Podcast appearances and mentions of Thomas Hart Benton

What does it really mean to build bridges that last for decades? I want you to meet Bircan Unver, whose lifelong commitment to responsibility, creativity, and global citizenship has shaped more than 25 years of meaningful work through Light Millennium. From growing up as the eldest of seven children in Turkey to creating an internationally recognized nonprofit connected with the United Nations, Bircan shares how art, public media, and open dialogue can bring people together across cultures. We explore why responsibility begins with each of us, how local communities can help solve global challenges, and why issues like water security, environmental stewardship, and human connection matter more than ever. I believe you'll enjoy hearing how one person's unstoppable mindset continues to inspire collaboration, education, and hope for a better future. Highlights: 06:55 - How growing up with responsibility shaped Bircan's lifelong commitment to serving others. 18:30 - Why public access television became the foundation for sharing voices and building community. 26:15 - The story behind founding Light Millennium and creating a nonprofit built on dialogue and education. 36:55 - How local communities can play a meaningful role in advancing United Nations goals. 49:45 - Why water security, cybersecurity, and gender equality are becoming deeply connected. 55:40 - Bircan reflects on preserving ideas through books, creativity, and lifelong learning. About the Guest: Bircan Ünver is the Founder-President of The Light Millennium, a Charitable Global Human Advancement Organization (LMGlobal.Org, 2001, New York); Executive Producer of the LMTV Programs; Multi-Media and Event Producer; Host, Author, Publisher, Public Speaker; [Head] NGO Representative of The Light Millennium to the United Nations Department of Global Communications since 2005 (formerly, UN.DPI); and Chair, Outreach and Partnerships Subcommittee at Global NGO Executive Committee and director for the 2021-2023 term. She has been also a Content Provider at QPTV since 1992, and she is the editor and co-founder of the U.S. Turkish Library & Museum Project. She has undertaken the Organization's e-publications, public programs since its inception in August 1999, and #LightMillenniumTV Series and Specials in all aspects of it since January 2000; along with, the LMGlobal.Org's all UN-related activity and programs since 2005. Bircan is the author and director of the Compulsory Peace & ICTs Education from Kindergarten to K-12, and Beyond Campaign, which she launched it through the Light Millennium Global in support of the Summit of the Future in 2024. The Campaign has delivered its 8th session along with the Coalition for the Campaign, which contains 22 organizations and educational institutions including The Light Millennium Global as the leading organization. Further,  she is also author of the bi-annual international high school project, “J.U.C. Media, Research, Writing & Innovation Awards”. The third of its kind was dedicated to the “Water Action Decade” and was delivered  (virtually) on the World Water Day, March 22, 2025. Bircan served as a mentor to the GPODS for three consecutive terms in Winter'22, Summer'22, and Fall'22 Fellowship Programs; and delivered lectures on “How to associate with the UN-NGO”, Public Access TVs in the U.S., and the latest one was on the #WaterActionDecade and the #2023UNWater Conference. To attach that, on behalf of LMGlobal.Org, she organized and hosted an Outside-UN Side Event ID #W175, titled, “What Is Your Commitment To The #WaterActionDecade? ~ Seven Core Ideas Toward #WaterAwareness, #WaterConscience and #GameChangers” in NYC on March 21, 2023, and was the head delegate of the LMGlobal.Org at the #UN2023WaterConference. Based on LMGlobal.Org's Commitments to the #WaterActionDecade, she launched #OneMinuteWaterActionCommitment during the #W175 Side Event, along with continues to work toward #WaterAwareness toward building up #WaterConscience.  She served as the chair of the ATAA Committee on UN Relations, guided its association to the UNDGC in 2020, and also served as the New York Regional Vice-President of ATAA (Assembly of Turkish American Associations) from October 2019 to January 2022. Furthermore, she served on several Planning Committees of the UN-Civil Society Conferences, and the Planning Committee of the High-Level Forum on the Culture of Peace (HLF-CoP). She has been a strong advocate of the UN Vision, Programs & Sustainable Development Goals (2015-2030) along with the relevant UN Days, which are in line with the LMGlobal.Org's Mission/Purposes since its association with the UNDGC (formerly, UN.DPI/NGO) in December 2005. Currently, Bircan is on the Advisory Board of the Turkish Forum (based in Germany). She encourages and guides interested civil society organizations and members of academia toward their educational institutions' associations with the UN, along with engaging them with the UN Programs that are within her networks and beyond. Further, she is an Ambassador of Peace and Goodwill for Anuvrat (Anuvibha) Global Organization (Jaipur, India, since 2014); and a Member of the Global Movement for the Culture of Peace (GMCoP, since 2012). Bircan is also the founder and president of the IsikBinyili.Org Association based in Istanbul (2010), which is a sister organization and counterpart of the LMGlobal.Org. Author of the following four book titles in print (Turkish): “En Kutsalı Yaratmak” (The Most Sacred is to Create) (1995, 2022), “Sanatın Labirentlerinde” (The Labyrinths of Arts) (2016), and “Işık Yollarında (“The Ways of the Light”) (poetry, 2017), and “Bin Yıl Daha…” (2020, A Thousand Years More…). Also, she is the author of the concept and compilation of the “Hope Never Fades” (English) book (Istanbul, 2023). Bircan initially received her local and studio television production certificates at QPTV.Org in 1992. Based on this capacity, she produced and broadcasted near to 260 television programs through local channels in New York City, which are also available online through www.vimeo.com/channels/LightMillenniumTV including 36 #OneMinute #WaterAction PSAs. Bircan celebrated her 30th Anniversary at QPTV.Org through a video profile, titled, “A Turkish Experience in America” (Duration: ~9 min. Production Year: 2022). Her works through The Light Millennium Global is a recipient of various national (U.S.) and international awards and recognitions including two awards from the Foundation of Alliance Community 2023 Hometown Media Awards (F-ACM-HMA for her “GroundWater” Light Millennium TV program in Web-based Programming and Online Events / Independent Producer categories (received at Brick TV, New York), the Anuvrat Ahimsa Award For International Peace-2023 (received in Mumbai, India), and the 2023 International Volunteer President Award by Institution of Green Engineers (received in Chennai, India), and ashe is also the recipient of the 2024 Best Web-Based Program – Independent Producer for the #HopeNeverFades program by F-ACM-HMA, which was produced based on the 2023 J.U.C. Media, Research & Writing Awards (ACM HomeTown Media Awards, San Jose, CA). Bircan holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Degree from the Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University (Istanbul, 1988) and a Master's Degree (M.A.) from Media Studies of the New School University (New York City 1999). Ways to connect with Bircan**:** Websites: www.lmglobal.org  (active web site) | www.lightmillennium.org (serves as the organization's web archive)#LightMillenniumTV | www.vimeo.com/LMTV | www.vimeo.com/channels/LightMillenniumTV Social Media: Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/bircan-ünver-7353207 X@lightmillennium Instagram@lightmillennium About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog. Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children's Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association's 2012 Hero Dog Awards. https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can subscribe in your favorite podcast app. You can also support our podcast through our tip jar https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unstoppable-mindset . Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Transcription Notes: Michael Hingson  00:04 What if the biggest thing holding you back isn't what's in front of you, but rather what you believe? Welcome to Unstoppable Mindset, where inclusion, diversity, and the unexpected meet. I'm your host, Michael Hingston, speaker, author, and advocate for inclusion and possibilities. This podcast explores how the beliefs we carry shape the way we live, lead, and connect with others. Each week, I talk with people who challenge assumptions, face adversity head-on, and show what's possible when we choose curiosity over fear. Together, we focus on mindset, resilience, and the small shifts that lead to meaningful change. Let's get started. Well, hello everyone, and I want to welcome you to another edition of Unstoppable Mindset, and today we get to talk to a very interesting person with a with a lot of roots in Turkey, but she is also doing a lot of work with the United Nations here in the U.S. and other places. Her name is Birchan Umfer, and I hope I got that right. And Bircan Unver  01:23 thank you. Michael Hingson  01:24 Oh, good. And Berjan is is with us, and is going to talk about a number of things that she is working on. She's working on, and for years has been involved with a program called Light Millennium, and we'll we'll talk about all that, but let's just start and and as usual we'll have a great conversation. So, Bir John, I want to welcome you to Unstoppable Mindset. We're glad you're here. Bircan Unver  01:50 Thank you so much, Michael Hingston. It's great honor and privilege to have your guests. Especially, I love the title Unstoppable Minds. It's really inspiring and triggering the mind. Thank you. Michael Hingson  02:08 Well, my pleasure. We're glad that you have the time to to spend with us, and we will we will we will do it and make it work. Well, let's start. I love to start this way because I really want people to learn about you. Tell us kind of about the early Birchan growing up, and then we'll go from there. So tell us about Birchan and growing up, and and and all of that. Bircan Unver  02:32 Thank you. This will be a little bit different than most people know about me, my work. Well, we'll get to Michael Hingson  02:38 your work. Bircan Unver  02:40 Yeah, I know. I mean, the people who already know my work. What I'm gonna say now is completely too different from Berja. So I am a elder of seven siblings, and I was born in an ancient village in Mid Anatolia, actually nearby the Black Sea region, and I'm proud with my age, 1959, and my family moved to town first from the village, and then Istanbul for our educations for their kids, and but I don't know really as a girl child growing up with seven kids, as especially with a traditional family, being older girl is not a good idea. But but maybe it was a kind of tough childhood as a girl child. I I don't feel that I never been a child. That's really what I feel. But on the other hand, and that was you know when you are growing up, living through like I was a kind of second mom, and also our home was kind of everyone our guest from the village town and stay over not only one night, like or a week, like sometimes months, even years. You won't believe that, and it was not because either. So, but those kind of build up maybe my feeling to be responsible, so I consider myself a responsible person because I was responsible for my sisters, brothers, and also washing dishes, making helping my mom to prepare the meal, lunch, breakfast, and clean up. Like you know, I was kind of second person, second mom at home. So those early things, all those stolen my childhood, but at the same time, provide me being able to do everything from very early age. Even though I remember several times at the time. The bread wasn't, you know, you you weren't buying the bread from the market, but from the bakery, real where they were baking the bread. So she was, and time to time also she was making the the bread at home, and then she she wasn't sending me to school because then I had to stay with my brothers and kids so she can make the you know breads a big amount for a couple days. So that said, also gave my idea. I want to suddenly want to work as soon as you know I'm 17, 1617, So and then I started early working at a bank, and it was my first eight years. I worked at a bank in Istanbul. It is called Istanbul Bank, and then my graphic is like life graphic is a little bit different, like curvy, not like straight line. Then after eight years working at a bank, I started to university and fine arts, and then I had kind of interest art history, especially TV production, art history, arts in in the concept is producing art documentaries. That was kind of my vision. Also, it was also my reason initially coming to the U.S. learning TV production. Of course, English as first. So that was very much my childhood until you know 18 until starting at the bank, and then the rest is another story. I have, I must say, I would have three different life. Michael Hingson  06:48 Well, you had certainly an interesting childhood, needless to say, and I, I can understand what you're saying about being the oldest and all the challenges. I was not. I was the youngest, but we only had two siblings, and neither of us we were we were both males, and so we we did not do a lot in terms of preparing meals and all that sort of stuff. Except my brother and I were both in the Boy Scouts, and so when we went camping and other things like that, we learned how to cook on an open or an open fire and and things like that. But still, I understand that you you had a a lot that you had to do. What lessons did you learn by being the oldest child? What kinds of things do you think that you you carry over to what to your life today, because you were the oldest. Bircan Unver  07:44 I think two different components of that. One is also because it wasn't only I was the as a kid at the home and as a girl, girl, but also at the time there wasn't that kind of awareness which we have today. Which I mean, my mom got married with my dad at the age of 15, and she had birth. She had given me birth at the age of 16, the reason I'm bringing up this, when we were going to shopping Kapolechar, Grand Market of Istanbul, when I was 1516, and literally we were halfway age difference between my mom and myself. And when I was saying mom, and the people were surprised, and she and isn't your sister, other sister? They were asking me, and she was my mom. So, but this is in the long later years. I always become the best friend with my mom, and even my brother was saying, "Oh, now I understood that she, you are the joy of my mom because she can kind of a joke, and the others, my kids, like they are kids, but I'm her friend because they kind of feel similar. That is one, you know, lifetime developed feeling and strong connection, different connection with my mom, and the other also, as I mentioned at the beginning, it really this whole, you know, not selected, but where you, which house you born, which condition you grow up, that build up for me early high level responsibility. I feel responsible to do everything, and I, you know, that's a little bit tiring because that's what I want to say here. You say something in our after our initial Zoom meeting. It's really very inspiring. You say something. I just took note. We can solve all the worst problem. We can. You say you don't say we cannot. You say we can. Solve all the world's problems. So, like, it wasn't possible. It's not possible, but you know, as if I could solve the problems or I could carry everything. So it's kind of you know build up my bricks in my life. Michael Hingson  10:18 One of the things that you certainly, it sounds like you learned as you were growing up, though, was was all about responsibility and and and learning to take charge, but learning about responsibility and and feeling that it was okay to be responsible for others in your family and so on. And I think a lot of people don't necessarily learn a lot of lessons about responsibility, like they should. But you were put in a position where you had to do that, which is is certainly a good thing because you clearly have have done that in your life. Bircan Unver  10:54 That's very true, and also it goes with everything. Let's say sometimes some people think maybe unnecessary action when people cut trees, even in their you know backyard or front yard, whatever trees or any type of trees or fruit trees. I really get mad and upset because it is irresponsible to nature, to their own environment, just feeling they're responsible to trees, loving the trees, loving the you know, for instance, if when I was it was two weeks ago, I was working on at my desk, a bees was you know flying around me, and I don't like you know trying to hit and chase the bees, and I just left the window open, moved the room two hours, and it's gone. So I don't want to hurt things, even though if it bites, it would hurt me, right? So to kind of find a way, being responsible, because also I have a subconscious thinking that if I try to chase a herd, if an insect, any of them, they you know they react sharp. So I'm not a threat to them. So they are not threat to me. So I kind of make a subconscious connection, communication. Michael Hingson  12:22 Well, and it's it's better to to learn to love than than not. So I I hear what you're saying. Now you didn't go to college or university, right? Or you did? Bircan Unver  12:35 Of course, I did. That's what I was just briefly brought this stair at that level. That after eight years working at at Istanbul Bank, from literally actually 17 to 24 or 23 late 23 early 24 then I started at the Fine Arts University in Istanbul, and I mainly study both as major Turkish tradition arts and also along with as a minor. We didn't have a minor, but we had we didn't have the minor degree, but we had a selected course. So I was following up several like four years in a row and also whole year around, not a quarter semester base artist troy and contemporary art. So I started writing on art and exhibit and interviewing artists while I started study at the Fine Arts University, which is top university in Fine Arts in Istanbul, Myanmar, Sinan Fine Arts University. Michael Hingson  13:44 So you learned a lot about fine arts, and Bircan Unver  13:47 yeah, Michael Hingson  13:47 and you had obviously learned about finance from the bank, which Bircan Unver  13:51 is didn't learn that Michael Hingson  13:53 much, huh? Bircan Unver  13:53 Not at all, and I didn't like it. That's why I, you know, I changed all my life line. Michael Hingson  14:00 Right, but but you enjoyed art. Bircan Unver  14:03 Yes, and because also art always for me, and it as it is today. Whatever the life problems we cannot be resolved, art is always for me a branch to hold on and to kind of feel strength, connect with the nature, with the art culture, whom I never might met, or maybe you know through art, through music, through books. So it's kind of really, I think the the best human conscious and what we leave behind is what we produce. Creative might be a little bit another discussion. What is the term defined? And now everyone using like creative for everything, but creativity is like really what stays, you know, central. And something as what is already before, and what you brought it something new, that new perspective, like cubism and faism and expressionism and all that different genres or pop arts and another one Dali's movement. So all the Dadaism, so each of them brought something what is already existed, and then you know moved to different level, and also technology and communication brought where we are today. So and music, I'm not any degree. Degree train or understand, but I love music as most people about music and arts and literature and writing is always for me. Also taking pictures. I don't trust my memory much, but this is not new, not because of my age now. But I somewhat I always like take the pictures, whether I have cell phone, the oldest, you know, digital or the manual photo photographs. So even though when I run into where where was it, where I was, who was with, who next to me? I can't remember. But why I love that? Because really, it brings, it captures your life, even you don't remember, and then reconnect. Also, I I come up with a new concept. I haven't done anything yet, but it's kind of developing in my mind, that we can, we are able to capture the past, but we cannot capture the future, because you know whether you know unexpected the one photo comes up, or an audio recording, or all those movies, musics, and documentaries and paintings throughout artistry, you can really capture the past depending on what you know your background or interest and education, but you cannot capture the future. But you can imagine, we can imagine the future. We can invest into the future. Michael Hingson  17:16 Well, and and the the reality is that that the future is based on so many things that happen in the past, and so you can learn to to use some of that information and and have a better idea of what the future might be like, and that's that's pretty fascinating too. So so, how long did you go to college Bircan Unver  17:42 in in Turkey the basic four university education is annual base, not semester base. It's a four years, and actually when I started it was five years. Then later on they the system education board changed it to like four years plus two years. So I graduated from a four years fine arts, and then I have a master's degree based in New York News School University. Michael Hingson  18:20 Ah, in New York. Bircan Unver  18:21 Yeah. Michael Hingson  18:22 Okay. So that was was that two years. Bircan Unver  18:27 Yes, but it was a little bit different again. Yeah. See, because first when I was here for the first time, 18 919, 89 to 1994, I started and I took to six credits and I love it. But I had to go back to Istanbul, so then I got the you know absence live of absence, and then but coming back three years later, I readmitted, and then I finish it. I got my graduate diploma in 1999 May 1999 Michael Hingson  19:12 Okay, so Bircan Unver  19:14 you've been dealing late. You've been Michael Hingson  19:17 dealing with school for a while, but but while all that was going on, you got interested in, and you started to to do things regarding public access television. And you started that, if I read your biography correctly, in in 1991, you started doing things with public public access TV. Tell us a little bit about that, and why did you do that? Bircan Unver  19:41 That's really the kind of key point in my life. In as for the initial one of the two reasons that I came to the U.S. as the first time, I was you know the first aim to learn English. The second also. To learn the TV production, and then my first year was in the U.S. was in L.A. and then I was looking for the schools and just I'm I I'd like to get the formal education, formal training, and then one of my friends there, whom I met there, she said my aunt is TV producer at Queens Public TV in New York, and she is looking for someone like you who really wants to get in and all that. And then I think a couple months later, I had a very brief trip to New York, and I met with her, and then I met with her at QPTV. Now she is unfortunately not with us, but she was also she was the first Turkish producer at QPTV, and I'm forever grateful in memory of her. She was the one who introduced me QPTV, so I met Victor at QPTV in 1990, and then when I went back to LA, I decided to move to New York. So as soon as I moved to New York and I registered to QPTV's both field production and studio, and at the time, there were seven, eight months waiting list. Eventually, I got it on the list, 1991, and first I got the field production certificate, and it was I think six months something, and we had a group project and solo project, and then studio and studio production. It's when the same group project after you are learning all the equipment and then shooting and everyone is crewing everyone is helping each other within the same group of the class and then also producing group project and then the individual project that it is the similar step for the field production and the studio, that also provides a certificate to enabling us to use QPTV equipment, studios taking out the equipment, inviting studios, studios. Unfortunately, after COVID 19, there has been a long dragging issue. They haven't opened the studios. This is I don't want to get in because it is beyond our concept, but because that was my initial reason also moving to New York. And then once I started producing program and airing, I really loved idea from one idea, just idea, and then put paper and develop it. Bring yes, bring the crew, especially with the manual three-inch tapes, and to present, put everything in a tape, and then submit it an ARC schedule. I really love that. So then, while I was there, and then I said, "Okay, I want to really have a master's degree on TV production. So my master's degree from New Zealand University is in media studies. So and I got my diploma May 1999 So, but New Zealand was amazing. I learned all the first my you know my life although it was 39 maybe 3839 years old when I was Photoshop and Premiere or Evid and all the first offline digital all the software program I learned at the new school and I edited my first program offline at the new circle as well, but when I got diploma, and then I had nowhere no access to continue. Also, you know, it's just I, I never been about the person. My mind and my heart wealthy, but not financial terms. And then, so QPT was always my second home because it provides me continuing the producing and provides me access, provides me equipment. It's like provides the community. That's what it is exists for, especially in support of the Article First Amendment and freedom of expression, and also QPTV format is really, really not well known, or not QPTV loaned. It is public access, pack programming, public education and government programming, non-commercial. So it's it is not much known widely, but it is really one of the best symbol of democracy. And now it's kind of a little bit diminishing because also widespreading out other web streaming platforms like this or other, so that there are so many. Discussion and issues, and also there is one petition to the New York Senate that is called Team New York that could also bring in all the web streaming to this community media access public access media. So then, Michael Hingson  25:19 oh, go ahead. Bircan Unver  25:20 No, I mean the question is so QPTV had has been the longest since 1991. I've been providing content, and as long as I am in the US, if I'm out of the country, even if I am out of the country, my previously submitted programs are rerunning in different, you know, whenever they schedule for my new programs, I determine which time slot because I have a time slot to be scheduled, and whether 28 minutes or one hour. But especially again after COVID 19, I couldn't produce anything at the studio at QPTV, but like this Zoom-based programs, and then for the late million organization, the programs I produce and then edit them, reformat them to schedule for QPTV. But it wasn't as it used to be produced at QPTV, at the studio with the crew, that's the excitement teaming up. It's really, I love it. But Zoom, this type also make more maybe manageable, but also bring more intonation speakers. You know, through online connection. If Speaker 1  26:54 you enjoy Unstoppable Mindset and would like to help us continue bringing these conversations to you each week, we've created a way for you to support the show. Your contribution helps