SRQ DAILY Sep 21, 2018
Friday Weekend Edition
"The DNA of Ringling is not to sit around and wait."
On the campus of Ringling College of Art and Design, in the Goldstein Library, in a small room on the first floor, a portal to another world awaits. Multiple worlds, actually, as the college, through a partnership with Magic Leap, introduces students, faculty and visitors to some of the new technology available with the advent of Ringling’s latest program—Virtual Reality Development—accepting its first students this semester.
Dubbed the WOW room, the floor is cleared, the sparse modern furniture pushed to the sides, while square grey mats demarcate exploratory zones. Within the zones, folks wearing futuristic headsets and wielding what look like joysticks or video game controllers navigate and even interact with virtual worlds only they can see. Explore the inner workings of the human body, take a walkthrough of a new house with HAL—Hoyt Architectural Lab—or expand your mind with the intriguing “Dreams of Dali” program.
But virtual reality isn’t all entertainment and pretty pictures, says Morgan Woolverton, interim department head for game art and virtual reality development. “You can change the world,” he says, “and I don’t mean that lightly.” Applications for these immersive experiences abound, including not just medical visualization and business opportunities, but social justice efforts as well. “The power of virtual reality is to give insight—you see things clearly,” says Woolverton. “Show someone a world ravaged by climate change.”
And thanks to Magic Leap, the technology now available at Ringling goes beyond virtual reality and into what is called Augmented Reality, or Mixed Reality, which entails using the software to enhance, or augment, the real world around the user, rather than creating an entirely fictional environment to be virtually explored. Both have their strengths. While a virtual reality experience may excel at creating total immersion, augmented reality offers infinite opportunity to recreate the world around the user in imaginative ways. Both will be available for study at Ringling as the new program takes off this semester.
It’s a lucky break for the college, or perhaps it’s all by design, but Ringling College was not within the six national target areas that saw this new technology released last month. However, Magic Leap Lead Technical Marketing Manager Shanna De Iuliis also happens to be a Ringling alum, graduating in 2006 with a fine arts degree. And De Iuliis made sure to bring the equipment to Ringling herself. “We really wanted to make sure they got their units a little bit faster,” she says. In the future, students will be able to create their own experiences and even publish them via Magic Leap’s platform, where they will be available for all.
For now, the curious and courageous can visit the WOW room in the Goldstein Library and see firsthand what this technology can do. The equipment will be available for a test drive, and Woolverton will be available to guide and explain.
“It continues to prove that Ringling is aggressively interested in taking opportunities,” says Woolverton. “The DNA of Ringling is not to sit around and wait.” 
Pictured: Shanna De Iuliis (right) leads Ringling faculty and staff through a session with the Magic Leap One headset and controller. Photo by Rich Schineller.
While Florida has seen a surge in registration among younger voters this year, the electorate in Sarasota and Manatee counties remains largely older voters, according to a Where The Votes Are analysis released by SRQ Media Group on Thursday.
SRQ has hosted voter analysis workshops for nearly 10 years, and local political leaders gathered in the company headquarters on Pineappple Avenue for the event Thursday morning.
Voter turnout remained a little more than 9 percent among voters in their 20s in the region, with about 2800 Sarasota County 20-somethings voting in the Aug. 28 primary this year and just over 2,400 doing so in Manatee County. The region hosts around 56,600 voters in their 20s.
Comparatively, the two-county region hosts more than 100,500 voters in their 70s. Those voters also participate at a much higher rate, with more than 48.54 percent of them voting in the primary. That included almost 61,000 70-something voters in Sarasota and about 40,000 more in Manatee. In both counties, the nearly half of 70-something voters would have outnumbered 20-somethings voting even if 100 percent of the younger set turned out.
Participation rates varied by district. In District 70, a Democratic district stretching from north Sarasota through Palmetto and into Pinellas County, saw almost an 11 percent turnout among 20-somethings. Turnout among that set was almost as high in Sarasota-centered District 72. But in participation by older voters also was strikingly higher in those districts, with more than 52 percent of 70-somethings in 72 turning out, and a stunning 64 percent doing so in 70. The only age demographic to outperform 70-somethings in 70 was 80-somethings in 70, with almost 65 percent coming out.
