Festival of Muslim Cinema in Kazan, Russia

A group of people playing instruments in a room.

I have been doing research about independent filmmaking in Kyrgyz Republic.  I see mention of Kyrgyz films that were included in a â€œFestival of Muslim Cinema†in Kazan, in Russia.  I wonder about the films being shown.  I have so many favorite films from Iran and other places, films known to adhere to “Islamic†or “Muslim†values in cinematic art.…

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KYRGYZ REPUBLIC: A Fulbright grant

E. anthony Collins

I am happy and grateful to receive a 2017-19 Fulbright FLEX grant for doing research at the American University of Central Asia in Bishkek, in the Kyrgyz Republic  (AUCA). My research project is … Source: KYRGYZ REPUBLIC: A Fulbright grant

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How to tune a Banjo

A sheet music page with several different notes.

I am learning to play the Banjo.  I have two long-nick Plectrum Banjos, one for each tuning, a beautiful 5-string Banjo, and an Irish Tenor Banjo. CLICK HERE for a useful list of different tunings for some kinds of Banjos (in the USA and Ireland)

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Is it South China Sea or is it West Philippine Sea?

A black and white photo of an old house.

Philippine Sea — South China Sea Dispute (Non-Interactive) This is an interesting book by Philippines Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio that lays out an historical analysis of the legal claims to Scarborough Shoal, the Spratleys and many other islands in the Philippine Sea wast of Palawan (aka South China Sea). TRANSCRIPT: Justice Antonio Carpio on South China…

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Creative ESL for K-12?

A group of people standing in front of a building.

How do I introduce K-12 ESL students from South Korea and beyond to history and context while staying nearby to storytelling and creative performance? We’ve been reciting and reflecting upon some of Aesop’s fables but it might be useful to try basic Shakespeare.  It has been a nice journey so far so let’s probe deeper,…

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