us cover production costs and continue sharing stories, insights, and ideas that inspire people to live with purpose and possibility. If supporting the podcast feels right for you, you'll find the link in the show notes. Thank you for being part of the Unstoppable Mindset Community. Michael Hingson  27:28 So you you started in public access television and and and are still doing that essentially. But in 2000 you started Light Millennium TV. Tell us about Light Millennium Television. Bircan Unver  27:42 Thank you so much. Because Late Millennium, I still consider it's my third child because already 25th anniversary. The flyer on my back says 25th That also refers the 25th anniversary of the Light Millennium. I think a the experience and production, and also providing three platform QPTV, Queens Public TV, but actually the 1992 Communication Act and PAC programming, public government public education and government programming; those emerge with my new school education, like Fatrus, Plato, the concept of the two ways of messaging, and for the first time in my life, at the age of I think it was I was 39 I was able 3039, I was able to use. It was very new, also for the war. Internet. We had the internet at the new school as our media class, the open forum. One week media theory class. We have open discussion forum about Greek philosophy, further is communication, media theory. The other class we had the classic format. So all these together merged in my mind, and I really felt I found my medium. That medium is the internet, which me, especially someone is living in New York, who has you know 30 years first life in Turkey, Istanbul, that culture, and then I I didn't want to kind of disconnect from my root cultures, and internet provided me that connections, and also I always like to write and communicate, so so it becomes like natural medium. And then when I just graduated in May 1999 I send out by then like 40 people with my friends. Colleagues, and then I said, "Oh, I want to start a platform. This platform is going to be ours. And everyone wants to say, kind of to expand the QPTV's concept, because when I say QPTV's concept, this is the again First Amendment, and they don't control the content. They don't say anything you can do, you cannot unless it is a threat to someone's life. So it's all the content, or you are responsible as the producer. So I really love that freedom and responsibility again. And then then I was mentoring at the New York Food Moon Finance and Television, and I was kind of trying to find what I want to do, and I was already producing programs at QPTV. I never give up as as long as I could afford to produce the time and edit. Edit is always more time consuming, and then the executive director of the at the time 1999 Woman Film Man Television, she said you can form a nonprofit. I never taught it before, and I'm forever thankful to her. And then I said I don't know what to do where to start because she perhaps she saw the potential because I was producing non-commercial and publishing, trying to promote, you know, through group emails, and whatever the you know social media available at the time. Well, mostly email and group emails, and then she suggested me a volunteer lawyers of arts that she said they can help you, and I never knew and I never thought I if I never came to U.S. maybe I will never had a concept of forming a nonprofit or light minimum. So that U.S. and all combination brought me and news called Queens Public TV, First Amendment, United Nations Article of 19 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Everything together kind of merged in my mind. Also, the projects I produce, I communicate, is contact with people, I learn from them. So then, when I contacted with them, they ask me, you know, what is my statement this type? And then I drafted all of them, and they put in medical, you know, terms and terminology, and I was lucky that we got a pro bono at the time one of the you know major U.S. law firms. I I think I can say now because they even though I think merged K Shuler, but they took our case and they formed my organization on on a pro bono basis and officially the first as a non profit organization done with the 500 1c T V together. So we officially formed 2001 July 17, and we and then right after that they filed 501c3 for us, and then we granted that in September 18, 2002. Bircan Unver  33:14 My memory is not good, but I I remember that date as of today because it was kind of imprinted in my mind, but also the beauty was that the granted granting 501 c3 was effective of the formation date, which is July 17 2001 So then, since I developed started the light minimum concept, introducing speaking people trying creating an open platform that everyone can you know contribute be part of it, so then I started in January 2000 on January 13 2000 started first monthly the like TV series at like at QP TV. That's how it came about. Michael Hingson  34:02 Yeah, you have certainly created quite a niche in in the whole light millennium and all the other things that you've done, which is pretty fascinating. How did you get connected with the United Nations? Because I know you're doing work with them. Bircan Unver  34:18 Thank you. Actually, the concept with the UN use, I don't do work for them. Michael Hingson  34:29 Right. Bircan Unver  34:29 We do work with them. Right. You're connected Michael Hingson  34:34 with them. You're not working for them. I understand that. Bircan Unver  34:36 Yeah, I just you know one word, but it's key key differences. But as as I mentioned, how the light millennium concept emerged, and also my master's degree program, media studies at the New School, and also there is another person I have to mention here, also in. Separate for her respectful and loving memory, Danielle Camille. She was my advisor for my thesis project advisor at the new school, and all that TV ideas and my thesis project. And she loved, and I got all A. And my first TV ideas project was peace, reality, or utopian dream, and it was 11 minutes or so. It was just before the first Clinton administration election, just October, I think 2002 and then I interviewed many academicians, civil society, non-profits who whose focus area on peace and war and you know against nuclear or all that and and then that actually the concept peace reality or utopian dream that took me to the United Nations I don't know now as a as an outsider, at the time it was so welcoming, and I went to photo department. They share me with photos, and I got all the books I was looking for. Of course, public library. I got all the books about the peace and peace organization. So that 12 minutes program, peace rate or utopian dream, and physically led me to step in the UN for the first time, and then producing this project, searching kind of open to me new horizon, and also my advisor was persistent. Birjan, we know you are great. You produce fundamental programs on arts, but I want you to do something else. So that actually also forced me to move beyond producing something beyond arts. And so then then peace, reality, or utopian dream concept came in, but also it wasn't far topic in my life because my son was born 20 when I was 2022 Now he is 45 His name is Borush, and mean is in Turkish peace. Peace also at the time, you know, Africa hunger, and I was hoping when I get 4050, this will be over. It's not the case, but as a vision, I always look for humanistic positive for the humanity, not you know for myself well-being. Michael Hingson  37:38 Well, you you kind of act as a bridge between UN programs and local communities. Tell me more about that because you view that you view yourself as being a bridge between UN programs and the local community. Why do you why do you view yourself as more of a bridge? Bircan Unver  38:00 That's very nice metaphor, and I think it's very true for me too. Maybe I could take it two three step backs. One is the village I was born. There is a river, and and then there was a bridge, and that bridge was kind of fundamental. Really, going to where you know people are established, living in all the agriculture and large fields, and it was kind of nostalgic to me. It's a bridge, but it's a stone, short bridge. That's the the first part. The second Istanbul. You know, my life main path when I was in Istanbul, Turkey in Istanbul, and Istanbul the Bosphor and then the Istanbul Bridge. Now the name changed, and now three bridges, and not just the bridge itself, but also Turkish geographic Turkey's geographical space place on Earth and especially on in between Europe and Asia and Black Sea and then the Mediterranean Sea and then when you go down North Africa, and then you go up like Russia and North Europe. So you see that that connection physically, geographically, and troy physical bridges. We live, we grow up with this kind of as part of our DNA and vision. When I was working on this, the first the initial need you know in the non-profit world to describe the need need was to connect with my culture, people, friends, family, the internet medium, and then village is also metaphor, and when we associated with the. I let I'm proud to say it. Let the association process. That was also my vision from that small video for the class project. And then, then I realize this is also. I think today is real fact that local communities, even Queens here, people are paying 1000s of dollars to come to New York to get visas. All that trying to get the sponsor, you know, to attend a conference, and I I didn't see much interest within the local nonprofits there, and that little bit was shocking realization for me. So I brought to my programs UN visions programs, MDGs, UN days, sustainable development goals. For instance, when it was announced at the UN for the 2023 agenda, we created dreams for humanity. So we brought people from lots of life, poets, authors, and youths to really share their ideas for humanity, for peace. Michael Hingson  41:12 Well, you-it sounds like, from all that I've read and and studied, you're you're, or at some point, you kind of have moved more into dealing with a lot of things with the environment. So I know that your program has been able to get a credit accredited as an observer observer status with the UN Environment Program. How is how has that affected what you do and all of your work going forward. Bircan Unver  41:43 Thank you. This is also another important, I think, milestone for us. The first in connection with the UN, associated with the in the formerly United Nations Department of Public Information, and then it has changed to Department of Global Communications. Officially, we've been associated since 2005, active and good standing, and we are able to be presented at the UN with six representatives, and therefore we are able also to reflect back to our committee's networks from the UN and it's two ways. I really like the concept two ways messaging, and then always environment in somewhat it involves in our programs. But let's say through water, through energy, through, for instance, when the forest fires really burns my heart. So being sensible and trying to, as much as I could, to attend the meetings, especially MDGs for the first phase of the Millennium Declaration, really, it's. I consider UN is the best school I ever had, and it's for me lifetimes to call, and I learn about so many countries I will never otherwise know them much. Some of the names you hardly hear in media and anywhere else, so it's kind of opens and to see the global spectrum. Also, one of the things I really love at the UN, whether you you are a ambassador or president or prime minister of a country that has maybe a population 1 million or 2 million or 1 billion or two 1.6 billion, the largest one, so you have the same minutes of speaking time, same voting, especially of course, I'm talking about the general assembly. So those things I follow up, and we try to incorporate time to time. And water issue always, I wanted to involve. I want to do something about, but it's just not like because I love the tourists, and I'm not, you know, scientist, so I'm not officially trained. So also, I'm not able to protect the, you know, fires in the forest. And every year it's getting worse and worse. And then I'm sensible, but you know, you can't do much about it. And eventually, although our last name is same, but we are not blood connected. Professor Oljoymer, at the time he was vice president for the UN Water at the UN, and we connected. And I was following up, and I was aware his work before we met. We connected through the UN. So then, especially during the COVID era, then when I've seen his speeches, natural-based solutions, and then his piece on smart water, so I propose him if we can do something. About water, and then he was very supportive, very kind, very modest. We had our first water program on the World Water Day in March 2001 and then it has turned out an annual program, and we kind of made the global connections and collaborations, and especially first three, four of them, Professor Olja led and guide, and also we worked together in a sense that I brought one part of the speakers and he brought other parts. So it was also great, diverse speakers and also the level of the speakers from whether civil society, academia, UN, and youth, all that. So we already presented six of them, and 2023 we were part of the UN Water Conference. We presented a program, and then last year we participated and presented a program site event in Nice on the Ocean Conference, and we kind of we also had previously on the ocean again. So plastic also become whether ocean, whether water, whether land life, like plastic, is becoming a huge in every level. Not plastic, but also chemical, all all sorts of polluters on in environment. So then we become promoting, producing, and there are really great level of academicians and experts, and they also like to share and connect their research and their findings. So it's a platform to break down together, and then when it is a video, when it is posted as both a summary along with the full presentation or speech, so it becomes a really source where you know you can find diverse voices, diverse solutions, diverse ideas, and also we align them in support of the UN days, UN conferences, SDGs, sustainable development goals like Water Days. Also, we collaborate with an organization in India, IGEN Green Institution, Green Engineers Institute of Green Engineers. So they are focusing on energy SDG seven. So we contribute them, bringing speakers. Bircan Unver  47:40 So then they join us to our program. So really, it's an organic volunteer base. So that that actually, I was so proud that we got a call, invitation to submit the application for this accredited status, and it was June 2025 after the ocean conference. I think ocean conference kind of brought them cumulatively and maybe brought their attention. And then October they asked our official documents, the bylaws and and certificate of organization, which is the regular require any formal application at the UN, and then I I submitted them in I think it was October 1525 but I haven't heard anything, and then I thought maybe you know they didn't consider, and then literally a year later, in June, last June, we got approval, and with a, it's not just accredited for a special one particular conference. It is an observer status assembly to contribute draft ideas. I mean, to contribute drafts, draft resolution to observe, to participate, and then also to be responsible to provide every four-year quadrennial report. Let's say if we fail to produce contribution at any level to this cause, then you know we may lose that observed status, but of course we'll do our best to contribute and to continue. Michael Hingson  49:27 With all of the work that you've done in all of this, I want to come back to World Water Day in a moment. But with all the work that you've done and all the the the things that you've done in public television and so on, when you host these meetings or you participate in these meetings, do they get televised? Also, are you able to bring those to to the public through public television? Bircan Unver  49:53 When it is Zoom, then I edit within my time slot within the limits of. Time slots and QPTV provides two different time slots. One is 20-eight minutes, the other one is 50-eight minutes. So then, let's say if it's two-hour session, I you know a little bit edit and then title, etc. and part one, part two, and also depending on the length of the session or 20-eight minutes. So then I schedule them through the local channels, as we spoke at QPTV. Also, I make them available through our vmail.com/lmtv channel on web on the web. Also, when we have a summary or outcomes, so we also provide those links and share through social media. Try our best to make those information available, visible, and reachable. Michael Hingson  50:51 Well, that I'm glad you do that. I'm glad that it gets to be something that is a lot more publicized than you just attending a meeting-that's important, I would think, to do when when you talk about World Water Day and so on. One of the things that that I I understand you do is you compare water security directly with cybersecurity and gender equality. Those are three different sorts of things when you include water security. Tell us more about that. Bircan Unver  51:24 This was our latest program in last March, and we had in our prior program on AI a discussion on AI a public discussion on AI policy or AI arc. So he's a professor and at the SUNY, and he's a mathematician, and he's also teaching cybersecurity. And when I was talking about when we met about the water conference upcoming, actually in this December, in the United Emirates on I think December six to eight. Even I was thinking to attend, but I wanted part a bit this time virtually instead of going there. So when we were talking about and and I really like this idea and I say as I asked exactly what you asked for, and then his really statement explanation made great sense because everything is nowadays control troy some form of electronic or AI or a combination of those systems, right? Competing systems. So if or if there is a technical issues, that's one case. But if there is a hack, especially water is the life source for everyone, whether you are billion or trillion, or you are you know ordinary people on the you know everyday life. So water is the source for everything, including producing the energy. AI. So water is the life itself. So then, when he said, if any hacking, whether you know small you know some you know people with a bad intention or some maybe big corporation because some profit purpose they want to sell more you know bottled water whatever or some international security issues you you may name this many other things. So if a computer system, if the control mechanism, if the AI system, whatever that combination in that system, is hack, then everything is a huge risk, and that's number one. How it connects with the water. Also now you know we smart how everything is electronic. Everything and then when that somewhat the life collapses there. So including water, including energy. So everything is so much you know interconnected. And then how that the gender equality came. Also, we follow Michael the UN annual-based dedication team for each UN Day or conferences. For instance, last year, water and gender equality, because water and gender required is also so inseparable concept and conditions in many parts of the world, and then also our professor Emre Tokus, he also. Make beautiful connection that if woman or when woman, if and when women are more in the security, cyber security, IT technology sectors, they are more sensitive. They are more like maybe natural in their dealings, like mother protection. So more protective, so there is less risk than where it is now. So to increase the gender equality, both not burden on the woman, you know, where it's the water scarcity that woman has to carry the burden. Girls, even five, seven years old, when developing countries, when it comes to developing countries, and then if the girls are, and also that was staggering. Stats he gave sort of shocked me today because he is a professor at SUNY. So what I mean by that, he said one of his class has only four girls out of 31. of his class has only one girl. One of his class doesn't have no girl. So even though if if girls are girls are not getting in this field, how we gonna bring the gender balance in all cross-cutting sectors of society. So that's how both from the UN perspective, the dedication team, also cybersecurity, the profile from a university that girls are not showing attention, interest studying cybersecurity. That was the fact based on his class last semester. One Michael Hingson  56:46 of the things that you have done, as I understand, is you've written several books. Bircan Unver  56:53 Yes, there are more, but hopefully I could get work on them, publish them as well. The my first book was Michael, based on my interviews with artists and my reviews on art exhibits, and also when I had questionnaire surveys like with artists, galleries, academicians, professors, students. When I before my first life prior prior the U.S. So when I went back after four years and I was really eager to get in a job for as a TV producer and somewhat that didn't work despite all my efforts even I my project load and everyone was after me, but they want to take the project, but not give me the role what I deserve for. So then I kind of close myself, and then I said I want to compile my books, my articles, my interviews. So that was how my first book came about in Turkish. To create is the most sacred. So, like the value to give the highest value for the creativity, intellectual production. That is through all those interviews, reviews, and questions. So that's that was the first book. The second book is in a way a bridge again between U.S. and Istanbul, New York and Istanbul, or maybe L.A. New York and Istanbul. Because when I came in, also I've done freelance journalism, so I wrote some you know reviews and the magazine. I used to, you know, send and appear my interviews and reviews. So and it was include not too frequent, but it was include some of major exhibits, both from LA and also from the Metropolitan Museum in MoMA in New York. Also Turkish artists here. So I met them, you know, when I was living. I started living in here. So then I a combination of those, and also that was another metaphor developed in my mind when I was Istanbul. I was feeling like the labyrinths of arts. So that's my second book title in Turkish labyrinths in arts. So like you are like this kind of narrow and small world in Istanbul art worlds and very high competition, and then nobody expanding to New York and LA expansion means bringing some, for instance, Franz Bacon, Thomas Hart Benton, and Max Ernst and Marina Magritte. Those also the last part connecting with the New York Istanbul from my art based on my art background. Michael Hingson  59:51 So, were any of the books published in English? The Bircan Unver  59:54 last 120, 23 is English, but. It is a compilation concept is written me. I directed the project, and of course I have some pieces also beside the concept. But it is a compilation by 24 contributors. It is based on the JUC Media Research Writing Awards 2021 and 2023 High School Awards Project, and also it is also engaging the youth to involve the UN programs at an early age and encourage them award them. So that also the next one is going to be on the Water Action Decatur in the same line, same concept, and also I have a book project since 2022 I couldn't still 2022 2020 actually. I dream, therefore I am. I have 80% of the book manuscript is ready, but I couldn't finalize it, and so the other one also I was hoping but couldn't to have a book for the 25th anniversary of the latentium. Unfortunately, it didn't happen. It's a little bit seemingly not going to happen this year to come up 25th anniversary of late millennium, but I had 20 anniversary of the late millennium in Turkish, and so this is completely different issue because I introduced like Millennium both in Turkish and in English, so it's like Tiffany Sister is the Turkish one, and then I formed Turkish sister in 2010, and then so on the 20th anniversary of the Turkish organization, as it is association, official association. So I compile the first part, the concept vision, very much like Millennium, because it's the system. But the second part based on the programs, activities, and challenges in Istanbul. So this book also in English will be first the the manifesto and the first all the history will be very much in English, the original one. But the second part is going to be completely, you know, selected ideas and projects and programs from the website and public programs from the last 20-five years, and it's hard hard things to do. It it's very challenging. I couldn't do it. Michael Hingson  1:02:47 It's it's a lot of work. Well, Berjan, I I want to tell you that we have now been talking for more than an hour. Time flies when you're having fun. Man, I'm going to go. I'm going to have to go ahead and and end our time, but we'll have to do this again and and continue the discussion. But I really appreciate you taking the time to be here, and I hope that people will monitor your programs and and and read your books if they can read Turkish or English, whichever works. Troy Bircan Unver  1:03:18 has so many English pieces, and now everyone welcome to look out our website. And what's the Michael Hingson  1:03:26 website again? Bircan Unver  1:03:28 lmglobal.org. Michael Hingson  1:03:32 lmglobal.org. Okay. Bircan Unver  1:03:34 Yes, but the whole archive from 2019 to 2000 no, 2019 no. of course not 2019 1999 to 2018 The archive. Our initial website is light millennium.org Millennium is with double N double N. So the everything we are talking about, all the process, our UN programs, and the reports from the UN NGO briefings, some conferences we participated. If anyone has any question, I'll be happy to provide the link and you know to contact them. Michael Hingson  1:04:17 And we will put that information in the show notes, the notes for the podcast. So I want to thank you for being here. This has been absolutely informative. I really appreciate your time, and I hope the programs continue to go well. So I want to thank you again for being here, and this has just been a lot of fun. Bircan Unver  1:04:39 Thank you so much, Michael Kingston, it is great honor and privilege. Especially, you are a hero, and your your story is amazing, and you are also taking really one of the challenges works like producing these programs, and we never met in real life. And then this is also like Millennium and your work. How we connected through? Otherwise, there was no like regular environment or database environment that we could meet. Your work and your dedication and your inspiring contribution really connected us and bring us together in this session. Thank you, and I'm really grateful for that. Michael Hingson  1:05:29 Thank you for being here with me on Unstoppable Mindset. I hope today's conversation left you with a fresh perspective, a new insight, or at least something worth thinking about. If you're ready to go deeper into the ideas that shape how we see ourselves and others, I have a free gift for you. Head over to michaelhingson.com and download my free ebook, Blinded by Fear. It explores the invisible beliefs that hold us back and shows you how to reframe them so you can move forward with clarity and confidence. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast, leave a review, and share this show with someone who can use a reminder that growth starts with mindset. When people think differently, we all move forward together. Thanks again for listening. Keep learning, keep questioning, and keep choosing to live with an unstoppable mindset