Graphic by SRQ political guru Jacob Ogles shows participation in Sarasota and Manatee counties in the Aug. 28, 2018 primary election.
The office of the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller has earned a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association for the office’s Manatee County Port Authority comprehensive annual financial report, marking the 25th consecutive year the Manatee County Clerk of Court has received this recognition. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. The comprehensive annual financial report was judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program including demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read it.
State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) is offering an import basics seminar in conjunction with the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County and Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation, 8am to noon, October 26, at SCF Lakewood Ranch. The instructor will be available to answer questions following the class. The half-day seminar will discuss the role of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in international transactions. Participants will learn the basics of importing and import compliance for both small importers and corporations managing the import/export process, including best practices, import declarations and government agencies with an interest in the importation of goods. The seminar is designed to help importers gain awareness of their role in ensuring informed compliance required by the CBP, determining the total cost of imported goods, opportunities to save on tariffs and resources available to assist with the importing process. The cost is $49.
The Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee has released its August 2018 statistics report, documenting an increase in closed sales, inventory and new listings in the Sarasota and Manatee housing market. With pressure from rising prices, the median time to contract is down across both counties. This month, there were 1,898 reported closed sales in Sarasota and Manatee, a 4.3 percent increase from August 2017. Compared to last year, August 2018 reported fewer pending sales. The median time to contract decreased across the two counties. Median sales prices also continue to rise, year-over-year. The condo market continues to shine with a jump in new listings, or the number of properties put on this market this month. With more listings comes more inventory. The overall inventory is up by 1.2 percent, compared to last year’s two-county area totals. The Sarasota and Manatee County market favors the seller, as noted by the current month’s supply of inventory. Monthly reports are provided by Florida REALTORS with data compiled from My Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service. For comprehensive statistics dating back to 2005, visit the website below.
Join the Center for Architecture Sarasota and Germane Barnes for a meetup and lecture. What is the role of the architect and architecture in today's intersetional environment? Can the architect, once singularly viewed as the master builder, be held responsible for non-inclusive space?
Center for Architecture, 265 S Orange Ave, Sarasota
Truly Valued presents its 2nd Annual Taste of New Orleans Benefit Dinner, at Michaels on the Bay at Selby Gardens with speaker Captain Todd Shear of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office and a night of entertainment with NuJazz. All proceeds support Truly Valued's mission of building self-esteem, confidence and character to promote a positive self- image, positively impact educational and career aspirations and improve academic achievement in adolescent girls. Dinner is complimentary and an opportunity to make a financial gift will be extended during the event.
Michaels on the Bay at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens', 900 South Palm Ave., Sarasota.
Learn how to build the perfect charcuterie board while supporting pediatric cancer research. Inspired by Benjamin Gilkey’s love of charcuterie, admission includes wine and appetizers from Louies Modern, a handcrafted charcuterie board to take home, pairing education from local experts and the chance to create your own palette of fine meats, cheeses and delicious accoutrements, provided by local artisans. Proceeds benefit The Benjamin Gilkey Fund for Innovative Pediatric Cancer Research, which supports groundbreaking studies led by physicians at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.
Louies Modern, 1289 North Palm Ave., Sarasota.
25 designers ages 8–16 are encouraged to use repurposed/recyled materials in their creations. Most of them will also wear their outfits in the runway show, adding self-confidence and stage presence as skills gained. The participants are treated to a professional fashion photoshoot for the program guide, as well as professional hair and makeup stylists backstage to complete their look. Proceeds from the event benefit the expansion of the Art Center's youth art education programs and help students who are in need of financial assistance receive scholarships.
Art Center Sarasota, 707 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota.
