What makes this performance timely, is that it was inspired by the ultra-left, anti-Vietnam war militant Weather Underground Organization, an spin-off of Students for a Democratic Society (SDS). formed in 1969 by Williams Ayers (of the current Obama controversy) and 10 others, the group believed that active militancy and violence would have more of an impact on ending the war than nonviolent protests.  Incidents included over 25 bombings that the group took credit for, including a bombing of the headquarters of the U.S. State Department in Washington, D.C.  No people were reported liked in any of the bombings.

For some interesting declassified top secret FBI reports on the Weather Underground Organization click here.

In this multi-media riot of the senses, David Dorfman explores the boundaries between political activism and terrorism, begging the questions:

• Can we use violence to fight for peace?
• Is violence ever justified to win peace?
• Is your country or family worth killing for?

The performance includes his 10 member troupe, pus 30 local dancers from area dance programs, universities and dance backgrounds.

David Dorfman Dance – underground
Ina and Jack Kay Theater
University of Maryland
Route 193 (University Blvd.) and Stadium Drive (next to the football stadium)
College Park, Maryland  (map it)

Dates and Times – Friday and Saturday, November 6 and 7, 2008, 8:00 p.m.  A discussion with David Dorfman will be held after the performance.

Tickets – $35.00, Seniors – $32.00, students with ID – $7.00 and are available online or by phone at 301-405-ARTS (2787).

Nearest Metro Subway Station – College Park-University of Maryland – Green line, then a 2-mile cab ride. The theater can call a cab for you to get back to the Metro.

Parking – Garage parking across for the theater is $5.00.

Images – Flickr – protester with peace sign, dance photos by Gary Noel – David Dorfman Dance’s multi-media "underground," inspired by a documentary on the Weathermen and exploring the boundaries between activism and terrorism, runs at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center Nov. 6-7, 2008.
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Post from: The DC Traveler

The observatory uses 4 telescopes during open houses, ranging from an 8″ 1960s-era NASA reflector, to a 20″ reflector. 

The star gazing evening starts with a 30-minute presentation by an astronomical expert, followed by a tour of the observatory and, if weather permits, some star gazing.

The summer lecture schedule includes topics such as little galaxies,  black holes, the Hubble telescope, and more.

Univ. of Maryland Observatory Open House Nights
University of Maryland Observatory – Lecture Hall
Across from UM System Administration building at 3300 Metzerott Rd.
College Park, MD  (map it)

Dates and Times – the 5th and 20th of each month – May – Oct. at 9:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m. all other months. Doors open 15 minutes before start times, so arrive early for best seating.  Dress for the weather.

Tickets – FREE

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Greenbelt, Green line, then a 10-minute cab ride.

Parking – Free parking is available in a couple close by lots.

Images – Moon,  stars – NASA/JPL-Caltech via pingnews, telescope – U of MD

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Post from: The DC Traveler