Giuseppe Castellano talks to illustrator, caricaturist, journalist, author, educator, lecturer, and political commentator, Steve Brodner, about the alchemy of illustration; what he looks for in a portrait; who illustrators should really listen to; and more.To learn more about Steve, visit stevebrodner.com.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Peter Kuper, Andrea Arroyo, Brad Holland, Greg Manchess, Yuko Shimizu, Anita Kunz, Herb Block, Al Hirschfeld, Jean-Jacques Sempé, Garry Trudeau, Milton Caniff, Jackson Pollock, Thomas Hart Benton, Camille Pissarro, Paul Cézanne, Guy Billout, James McMullan, Ed Sorel, Gérard DuBois, Victor Juhasz, Joe Ciardiello, Alison Bechdel, Marjane Satrapi, Keith Knight, Mort Drucker, Jack Davis, Richard Williams, Howard Pyle, N.C. Wyeth, Thomas Nast If you find value in this podcast, consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack, or a supporter on Patreon. On either platform, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”—among other perks and benefits. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Giuseppe Castellano talks to Amanda Burdan, Senior Curator at The Brandywine Museum of Art, about N.C. Wyeth's early life; what led to the restoration and permanent exhibition of Wyeth's The Apotheosis of the Family; what today's illustrators can do for tomorrow's curators; and more.To learn more about the Brandywine, visit brandywine.org. For tours and the mural experience, visit brandywine.org/mural.Artists mentioned in this episode include: Howard Pyle, Jamie Wyeth, Norman Rockwell, J.C. Leyendecker, Stanley Arthurs, Harvey Dunn, Clifford Ashley, Violet Oakley, Thomas Hart Benton, George Bellows, Marsden HartleyPhotograph credit: N.C. Wyeth in Chadds Ford studio with central panel of Apotheosis mural, undated. Photograph by Earl C. Roper, Philadelphia, PA. E. Coe Kerr Collection, Walter & Leonore Annenberg Research Center, Brandywine Museum of Art. Gift of Betsy Wyeth, 2004.  If you find value in this podcast, you can support it by subscribing to our best-selling publication, Notes On Illustration, on Substack. Among other benefits, you will gain access to bonus episodes we call “Extra Credit”. | Visit illustrationdept.com for offerings like mentorships and portfolio reviews, testimonials, our alumni showcase, and more. | Music for the podcast was created by Oatmello. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Celebrate American Artist Appreciation Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio's World of Art podcast, where artist and art historian Victoria Chick delves into the life and legacy of Arthur Kraft (1922-1977). This talented Kansas City artist is known for his murals, mosaics, and significant contributions to public art.  The conversation explores: - Kraft's artistic journey from a young age - Kansas City's vibrant artistic history and his place within it - The importance of public art in shaping community identity - Challenges artists face in preserving their work amid shifting perceptions - Personal connections and the role of solitude in the creative process - The need to preserve artistic heritage for future generations Also featured is a discussion tying in the influence of Thomas Hart Benton, further grounding the conversation in Kansas City's rich artistic lineage. Featured images are courtesy of Pat & Randy Kelly, owners of Kelly's Westport Inn — listen for Pat's interview coming up next! Read Victoria's Articles: - The Life and Legacy of Artist Arthur Kraft: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/the-life-and-legacy-of-artist-arthur-kraft/  - Exploring Thomas Hart Benton & ‘Country': https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/exploring-thomas-hart-benton-country/  Victoria Chick is a contemporary figurative artist, art historian, and the visionary behind the Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center in Silver City, New Mexico. She also collects early 19th and 20th-century American prints. More to Explore - Victoria's Portfolio: https://victoriachick.com/  - World of Art Podcast: https://worldofart-victoriachick.podbean.com/  - Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center: https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/  This episode also appears on Big Blend Radio's Toast to The Arts and BIg Daily Blend channels. Discover more: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

