Silent Film Version of A Christmas Carol

While watching today's Holiday Celebration at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion I saw a group perform in front of a projection of an early silent film version of "A Christmas Carol."

A quick Google search turned up the entire film on YouTube and I have embedded it below. Enjoy!

Event: LA2600 Meeting Tonight - Segwii

Image via Wikipedia

More information on LA2600

"2600 meetings are open to anyone with an interest in technology: our attendees come from a wide variety of backgrounds, and all are welcome."

6 February 2009: Arko gives a talk on the Segwii.

The Segwii is a self-balancing robot that is remotely controlled by a Wiimote. The goal of this project is to educate robot enthusiasts, share ideas, and to improve on designs. There are many things to learn and help out in, including open source software and hardware, complementary filtering, PID (Proportional Inegral Derivatives), and embedded systems programming.

Arko will be bringing the prototype Segwii for all to play with.

For more information on the Segwii project, visit http://www.segwii.com/

Will the Segwii become self-aware and enslave all humanity? Come to February's LA2600 and find out.

Event: Machine Project Workshops - Ghosts and Robots

These sound like really cool workshops, although they do cost a few dollars. I wish I had the time and money to go. -- Douglas

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We have two new workshops this month involving motors and mechanisms. The first is an Animatronic Ghost Workshop this Sunday. Based on a project featured in the upcoming Halloween special edition of MAKE Magazine, you’ll be building your very own pulley-and-motor-driven ghoul to scare your neighbors with. Sunday Oct 7th, 12-4pm, $150. Limit to seven people, registration now open.

http://machineproject.com/2007/10/03/pulleyghost/

The second is a hands on workshop about robotic art with Dorkbot founder Douglas Repetto. Please join us for an introduction to the wide world of motors and mechanical systems for use in kinetic and robotic artworks. We’ll cover basic motor and solenoid types, play with examples of each type of motor and talk about which ones are suitable where. We’ll look at some basic mechanical parts and systems like shaft collars, slip rings, gears, belts, and pulleys. We’ll also talk about sourcing components, creative reuse of found materials, material selection, and building for durability. Participants will build a variety of adorable mechanisms using discarded electro-mechanical devices (printer, scanner, fax machine, blender, anything that moves!) Sunday Oct 14th (12pm-4pm) and Saturday Oct 20th (11am to 6pm). $185. Limit to ten people, registration now open

http://machineproject.com/2007/10/03/robotorama/

Event: Friends of the Island Fox and Jane Goodall - Sept 23

Friends of the Island Fox and Jane Goodall


Friends of the Island Fox is proud to join our friend Dr. Jane Goodall at the

5th Annual Day of Peace

sponsored by Roots and Shoots and the Jane Goodall Institute

Come Join in the Fun at this FREE event:

Sunday, September 23
at GRIFFITH PARK (by the merry-go-round)
11 AM - 4 PM

There will be:

• Live Music
• Arts & Crafts
• Wildlife Displays
• Pet Adoptions
• and the inspiring Parade of Giant Peace Doves

Hear Jane Goodall speak and help celebrate the community and conservation work accomplished by local Roots and Shoots youth groups.

Visit Friends of the Island Fox at our booth. We will selling “Friends of the Island Fox” T-shirts and offering stuffed toy foxes for a $10 donation.

We’ll be raising funds for fox radio collars and looking for schools willing to meet the conservation challenge of becoming Fox Ambassadors.

Come by and say “Hi.”

For more information: rootsandshootsla@aol.com
or www.janegoodall.org/peace-day

(Via Friends of the Island Fox.)

Technorati Tags: animals, art, california, children, communitybuilding, cool, crafts, environment, event, events, free, fun, losangeles, outdoors

Douglas E. Welch Events, Speaking and Appearances Calendar

Podcasting for Writers at UCLA Extension

Today the UCLA Extension calendar for Summer 2007 was released to the public. Among the offerings is our new class, Podcasting for Writers -- a 10-week online course.

If you, or someone you know, would like to join us for this class, here is the complete information.

Rosanne and I are really looking forward to the class.

