#university counseling center

[harryinsweats]

Mental healthcare in America is so messed up. There is a hyped up culture about talk therapy which isn’t helpful to most people when there aren’t evidence based methods being used. There is no way to deal with traumatic events right away bc every therapist has an 8 month waitlist and psych departments in hospitals are run differently in every state. There aren’t ways to effectively evaluate therapists. Doctors are prescribing medicines without consulting therapists (I’ve heard multiple accounts of doctors misdiagnosing disorders and providing counterintuitive drugs). Like I could go on and on. But basically if you’re looking for therapy and have the means to do so, my best advice is to go to a university-run clinic. You’re most likely to get evidence based treatment, thorough assessments, and the best care. This isn’t to say that no one has bad experiences there, but it’s the best care you can find when you can’t dish out $300/hr for private practice.

#how do we even fix this #HOPELESS #and I don’t mean the counseling center at universities bc those usually aren’t long lasting care #I mean like where they have clinical supervisors and labs and grad school training

[mindbase123]

Entrance Exam Preparation in Abu Dhabi: A Comprehensive Guide

Entrance exams Preparation in Abu Dhabi play a pivotal role in shaping academic and professional careers. Whether aspiring for higher education or pursuing a career in a competitive field, preparing effectively for entrance exams is essential. In Abu Dhabi, where educational opportunities abound, excelling in entrance exams can open doors to prestigious institutions and lucrative career paths.

Introduction

Entrance exams serve as gateways to various educational and professional opportunities, acting as a standardized measure of knowledge, skills, and aptitude. In Abu Dhabi, where academic excellence is highly valued, adequate preparation for entrance exams is paramount for achieving one's goals.

Understanding Entrance Exams

Entrance test come in various forms, including standardized tests like SAT, ACT, GRE, and GMAT, as well as specialized exams for admission to universities, colleges, and professional courses. These exams typically assess a candidate's proficiency in subjects such as mathematics, English language, science, and reasoning skills.

Challenges Faced in Preparation

Preparing for Entrance exam coaching can be daunting, with challenges such as managing time effectively, understanding complex subjects, and dealing with stress and anxiety. Overcoming these obstacles requires careful planning, perseverance, and the adoption of effective strategies.

Strategies for Effective Preparation

Effective preparation entails meticulous planning, utilizing quality study materials, and regular practice. Developing a study schedule, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and seeking guidance from experienced mentors can significantly enhance one's preparation process.

Seeking Professional Help: Guiding the Way to Success

In Abu Dhabi, a plethora of resources are available to aid aspirants in their exam preparation journey. From experienced tutors and coaching institutes to online courses and tutorials, individuals have access to comprehensive support systems to help them achieve their goals.

Utilizing Technology for Preparation

In the digital age, technology has revolutionized the learning process, providing access to educational apps, online forums, and virtual study groups. These resources offer interactive learning experiences, personalized study plans, and instant feedback, enhancing the effectiveness of exam preparation.

Importance of Mental and Physical Well-being

Amidst the rigors of exam preparation, it is crucial to prioritize mental and physical well-being. Adopting stress management techniques, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and engaging in relaxation exercises can mitigate exam-related anxiety and enhance overall performance.

Tips for Last-Minute Preparation

In the final days leading up to the exam, focusing on targeted revision, optimizing time management, and boosting confidence are key. By employing strategic last-minute preparation techniques, candidates can maximize their chances of success.

Test Day Strategies: Excelling Under Pressure

On the day of the exam, being well-prepared both mentally and physically is essential for optimal performance. From ensuring adequate rest to managing time efficiently during the exam, implementing effective test day strategies can make a significant difference in outcomes.

Overcoming Exam Anxiety

Exam anxiety is a common challenge faced by many test takers. By practicing relaxation techniques, cultivating a positive mindset, and visualizing success, individuals can overcome anxiety and approach the exam with confidence and composure.

Post-Exam Reflection and Analysis

After completing the exam, taking time to reflect on one's performance, identifying areas of strength and weakness, and devising strategies for improvement is crucial. Constructive self-assessment enables continuous learning and growth.

Learning from Failures and Setbacks

Setbacks and failures are inevitable parts of the exam journey. Embracing a growth mindset, cultivating resilience, and leveraging failures as learning opportunities are essential for long-term success.

Planning for Future Exams: Charting a Course for Success

As one exam journey ends, another begins. Planning for future exams involves setting clear goals, developing a comprehensive study plan, and committing to continuous learning and improvement.

Success Stories and Inspirational Examples

Throughout the exam preparation process, drawing inspiration from success stories and real-life examples can provide motivation and encouragement. Knowing that others have overcome similar challenges and achieved their goals can instill confidence and determination.

Conclusion

Entrance exam preparation in Abu Dhabi is a multifaceted journey that requires dedication, perseverance, and strategic planning. By leveraging resources, seeking guidance, and prioritizing well-being, individuals can navigate this journey with confidence and achieve their aspirations.

Name: Mind Base Education

Address: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Phone No: [phone]

Website: https://mindbase.education/

FAQs

How can I effectively manage my time during exam preparation?

Ans. To effectively manage your time during exam preparation, create a study schedule, prioritize tasks, use time management techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, eliminate distractions, stay organized, and regularly review and adjust your plan.

Are online courses and tutorials a viable option for exam preparation?

Ans. Yes, online courses and tutorials are indeed viable options for exam preparation. They offer flexibility, accessibility, and often provide comprehensive study materials and expert guidance tailored to specific exams or subjects. Additionally, they allow learners to study at their own pace and access resources from anywhere with an internet connection, making them an effective and convenient choice for exam preparation.

#Entrance exam preparation in Abu Dhabi #University Counseling Services Abu Dhabi #Training centers in Abu Dhabi #Education providers in Abu Dhabi

[utcampuslifeupdate]

Staff Merit Award: Monica McBroom

When staff, student employees or interns have a human resources-related question, Monica McBroom goes above and beyond be a knowledgeable resource to her team. While the senior human resource coordinator doesn’t work with students on a daily basis, her expertise is critical. She helps power the work of those on the front line so they can focus on supporting all of our students’ mental health and well-being. The Division of Student Affairs — the hub of student life and well-being — is recognizing her efforts with a Texas Parents Staff Merit Award.*

“Our counselors, providers, health promotion coordinators and others need to be able to concentrate on doing their job — to directly support the students — and not the behind-the-scenes aspects of their employment. I want to make sure they have the answers that allow them to quickly and efficiently do what needs done without having to worry.”

Monica McBroom Senior Human Resource Coordinator Counseling and Mental Health Center and University Health Services

McBroom handing out an onboarding packet.

McBroom is well known for how she welcomes and onboards staff to the Counseling and Mental Health Center. These providers make a significant impact — 98% of clients said if they had a problem with their mental health in the future, they would seek help from a mental health professional. She also contributes to the Division’s foundation of belonging and well-being by onboarding staff to the Longhorn Wellness Center, Center for Students in Recovery and SHIFT.