This episode of Big Blend Radio was recorded onsite with Pat Kelly, co-owner of the legendary Kelly's Westport Inn in Kansas City, Missouri. A must-visit destination for both locals and travelers, Kelly's is not only a cornerstone of Kansas City's nightlife and culture, but also a historic treasure for those traveling the Jefferson Highway. Founded on a legacy of hospitality, Kelly's Westport Inn has been welcoming generations of guests with its warm, inclusive atmosphere. Pat shares stories of his father's vision, the bar's evolution over the years, and its deep connection to the local community. From hosting sports fans and local events to supporting Kansas City's artists and musicians, Kelly's has long served as a gathering place where history, art, and community come together. This conversation also underscores the importance of preserving local history and art, connecting to earlier Big Blend Radio episodes with artist and historian Victoria Chick on Kansas City-connected artists Arthur Kraft and Thomas Hart Benton: * Arthur Kraft: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/the-life-and-legacy-of-artist-arthur-kraft/  * Thomas Hart Benton: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/exploring-thomas-hart-benton-country/  Learn more about Kelly's Westport Inn at: https://kellyswestportinn.com/ 

Josh Novak is with the Neosho Arts Council. He joined NewsTalk KZRG to discuss the upcoming Thomas Hart Benton Art Competition and Exhibition. Join Ted, Steve, and Lucas for the KZRG Morning Newswatch!