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NEW COURSE
Podcasting for Writers (Online)
X 430.27 Film & Television 3 units $525

Podcasting has given writers direct access to a worldwide audience and freed them from absolute dependency on television networks, radio stations, and publishers to buy and market their work. To the audience, podcasting is "what you want, where you want it, when you want it," while to the podcast creator and producer, it is the ultimate creative freedom. This course covers the current state of this new medium; the basics of writing for it; and strategies for publicizing your podcast and expanding your readers, viewers, and listeners. Guest speakers available via audio and video podcast interviews, live interactive podcasts, and video conferences introduce you to the variety of ways you can use the medium. The course goal is to develop your own podcast based on individual professional or personal needs, interests, and goals. For technical requirements click here. Enrollment limited to 18 students. Additional technical requirements: Students need a recording device with microphone that is compatible with their computer; built-in microphones on laptops are acceptable. Students must have Apple iTunes software and access to audio recording software, such as Audacity or Apple GarageBand, to perform course exercises. High-speed Internet connection is required.

Course Open Reg# T3254U

No Textbook Required

Online Course
July 5 - September 6
$55 nonrefundable.

Rosanne Welch, writer/producer; WGA member whose credits include five seasons as staff writer, executive story editor, and producer on the CBS series Touched by an Angel. Ms. Welch also has written for Fox Broadcasting's Beverly Hills, 90210; Picket Fences for CBS and David E. Kelly Productions; and is the author of The Encyclopedia of Women in Aviation and Space.

Douglas E. Welch, writer and computer consultant, whose work has been published in Wired, MacWorld, and Los Angeles Times. Mr. Welch is a member of Friends in Tech, and produced his first show, Career Opportunities, in 2004. He has written and produced over 300 individual episodes and conducts podcasting seminars for schools and businesses.

Technorati Tags: california, DIY, howto, how-to, podcast, podcasting, creativity, events, losangeles, technology, high-tech, video, ucla, class, education, online

Come see the trains! - Slim Gauge Guild Model Railroad Club

The Slim Gauge Guild Model Railroad Club in Pasadena is having its semi-annual Open House this Sunday, June 3, 2007 (10am-7pm) and Tuesday, June 5, 2007 (6pm-10pm). Admission is FREE!

Click the photo for a picture gallery from a previous visit.

We have attended this event several times over the years and always find it fun. Even better, you can use the Metro Rail lines to take you right to the event. The Del Mar station of the Metro Gold Line is right across the street.

For example, from here in Van Nuys, we can take the Orange Line busway to the Red Line station in North Hollywood, the Red Line to Union Station and the Gold Line to Pasadena. Talk about a railroad adventure! (SMILE) A Metro Day Pass is only $3, going up to $5 on July 1st, so use this chance to enjoy a cheap ride on the train.

This detailed Google Map should give you all the info you need!



Click for an interactive version of the map

If you go one more stop on the Gold Line, you are 1 block away from Old Town Pasadena, where you can explore, shop and eat. We usually have lunch at the Crown City Brewery, which is in the same building as the club.

We plan on arriving around 10 AM, as we have another commitment in the late afternoon. Join us for trains, and lunch, if you like or explore more of Pasadena before heading home.

Technorati Tags: california, events, losangeles, pasadena, models, train, subway, welchevents

Event: Write that Script! - Join Script Frenzy in June!

(As seen on blogging.la)

Write that Script!

Cybele:You live in LA ... one of these days you're going to get pulled over and someone's going to ask to see your screenplay. No more looking at the floor, ashamed.

Take June and write your script!

I'm again serving as web community hostess for a writing challenge (in November it's National Novel Writing Month).

The Challenge?

Script Frenzy

Write a screeplay (or a stageplay) in June.

It's a contest ... every winner gets a screenplay!

Sign up online. Join the web community. Take over your local coffee house. Hold you head up high at summer barbecues.

(Via Blogging.LA.)

Technorati Tags: build, make, DIY, howto, how-to, creativity, events, write, writer, writing

Douglas E. Welch Events, Speaking and Appearances Calendar

Music Unwrapped - May 19 - Long Beach

The Music Unwrapped series is the ideal way for the family to spend a
Saturday morning learning about a wide variety of great music. The
Grammy Award-winning Southwest Chamber Music presents an enter-
taining and enjoyable learning experience, including interaction with the
audience suitable for all ages. Experience three intriguing programs
while traveling to wonderful venues around Southern California. The
event will feature Mexican composer Carlos Chávez.

WHEN: May 19, 10:00 a.m.