By inviting important conversations and answering questions, McBroom helps improve the overall culture of her organization. She provides useful information rapidly and accurately, and cares about how people experience onboarding — which can be both exciting and stressful.

In addition, she has taken extra steps to become informed about the unique legal, educational and employment considerations for international students becoming interns and employees.

McBroom (second from right) at Donna Bellinghausen’s retirement party in 2017

“All staff members and interns are influenced positively by Monica’s competence, kindness and dedication to answering complicated questions related to difficult HR topics,” said a nominator. “She is a committed, highly-professional person with a strong attention to boundaries while also conveying warmth and optimism. She is a pleasure to work with and a wonderful colleague.”

Every day, McBroom exemplifies what the Division is all about — sharing expertise, guidance and support so the team can work together to influence the Longhorn life of every student.

Kudos to McBroom — one of the Division’s human resources professionals who play a key role in powering our programs, spaces and resources! Her dedication to our team members is critical to helping them support all students’ well-being — to be physically, mentally and emotionally healthy.

Monica McBroom, Clifton Murphy and Kayleigh Damphousse

*McBroom who was honored alongside two other recipients —Kayleigh Damphousse and Clifton Murphy — at the annual Team Appreciation and Celebration on Jan. 24. They join a list of 90+ honorees since the award began in 1998.

#Influencing the Longhorn Life #Living the Longhorn Life #Texas Parents #Counseling and Mental Health Center #University Health Services #UT Austin #Student Success #Longhorns #The University of Texas at Austin #Division of Student Affairs #Excellence #Connection #Communication #Community #Hub of Student Life and Well-being

[myglassesareinkansas]

I spend summers away from my hometown specifically to have much-needed space from my parents, and the first day after not seeing me for 24 hours, my mom badgers me relentlessly and won’t leave me alone

#k rants #like ma’am i don’t like you #you have treated me badly ever since my senior year of high school #i didn’t respond to her for half an hour bc i was doing something and she got mad #and guaranteed she thought i was out partying or something and i wasn’t #i just want her to leave me alone #seeing her texts genuinely makes me much more tense than i was 12 seconds before #and sometimes i start crying and hyperventilating!!! isn’t that fun!!! #my pastors at my previous church: ‘are you sure your parents are actually abusive’ #me: ‘i mean i literally have trauma responses when they send me an innocuous text bc i do not trust them’ #like what do you want me to say in that situation???? #that my family situation was so bad once that my favorite prof escorted me to the university counseling center #that i spun into a three day long panic attack bc they texted me when i wanted to be left alone?? #what about the times they said i had joined a cult bc i was no longer going to an sbc church #oh! or the time they insisted my irritability was a result of my medication and tried to *blackmail me* into getting off it #instead of y’know #considering that maybe THEY were the problem #less than two years until i’m no longer financially dependent on them

[mahiraagarwal]

Why Is UK A Preferred Destination For Education Now

Want to pursue higher studies in abroad? The UK could be a great choice. Thousands of Indian students are heading to study in the UK. Here are five reasons why.

#abroad university admission process center kolkata #best universities for study abroad #how do i apply in universities in uk #online counselling services in kolkata #process of applying to abroad university

[reasonsforhope]

"Palestinian plaintiffs and their legal representatives on Friday [January 26, 2024] presented a powerful case in federal court accusing President Joe Biden and other top US officials of complicity in Israel's genocide in Gaza.

People around the world tuned in for the long-awaited hearing in Oakland, with plaintiffs appearing in person and over Zoom in an unprecedented effort to hold the Biden administration accountable for its actions in Gaza.

The Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) filed the lawsuit in November 2023 on behalf of Defense for Children International–Palestine, Al-Haq, and eight Palestinians in the US and Palestine. The complaint accuses President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin of failing to live up to their legal responsibilities under the 1948 Genocide Convention and the 1988 Genocide Convention Implementation Act.

The United Nations convention classifies complicity in genocide, or the intentional destruction of a people in whole or in part, as a crime under international law and requires that states take measures to prevent such atrocities.

[Note: This is a big reason why politicians almost never call it a genocide, btw. Because if a country recognizes that it's a genocide, then they actually are legally required to do a bunch of things to stop it, under international law.]

The historic lawsuit contends that the Biden administration has failed to uphold its obligations by continuing to provide diplomatic and military support for Israel's brutal campaign in Gaza. Plaintiffs are asking the court to stop Biden from sending more weapons and munitions to Israel that are being used to kill Palestinians en masse.

The hearing before the US District Court for the Northern District of California took place just hours after the International Court of Justice issued provisional measures against Israel in a landmark case brought by South Africa.

-via TAG24, January 26, 2024. Article continues below.

Court contends with questions of jurisdiction and responsibility

In evaluating the allegations, questioning in Friday's hearing revolved around the so-called political question doctrine, by which federal courts regularly refrain from ruling on political matters seen as best resolved by the president and Congress.

The Department of Justice argued that according to the doctrine, the court has no jurisdiction to rule in the case.

"If the court condemns United States foreign policy toward Israel, it could cause international embarrassment and undermine foreign policy decisions in the sensitive context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict," defense counsel Jean Lin told Senior District Judge Jeffrey S. White.

Katherine Gallagher of the CCR countered that the court does, indeed, have a responsibility to step in: "Here, the question is a legal one, whether the actions undertaken by the United States failed to uphold the obligation to prevent genocide, and that is an active obligation that requires that the United States not provide the means by which a genocide is being furthered."

"There is no discretion for any state to evade its obligations, its legal obligations. These are not policy decisions," she said.

Palestinian plaintiffs share powerful testimonies before the court

After legal arguments in the case, Judge White heard two hours of gut-wrenching testimony from Palestinian plaintiffs and a renowned Holocaust and genocide expert.

Rubin Presidential Chair of Jewish History at Wake Forest University Dr. Barry Trachtenberg shared his remarks before the court in spite of vehement US government opposition.

"To have an event fall under the 1948 Convention on Genocide requires both action and intent, and here we see that very, very clearly in a way that seems really quite unique in history," he stated, noting that there is now an opportunity to stop Israel's unfolding genocide in real time to prevent further loss of lives...

Judge White said he would take the testimonies to heart as he evaluates his constitutional responsibilities, describing the case as "the most difficult judicial decision" he has ever had to make."