This is Part 2 of Mandolyn Wilson Rosen and my review of "Lifeline: Clyfford Still" 2019 directed by Dennis Scholl. It's a juicy art bio tell-all with a crusty curmudgeon as its talented but embittered subject. Don't forget to listen to Part 1 too! Find the film on Amazon ($2.99 SD) or for free on ⁠Kanopy⁠ Find Mandolyn online at: ⁠https://mandolynwilsonrosen.com⁠ and on IG at ⁠@mandolyn_rosen⁠ Artists mentioned: Philip Guston, Barnett Newman, Jackson Pollock, Willem DeKooning, Frank Stella, Donald Judd, Paul Cezanne, Ad Reinhardt, Mark Rothko, Thomas Hart Benton, Art Problems Podcast Thank you, Mandy! Thank you, Listeners! Visit RuthAnn, a new artist-run gallery in Catskill, NY at @ruthanngallery and ruthanngallery.com All music by Soundstripe ---------------------------- Pep Talks on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@peptalksforartists⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Pep Talks website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠peptalksforartists.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Amy, your beloved host, on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@talluts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Amy's website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠amytalluto.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Pep Talks on Art Spiel as written essays: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/7k82vd8s⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BuyMeACoffee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Donations always appreciated!

When the Industrial Revolution came to town, it inspired an opposite movement that may have changed the world. It certainly inspired a construction style and a whole bunch more.  Today we rub elbow's with Teddy Roosevelt, David Sedaris, Grant Wood, Thomas Hart Benton, Georgia O'Keefe, the Carnegies, Crayola Crayons, Edgar Allen Poe, Chicago Academy of Design and the Veterans Memorial in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. 

Vineyard Folk by Tamara Weiss & Amanda Benchley The true soul of Martha's Vineyard, captured through the eyes of the talented artists and artisans who live there.     Vineyard Folk leads us on an intimate journey into the lives and inspirational places of some of the many talented artists who have always made up the larger community of Martha's Vineyard. The island, located just seven miles off the coast of Cape Cod, has a long history as geographic muse: Lillian Hellman and William Styron wrote overlooking the Vineyard Haven harbor, and Thomas Hart Benton—whose influence is still felt in island painters today—depicted the stone walls and winding roads of what is known as “up-island” more than a hundred years ago.  Now, a new generation continues to build on these creative legacies, inspired by the island's ever-changing light, endless beaches, historic towns, and rolling fields. Vineyard Folk features painters, potters, poets, musicians, and actors, among many others, and the unique ways they work, live, and play.  Above all, Vineyard Folk is a love letter to a remarkable island community. With personal interviews and candid photography, it is a collage of creativity, resilience, and hope. We celebrate these artists captured at this golden moment of time that may not last forever. On this episode you will meet some of the artists featured in the book- Brooke Adams, Brad Silberling, Michael Johnson, Juli Vanderhoop, Elizabeth Ceceil and author Tamara Weiss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From Kansas and Missouri to Oklahoma and Louisiana, it's all about art on this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Jefferson Highway" Show. Hear about folk artist Clementine Hunter and Caroline Dormon in Natchitoches, Louisiana, along with Kansas City and Missouri muralist Thomas Hart Benton and Eric Bransby, and acclaimed destinations like the Five Civilized Tribes Museum in Muskogee.FEATURED GUESTS:- ROGER BELL - President of theJefferson Highway Association - https://jeffersonhighway.org/- ARLENEGOULD - Executive Director of the Natchitoches Convention & Visitors Bureau in Louisiana - https://natchitoches.com/- SEAN BARNEY - Executive Director of the Five Civilized Tribes Museum in Muskogee, Oklahoma - http://www.fivetribes.org/- VICTORIA CHICK - Artist & Art History Expert - https://victoriachick.com/Website & Article Links That Relate to the Conversation: * Thomas Hart Benton: https://tinyurl.com/4sm7c2vy* Eric Bransby: https://tinyurl.com/26tnfbrj* Clementine Hunter / Melrose Plantation: http://www.melroseplantation.org/* Caroline Dormon / Briarwood Nature Preserve: https://briarwoodnp.org/The Jefferson Highway Association was originally founded by the Jefferson Highway in 1915. This international highway is also known as "The Pines to the Palms Highway," that runs from Winnipeg, Canada to New Orleans, Louisiana.The Big Blend Radio "Jefferson Highway" Podcast airs every 4th Thursday at 6pm CT.The Big Blend Radio "Jefferson Highway" Podcast airs every 4th Thursday at 6pm CT. Follow the show here: https://tinyurl.com/yc2ur6mr Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dina hosts Dawn's story about the Thomas Hart Benton, while we drink a Gin Rickey hooch. Follow Us! ozarkshaintsnhooch.weebly.com Ozarks Haints N Hooch on Patreon Instagram and Faceboook - @ozarkshaintsnhooch Contact us! OzarksHaintsNHooch@gmail.com @OzarksHaintsNHooch is Dawn Larsen and Dina Larsen Gillman

Controversial items are nothing new to GBH's Antiques Roadshow, but when an artist's study sketch was brought to the show's 2007 event in Baltimore, MD it seemed unlikely to be one. However, it was because of the bigger picture – literally –a mural created for the state of Indiana by Thomas Hart Benton and unveiled at the 1933 Chicago World's Fair in which lurks a controversy that continues to this day. Join host Adam Monahan as he traces the story of how one artist challenged the era's standard view of history and insisted that depicting both the good and the bad were important records and lessons for generations to come.

Regionalist painter, lithographer, and muralist Thomas Hart Benton (1889 -1975 ) was a son of Missouri, and, although he studied modern art trends in Europe, spent years in New York, and was the first artist to have his picture on the cover of Time Magazine, he moved back to Missouri and made his mark on it with murals across the State and by influencing young artists through his teaching. On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Toast to The Arts" Show, artist Victoria Chick talks about the life and work of artist Thomas Hart Benton, and the places you can visit in Missouri that preserve and interpret his art and legacy. Read her article here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/exploring-thomas-hart-benton-country/ Victoria Chick is a contemporary figurative artist and early 19th/20th century print collector based in Silver City, New Mexico. She appears on Big Blend Radio every 3rd Saturday. See her work: https://victoriachick.com/ 

Regionalist painter, lithographer, and muralist Thomas Hart Benton (1889 -1975 ) was a son of Missouri, and, although he studied modern art trends in Europe, spent years in New York, and was the first artist to have his picture on the cover of Time Magazine, he moved back to Missouri and made his mark on it with murals across the State and by influencing young artists through his teaching. On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Toast to The Arts" Show, artist Victoria Chick talks about the life and work of artist Thomas Hart Benton, and the places you can visit in Missouri that preserve and interpret his art and legacy. Read her article here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/exploring-thomas-hart-benton-country/Victoria Chick is a contemporary figurative artist and early 19th/20th century print collector based in Silver City, New Mexico. She appears on Big Blend Radio every 3rd Saturday. See her work: https://victoriachick.com/

Regionalist painter, lithographer, and muralist Thomas Hart Benton (1889 -1975 ) was a son of Missouri, and, although he studied modern art trends in Europe, spent years in New York, and was the first artist to have his picture on the cover of Time Magazine, he moved back to Missouri and made his mark on it with murals across the State and by influencing young artists through his teaching. On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Toast to The Arts" Show, artist Victoria Chick talks about the life and work of artist Thomas Hart Benton, and the places you can visit in Missouri that preserve and interpret his art and legacy. Read her article here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/exploring-thomas-hart-benton-country/ Victoria Chick is a contemporary figurative artist and early 19th/20th century print collector based in Silver City, New Mexico. She appears on Big Blend Radio every 3rd Saturday. See her work: https://victoriachick.com/ 

Welcome to the Instant Trivia podcast episode 544, where we ask the best trivia on the Internet. Round 1. Category: National Anthems 1: "Land der Berge, Land am Strome". Austria. 2: This large Asian country's "Jana-Gana-Mana" means "Thou art the ruler of the minds of all the people". India. 3: Franz Erkel, a noted composer of this country, wrote its nat'l anthem, "Isten Aldd Meg A Magyart". Hungary. 4: "Towards the East, an eye looks to Zion". Israel. 5: "Beneath our radiant Southern Cross, we'll toil with hearts and hands". Australia. Round 2. Category: Let's Play Some Basketball 1: In basketball, 2 types of these are personal and technical. fouls. 2: (Hi, I'm Allan Houston of the NBA.) I helped the U.S. bring home the men's basketball gold from the 2000 Summer Olympics held in this city. Sydney. 3: In the 2001 playoffs, Derek Fisher set a record, making 15 of these in 4 games against San Antonio. three-pointers. 4: (Hi, I'm Michael Finley.) As a Badger on this college basketball team, I became its all-time leading scorer with 2,147 points. the University of Wisconsin. 5: He coached the University of North Carolina men's college basketball team in 4 different decades. Dean Smith. Round 3. Category: Presidential Libraries 1: Along with his papers, his library contains a large mural by Thomas Hart Benton. Harry Truman. 2: The war exhibit "Korea Plus 50: No Longer Forgotten" is a joint-access project between the libraries of these 2 presidents. Truman and Eisenhower. 3: His library has a desk that's an exact replica of the one that his son was photographed under in 1963. John F. Kennedy. 4: Ann Arbor, Michigan. Gerald Ford. 5: Abilene, Kansas. Eisenhower. Round 4. Category: Banana Republic 1: Don't confuse this banana-producing nation whose name means "Sunday" with the country on Hispaniola. Dominica. 2: In 1998 the Cincinnati Enquirer apologized for stealing voice mails from this giant U.S. banana company. Chiquita. 3: In this country the Chapare region east of La Paz is fertile banana terrain. Bolivia. 4: Bananas are a culinary mainstay in Bahia, an Atlantic coast state in this South American country. Brazil. 5: This country bordering Kenya, Tanzania, Congo and Sudan is one of Africa's leading banana producers. Uganda. Round 5. Category: Famous Women 1: Drinks definitely were not on this pro-Prohibition woman. Carrie Nation. 2: She received a doctorate from Cambridge in 1965 after doing a thesis on chimpanzee behavior. Jane Goodall. 3: This former representative from Colorado co-chaired Gary Hart's presidential campaign. Pat Schroeder. 4: She died just a few months after her only book, "Black Beauty", was published. Anna Sewell. 5: Freed from slavery in 1827, she went to court to get her son back from the South; "verify" her. Sojourner Truth. Thanks for listening! Come back tomorrow for more exciting trivia! Special thanks to https://blog.feedspot.com/trivia_podcasts/

