Constantine Vaporis, Asian Studies and History, Explains Link Between Samurai and Cherry Blossoms

Constantine Vaporis, director of the Asian studies program and professor of history, is a consultant and writer for a new exhibit at the National Geographic Museum entitled “Samurai: The Warrior Transformed,” which opens March 7 and runs through September 3.

The exhibition was planned to coincide with and D.C.’s annual National Cherry Blossom Festival, which this year marks the 100th anniversary of the gift of 3,000 cherry trees to Washington, D.C. by the government of Japan

In the video below, Vaporis answers the question, “What do samurai have to do with cherry blossoms?”

Laura Hussey, Political Science, and Donald Norris, Public Policy, in the Gazette

The Maryland Senate this week followed the Maryland House of Delegates in passing legislation allowing same-sex marriage, but opponents are planning a voter referendum. In the Gazette’s coverage of the issue, UMBC professor and chair of public policy Donald Norris argues that the referendum vote might depend on who is nominated as the GOP presidential candidate — a more extreme or more centrist candidate — and who comes out to vote as a result. Either way, says Norris, “It’s going to be a squeaker.”

UMBC assistant professor of political science Laura Hussey also offered her comments for the article, as well as another story on what remains for the current legislative session. She suggests that in this session bills dealing with the death penalty and firearms will likely get less attention than bills dealing with fiscal issues due to the economic climate.

Robert Provine, Psychology, on MSNBC.com

“Lin case you hadn’t noticed, people have become Lin-fatuated with the Lin-spiring rags-to-riches story of New York Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin. He’s a regular Linternet phenomenon!” begins a story on msnbc.com’s “The Body Odd.”

The appeal of puns such as the one’s inspired by Lin’e name may be that they’re fun to create, and they can seem almost addictive because they have clever elements and insights to them. But not everyone likes them.

“Puns are considered the lowest form of humor — a reason why speakers say, ‘no pun intended,’ denying responsibility for their spontaneous e-joke-ulation,” said Robert Provine, professor of psychology.

The story, “Our Lin-sane attraction to terrible puns, explained,” appeared on the site on February 24.

Tune in: Thomas Schaller, Political Science, on MSNBC

UMBC political science professor Thomas Schaller will appear on MSNBC’s “Up w/Chris Hayes” on Saturday, February 25. The morning show airs 8:00-10:00 a.m. Schaller frequently comments on national politics in his regular Baltimore Sun column, on Salon and through programs such as Current TV’s “The Young Turks.” He is the author of Whistling Past Dixie.

Symmes Gardner, CADVC, Addresses Maryland House of Delegates

On Friday, February 24, Symmes Gardner, executive director of the Center for Art, Design and Visual Culture (CADVC), addressed the Maryland House of Delegates as a special speaker on Black History Month. His presentation featured images of the CADVC’s major touring exhibition, For All the World to See, organized in partnership with the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture and now on display at the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee. Among the delegates attending the presentation were Speaker of the House Michael Busch and Speaker Pro Tem Adrienne Jones (’76 psychology). In his remarks, Mr. Gardner emphasized the importance of the Maryland State Arts Council, which provided significant funding for For All the World to See.

Jill Scheibler, Psychology Ph.D. Student, in the Baltimore Sun

Jill Scheibler, a psychology doctoral student, was featured in a Baltimore Sun story about Baltimore’s Make Studio, which offers a place for developmentally challenged men and women to develop and market their artistic skills.

Scheibler is one of a trio of art therapists who founded Make Studio in 2010. The studio serves artists with disabilities such as autism, bipolar disorder and Down’s syndrome.

“Through the process of working at the studio and working with others, they’re developing translatable skills,” she said. “They learn about time management, how to be cooperative, how to present themselves, how to market themselves.”

The story, “Make Studio offers platform for artists with disabilities” appeared in the Baltimore Sun on February 23.

Apply to Be an Introduction to an Honors University (IHU) Instructor for the 2012-2013 Academic Year

Applications are now being accepted to serve as an Introduction to an Honors University (IHU) course instructor. These one-credit Honors University seminars are offered to all new students coming to UMBC during the fall and spring semesters. Instructors for these courses will help new students make a successful transition to the university setting. Those interested in applying should feel comfortable in a classroom setting, be familiar with campus resources and possess a strong desire to support students in transition. Please keep in mind that becoming an IHU instructor requires a significant time commitment.

For more information about what courses are offered in Fall 2012 and a link to the “New Instructor Application,” visit http://www.umbc.edu/oue/ihu.Important: if you decide to apply, expect to attend a half-day long training in early June 2012. Feel free to contact Jill Randles, Assistant Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education, at jrandles@umbc.edu or ext. 5-3715, or Laila Shishineh, Program Coordinator for Undergraduate Education, at lailams@umbc.edu or ext. 5-3737, with questions.