-via TAG24, January 26, 2024

-

Note: I know a lot of people are really not gonna appreciate that last line. I'm not thrilled with it either. But it is worth noting that having a federal court overrule the US president's huge foreign policy and military decisions would be an absolutely massive deal/precedent

This is a case that deserves to be ruled on with an incredible amount of seriousness, if only because if you're a federal judge who's going to make that call, your written decision/legal justification needs to be unimpeachable

That said, if the judge uses jurisdiction to pass the buck here and avoid his legal and human responsibility to do what he can to stop a genocide, I'm gonna be pissed

#palestine #cw war #free palestine #united states #us politics #oakland #california #legal system #foreign policy #war crimes #cw genocide #anti zionisim #isreal #current events #good news #hope #also this decision runs right up against the fact that #if US citizens can sue the US for war crimes/violating international law #and actually force change #then suddenly the gates will open to similar lawsuits for EVERY future war #which btw they SHOULD and international humanitarian law SHOULD be enforceablle #and it will also be a major step forward for something the US is trying really really hard to stave off #which is being investigated/sued by the International Criminal Court for war crimes during the Afghanistan and Iraq wars #or you know be held accountable for those war crimes in any way #which again I AM ALL FOR #genuinely how do you stop rich white countries from committing war crimes without an actual way to hold them accountable #and actually enforce international law #reminder that all posts related to the war are tagged palestine and cw war

[theotterpenguin]

Katara's Legacy in LOK: "Healer Wife of the Avatar" (part I)

I only recently finished watching all of The Legend of Korra from start to finish. Based on the analyses I’ve read from the time the show was airing, there seemed to be a decent amount of backlash against how the adult gaang was portrayed - particularly Katara. LOK’s fanbase has grown since then, though, especially during the 2020 renaissance, and I was surprised by how many recent positive comments I’ve seen from fans on Katara’s role.

Because if you paid attention at all to Katara’s characterization compared to Aang, Sokka, Toph, and Zuko, it’s clear just how much Legend of Korra has tarnished her “legacy” or lack thereof.

I will be splitting this analysis of lok!Katara into two parts:

First, I will break down her portrayal in the show compared to the other members of the gaang to demonstrate how Katara received the worst treatment from the writers. Though I did have problems with the other characters’ portrayals as well, I don't have time to discuss them in-depth in this post. Then, I will counter common arguments used in defense of lok!Katara’s portrayal on the grounds that they do not provide an adequate in-universe explanation for her character’s drastic change from ATLA.

For part 1, I decided to examine everything we know about the gaang after the original series only based on the information provided via Legend of Korra (excluding poor Suki, who is never mentioned at all). For each character, I will answer the question “What do we know about [character] based solely on their role in Legend of Korra?”

Sokka

Assuming we have never watched ATLA before, what do we know about Sokka based on LOK?

Well-respected for his wisdom and leadership, as he was Chief of the Southern Water Tribe, a councilman in Republic City (Representative of the Southern Water Tribe), and the chairman of the United Republic Council

Played a significant role in Yakone’s bloodbending trial - moderated the Council’s deliberations and announced their decision to find Yakone guilty

Worked together with other political/military leaders - Zuko, Tenzin, and Tonraq - to protect Avatar Korra by designing prisons for Red Lotus members that would be impervious to their bending

Toph mentioned they were friends in their youth, describing a time he was stuck in a hole when she was trying to teach Aang earthbending

Sokka, Toph, and Aang seemed to have remained friends into adulthood as they all worked together to defeat Yakone

Fond of his trusty boomerang, which he claimed to have used to win a fight against a man with combustion abilities

Due to his achievements, has a statue built in his honor in front of the Southern Water Tribe Cultural Center in Republic City

Zuko

Assuming we have never watched ATLA before, what do we know about Zuko based on LOK?

Former Fire Lord and co-founder of the United Republic, who worked with Avatar Aang after the 100 years war to transform the Fire Nation colonies into the United Republic of Nations

Zuko and Avatar Aang had a rocky start, as Zuko described a time when he once hired a man with combustion abilities to kill Aang in his youth, but they eventually became close friends

Acted as Aang’s counsel and was described as being the person who knew Aang better than everyone else, leading Korra to turn to him for advice

Good friends with the Southern Water Tribe - worked with Sokka, Tonraq, and Tenzin to imprison Red Lotus members that wanted to kidnap Korra, specifically working with Unalaq and Tonraq to build a prison to hold P’Li

Years later, continued to work against the Red Lotus when they broke out of prison

Investigated the prison break of Ming-Hua, sent word to Lin Beifong to protect Korra, then flew off on his dragon to stop the Red Lotus from breaking P’Li out of prison

Fought Ghazan using his firebending during the Red Lotus break-in

Discussed the Red Lotus situation with Lin, Korra, and the others, before leaving early on Druk (his dragon) to return to the Fire Nation and protect his family

Despite being in “retirement,” remains an active participant in international relations - makes appearances as Prince Wu’s coronation and Jinora’s airbending master ceremony, along with engaging in discussions with President Raiko, Tenzin, and Tonraq about the future of the Red Lotus after Zaheer was imprisoned again

Highly respected and honored for his achievements - Bolin and Mako were impressed to meet him, statue was built in his honor in Republic City

Had a close relationship with his Uncle and his surviving family include his daughter, Fire Lord Izumi, and his grandson, General Iroh II

Toph

Assuming we have never watched ATLA before, what do we know about Toph based on LOK?

Previous Chief of Police in Republic City, founder of the first metalbending police force, founder of the first metalbending academy

Renowned for inventing metalbending, which is utilized for the development of modern technology and innovation in Republic City and the Earth Kingdom (particularly, Zaofu, is regarded as the safest city in the world due to it being made entirely out of metal)

To honor her metalbending achievements, there are several statues of her in Zaofu

Good friends with Avatar Aang, whom she affectionately named Twinkletoes, and was his earthbending teacher

Worked with Aang to arrest Yakone and was present at Yakone’s trial

Acted as a mentor to Korra, helping Korra face her fears and trained with her

Despite her old age and grumpy personality, Toph remained a strong fighter - easily able to beat Korra during training sessions, take down Kuvira’s sentries, and successfully break into Kuvira’s prison using her earthbending and metalbending abilities

States that her fighting days are over due to her old age, but has no problem fighting to save her family when they are captured by Kuvira (twice)

No interest in involving herself in current political problems in the Earth Kingdom, but will defend her family from political forces that threaten them

Strained relationship with her daughters (Suyin and Lin) because of how busy she was with her job, giving them too much freedom as she didn’t want to be as strict as her own parents

Covered up for Suyin’s crimes to save her reputation, leading her to retire early from guilt

Eventually repairs her relationship with her daughters - admitting she wasn’t a great mother but had great kids

Spent rest of her life living alone in a swamp, mentioning she has previous experiences with the visions it produces

High reputation in Republic City - has a statue of her built in front of police headquarters, Asami is impressed by her, Bolin calls her his hero

Aang

Assuming we have never watched ATLA before, what do we know about Aang based on LOK?