SITE: Museum of Latin American Art, 628 Alamitos Avenue, Long Beach

COST: Free

SPONSOR: Southwest Chamber Music

INFO: 1-800-726-7147, www.swmusic.org

From the Los Angeles Cultural Affairs

Technorati Tags: california, events, losangeles, music

Events: Ranger guided hike - Vasquez Rocks Natural Area - Every Sunday

Ranger guided hike

Contributed by: Vasquez Rocks Natural Area

What: A park ranger will lead a nature hike through the park the second, third, fourth (and sometimes fifth) Sunday of each month. The hikes last approximately one hour. Meet at the park office. For information, call (661) 268-0840.

Where: Vasquez Rocks Natural Area, 10700 W. Escondido Canyon Road, Agua Dulce

When: 11 a.m.

(Via Valley News.com)

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You can get WelchEvent updates directly to your email Inbox with a FREE subscription to the WelchEvents Mailing list. I also regularly post events here on the My Word blog.

If you are already a subscriber to WelchEvents, and find it useful, please consider a donation to help defray the costs of researching and posting the events. Visit the WelchEvents page to donate.

Donate Now!

Western Family Fun Day - May 12 - Eagle Rock

Western Family Fun Day

Date: May 12, 2007
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM; Doors open at 12:30, Carnival Games 1:00 - 2:00, Live Musical Performance 2:00 to 3:00 pm

Location: SW Hill Country Western Store and Museum
Address: 1412 Colorado Blvd , Eagle Rock , 90041

Cross Streets: Colorado / Mt. Helena

Region: Downtown LA

Phone: (323) 256-2500

Admission: Free For Kids; $2 for Adults

Kid Friendly: Carnival Games and Live Western Music for Kids

Food Services: Drinks and snacks for sale to benefit local equestrian group

Accessibility: Wheel Chair Access

Website: www.swhillcountry.com

Description: Western Family Fun Day. Includes Carnival Games from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM; Musical Performance: The Hollow Trees from 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM. Adults are $2 and children are free.

(Via ExperienceLA.com)

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Do you find WelchEvents useful? Please consider a donation using Paypal.

Visit the WelchEvents Site

Technorati Tags: california, outdoors, events, losangeles, eaglerock

Event: Model airplane workshop - April 20 and on-going

Model airplane workshop

Contributed by: Encino Community Center on 2/26/2007

What: For ages 9 to 12 years; cost of this workshop is $10.

This workshop is a hands-on introduction to aviation principles using various types of model aircrafts. An understanding of the four opposing forces of thrust, drag, lift and weight will be discussed and applied, as well as, how these forces and gravity affect the stability of aircrafts. The last session will meet at the Apollo XI Model Airport. Instructed by a FAA certified flight instructor.

Where: 4935 Balboa Blvd. Encino
When: 4-5 p.m.

Event Dates: This event takes place every Friday from 4/13/2007 through 5/18/2007.

(Via ValleyNews)

Technorati Tags: hobby, california, make, DIY, howto, how-to, events, losangeles, aviation, model, encino

Event: Free trees in Sherman Oaks this Saturday - April 21

The gang over at LAist clued us in to this event. If you have a need for a tree in your landscaping, be sure to stop by.

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Million Trees program comes to Sherman Oaks

Contributed by: GM Communications on 4/13/2007

What: The Fashion Square Car Wash, in association with the Million Trees program, will give away free trees to the public from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, April 21, at the car wash.

The program, created by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, distributes trees to all areas of the city. People who pick up a five-gallon tree are asked to plant the tree on their home or business property.

No car wash sale is required to participate in the program. The car wash plans to give away 200 trees during the Saturday program.

Where: Fashion Square Car Wash, 4625 Woodman Ave., Sherman Oaks

When: 8 a.m.- 2 p.m.

Event Dates: This event takes place on 4/21/2007.

Technorati Tags: garden, gardening, hobby, california, grow, outdoors, events, losangeles

TED Talks give you deep learning...for free!

TED stands for Technology, Entertainment and Design and it is one of the most exclusive conferences in the world. That said, you can now see hundreds of the talks from TED from the comfort of your own computer.

There are talks on Technology, Science, Culture and more from some of the best known names in the world, including Bill Clinton, Jane Goodall, David Pogue and Frank Gehry.

The TED.com web site brings the world's foremost authorities right into your home or office. Check it out, but don't blame me if you lose yourself there. Of course, your time will be very well spent.

