Uninhabited Spaces

I just returned from seeing Daniel Lanois live in Ottawa. It was a relatively intimate setting at Ottawa's Centrepointe Theatre. Lanois, known for his incredible production of U2, Bob Dylan, Peter Gabriel, Emmylou Harris (and others), has a legion of fans in his own right based on his great solo albums. He offered his magnificent sound scapes and sonic architecture from his debut album "Acadie" (1989), to"For the Beauty of Wynona" (1993),  "Shine" (2003) and his most recent release "Here is What Is" (2008). It was a marvellous concert, and I was thrilled to finally see a man whose personal music I have enjoyed for years and who is largely responsible for the most important albums in my life--the best albums of U2.

Amidst the cacophany of the global economic turmoil Canadians can look ahead with some extra confidence as The World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report 2008-2009 has ranked Canada as first in the world for the soundness its banking system. As a result, the Washington Post reports , the world financial crisis has largely bypassed Canada.

This image, from the final presidential debate on Wednesday, seems to say everything we need to know. McCain looks like Gollum trailing behind Frodo on the long journey to Mount Doom. One is half-crazed, yearning for his precious power, while the other is serene, accepting of his role in a great destiny...

A new journal is being launched by Queen's University graduate students entitled Shift: Queen’s Graduate Journal of Visual and Material Culture . The journal "welcomes submissions dealing with visual and material culture from any discipline in the humanities. Papers may address a full range of topics and historical periods. Topics may include, but are not limited to, art and propaganda, patronage, gender and identity, spirituality and art, nationalisms and regionalisms, modernism and modernity, performance art, photography and film, perspectives in theory, methodology, and historiography, collection and representation, art and technology". The fascinating inaugural issue is now available on their website here .

What is the most effective way of presenting yourself to future employers? Improve your networking capabilities and watch your future grow! WHAT: Backpack to Briefcase – Networking Essentials WHEN: Thursday, October 16, 2008 TIME: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm WHERE: Goodes Hall, Room 301 COST: Free DRESS: Smart Casual Back by popular demand, Stacy Kelly, Artsci ’93, Office of the Vice Principal (Advancement), will provide anyone entering the job market with tips and advice about appearance and etiquette. From shaking hands to business cards, this lecture will provide valuable information that will smooth the transition from student to professional – brought to you by the Queen’s Student Alumni Association (QSAA). Click here to register.

The BBC is now offering 2 wonderful short clips of The Edge sharing some of his guitar magic. Check out Clip 1 and Clip 2 . Sweet!

My dear friend Mara works at Queen's but, like so many of us, holds her enduring passion for something way outside of her office space. In her case it's handmade stained glass jewelry. In her spare time she works away in her home-based studio to create one-of-a-kind pieces that are simply delightful and sweet (just like Mara). Please check out her creations at her online store .