Previous Avatar before Korra, negotiated relations between people of all nations to keep peace and balance and served as the bridge between the Spirit World and natural world

Worked with his closest friend Zuko to transform the Fire Nation Colonies into the United Republic of Nations after the war

Lost his entire culture of Air Nomads to genocide during the hundred year war and was devastated - his greatest dream was frequently described as rebuilding the Air Nation and reviving Air Nomad culture

He began to do this by founding the Air Acolytes, who preserved the culture, practices, and teachings of the Air Nomads passed on from Aang

Placed all of his hopes and dreams for the future on Tenzin's shoulders, his only airbender son

Deeply connected to the Spirit World and was an esteemed spiritual leader, hoping his son would one day experience the same

Traveled the world with Tenzin so he could learn as much as possible, but was so focused on doing his duty to the world that he never had time for his other kids, Kya and Bumi, whom he had with his wife, Katara

Kya and Bumi felt like a disappointment to their father for not being airbenders and Bumi never felt connected to his father’s culture until he became an airbender later in life

Aang’s acolytes did not even know Aang had other children besides Tenzin

All of this seems to indicate Aang valued the ability to airbend the most in his children, leading to his waterbending/nonbending kids being neglected

Greatest flaw mentioned as his tendency to cut and run when things get tough

Despite all this, he was highly respected and admired by most characters in the show for all his achievements as Avatar and his wisdom

Assisted in the arrest of Yakone with Toph, a friend of his, and used energybending to remove Yakone’s bending

Gave Korra advice along with restoring her bending and bestowed upon her the ability to energybend

His grandkids (Meelo, Jinora, and Ikki) enjoyed hearing stories about his youth, such as his visit to Wan Shi Tong’s spirit library and his time with Guru Pathik at the Eastern Air Temple

Described as natural leader by Tenzin, sweet-tempered by Lin, and was good friends with Iroh

He built the air temple on Air Temple Island and in his honor, Aang Memorial Island was named after him and a statue of him was built

He’s so well-known and respected that there are even Aang-themed carnival games at the South Pole

Katara

Assuming we have never watched ATLA before, what do we know about Katara based on LOK?

Described as the best healer in the world, responsible for teaching Korra how to heal, and mentioned to be a waterbending master

Monitored Korra’s avatar training and spoke to the Order of the White Lotus when Korra was ready to begin airbending training

Declared bloodbending illegal, but was not present for Yakone’s capture or trial

Attempted to restore Korra’s bending after Amon took it, but failed

Failed to heal Jinora when she was trapped in the Spirit World

Tries to guide Korra’s healing process after she is poisoned, but is unable to heal her on her own

Worked to heal the injured after Unalaq’s attack

According to Toph, Katara didn’t get involved in the civil war taking place in her homeland because of her old age

Mentions to Korra she knows what it’s like to go through a traumatic experience but doesn’t elaborate, instead describing Aang’s trauma

Married to Avatar Aang and had three kids - Tenzin, Kya, and Bumi - and three grandchildren - Ikki, Jinora, and Meelo

After Aang and her brother died, she was incredibly lonely, prompting Kya to move to the south pole to be with her. Misses her family that has passed away.

Her kids don’t visit her much, Meelo doesn’t even recognize his grandmother. She cries when Tenzin and his family leave.

Never speaks about her own life, but Jinora asks her once about what happened to Zuko’s mom, indicating they may have known each other.

By reading those summaries, it should be obvious just how differently Katara’s character was treated by the writers compared to the others. Katara’s legacy is reduced to simply being the “healer wife of the Avatar.”

And before anyone tries to twist my words: The problem is not that she is a mother, a wife, and a healer. The problem that is all she is ever allowed to be. Her entire identity revolves around:

Trying to heal people

Being the Avatar’s wife and occasionally offering random pieces of advice about what Aang would do (instead of, you know, giving advice based on her own experiences)

Missing her family

Again, none of these characteristics are inherently negative - the problem is how poorly they are written for Katara’s character. We are told things about her that just don't match up with what is shown in LOK canon. We're told that she’s a world renowned healer, but every time we see her use these abilities, she fails. We’re told that she’s the Avatar’s wife, but he was closest to his friend, Zuko. We’re told that she’s a mother who cares about her family, but we don’t know anything about her relationship with her children (and in fact, we know far more about her children's relationship with Aang).

Katara has no characteristics, no personality outside of her relationship to others - whether she’s acting as a healer, a mother, or a wife (this is some textbook misogynistic writing). She never speaks about herself, never mentions having any friends - only ever speaking about her husband, never describes her life before being a mother or a wife, is never shown to be honored or respected in the way the rest of the gaang is, has no political titles, and has only one post-atla accomplishment to her name. This is in contrast to Aang, Zuko, and Toph - all of whom have children but are never reduced solely to being a parent, all of whom are implied to be close friends, and all of whom have made multiple important contributions to the world of LOK. Even Sokka - who is barely in the show - is shown as having more achievements than Katara. I’m not sure how anyone could see this as doing Katara’s character justice.

I want to end with this excerpt from the book Avatar: The Last Airbender: Legacy - while not from Legend of Korra, this letter written by Katara to her and Aang's son, Tenzin, is a perfect demonstration of Katara's poor characterization post-ATLA. Despite being written by Katara, this entire letter is about Aang. I'm honestly not sure why the writers didn't just have this letter written by Aang himself because there are no insights that Katara adds to it.

The letter starts with Katara saying that she hopes this letter will help Tenzin "feel the pride of [his] heritage and gain a deeper understanding of who [he is]." And yet this letter never discusses the fact that Tenzin is the son of a waterbender and an airbender, never discusses any of the lessons Katara has learned in her life or the hardships she's overcome, never mentions any part of water tribe culture, never even mentions her own brother or father or mother (family is important to Katara, but apparently the writers only think that her family with Aang matters). The letter is entirely about Aang's struggles and triumphs because post-ATLA Katara doesn't matter outside of her relationship to her husband and kids.

Part 2

#katara #katara analysis #atla #zutara #anti lok #lok critical #this is not shipping related at all but tagging zutara for visibility #pls show up in the tags tumblr i don't want to repost this a third time #my post #my meta

[eretzyisrael]

María Rivera Maulucci, a professor of Urban Studies at Barnard, spoke out against the arrests.

“The root of word education means to lead out, but how are we leading our students out? In zip ties. Where are we leading students out? To buses? To police stations?” she told the crowd, according to the blog.

Comments such as that — and the general support for the anti-Israel students — left Rory Lancman, the senior counsel of the Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law, lamenting his alma mater.

3Columbia University’s faculty is facing backlash after their decision to back students at the anti-Israel demonstration on campus was denounced as “grotesque” by members of New York’s Jewish community.Getty Images

“It’s grotesque that we have professors who can’t discern the difference between hateful, discriminatory and violent rhetoric that violates the university’s anti-discrimination policies and terrorizes a segment of the university community and reasoned free speech and debate,” said Lancman, whose legal advocacy groups works to battle antisemitism.

“What you’re witnessing at Columbia is the anti-Zionist, antisemitic movement at its core.”

Lancman described the protesters as wannabe “fascists” who were trying to get their way “through harassment, intimidation and violence.”

Several Columbia graduate students, who only gave their first names, also questioned the professors’ support for the student protesters.

“I don’t think it was a smart thing for them to do,” Dana, 34, told the Post.

