three' Nancy Hall (November 2011), my paternal grandmother Lucille Smith James (December 2011) and now, my paternal grandfather as well. For the most part, I am doing well . . . but sometimes (or most of the time), I am unable take in the measure of it all--of having to negotiate safe passage through the many changes. Yet I know I'm not alone; that there are so many of us in this life, making our way through the 'heavy weather'. I wish for us all, the strength we need, when and as we need it.

Maps as Mirrors of Mentality

‘Maps as Mirrors of Mentality’: An Interview with Peter Barber.

On 12 Thursday April, I had a wonderful opportunity to converse with Peter Barber, Head of Map Collections, British Library, London. The central focus of our discussion had to do with the disposition of ‘truth’ in relation to maps as a representation of ‘reality’.  The writer/editor of such books as ‘Tales from the Maps Room’, ‘The Map Book’, and ‘Magnificent Maps’ (which was written in support of the ‘Magnificent Maps’ exhibition in 2012), Barber argues that maps mirror the mentality of those that make them--of the politics, propaganda and aesthetic sensibilities of the context from which and for which, maps are created.  It was a fascinating conversation. Recently, Peter Barber contributed to the BBC 4 broadcast discussion of Drake’s Circumnavigation Medal, as part of “Shakespeare’s Restless World’ exhibition preparation. For more about these topics, please visit:

http://www.bl.uk/magnificentmaps/

and

http://www.britishmuseum.org/about_us/news_and_press/press_releases/2012/shakespeare_radio_series.aspx

Sunny Goodge Street.

Meme Post 8: Felgary Times 'Conclusive Evidence' from 2003

Felgary Times: Conclusive Evidence.

From 2003.12.02 05.10

Netherworld Times, Felgary UFN.

After several years of closure for repair, researchers from the Scientific Institute of Nether were allowed to conduct comprehensive tests of the road to Hell, determining that the government sanctioned paving materials currently used are indeed primarily a composite of good intentions.

In spite of the commonly held belief (that the road to Hell is paved with good intentions), the Bureau for Architectural Dalliances has for centuries maintained that paving materials were assuredly made out of the finest rubble of free advice.

Cohort Construction (long standing “provisioneer” of paving composites for all main roadways of Nether and of Felgary Proper) has publicly contended that as far as they are concerned there is very little difference between good intentions and free advice. Spokesperson Devlyn Side is quoted as saying:

"Though generally less durable, good intentions are believed to be better for the environment than free advice but honestly, in application, good intentions and free advice are often difficult to tell apart."

Mr. Side went on to explain that in recent years the quality control department of Cohort had noticed that the raw materials shipments for paving composite had been a little heavy on good intentions and had reported the fact to officials at the Central Processing. Central Processing subsequently released a report stating that based upon popular public interest in environmental issues, that it was all probably for the best.

Though unavailable for comment, it is believed that those officials responsible for approving the use of weak paving materials meant well and had the best interests of the common good at heart. Possible planning for the complete demolition and reconstruction of the road to Hell is currently under consideration.

Next Weeks Special Edition Feature: Chronic Housing Shortage in Purgatory Expected to Worsen.