Welcome to the Instant Trivia podcast episode 507, where we ask the best trivia on the Internet. Round 1. Category: Etiquette 1: After a family meal, you may fold this item and place it back inside its ring. a napkin. 2: Miss Manners says that the only safe place to keep damaging love letters is in this place, "between burning logs". the fireplace. 3: If a prom date gives you one of these floral accessories, you must wear it or at least pin it to your purse. Corsage. 4: English speakers have been using this "magic word" since the 1300s, and when you ask for something, you should, too. please. 5: Emily Post says to think of this "as an aerosol spray of infection", so if there's no tissue, use the inside of your elbow. a sneeze. Round 2. Category: An Historic Occasion 1: This organization was formally born Oct. 24, 1945 with Soviet ratification of the charter. the United Nations. 2: It's not Hillary, it's Rebecca Latimer Felton, who on Nov. 21, 1922 became the first woman to serve in this body. the Senate. 3: An act passed by Parliament July 2, 1767 allowed duty-free exports of this to America--Party!!. tea. 4: The April 17, 1722 inoculation of 2 daughters of the Prince of Wales against this made the practice widely accepted. smallpox. 5: On Jan. 1, 1993 this republic came into being, and some of its people sought citizenship in the neighboring Czech Republic. Slovakia. Round 3. Category: National Statuary Hall 1: This cousin of John Adams represents Massachusetts in the collection. Samuel Adams. 2: Jefferson Davis represents this state in the hall. Mississippi. 3: This state is represented by a monarch. Hawaii. 4: This military officer and author of "Ben-Hur" represents Indiana. Lew Wallace. 5: This state is represented by a statue of Thomas Hart Benton. Missouri. Round 4. Category: Birdies 1: This tiny bird gets its name from the noise produced by its rapid wingbeat. Hummingbird. 2: Corvus brachyrhynchos, this common bird annoys farmers by eating crops like wheat and corn. Crow. 3: "All the little birds on Jaybird Street love to hear" this bird "go tweet, tweet, tweet". "Rockin' Robin". 4: A rapacious bird called the jaeger is a type of this, chosen as an NFL nickname in 1975. Seahawk. 5: A member of the heron family, this long-legged wader can be common, great or snowy. Egret. Round 5. Category: I'm Just Wild About Harry 1: "Plain Speaking: An Oral Biography" was co-written by Merle Miller and this man. Harry S. Truman. 2: Clint Eastwood played him 5 times on the big screen -- or was it six, punk? In all the excitement, I kind of forgot myself. Harry Callahan. 3: She sang lead on the No. 1 hit "Heart of Glass". Debbie Harry. 4: For more than a day-o he co-starred with Dorothy Dandridge in "Carmen Jones". Harry Belafonte. 5: This turn-of-the-century man began his career as a teenager doing card magic as "Eric The Great". Harry Houdini. Thanks for listening! Come back tomorrow for more exciting trivia!

This week, how art impacts how we see the world around us. ~~~ Immersive Van Gogh: https://www.kansascityvangogh.com Claude Monet, Boulevard des Capucines, (1873): https://art.nelson-atkins.org/objects/17852/boulevard-des-capucines George Caleb Bingham's Catalog: https://www.binghamcatalogue.org Thomas Hart Benton's art at the Nelson-Atkins: https://art.nelson-atkins.org/people/2320/thomas-hart-benton/objects "Hard Times Come Again No More" by The Chieftains and Paolo Nutini: https://youtu.be/uPqjQTkEA6g --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sean-thomas-kane/support

This season we are moving through the state of Minnesota, looking at an interesting fact about each county and giving you a book prompt from that fact. We will share six book suggestions to meet that prompt, to get you started on reading new books. You can also take that prompt and find any other book to meet the challenge! You can find our full show notes page here. This week we admire Benton County. This is one of the counties in CMLE! All of the libraries in this county are members, and it's great to have them as part of the CMLE family. This county was named after Thomas Hart Benton (1782–1858), former United States Senator from Missouri (1821-1851). We suggest that you read a book with a person from Missouri, or - in honor of their state slogan - a book where you are shown something.

Harriet Goodhue Hosmer, who is considered the modern world's first professional female sculptor has work on display in museums and collections around the world. She was a rule breaker with a blunt personality, but very talented and bold. Her Lafayette Park statue, "The Benton Bronze," was the first public monument in the country given to a female artist – it is also the first monument west of the Mississippi with a public figure as its subject. Just press play to hear the whole story. ------ Click on search links to see if there are episodes with related content: Amanda Clark, Arts, Entertainment, and Culture, Parks, Women's History, ------  Podcast Transcript: I'm Amanda Clark, manager of the See STL Tours program at the Missouri History Museum, and Here's History, on eighty-eight one, KDHX. ——— The centerpiece of St. Louis' historic Lafayette Park isn't a statue dedicated to the heroic French war general, but it is a gleaming bronze statue of Thomas Hart Benton, a well-known politician from the early 19th century. The statue's place in history goes beyond its subject or its location, but to the trailblazing artist who created it. Known as the “The Benton Bronze,” it was by designed by Harriet Goodhue Hosmer, who is considered the modern world's first professional female sculptor. Her work is on display in museums and collections around the world, and her Benton statue commission was the first public monument in the country given to a female artist – it is also the first monument west of the Mississippi with a public figure as its subject. ——— Harriet was raised by her father, a widower, in Massachusett's high society. From an early age, though, it was clear Harriet was a rulebreaker, she was known for her masculine clothing and blunt personality. She boldly traveled the American West and explored the Mississippi River without a chaperone, even winning a footrace up a high bluff in Iowa against a group of young men. This bluff still bears her name. ——— As part of her self-propelled art education, she came to St. Louis to study anatomy at the St. Louis Medical College, a pioneering school that required students to learn anatomy from cadavers. Harriet then went on to join a colony of American artists, including several women, living in Rome. Here, she established herself as a premier sculptor, and her subjects often depicted mythological figures and themes. She was drawn to female characters whose stories connected to her own strongly held beliefs in the fight for women's dignity and strength. ——— There are other places to find Harriet's work in St. Louis. Her sculpture, Zenobia in Chains ( from 1859), can be found at the St. Louis Art Museum. The large marble sculpture depicts a warrior queen captured by enemies and put on display for ridicule in her jewels and finery – but thanks to Hosmer's hand – Zenobia is full of strength and resolve. The St. Louis Mercantile Library houses one of her most well-known sculptures, depicting the Italian noblewoman, Beatrice Cenci. ——— Here's history is a joint production of the Missouri History Museum and KDHX. I'm Amanda Clark and this is 88.1 KDHX St. Louis. ———  

We could spend hours discussing the importance of honing your craft. But, whether it's perfecting your golf swing, mixing the perfect cocktail, and of course, making sales, practice is what leads to a better result. Today's episode of The Sales Evangelist features NYT bestselling author Seth Godin. He and Donald discuss elements of his most recent book “The Practice” and how salespeople can use these principles to connect with prospects.  There is a disconnect between what selling used to be and what selling is now. A salesperson is no longer responsible for informing prospects or conducting a sale- the internet does that. A salesperson is responsible, however, for the transference of emotion. And that is the skill most salespeople need to cultivate.  How can the idea of trusting yourself from “The Practice” help an individual sales rep? Most people are their own worst boss. They're never satisfied with their work and undermine their future potential. The challenge that comes with trusting yourself is acknowledging two voices in your head - the scared one that needs reassurance and the generous, connected voice. Silence the first voice a little bit and listen to the other one.   In a B2B setting, we don't need a replaceable salesperson lined up to argue about some RPF; we need people with creativity and confidence. Remember, the client isn't just buying the product; they're buying the story. Instead of saying “I need to be the expert,” say “ I know all the questions.”  Young BDRs don't position themselves to be seen as the expert. View yourself as a consultant to be more confident in conducting meaningful conversations. If you know the ten questions that change everything for a client, that's useful.  You aren't pushing people to buy your answer, but it's about being present for someone to find their own. Look at Fred Wilson's blog (one of the most successful venture capitalists of all time.) Be like Jackson Pollock.  Both Jackson and his brother Charles took painting classes from Thomas Hart Benton. Charles's work looked like Benton's, and he went unknown. On the other hand, Jackson's work was creative. However, everyone hated it. But when the right collectors saw his work, Jackson found success. The moral of the story: Don't look for gimmicks or stunts. Just be unique. The desire to be liked and fit in drives many salespeople to the role. But great salespeople are willing to bring friction to the table to get people out of their rut. Be a Purple Cow and look for ways to stand out.  Being a purple cow isn't talking about yourself. What it means to be remarkable is that people make remarks about you.  They're not going to talk about you because you need to make a sale. They're going to talk about you because you're generous, see status roles, understand affiliation, have insight, and make their life better.  Seth's takeaway for people new to the sales industry? You don't need to learn all the tactics yet. First, decide if you want to be a professional, look to the future, and fail along the way. For more content from Seth, check out his blog for daily articles, and purchase his new book The Practice or his previous book Purple Cow (among others), available on Amazon. This episode is brought to you in part by Skipio. Are you sick of crickets? As a salesperson, the pain of reaching out with phone calls or emails and not receiving a response is real. But all text messaging is not created equal. 85% of people prefer text over email and phone calls because they want to engage in a conversation, not listen to bots. Be more like people and start having conversations that end in the conversions you want. Try Skipio at www.Skipio.com. This course is brought to you in part by the TSE Sales Certified Training Program, designed to help new and struggling sellers master sales fundamentals and close more deals. Help elevate your sales game and sign up now to get the first two modules free! You can visit www.thesalesevangelist.com/closemoredeals or call (561) 570-5077 for more information. We value your opinion and always want to improve the quality of our show. Complete our two-minute survey here: thesalesevangelist.com/survey. We'd love for you to join us for our next episodes by tuning in on Apple Podcast, Stitcher, or Spotify. You can also leave comments, suggestions, and ratings for each episode you listen to!  Read more about sales or listen to audiobooks on Audible and explore their huge online library. Register now to get a free book and a 30-day trial. Audio provided by Free SFX and Bensound. Other songs used in the episodes are as follows: The Organ Grinder written by Bradley Jay Hill, performed by Bright Seed, and Produced by Brightseed and Hill.

New Mexico modernist Kim Wiggins is our special guest for this episode as we record from the historic Santa Fe Plaza in downtown Santa Fe, New Mexico. Kim discusses his own artwork, but also the work of his dad, writer and photographer Walt Wiggins, whose storied career allowed him to rub elbows with many of the great artists in the 20th century, including Georgia O'Keeffe, Thomas Hart Benton and Alexandre Hogue. The episode is sponsored by Western Art Collector. Subscribe to the American Art Collective to get new episodes each week. 