3Professors appeared on the school’s steps to support the right of the “Gaza Solidarity Encampment” to take over campus space and denounce the administration’s decision to have protesters arrested.REUTERS

“The professors siding with them, basically that tells me, ‘OK Columbia is not a place of discourse, it is not [a] place where you can peacefully argue. It’s a place that sides with a very specific student body.'”

Ali, 26, a transfer student from Tel Aviv University, said the faculty walkout made it clear that the professors were not just endorsing the protest at Columbia, but were actively taking part as well.

“There was no reason to believe that they weren’t part of the protest. They joined the movement because they came out and joined the protest,” Ali said.

He added that the protesters at Columbia have “made no effort to distance themselves from pro-terrorism positions,” calling the demonstrations “disturbing.”

Omer, another graduate student who was putting up pictures of the remaining hostages kidnapped by Hamas, said he was also troubled by the professors’ walkout.

#columbia university #columbia faculty #protest #gaza solidarity encampment

[fatphobiabusters]

You know what? I thought I'd seen everything, but I'm literally fucking speechless right now. My university's counseling center is so fucking untrained on fatphobia that they have a pamphlet on "Body Size Diversity and Acceptance," which I had been shocked was offered at all. But I apparently shouldn't have gotten my expectations higher than the depths of the Mariana Trench because, after a very horrible experience with fatphobia in counseling there today, I opened the pamphlet to read that thin people are "oppressed" for being thin. And I am somehow not exaggerating in any fucking way when I say that's exactly what the pamphlet claimed.

They:

Didn't acknowledge fatphobia at all (the pamphlet barely even shows any fat people and makes this entire shitty pamphlet JUST about body image. You know, as if that's all fat people have to fucking worry about. The rest of this list is just about the two circled paragraphs because I do not have the energy to dissect this entire bullshit pamphlet)

Erased fatphobia to talk about "size oppression" which is a concept they made up to pretend that ALL people are oppressed for their size. BULLSHIT.

Act like this pretend "size oppression" they used to erase fatphobia is oppression because "Everyone judges themselves about their size and that's all that's needed to be oppressed for the size you are 😔"

"Size oppression does not spare those who are naturally thin, either." HUH. HUH. ARE YOU SURE ABOUT THAT? YOU WANT TO TAKE A SECOND GO AT THAT, BUD?

The pamphlet says thin people are OPPRESSED BY "VOLUPTUOUS AND MUSCULAR IDEALS." BUDDY, YOU CAN'T EVEN FUCKING SAY THE WORD FAT. THE WORD "FAT" IS NOT WRITTEN EVEN ONCE IN THIS PAMPHLET, BUT YOU SURE HAD NO PROBLEM WRITING "THIN" EVERYWHERE! AND "VOLUPTUOUS" IS JUST YOUR FUCKING CODEWORD FOR "THIN WITH A BIG ASS." FUCK OFF!

"[Thin people] can be just as dissatisfied with their bodies and themselves as anyone else." HUH. REALLY? YOU'RE GOING TO CLAIM THAT?????

They're the target of people's jealousy and envy, which you use to claim thin people are oppressed, AND THEN NEVER STOP TO FUCKING THINK WITH YOUR BRAIN ABOUT WHY EVERYONE WANTS TO LOOK LIKE THEM?!?!?!?! I DON'T KNOW, MAYBE THERE'S AN INDICATION OF A POWER IMBALANCE SOMEWHERE IN THERE????? SOME REASONS FOR WHY THIN PEOPLE ARE SO PRAISED??? AND THEM BEING PRAISED...IS YOUR DEFINITION OF OPPRESSION?!?!?!

"For no reason other than their body sizes!"

NO REASON?!?!?!?!?!

THERE'S NO REASON WHY FAT PEOPLE LITERALLY KILL THEMSELVES TO BE THIN OTHER THAN FUCKING AESTHETICS?!?!

NOT THE MUTILATION, POLICE BRUTALITY, STARVATION, LACK OF ACCESS TO VITAL RESOURCES LIKE CLOTHES AND HEALTHCARE, FATAL MEDICAL NEGLECT AND ABUSE, BEING LEFT TO DIE IN NATURAL DISASTERS LIKE HURRICANES, COURT JUDGES SAYING IT'S IMPOSSIBLE TO RAPE FAT PEOPLE, THE WAGE GAPS, JOB DISCRIMINATION, WORKPLACE HARASSMENT, FORCED SEPARATION OF FAMILIES, NOT BEING ALLOWED TO ADOPT CHILDREN, AND THE LIST GOES FUCKING ON?!?! THIN PEOPLE ONLY EXPERIENCE THINNESS AND NO AMOUNT OF PRIVILEGE OVER FAT PEOPLE?!?!?!?!

I want to kill, maim, strangle, and rip flesh with my teeth right now :)))))

-Mod Worthy

#thin privilege #fatphobia #Mod Worthy

[genderqueerdykes]

Trans and Queer Resources for People Living in/near Albuquerque New Mexico, or Looking to Relocate in The American Southwest

I am making this post because this is where I live, and fortunately, there are a lot of queer resources available in the area. I was able to transition because of the resources here, and continue to feel safe and thrive here as a queer person, so I want to pass them on to anyone else who may need them:

General queer community resources:

Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico - Available to all ages- has a wide variety of resources for all trans, gender non conforming and nonbinary people including directing you to providers who will prescribe HRT, access to name changing and gender marker changes, support groups for a wide variety of identities, free food, housing programs for housing challenged and homeless trans people, and much more. Their building is also beautiful on the inside, they have a library of queer literature- I can't recommend them enough, I have been here personally.

LGBTQ Resource Center UNM - An LGBT/queer resource center located on the Las Lomas UNM campus. They provide a wide variety of resources including classes on safe sex, providing resources and support groups for various queer people, giving students access to safe and supportive housing on campus, counseling, HIV testing, food, and much more. They are available to be accessed by students and the general public alike

Albuquerque U21 (Commonbond) - A program and safe space available to any queer person under the age of 21 to socialize with other queer individuals and have a place to discuss queer issues. They also have community events such as DnD nights, cooking classes, book clubs and community speakers who discuss queer issues.

Casa Q - a program and shelter available to queer youth aged 14 - 17 who are at risk of homelessness or are struggling with housing stability, or other issues related to queerness and survival and staying housed.

PFLAG Albuquerque - a group which currently meets on Zoom that discusses queer issues in the community on the whole as well as locally in Albuquerque. A support group as well as a platform for activism and a place to go to talk to and find other queer people and resources.

Therapy, mental health services & other gender affirming care:

Bright Spaces NM - a way for queer patients to search for queer friendly healthcare providers in their area, as well as look for other programs provided by the organization.

Therapists specializing in helping transgender patients in the Albuquerque area - take lists like this with a train of salt, therapists love to market themselves as trans/lgbt friendly, but it's good to have a list to work with

Sage Neuroscience - a mental health care provider specializing a wide variety of conditions and hosting a wide variety of services including queer informed therapy, gender affirming care, medication management, group therapy, substance use help, and more.

