Kramer Installation: Fine Art Services

Immediate need of a full-time experienced Art Handler / Installer based in Baltimore, MD.
Part-time positions will also be considered.

Packing / Transporting / Installing Artwork
This position will be responsible for residential and commercial installations with some museum work.

The election is looming over the modest crowd at Joe Squared on a sleepy Monday night, but there is little talk of either candidate tonight. Each person here is waiting to hear Andrew Grimm, Rye Pines and Carpetbagger.

The smell of pizza wafts through the air, occasionally accompanied by the scent of whiskey. There is a buzz of conversation, old friends catching up and new acquaintances being made, that quiets as Grimm gets ready to begin the night.

Nearly everything about Grimm is understated, which is something he said he’s learned after years of writing and performing. “Less is more,” he said, but this isn’t a sentiment that can be applied to his talent. He has a skill level and a comfort in his performance that can’t be replicated without years of experience. He has a heartbreaking cadence that makes it almost uncomfortable to see a couple in the back of the crowd, tangled in each other’s arms and swaying, while Grimm sings not “about love,” but really the loss of it.

Then, Rye Pines take the “stage” which is really just an area rug at the front of the room. The Boston band has a much different energy than Grimm. They’re louder, faster-paced and younger, which could be why someone bought them a round of shots during their set. Where Grimm makes music that is perfect for the coldest winter day, Rye Pines make music that sits comfortably between summer and fall.

The band, who released sophomore album “Dead Ocean” in June, was excited about their first time playing in Baltimore and Charm City seemed to welcome them as well. They put a jump in the audience’s step, even if their music still has sad and angry elements. 

Carpetbagger finished the night with an incredible set. Guitarist/vocalist Cody Harrod and Drummer Tyler Horton have always worked well together creatively (they were both members of Flagship) but now they’ve really outdone themselves. Major credit has to be given to Harrod who showed up fresh off of a colonoscopy.

Their music brings together many different elements, is well-written and well-performed. There is a clear influence from Grimm and Tom Waits can be heard in Harrod’s vocals, but there is so much more to it than that. They are gritty, bluesy and, sometimes, southern. All of the time, though, they’re interesting. 

The night was filled with very different musicians, though they worked well together, each building up to the next almost flawlessly and ended just where it began: light chatter taking over the bar and the smell of pizza still breezing through.

Find their music here:

June Star (Grimm) – https://junestar.bandcamp.com/

Rye Pines – https://ryepines.bandcamp.com/

Carpetbagger – https://carpetbaggermd.bandcamp.com/releases

The post Election eve at Joe Squared: less politics, more music appeared first on The Retriever.

The CS Education student org, with support from the CS Matters in Maryland CS education project, is planning UMBC’s first-ever Hour of Code event. Hour of Code is an initiative that organizes hands-on learning experiences for students of all ages during CS Education Week (December 5-11, 2016, coinciding with Admiral Grace Hopper’s birthday).

UMBC’s Hour of Code will offer a hands-on experience for anybody who wants to try their hand at coding, December 7 and 8 from 11am-2pm on Main Street. We will have several special guests on Thursday — some students from Lakeland Elementary School will learn to code along with President Freeman Hrabowski from 11am-noon that day.

We need many volunteers to help make this event a success! Although coding experience is useful, it is NOT necessary! We will have training events in advance of the event for everyone who volunteers, and we also have some no-coding-required jobs as well, including running a Makey Makey activity and helping out with the elementary school students.

Please sign up to volunteer. Stephanie Milani (Psychology major / CS minor) is organizing the volunteer effort — please feel free to contact her if you have any questions at *protected email*

The post UMBC Hour of Code, 11-2 Dec 7-8, Main Street appeared first on Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering.

  A blog written by Women’s Center student staff member Ciera Earl

November. It has been a month of triumph for some, but a great loss for most of us. While this month is coming to an end and the holiday season is beginning, it’s important to know how to handle the obstacles that may come with going home or visiting families during this time of year.

I know for myself, being around family is very difficult. Whether it’s from the constant questions about the future, my love life, or whatever “phase” I’m in this time – my anxiety goes through the roof. I’m sure many can relate.

But that actually bothers me. It’s unfortunate that in some way, shape, or form this is relatable for so many people.

Be that as it may, it’s important that while passing the gravy and dodging topics that you come first. Having a self-care plan can be a way to prepare for the challenges that come with the holiday season and families.

Here are a few tips on how to survive the holidays with family: 

(Image: Shutterstock)

Set Boundaries. Remember, you have a choice.

Sometimes it can feel like an obligation to join in on the festivities – honestly I feel obligated to do everything – but it’s important to understand that you do not have to commit yourself to being apart of these events. If you choose to visit family, set clear boundaries. For instance, having safe space to stay can be a way to create comfort and safety for yourself. This way if you feel uncomfortable or need a break you have a separate space to go.  

Be aware of your anxiety. Notice when your tension levels are rising, and let yourself feel them. Feelings in and of themselves aren’t necessarily harmful – the actions resulting from those feelings are the real kicker, and quite often those actions happen because feelings are so bottled up that the pressure forces an explosion. Often, simply noticing and naming the anxiety can calm it.

When you notice tensions levels rising give yourself an out. If you have to spend an extended amount of time with family, work some down time into the schedule. Removing yourself from the situation can be vital.

Remember, this is temporary.

The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

This maybe the hardest of them all. Most of us can survive anything for a small period of time. However, if a situation arises that you feel you may not be able to handle, by all means, remove yourself!

Take care of yourself.You know what you need to do to be healthy. Give yourself permission to be human.

While these tips are not all the ways to respond and react to you family, it’s a good place to start. Here are some more resources on how to respond and handle family during this time, particularly for those in the LGBTQ community:

• LGBT and Heading Home for the Holidays?
• A Gay in the Life: How to handle family during the holidays
• LGBT and Home for the Holidays? 7 Tips on How to Deal
• LGBT Problems: When Going Home for Thanksgiving Is Simply Too Awkward

It’s in times like these that I live by these wise words:

“You is kind, you is smart, you is important.” – Aibileen Clark

Digital arts students from Catonsville High had a special visit of NASA Goddard Space Flight Facility on Friday, November 18th, hosted by JCET’s Valerie Casasanto. As part of UMBC’s Seeing Science program, students got a taste of NASA Science and the arts.

Students toured Goddard’s integration and testing facilities and viewed the cleanroom areas where ICESat-2 and the James Webb Space Telescope is being integrated.

Dr. Chris Shuman, JCET scientist based at Goddard, talked about Antarctica and ice science on the Hyperwall. The students also met with a NASA animator and saw an animated short film about ICESat-2. They watched scientific visualizations in an inflatable dome led by Greg Shirah, NASA Scientific Visualizer, who guided them through different Earth visualizations from the planetarium show Dynamic Earth. 

And finally, students got to experience ICESat-2’s altimeter interactive exhibit to get their heights measured.