Episode 15 guest Jeff Hewitt returns to talk about what's been going on in his career in the past 5 years (03:45), teaching in the Park Hill School District in Kansas City, Missouri, during a pandemic and getting creative in delivering content (16:!5), unexpectedly teaching high school full time and focusing on your quality of life (34:45), and the Random Ass Questions segment, with items on Michael Bolton, the KC Chiefs, tornadoes, and Thomas Hart Benton (41:35).Finishing with a Rave on a very packed June sports calendar (01:26:45).Links:Jeff Hewitt on the podcast in 2016Jeff Hewitt's KSU updateWorld Percussion GroupKansas City Percussion GroupThe Van Cliburn Piano Competition“Your Love” - The OutfieldElvis Grbac“To Love Somebody” - Michael BoltonMichael Bolton on Celebrity Dating GameFrank DarabontShawshank Redemption trailerTenet trailerTusk trailerShoeless Joe - W.P. KinsellaField of Dreams trailerSuper Bowl LIVKansas City Power & Light District“Dysfunctional” - Tech N9neDee Ford“Baby's Coming” - Jellyfish“I'll Catch Up” - The Get Up Kids“Jesse” - Paw2013 Moore TornadoThomas Hart BentonKen Burns' Thomas Hart Benton DocumentaryRaves:USA-Mexico 2021 National League Final HighlightsBucks-Nets Game 7 HighlightsHawks-Sixers Game 7 Highlights

It didn't take long for freshman Congressman Stephen A. Douglas to see the truth of Senator Thomas Hart Benton's warning: slavery attached itself to every measure that came before the U.S. Congress. Douglas wanted to expand the nation into an ocean-bound republic. Yet slavery and the violent conflicts it stirred always interfered, as it did in 1844 with his first bill to organize Nebraska. In 1848, when America acquired 550,000 square miles after the Mexican War, the fight began over whether the territory would be free or slave. Henry Clay, a slave owner who favored gradual emancipation, packaged territorial bills from Douglas's committee with four others. But Clay's "Omnibus Bill" failed. Exhausted, he left the Senate, leaving Douglas in control. Within two weeks, Douglas won passage of all eight bills, and President Millard Fillmore signed the Compromise of 1850. It was Douglas's greatest legislative achievement. This book, a sequel to the author's Stephen A. Douglas: The Political Apprenticeship, 1833-1843, fully details Douglas's early congressional career. The text chronicles how Douglas moved the issue of slavery from Congress to the ballot box.HOST:  Rob MellonFEATURED BREW:  The Calling Double IPA, Boulevard Brewing Company, Kansas City, MOBOOK:  Stephen A. Douglas, Western Man: The Early Years in Congress, 1844-1850https://www.amazon.com/Stephen-Douglas-Western-Man-1844-1850/dp/1476673764/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=stephen+a+douglas+western+man&qid=1621369013&sr=8-1MUSIC:  Bones Forkhttps://bonesfork.com/CLIPS: Illinois Stories featuring Stephen A. Douglas interpreter Gary DeClue

Today is the 132nd birthday of the artist Thomas Hart Benton. His work portrays full narratives that draw the viewer in and get them to become emotionally invested. The world is a better place because he was in it and still feels the loss that he has left. This episode is also available as a blog post. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/waldina/message

In our first episode, we briefly explore the history, folklore and interesting residents of Bellefontaine and Calvary Cemeteries in St. Louis, MO. The most notable ghost story tied to these cemeteries is Hitchhike Annie, and I break down my theory on where she came from. Additionally, I share the stories of some of the cemetery residents who may still have some reason to be restless... including Thomas Hart Benton and one of the founders of the Veiled Prophet Organization, St. Louis's own mysterious secret society.For more information on the ghost of Resurrection Mary in Chicago, I recommend checking out her episodes on the Astonishing Legends podcast. I found the book "Movers and Shakers Scalawags and Suffragettes: Tales from the Bellefontaine Cemetery" and articles from the St. Louis Post Dispatch and Globe Democrat to be particularly helpful in my research for this episode. If you have any stories to share, contact us at lifeanddeathstl@gmail.com

Station 9 - Jesus Falls the Third Time "What does it take to bring the son of God to his knees?" Narrated by the Rev'd Andy McQuery, Associate Rector at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Salem. In this episode: Art:  Wheat by Thomas Hart Benton, 1967 All art featured in this audio pilgrimage series is drawn from Stations of the Cross at SAAM. Music: La Follia by Arcangelo Corelli / Kyrie by Nicholas Ertsgaard Poetry: Excerpt from Chapter 61 of The Revelations of Divine Love by Julian of Norwich (trans. Elizabeth Spearing) For a version of this episode with closed-captioning, view it on our YouTube channel. --- This series of weekly audio reflections will help you learn to link the divine with your daily life. How might Jesus’ final hours feel different when juxtaposed with a walk in the neighborhood, or in a quiet corner at home, or while driving to pick up take-out? Pause a few times a week for scripture, prayers, and music led by Trinity clergy and priests from across the Diocese of Oregon.  New Stations drop every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning, through Holy Week. Be sure to click subscribe! --- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and learn more about this open & welcoming community, including upcoming events, at trinity-episcopal.org. To support this podcast and all our work, which is supported in part by the generosity of our listeners, visit trinity-episcopal.org/give

每日英語跟讀 Ep.K040: From Buffalo to San Antonio and Beyond, Museums Woo Members   When financier Jeffrey Gundlach showered $42.5 million on the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo, New York, it radically altered the museum's long-term agenda. 金融家傑佛瑞．岡拉克致贈大禮4,250萬美元給紐約州水牛城奧爾布賴特─諾克斯美術館時，它徹底改變了博物館的長期行事計畫。 The gift was predicated on the challenge that the museum raise $50 million more in just three months, with the money going to a major new building as well as an operating fund that would help guarantee its upkeep. 這份大禮建立在一項挑戰上，美術館必須在短短3個月內，籌措到額外的5000萬美元資金，這筆資金將投入一棟重要的新建築以及確保它能正常營運的基金。 Such transformative gifts are unusual for any museum, but they are rarer in cities where wealth is not as high as in cosmopolitan behemoths such as New York, Houston or Los Angeles. Smaller cities generally lack the influx of newcomers who are willing to make a splash with a big gift in their adopted city, and their museums depend on luring repeat visitors. 這種改造性的禮物對任何博物館來說都不尋常，對財力不及紐約、休士頓或洛杉磯這些世界級大都會的一些城市更是難得一見。一般而言，較小城市較難見到樂於捐贈引人注目大禮給他們定居城市的新居民潮，它們的博物館因此只能仰賴吸引回頭客。 Sometimes, to do that, museums are forfeiting admission fees. As Julian Zugazagoitia, director of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, Missouri, puts it: “If a museum is free, you can come and go. You can come often and do one gallery at a time. A museum can be like a restaurant, you can taste one thing at a time.” 有時為達此目的，博物館會放棄收取門票。正如密蘇里州堪薩斯市納爾遜─艾金斯美術館館長朱利安．祖加扎吉蒂亞所說：「倘若美術館免費，你就會來來回回。你可以經常來參觀，一次欣賞一個館。美術館也可像餐館一樣，一次只來品嘗一道美味。」 Indeed, of the 242 museums that are members of the Association of Art Museum Directors, fully one-third are free, said the association's director, Christine Anagnos. 「美術館館長協會」會長克莉絲汀．亞納格諾斯說，事實上，協會的242家美術館成員中，整整有三分之一不收門票。 That trend puts particular pressure on institutions to exploit their existing resources and to bond with other local arts organizations in original programs for the public. Whether these programs take place in the museum or outside, the strategy is to lure more visitors who may well become members. 這種趨勢對這些機構形成特殊的壓力，必須更加善用既有的資源以及和其他在地藝術組織結合，提供原創性展覽供民眾觀賞。這些展覽無論是否是在美術館內舉行，策略都是為了吸引更多可能成為會員的參觀者。 And museums are doing just that. Erik Neil, who took over as director of the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, Virginia, three years ago, said that 75 percent of the museum's visitors come from within 50 miles. 一些美術館正在這樣做。三年前接手成為維吉尼亞州諾福克市克萊斯勒美術館館長的艾瑞克．尼爾說，他的美術館75％的參觀者來自50英里內。 Neil has worked to involve African-Americans as well as personnel at the nearby Navy base and lesbian, gay, transgender and bisexual groups. Among the efforts: an exhibit of “Women and the Civil Rights Movement” and “Thomas Hart Benton and the Navy.” 尼爾努力讓非裔美國人，附近海軍基地人員，以及男女同性戀、跨性別、雙性戀者都參與其中。他的作為包括舉辦「婦女與民權運動展」，以及「湯馬斯．哈特．班頓與海軍展」。 To make the Chrysler Museum more welcoming, Neil has done away with museum guards. Instead, he relies on paid employees to act as hosts to visitors. For example, he said, “If visitors have questions, the employees can get in touch with a curator for the answer.” 為讓克萊斯勒美術館更受歡迎，尼爾撤掉了美術館的警衛，改而仰賴支薪僱員扮演接待來賓的主人。他舉例說道：「如果參觀者有疑問，這些僱員可以聯繫策展人以提供解答。」 Directors are also breaking through museum walls to extend the art experience into the streets and on to museum lawns with cocktail evenings for young members or even art events that go beyond the museum doors. 館長們同時突破美術館的厚牆，將藝術經驗延伸到街頭和美術館的草坪上，不僅為年輕會員舉辦雞尾酒夜，還有踏出美術館大門的一些藝術活動。 Source article: https://paper.udn.com/udnpaper/POH0067/320440/web/ 每日英語跟讀Podcast，就在http://www.15mins.today/daily-shadowing 每週Vocab精選詞彙Podcast，就在https://www.15mins.today/vocab 每週In-TENSE文法練習Podcast，就在https://www.15mins.today/in-tense 用email訂閱就可以收到通勤學英語節目更新通知。

Lucy Lyon: Every Gesture Tells a Story   In these pandemic days of limiting contact with others and contemplating the dangers of simply being with another person in a shared space, Lucy Lyon’s ambiguous figurative works take on new meaning. Using a stunning combination of technical prowess and a sculptor’s eye, the artist transforms cast glass into atmospheric settings whose characters’ stories, stances, and placement are open to viewer interpretation. Whether solitary or in groups, the figures reflect their state of mind through gesture.   Lyon says: “Even though we are all meeting up with each other and interacting in twos or threes or crowds, each of us is essentially alone. That brings up a bit of melancholy, but it also makes the individual unique and therefore very important.” An only child, Lyon was artistically inspired at a young age by perusing her mother’s art books that depicted works by Edgar Degas, Francisco Goya and Thomas Hart Benton. Later, in her early twenties, the artist became aware of Edward Hopper’s work. Though Hopper’s were painted and Lyon’s are cast in glass, their figures convey a shared sense of being alone, isolated, even in the company of other figures, reflecting that people have private thoughts in public places.   Born in 1947 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Lyon graduated in 1971 from Antioch College, Yellow Springs, Ohio, earning a BA in philosophy. Further educated at Pilchuck Glass School, Stanwood, Washington, she has taken a number of workshops across the country from well-known glass artists. Working with glass since 1979, for the past 26 years the artist has been creating breathtaking tableaus from her Jaconita, New Mexico, studio.   Lyon’s work is included in the permanent collections of numerous museums including Imagine Museum, St. Petersburg, Florida; Ringling Museum, Sarasota, Florida; Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn, Michigan; and the Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass, Neenah, Wisconsin. Public commissions include the Sandy Hook Memorial; Night Read for Glencoe Public Library, Glencoe, Illinois; and Waiting Room for Western New Mexico University, Silver City, New Mexico. Recent exhibitions include Divergent Materiality, at Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, Scottsdale, Arizona, and Narratives in Glass, held at Palm Springs Art Museum, Palm Springs, California. Lyon is represented by Habatat Galleries and Lewallen Galleries, Santa Fe, New Mexico.   As with many artists, the seductive quality of glass, along with its ability to be sculpted, attracted Lyon to her medium. In much of her work characters read in libraries, places where one can be in a private and public space simultaneously. Settings or environments have been pared down over the years to simple geometric forms. Walls present opportunities to explore color and blending. For Lyon, the greatest challenge and satisfaction is born of sculpting her figures using subtle gesture - a turn of the head or twist of the hips- to express the figure’s state of mind. The refined figure is the cornerstone of Lyon’s sculpture.