High Desert Healing - a mental health care provider with a large number of queer specialized & focused therapists.

Southwest Care - have several providers which specialize in gender affirming care.

UNM Truman Center - a general health provider through the local university hospital system that providers gender affirming care services to a wide variety of local trans people. This clinic is severely overbooked and is used by a ton of local trans people, so try other places first before trying here.

Agora Crisis Center - a crisis center that is informed and safe for queer individuals struggling with mental health who need a safe place to talk about whatever issues they may be facing. They are a a hotline that can be called, and have a large list of local resources on their website as well.

For those of us who already live here, or given all that's happening right now, Texas and many other states are not a safe place for queer people of any stripe, and there are many folks looking to relocate to safer places in the American southwest for queer people and those who are looking to safely medically transition. Please keep in mind that most places in the US are in a housing crisis right now, so always do your research and sort out housing and safe relocation before making any decisions.

This is not a "move to here right now" post but rather a collection of queer resources available to people living here, as well as for people who are looking to relocate to a more queer friendly state in the American southwest. Albuquerque has issues like crime, it is not perfect here, so please be aware that it's not a good idea to just drop what you are doing and relocate to any place for any reason without doing research first. There is no place in the United States that is a "haven", we just happen to have a lot of queer resources here if they are needed.

I will add more resources as I find/think of them.

#trans #lgbt #queer #transgender #nonbinary #enby #lgbtq #lgtbqia #transsexual #mtf #ftm #trans man #trans guy #trans boy #trans woman #trans girl #trans lady #transfemme #transfem #transfeminine #transmasculine #transmasc #transneutral #transneu #trans resources #transgender resources #our writing #resources #save #important

[the-garbanzo-annex-jr]

by Dion J. Pierre

“I’ll say this in no uncertain terms: I have no plans to leave Columbia. If ever I plan to leave Columbia, it will be on my own terms,” Davidai said. “Because, if they can do this to me, one of the most vocal faculty against antisemitism, then imagine what they’re already doing to faculty that are much less vocal.”

Davidai first made headlines in October after delivering a thunderous speech before a crowd of students and others gathered on campus in which he called the school’s president a “coward” for refusing to condemn Hamas apologists and anti-Zionist demonstrations on campus.

In many ways, becoming a public figure has been a detriment. Davidai’s email has been flooded daily with notes from antisemites accusing him of being an “Elder of Zion” and a “genocidal baby killer.” Last month, he discovered that an anonymous group of graduate students had accused him of anti-Palestinian racism and demanded that a professional association of which he is a member publicly censure him.

In Friday’s statement, Davidai said that he has retained counsel and pledged to “fully cooperate” with the university’s investigation.

“At the same time, I will call out Columbia’s bad faith in retaliating against me,” he explained. “An even cursory examination of my advocacy shows the absurdity of this investigation.”

The investigation against Davidai comes amid numerous allegations that since Hamas’ massacre across southern Israel on Oct. 7, the university has refused to address antisemitic rhetoric and violence on campus and allegedly coddled students engaging in antisemitic behavior.

Last month, a student group, Students Against Antisemitism (SAA), claimed in a lawsuit filed with the help of the StandWithUs Legal Center for Justice that pro-Hamas students beat up five Jewish students in Columbia’s Butler Library and that another attacked a Jewish student with a stick, lacerating his head and breaking his finger.

Following the incidents, pleas for help went unanswered and administrators told Jewish students they could not guarantee their safety while Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) held its demonstrations, according to the lawsuit. The school’s powerlessness to prevent anti-Jewish violence was cited as the reason why Students Supporting Israel, a recognized pro-Israel school club, was denied permission to hold an event on self-defense. Events with “buzzwords” such as “Israel” and “Palestine” were forbidden, administrators allegedly said, but SJP continued to host events while no one explained the inconsistency.

#shai davidai #columbia university #antisemitism #students against antisemitism #standwithus #students for justice in palestine

[girlactionfigure]

 THURSDAY HERO: Rabbi Abraham Joshua Twerski

Rabbi Abraham Joshua Twerski was a Hasidic rabbi and psychiatrist who authored dozens of books, helped tens of thousands recover from addiction, and was a blessing to everyone he met.

Born in Milwaukee in 1930, Rabbi Twerski was the scion of two illustrious Hasidic dynasties: Bobov and Chernobyl. His father Rabbi Jacob Israel Twerski was a Russian immigrant and leading rabbi who was beloved by the Milwaukee Jewish community. Abraham was one of five brothers and the first to be born in America. He was raised in a traditional Orthodox home but attended public school.

After being ordained as a young man, Abraham served as his father’s assistant rabbi, and was in awe of his father’s ability to connect with people and counsel them. He later said, “I didn’t see my life as a performer of rituals, and I felt that if what psychiatry is doing is what my father used to be doing, well, then that’s where I’ll go. So I went to medical school to become a psychiatrist to do what I wanted to do as a rabbi.” He graduated from the medical school of Marquette University  in 1960 and served as clinical director of the psychiatry department at St. Francis Hospital in Pittsburgh for many years.

In 1972, Rabbi Twerski founded Gateway Rehabilitation Center in Pittsburgh, a program so successful that there are now 22 Gateway centers in Pennsylvania and Ohio, serving both Jewish and non-Jewish patients. The current CEO of Gateway, James Troup, said “Dr. Twerski is our founder, inspiration leader and the person we think of every day as we execute our mission and vision.”

His granddaughter Chaya Ruchie Twerski remembered growing up with her beloved zaydie. “My grandfather used to pray on Saturday mornings in Chabad and when we would walk home from synagogue, every single Shabbos was the same thing. Cars would honk, people would roll down their windows and shout, ’Sending our love,’ or ‘Five years clean, Dr. T!’”

At that time it was rare for an Orthodox rabbi to be an expert in secular subjects such as medicine. It was also a common belief in the Jewish community that alcoholism and addiction were gentile problems. Rabbi Twerski challenged both assumptions by becoming a prominent psychiatrist who wrote over 80 books and helped thousands of Jews and non-Jews recover from substance abuse – all while maintaining his identity as a pious and visible Hasidic Jew. He tackled subjects nobody else in the Jewish world was addressing, such as domestic abuse and drug addiction.

Those who knew Rabbi Twerski remembered that his favorite word was “gem” because he believed that every human being is a precious gem. Rabbi Moishe Mayir Vogel, executive director of the Aleph Institute in Pittsburgh, said of his beloved rabbi, “He would never throw anyone away. He would say, ‘We just have to polish them off and wipe away the dust.’”

Rabbi Twerski was the first Jewish leader to embrace the 12-step program created by Alcoholics Anonymous, despite the program’s association with Christian teachings. A renowned expert in spiritual and secular subjects, Rabbi Twerski wrote dozens of best-selling books, all with the same theme – self-esteem. A fan of the Peanuts cartoon, Rabbi Twerski co-wrote two books with Peanuts creator Charles Schultz. Noted psychologist Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb said of his mentor, “He was a great believer that there was no contradiction. A person could be a person of great faith and a rigorous scientist.”