Giving Away Information, but Increasing Revenue (Bob Tedeschi/New York Times)

Giving Away Information, but Increasing Revenue — THOSE who don't have $6,000 or enough prominent connections to get into a TED conference can take heart. The price of admission just went to zero, provided you can settle for a more remote experience. — The TED organization …

Source: New York Times

Author: Bob Tedeschi

Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/16/technology/16ecom…

Techmeme permalink

(Via Techmeme.)

Technorati Tags: podcast, podcasting, creativity, tutorial, events, technology, presentations, ethics, software, computers, space, astronomy, high-tech, cool, learning, education, performance, theater

Event: Brewery Art Walk - Spring 2007 - April 21 & 22

It's time once again for the twice-yearly Brewery Art Walk in Downtown Los Angeles.

Head down to the Brewery Art Lofts and check out the art and lofts of more than 50 artists. Food and Drink are available and Barbara's at the Brewery will be serving complete meals.

Plenty of parking is available in the UPS lot, just to the West of the Brewery Complex.

I always have a great time and recommend the Art Walk to everyone I know.

Technorati Tags: california, creativity, events, losangeles, free, art, drawing, photo, photography

Event: “Q”ing at the Autry - April 14

“Q”ing at the Autry

Who makes the best barbecue in Los Angeles? Join us for the premiere barbeque festival in Southern California. Come see a barbecue champion crowned and learn some tricks of the trade as you enjoy food, music, and family fun.

WHEN: April 14, call for times

SITE: Autry National Center, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles

COST: Free

SPONSOR: Autry National Center

INFO: 323-667-2000, www.autrynationalcenter.org

From the Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department Festival Guide

Technorati Tags: california, outdoors, parks, events, losangeles

Event: Pillow Theatre – David Prather - Apr 14

This series of Saturday morning performances is designed for families with children ages 3 through 6. Imaginative artists in music, theatre, and dance engage children in lively shows that encourage creative thinking. An interactive arts workshop will follow each performance. Enjoy this high-energy, interactive, poetry jam that introduces children to the antics and agility of words. From popular jump rope jingles, to the shenanigans of Shel Silverstein and the whimsy of A. A. Milne, parents and children will experience poetry like never before.

WHEN: April 14, 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

SITE: BP Hall, Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Downtown Los Angeles

COST: Free

SPONSOR: The Music Center Education Division

INFO: 323-850-2000, www.musiccenter.org/education

From the Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department Festival Guide

Technorati Tags: california, creativity, events, losangeles, free, cheap, kids, children, education

Foodie Q&A with Chef Joanna from BarCampLA-3

Chef Joanna gives a great presentation about Foodie Issues, including cooking pans, utensils, knives and more.

You can find more information on Chef Joanna at http://chefjoanna.com

Listen to Foodie Q&A with Chef Joanna

Technorati Tags: california, make, DIY, howto, how-to, podcast, tutorial, events, losangeles, presentations, learning, education, food, cooking

Live Reading: Love Letters from History - Valentine's Day

Update: 2/14/07 10:30 pm): High-quality audio is now available for your listening pleasure if you couldn't make it to the LIVE reading.

Listen to Love Letters from History - A LIVE Valentine's Day Reading

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Join us for a LIVE reading of Love Letters from History this Valentine's Day at Talkshoe.com.

We will have a series of letters available for reading and you can call in and read LIVE along with our cast of players.

A LIVE Reading of Love Letters from History

Wednesday, February 14, 2007 @ 9 PM EST/6 PM PST

Download the script to follow along or read a selection

Want to join us online, read this post for a guide on How to Join Our LIVE Shows for FREE

Previous WelchWrite Specials:

A LIVE Reading of Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol

Technorati Tags: podcast, podcasting, events, technology, computers, high-tech, free, history, reading, performance, poem, theater, live, love, valentinesday, valentine

Event: Pt. Vicente on top of the world

Cybele over at blogging.la points out an event that is new to me and I want to share it with you. Not only that, now I have to arrange to get down there sometime. (SMILE)

Pt. Vicente on top of the world

Cybele: Every second Saturday the Pt. Vicente Lighthouse is open to the public. Not only is it free of charge, it's like stepping back in time.

It's just three flights of stairs and a little ladder climb up to the top.

The light room itself is pretty hot ... seriously. The rotating 1000 watt lamp plus the widows is like a heater in a greehouse.

(Continues at original site)

(Via Blogging.LA.)