In this episode of Otis Brown Podcast, I recall a street preacher of some renowned and my evening commute with him on the train. I also think about Thomas Hart Benton, Jackson Pollock and the general impulse of American Art. I hope you enjoy it.  The title for this week's podcast is an allusion to the Adam Carroll's song, "Black Flag Blues." Carroll is, in my opinion, a criminally under-appreciated songwriter--check him out!Rattlesnake Preachers and Doomsday SignsSome of the cultural references made in this episode:Adam Carroll. “Black Flag Blues”Thomas Hart Benton. A Social History of Indiana. Arts of Life in AmericaNAACP. “An Art Commentary on Lynching”Grant Wood. American Gothic Jackson Pollock. Blue PolesMark Rothko William FaulknerEudora Welty “Ralph the Wolf and Sam the Sheepdog”

Geoffrey Ward is a seven time Emmy Award-winning and two-time Writers’ Guild Award-winning screenwriter, author, editor, and historian. Geoffrey has collaborated with Ken Burns since 1984 and has been the sole or principal script writer for Huey Long; Statue of Liberty; Thomas Hart Benton; The Civil War; Empire of the Air: The Men Who Made Radio; Baseball; The West; Thomas Jefferson; Frank Lloyd Wright; Not For Ourselves Alone: The Story of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony; Jazz; Mark Twain; Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson, The War, and The Vietnam War. He also wrote or co-wrote companion volumes for ten of these series. Geoffey was the principal or sole writer of Nixon; Lindbergh; Reminiscing in Tempo; The Kennedys; The Last Boss; TR; and Abraham and Mary Lincoln: A House Divided - all part of PBS’ “American Experience” series. Geoffrey is also an independent historian and biographer, the author of nine books, among them A First-Class Temperament: the Emergence of Franklin Roosevelt, which won the National Book Critics Circle and Los Angeles Times awards for Best Biography, the Francis Parkman Award of the Society of American Historians in 1989, and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. He is currently at work on two books: a history of the Partition of India and (with Wynton Marsalis) a history of African American music. He also writes frequently about India and Indian wildlife. Geoffrey lives in New York City with his wife, writer Diane Raines Ward. Ernest Hemingway, his next collaboration with Ken Burns, directed by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick, is slated for broadcast on PBS in 2021. He’s also working on upcoming projects with Ken Burn on The Holocaust and The United States and The American Revolution.

Starring: Dan Stewart, Jacob Gasho, Rhett Redel. It's a BONUS episode with bandcamp favorites Jacob Gasho AKA J. Walter and Rhett Redel AKA 66skeletonkey. We talk at length about all kinds of music but always come back for some "Tyme for Filmz". We get a call from famous painter Thomas Hart Benton and discuss the history of vaporwave. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

How did Chillicothe, Missouri, farmer Randy Constant get away with one of the biggest agricultural frauds in American history? Star reporter Mike Hendricks joins Dave Helling and Derek Donovan to talk about what it may mean for the organic food market in the future. Steve Vockrodt also joins us to discuss allegations that UMB, one of Kansas City's premiere financial institutions, about allegations that the bank mismanaged the Thomas Hart Benton estate, as well as possible misconduct among its management ranks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nursing his own ambitions and trying to hold onto his power in the U.S. Senate, Stephen Douglas agreed to introduce legislation repealing the Missouri Compromise and opening the upper Midwest to slavery. The brazen assault by pro-slavery forces upended the nation's party system and brought Abraham Lincoln to the forefront of the forces opposing Douglas and defending the Declaration of Independence.

Link: https://slatestarcodex.com/2019/09/04/list-of-passages-i-highlighted-in-my-copy-of-ages-of-discord/   Turchin has some great stories about unity vs. polarization over time. For example in the 1940s, unity became such a “problem” that concerned citizens demanded more partisanship: Concerned about electoral torpor and meaningless political debate, the American Political Science Association in 1946 appointed a committee to examine the role of parties in the American system. Four years later, the committee published a lengthy (and alarmed) report calling for the return of ideologically distinct and powerful political parties. Parties ought to stand for distinct sets of politics, the political scientists urged. Voters should be presented with clear choices. I have vague memories of similar demands in the early ’90s; everyone was complaining that the parties were exactly the same and the “elites” were rigging things to make sure we didn’t have any real choices. On the other hand, partisanship during the Civil War was pretty intense: Another indicator of growing intraelite conflict was the increasing incidence of violence and threatened violence in Congress, which reached a peak during the 1850s. The brutal caning that Representative Preston Brooks of South Carolina gave to Senator Charles Sumner of Massachusetts on the Senate floor in 1856 is the best known such episode, but it was not the only one. In 1842, after Representative Thomas Arnold of Tennessee “reprimanded a pro-slavery member of his own party, two Southern Democrats stalked towards him, at least of one of whom was arhmed with a bowie knife…calling Arnold a ‘damned coward,’ his angry colleagues threatened to cut his throat ‘from ear to ear'” (Freeman 2011). According to Senator Hammond, “The only persons who do not have a revolver and a knife are those who have two revolvers” (quoted in Potter 1976:389). During a debate in 1850, Senator Henry Foote of Mississippi pulled a pistol on Senator Thomas Hart Benton of Missouri (Freeman 2011). In another bitter debate, a New York congressman inadvertently dropped a pistol (it fell out of his pocket), and this almost precipitated a general shootout on the floor of Congress (Potter 1976: 389).

Murder has been considered a crime ever since the ten commandments were handed down at Mount Sinai. There was a time in St. Louis when it was, under certain circumstances, acceptable.Bloody Island was really was an island and it really was bloody. "Often times disagreements arguments, insults were settled with a form of private justice as opposed to and kind of public justice. Dueling was a form of private justice." said Dr. Robert Archibald of the Missouri History Museum.Men with grudges would head for Bloody Island to exact justice under rules decided in advance.Despite often ending in homicide dueling wasn't outlawed until the 1850's. Some of the participants were high ranking officials like a famous Missouri senator."Thomas Hart Benton and Charles Lucas fought a duel in 1817 because Lucas had insinuated at the polls that Benton wasn't eligible to vote because he hadn't paid his property tax. A seemingly minor issue that shouldn't have led to bloodshed." said Dr. Robert Archibald.The point of dueling was really not about killing the other man. Just getting the better of him by inflicting a wound. But, the reality was that before the advances in wound care made during the Civil War being hit by gunfire was almost always a death sentence.

There are two famous Missourians who have the same identical name, one is a very prominent famous politician, Thomas Hart Benton, and the other is a very famous artist Thomas Hart Benton.And it`s not a coincidence the famous painter was the great nephew of the famous politician, who made politics a kind of art.'Benton was elected one of its first two senators and he served in the U.S. Senate from 1821 till 1851. We are talking 30 years in the senate which in that day and age was a really long time. He was one of the most powerful politicians of his time; he was respected all over the United States.'He was known for having strong positions on several controversial issues of his time. But perhaps the one he is most noted for was his love of the west.Benton was very much in favor or encouraging people to move west. He supported efforts on the part of the united state to annex territory in the west, especially in the wake of the Mexican war. He was very much pro what ultimately became homestead acts which gave people free land in return for their willingness to settle and work.He deserves to be commemorated, he was the most articulate spokesman for the west and settlement of the west and making sure that governmental policy favored the west. He was the most outspoken advocate for those things in the history of the United States.Thomas Hart Benton was originally from North Carolina, born into a family that long held slaves. And yet, when the issue of expanding slavery to the west came before the senate, Benton opposed it, a position that eventually caused him to lose his seat, though he turned around and ran for the U.S. House and won.

Painter Amy Schweig was trained at Washington University. She left St. Louis for life in an artists colony in the East.In the 1930's she returned to Missouri and started an artist colony in Ste. Genevieve. Other residents included Joe jones and Thomas Hart Benton. Their work was extraordinary."They are all of local subjects and so these artists are painting things that they saw around them in St. Louis and in rural Missouri and places like Ste. Genevieve so its really top quality art. It really depicts things that reflect our history as residents of the St. Louis region and of Missouri." said Dr. Robert Archibald.Eventually the Ste. Genevieve colony faded. But the artists including Aimee Schweig continued to delight the world with their view of the world.Aimee Schweig continued to paint commissioned portraits and give private lessons. But she also spent 20 years teaching art at Mary Institute. She died in 1987 at the age of 90.

There are many examples of writers using paintings and other visual art as inspiration to create an entirely new work. Think The Girl with a Pearl Earring or even The Da Vinci Code. That’s exactly what award-winning writer Donna Baier Stein did when she decided to write a new collection of short stories based on works by iconic American artist, Thomas Hart Benton. The issues Benton dealt with through the height of the Great Depression and on still resonate and echo today. We recently sat down with Stein to talk about her new book (Scenes from the Heartland), how she landed on Thomas Hart Benton, and the one piece that inspired the whole project.  

Anthony Benton Gude portrays the serenity and history of the Midwest through his oil paintings, watercolors, and murals. Remarkable in his own right, he is not a stranger to artists or their lives being the grandson of Thomas Hart Benton. Discover more about Anthony Benton Gude and his love for the canvas and how he brings it to life. https://anthonybentongude.com/

Name a 19th century politician who lived in Middle Tennessee, was known as a frontiersman, was involved in multiple disagreements which resulted in guns drawn, and who left a monumental legacy on early American politics as a staunch Unionist. Andrew Jackson, you say? WRONG! ...Well, while technically you are correct, that's not whom we're talking about. This week on "TENN in 20," Brad and Sarah discuss the life and legacy of Senator Thomas Hart Benton. 

Name a 19th century politician who lived in Middle Tennessee, was known as a frontiersman, was involved in multiple disagreements which resulted in guns drawn, and who left a monumental legacy on early American politics as a staunch Unionist. Andrew Jackson, you say? WRONG! ...Well, while technically you are correct, that's not whom we're talking about. This week on "TENN in 20," Brad and Sarah discuss the life and legacy of Senator Thomas Hart Benton. 

July 13, 2015 at the Boston Athenæum. In Thomas Hart Benton and the Modern American Woman, Austen Bailly will speak about how American artist Thomas Hart Benton (1889-1975) pictured twentieth-century female experiences in America and saw American women as a means to make the mythic modern in his art. Benton met his Italian-born wife Rita Piacenza around 1917 on the heels of his early involvement with motion pictures in Fort Lee, New Jersey—America’s “first Hollywood.” The movies inspired Benton to chart a new artistic course to compete with the drama and power of movies. Rita, imagined as a glamorous leading lady in Benton’s self-portrait from about 1924, was key to the artist’s vision for presenting himself as new American art star. Like Hollywood directors, Benton cast women as leading and supporting players in authentic American stories and recognized their roles in American myths.

Thomas Hart Benton has a strong connection to the Buffalo RIver in Arkansas.

The Smithsonian American Art Museum awarded the Charles C. Eldredge Prize for Distinguished Scholarship in American Art to Leo Mazow, associate professor of art history at the University of Arkansas, for his book Thomas Hart Benton and the American Sound. Mazow presents his scholarship at the annual Eldredge Prize lecture with a reception following.

Author & assoc. prof. of American art history, Leo Mazow, examines Benton’s most important paintings that depict musical performance and passages taken from folk songs. Joined by local musician Adam Posnak, Mazow punctuates his lecture with live music.

David Houston, Director of Curatorial and Dee Neal, Facilities Manager explore Thomas Hart Benton’s Ploughing it Under.

Thomas Hart Benton's painting Boomtown is described in detail for the visually impaired visitor.

Curator Marjorie Searl discusses Thomas Hart Benton's painting Boomtown.