In his long life, Rabbi Twerski made use of every moment. Besides treating patients, authoring books, and traveling the world to lecture and advise, Rabbi Twersky founded multiple organizations including Nefesh, an organization for mental health workers, the Kollel Learning Center, and Transitions, for boys from Orthodox homes battling substance addiction. Pittsburgh resident Mike Pasternak, co-founder of Transitions, described Rabbi Twerski as “an amazing person who cared about everyone. Every day I spent with him was an experience seeing someone be the ultimate mensch, caring for everybody.”

Besides his work as psychiatrist and spiritual leader, he was a gifted singer and composer. Rabbi Yisroel Rosenfeld of the Lubavitch Center of Pittsburgh said that Rabbi Twerski “had a beautiful voice and was a great composer of songs… He was an unusual kind of person. A person that was down to earth, but at the same time very spiritual. He had a foot in and was able to reach out and be effective in the entire world.”

Rabbi Twerski died in Israel on January 31, 2021 at age 90 and was survived by his wife Dr. Gail Bessler-Twerski, four children, and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. His first wife Golda died in 1995. Rabbi Twerski’s will specified that there should be no eulogies at his funeral, instead mourners should sing a melody he composed for the words of Psalms 28:9, “Deliver and bless Your very own people; tend them and sustain them forever.”

For saving lives and blessing the entire world with his saintly presence, we honor Rabbi Abraham Joshua Twerski as this week’s Thursday Hero. May his memory be a blessing.

#Thursday Hero

[utcampuslifeupdate]

Division of Student Affairs Ice Storm Response

University Apartments staff organizing blanket distribution for Gateway Apartments residents.

For the third year in a row about a month into the new year, winter weather closed campus and the Division of Student Affairs team sprang into action to support students during the campus closure Jan. 31-Feb. 3. From helping University Apartments residents without power to maintaining on-campus housing and dining operations to keeping Gregory Gym and Natatorium open, our team continued to provide services throughout the closure. Our entire team rose to the occasion in addition to continuing their day-to-day work.

As a 24/7 operation, especially during an emergency, University Housing and Dining staff stepped up to meet students’ essential needs. When Gateway Apartments residents lost power at their complex off West 6th Street, the team distributed blankets and provided places for them to warm up, fuel up, power up.

“Our live-in professional and student staff made the extra effort to knock on doors and check in on people, because these are their neighbors. This is as much their community as it is their job, they’ve been working round-the-clock to respond to residents’ needs,” shared Tiana Lindberg, assistant director for University Apartments.

Resident Assistants help serve up meals.

Back on the main campus, the residence life and dining teams have a decades-long tradition of deploying dedicated teams to keep services running for nearly 7,300 on-campus residents. From Jan. 30-Feb. 2, some staff stayed overnight to maintain residence hall and modified dining operations. Other UHD staff worked remotely to support our students.

Resident assistants pitched in to serve up meals in the dining halls, helping keep other staff off the icy roads since resident assistants already live on campus. J2 and Kins Dining operated on reduced hours for lunch and dinner every day during the closure.

And even President Jay Hartzell made the rounds to thank staff who were working on campus throughout the closure.

If students were safely able to access campus, Gregory Gym was open modified hours for recreation, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Jan. 31-Feb. 2. But as widespread power outages set in across the City of Austin, the Recreational Sports team kept the gym open until midnight on Feb. 1 for students to warm up and charge up.

“It provided students and community members not only a place to enjoy a warm shower and charge their phones, but a space to spend time with others, whether it be studying or enjoying recreational activities. I believe having these amenities accessible helped give patrons a sense of normalcy and comfort even amidst the unfortunate circumstances,” explained Zoe Fisher, a RecSports student employee and freshman business major from Austin, Texas.

RecSports student employees at Gregory Gym.

Despite widespread power outages, internet connectivity issues and spotty cell phone reception, other staff continued to provide essential services remotely. The Counseling and Mental Health Center and University Health Services offered telehealth appointments. Student Emergency Services in the Office of the Dean of Students fielded emails and phone calls as they were able. Texas Parents remained available for parent and family inquiries. The New Student Services off-campus initiative educated students living off campus on emergency preparedness and local resources. Communicators in the Division departments reported timely information and amplified critical announcements to students on social media and emergency website.

“Our team jumped into action once again, showing their ‘can do’ and ‘will do’ spirit! This is a great example of the integral role we play in supporting our students’ success and academic journey. We’re here to support all 52,000 students, whether they live on campus or off, during regular operations and extraordinary circumstances,” said Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Soncia Reagins-Lilly.

The team did all this while making sure the daily operations of their departments kept running in the midst of the storm response. We’re grateful for all our staff who show their dedication to influencing students in living the Longhorn life every day. Whether they are on the front lines or behind the scenes, our team members bring passion, creativity and focus to their work, collaborating with each other and campus partners to enhance the student experience. Thank you!

#Division of Student Affairs #Influencing the Longhorn Life #Living the Longhorn Life #University Housing and Dining #Recreational Sports #counseling and mental health center #University Health Services #Office of the Dean of Students #Texas Parents #New Student Services #The University of Texas at Austin #UT Austin #Winter Weather #UTSpring2023

[myglassesareinkansas]

Hello one, hello all and meet my family’s disappointment: ✨me✨

#k speaks #i need to get a new therapist bc i graduated and was going to one of the ones at the university counseling center #but anyways this is gonna be how i introduce myself to my new therapist #them: ‘so tell me about yourself’ #me: ‘hold on i have a tumblr post that summarizes the root of my issues’ #i told my parents tonight i have a tattoo and now my mom’s crying and won’t talk to anyone #my dad handled it much better than i thought but i predict my mom will get her claws in him soon #therapist: ‘are you sure?’ #me: ‘well i am the only sibling who won’t have the title of dr. and my grad program is for history #and i might be lucky to make $65k and also i am a liberal #lowkey a little socialist’ #anyways things will be fine but i cannot wait for me to be back by myself for the rest of summer #bonus is that when i move in i won’t die of heat stroke now!! bc i can wear short sleeves around them again!!

[honoka-marierose]

About a decade ago, Zack Snyder developed a storyline for the DC Extended Universe that involved Bruce Wayne impregnating Lois Lane.

The subplot in which Batman cuckolds Superman was poised to unfold in “Justice League,” with Batman dying in the sequel and Lois raising their spawn with Superman. Snyder’s vision for Wonder Woman was equally unorthodox, with visuals featuring a superheroine who brandished the decapitated heads of her conquered enemies like an ISIS jihadi.

Warner Bros. and DC Studios — which hold a firm grip on their intellectual property — rejected Snyder’s ideas, which were deemed “super creepy,” according to a source familiar with the back and forth. (DC declined to comment for this story. A representative for Snyder did not respond to a request for comment.) But in the next decade, artists and rival studios won’t need permission to create their own take on the characters.