Technorati Tags: california, outdoors, parks, events, losangeles

Event: Free Admission at the Norton Simon Museum

Free Admission at the Norton Simon Museum

Date: February 5, 2007 - February 11, 2007
Time: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Location: Norton Simon Museum

Address: 411 W. Colorado Blvd , Pasadena , 91105 [Map]

Cross Streets: Colorado Blvd / Orange Grove

Region: San Gabriel Valley Area

Phone: (626) 844-6840

Admission: Free

Accessibility: Wheel Chair Access, Hearing Devices Available,

Website: www.nortonsimon.org

Description: In honor of the 100th anniversary of art collector, entrepreneur and museum founder Norton Simon’s birth, the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena is extending free admission to all patrons from Monday, February 5th through Sunday, February 11th. While the Museum will be celebrating the centennial throughout 2007 with an exhibition, special public programs, a brochure, and more, the free week of admission commemorates Simon’s actual birth date (February 5, 2007).

Info courtesy Of ExperienceLA.com

Andrea Louise Performs at Synergy Cafe - Sun, Feb, 18

This note comes from our musician friend, Andrea Louise.Her shows are always a fun night and the Synergy Cafe is a great venue. -- Douglas

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Welcome to the Lounge ‘o’ Love. Don’t you just feel it in the air? That it’s time to celebrate something sweet and fragrant and juicy and new and romantic and maybe just a little bit naughty?

We sure do…

Sunday, February 18th - 7:00 p.m.

and the next day is a Federal Holiday (President’s Day) so you can sleep in the next morning! (now *there’s* something to celebrate…)

Andrea Louise & Friends (at 7:45 p.m.), (www.andrealouise.com -- MySpace) with guests Paul Liddell (at 7:00 p.m.) (all the way from jolly olde England) and Jared Young (at 8:40 p.m.) (all the way from jolly olde Arkansas, but he lives *here* now…)

Synergy Café & Lounge
(Wonderful, cozy atmosphere AWESOME food)

Take a look at the lounge and the menu!

4455 Overland Avenue (s/o of Culver Blvd. n/o Jefferson Blvd.), Culver City (310) 559-8868

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Andrea Louise & Friends combine the sensual, (and, okay, maybe just a eensy bit of the silly) with a delicious variety of skillfully played instruments and gorgeously intermingled voices to gently rock the house like an electric cradle of bluesy love.

On stage will be the Brilliant and Beautiful, Joseph, of the stunningly gorgeous musical project Windows to Sky and Oh. My. My!, Our very own guitar GOD, Larry Treadwell and the gorgeous and glorious
Berit Jordahl and a few more wondermous surprises

And you being there to share with us? Only the sweetest reason to celebrate of all… Oh yes, indeedy Yum Yum Yum. Surrender yourself. We’ll take such good care of you . . .

Technorati Tags: california, events, losangeles, free, art, performance, live, music

Podcast: Metro Destinations for your iPod

Did you know that the Los Angeles MTA had a podcast.?

Neither did I until tonight when I was poking around on their web site.

Available in both audio and video formats.

I have one small correction for their podcast page. They say "Video Podcast - m4v format, Apple iPod Video model required". That's not quite true. You can view these podcasts directly on any computer with Apple's free iTunes software.

Link: Metro Destinations for your iPod

metro.net | Riding Metro - Metro Destinations for your iPod

Metro's video catalog showcases fun places to visit throughout Los Angeles County via public transportation, avoiding the hassle of traffic, parking and high gas prices.

The videos spotlight numerous venues such as Universal City, Hollywood, Pasadena, the J. Paul Getty Museum, Long Beach, Santa Monica, downtown Los Angeles, Latino LA, Koreatown, the newly refurbished Griffith Observatory, Farmers Market, Fashion District, Aquarium of the Pacific, Staples Center, Asian LA and more.

(Via MTA.net.)

Technorati Tags: california, podcast, outdoors, events, losangeles, tour, travel, mass transit, transportation

Event: Black History Bus Tour of Los Angeles

This tour visits sites that follow the progress of the African American community from the founding of the City to present day.

WHEN: February 3, 8:00 a.m.

SITE: Consolidated Realty Board of Southern California, 3725 Don Felipe Dr.

COST: Free

SPONSOR: Our Authors Study Club, Inc.

INFO: 310-854-6967

From the Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department Festival Guide