A sad fact of Hollywood is that while superheroes never truly die, all copyrights do. On Jan. 1, Disney lost control of “Steamboat Willie,” and within 24 hours two horror-comedies starring Mickey Mouse were announced. The DC characters are the next major expirations looming on the horizon. Superman and Lois Lane will enter the public domain in 2034, followed by Batman in 2035, the Joker in 2036 and Wonder Woman in 2037.

Chris Sims, a comic book author and Batman expert, expects a flood of unauthorized Batman comics to hit the stands as soon as the copyright expires.

“There’s going to be 100 of them,” he says. “They’re going to have them ready to go.” Movie producers will also be able to make their own versions — much as they already do with public domain characters like Dracula and Robin Hood — though in the beginning they will have to stick to the original versions of the characters.

“You get Batman, but you don’t get Robin,” Sims says. “You get Superman, but you don’t get kryptonite.”

The initial Superman could only leap — not fly. “Those characteristics are going to fall into the public domain one by one,” says Amanda Schreyer, media and entertainment lawyer at Morse.

DC has been preparing for this for years. At a press event in 2023, CEO James Gunn noted that the next Superman film will introduce characters from “The Authority,” a comic series that launched in 1999, in part because the Superman copyright is about to expire.

Jay Kogan, DC’s deputy general counsel, laid out a strategy to protect characters that fall into the public domain in a 2001 article. Since only the older versions lose protection, he urged: “Keep ’em fresh and up-to-date.”

“By gradually changing the literary and visual characteristics of a character over time, a character owner can keep whatever the then-current image of the character is as the de facto standard in the public consciousness,” he wrote.

The company has done a good job of updating Superman, argues Steven Beer, an IP lawyer at Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith.

“The public’s perception is the contemporary Superman. It’s distinctive,” he says. “That gives them a lot of protection.”

Another tactic: Maintain a high level of quality control.

“The public should be conditioned to view any works from unrelated parties featuring a trademark owner’s characters as second-rate knockoffs,” Kogan wrote.

Kogan also suggested that trademarks could be used to block the use of a character’s name, image and slogan even after the copyright expires.

But trademark is not a cloak of immunity, argues Jennifer Jenkins, director of Duke’s Center for the Study of the Public Domain. “That only prevents uses that are likely to cause consumer confusion about source or sponsorship,” she says.

In other words, the characters’ names should be fair game, so long as it’s clear that the depiction is not coming from DC.

“You could still create a Superman horror movie or Batman horror movie,” says Jonathan Steinsapir, an IP attorney at KHIKS. “You just need to be careful about how you advertise it and how you use images of Superman in a branding sense.”

DC has done a careful job of tying the characters to itself by trademarking the terms “Man of Steel” and “Caped Crusader,” as well as Superman’s “S” and Batman’s logo.

“The bat symbol is a very strong mark,” Schreyer says. “That is going to limit what subsequent creators can do.”

Even so, expect the mid-2030s to see a glut of off-brand superhero content.

“People will make a run at these characters because there’s money to be made,” says Mark Waid, a comic book author and historian best known for his work on DC Comics titles like “Superman: Birthright.” “Or how about Superman versus Godzilla. It’s a gray area. But this town works on the speed of capitalism, right? That’s how we work.”

Sims believes more superhero comics will be a good thing. But the idea that there will be a Superman renaissance is oversold, he says.

“It’s gonna come down to execution,” Sims says. “There’s one company that’s used to doing it.”

Steinsapir says nothing would keep Snyder from making a non-Warners film featuring the DC troika.

“Zack Snyder could reshoot it and make his own new iteration of it,” he says. “You just need to be careful. For example, he definitely couldn’t call it ‘Justice League.’”

#dc #dc comics #detective comics #superman #batman #wonder woman #warner bros #dc studios #zack snyder #dcu #dc universe #dc batman #dc superman #dc wonder woman

[beardedmrbean]

Las Vegas police on Tuesday arrested eight teenagers on murder charges in connection with the death of Jonathan Lewis, a 17-year-old who was pummeled by a mob of his classmates in an alley outside their high school, authorities said.

The eight suspects charged with murder are between 13 and 17 years old, said Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Lt. Jason Johansson in a news conference on Tuesday. Police along with the district attorney's office are beginning the process to charge them as adults. Johansson added that there's no evidence indicating the attack was "a hate crime."

On Nov. 1, students from Rancho High School, including Jonathan, met in an alley just across the street from the campus to fight over "stolen wireless headphones and, possibly, a stolen marijuana vape pen," Johansson said. Police believe the items were stolen from Jonathan's friend but once they were all in the alley, it was Jonathan who fought instead.

Johansson said as soon as the first punch was thrown, 10 people swarmed Jonathan, pulled him to the ground and began kicking, punching and stomping him.

After the fight, a passerby found the teenager unconscious in the alley and carried him to the school, where staff performed CPR. First responders rushed him to the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada, where it was soon determined that he had suffered "non-survivable head trauma," Johansson said. Jonathan died several days later.

Police search for two more suspects, ask public for help

Videos of the incident – called "extremely disturbing" and "void of humanity" by police officials – circulated social media and were used by investigators to identify eight of the 10 suspects. On Tuesday, police and the FBI coordinated arrests of the eight students and executed search warrants at nine homes throughout Las Vegas. Johansson said clothing worn by teenagers in the video and cellphones were recovered.

Las Vegas police will be releasing photos of the remaining suspects and urged the public to assist investigators in identifying them. Johansson asked that people submit footage of the incident to police and called on parents to speak with their children about the videos, which have been shared widely across multiple social media platforms.

"If you're a mentor with youth, if you're a parent, you have to assume that your kids have seen this video ... don't put your head in the sand," Johansson said. "Please talk with your kids about it and explain – people need to know right from wrong and that this act was heinous."

Jonathan's father seeks 'deeper justice'

Jonathan Lewis Sr., an electrician who lives in Austin, Texas, said his son was "a hero" who stuck up for his friend.

"That's just the kind of person he was," Lewis, 38, told USA TODAY. He described his son as an avid hip-hop fan who liked to make digital art.

Lewis said when he got the phone call that Jonathan was attacked and in the hospital, he could "could barely walk."

His family arranged to get him a flight to Las Vegas, where he and Jonathan's mother stayed at their son's bedside for days. During that time, they started planning a foundation that would address youth violence issues through counseling, mentorships and after-school programs.

Lewis created a website for the foundation, Team Jonathan, and is beginning to work on what he hopes becomes a nonprofit that'll prevent incidents like what happened to his son.

"Justice is a much much deeper issue to me than these children go to prison," Lewis said. "This is an all-encompassing issue that involves all of humanity and how we behave and the lack of empathy and compassion that we have. I just feel like my son's legacy deserves a deeper justice."

#nunyas news