Forty Carrots Family Center's Annual Free Community Speaker Event presented in partnership with Community Foundation of Sarasota County returns for a 16th year featuring best-selling author and parenting expert, Dr. Michele Borba. She will be discussing “How to Cultivate Mentally-Healthy, Resilient, Empathetic Children (Despite a Trophy-Giving, Anxiety-Driven, Helicoptered and Bubble-Wrapped Culture)” and “UnSelfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About Me World.” In these free presentations, parents and educators will learn how to shift children's focus from I, me, and mine, to us, we and ours. With examples from years of research, Dr. Michele Borba will offer a framework that yields successful, happy kids who grow up to be kind, moral, courageous and resilient adults.
Community Foundation of Sarasota County and Riverview High School Performing Arts Center, 2635 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota; 1 Ram Way, Sarasota.
Don't miss out on this year's amazing Grey Matters Luncheon Symposium benefitting The Roskamp Institute. This year's Alzheimer's Disease-Research based Symposium will focus on lifestyle, wellness and healthy aging. For information or to be added to this year’s waiting list please call Megan Micale at (941) 552-9832.
Michael's on the Bay at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 811 South Palm Ave., Sarasota.
Join the American Cancer Society as they reveal the 2018 Real Men Wear Pink of Sarasota–Manatee. The candidates will participate in a fashion show, hosted by the tenants of the Mall at University Town Center. Come out and see which men in our community are dedicated to raising funds and awareness to help fight breast cancer. Light refreshments will be served.
The Grand Court at The Mall at UTC, 140 University Town Center Dr., Sarasota.
Taking place in the 1950s on the South Side of Chicago, the story revolves around a working class black family aspiring to a better life after the death of their father. Hope is sparked by the arrival of a $10,000 life insurance check. But conflicts arise when mother and son want to spend the money in different ways.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 North Orange Ave., Sarasota.
Made for speed, SkillSHARE is the basics of mentorship concentrated into mini-sessions that encourage honest interactions and allow for spontaneous connection. This event is a way to meet like-minded professionals, make valuable connections and get straight to your most burning questions about career and personal development. Each participant will be paired with several mentors for mini-sessions. Lasting from 10-12 minutes, each mini-session is unstructured, allowing for conversation, guidance and direction from each mentor.
SRQ Studios, 331 S Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Music Compound is ready to kick off the fall season with the 4th annual Beer, Bands & BBQ. This will be a day for the whole family, with craft and domestic beers, local BBQ favorites, top local bands and local businesses supporting the talent. Not only will there be traditional BBQ to look forward to but also BBQ with a twist, with menu items such as BBQ chicken pizza and more. At this event, everyone can enjoy the music that they love with different genres playing each hour.
Music Compound , 1751 Cattlemen Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232
Don Bryn, Joseph Holt, Andrew Lapp, Thomas Purviance and Jonathan Spivey; this year joined by Genevieve Beauchamp, Avis Romm, Lee Dougherty Ross, Milana Strezeva and Aza Torshkoeva. Five Steinway Concert Grand pianos direct from New York and featuring ten renowned pianists performing familiar classics and popular songs.
Sarasota Opera House, 61 North Pineapple Ave., Sarasota.
Sarasota Contemporary Dance kicks off the season with their live music and dance collaboration, "SCD + NOW Ensemble." NOW Ensemble is a dynamic group dedicated to making new chamber music for the 21st century. This evening-length performance, led by Mark Dancigers (Composer) and Leymis Bolaños Wilmott (Choreographer), will feature a world premiere composition and choreographic work inspired by Joan of Arc and, by popular demand, a restaging of "Dreamfall," co-choreographed by longtime company dancer, Xiao-Xuan Dancigers.
Jane B Cook Theatre - FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
The first exhibition of Brooklyn-based artist Natalie Lerner, daughter of Leslie Lerner, features a series of intimately scaled etchings and graphite on paper drawings. Miami-based installation artist Brookhart Jounquil brings his mesmerizing and illusory glass- and light-based sculpture. An Onghena, brings her diaristic take on traditional and contemporary printmaking to create a series of daily prints.
Art Center Sarasota, 707 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota.
Don’t miss Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundations's Key to the Cure on October 11. In partnership with Saks Fifth Avenue, Key to the Cure has raised more than $1,500,000 to further research for women’s cancer services, which include breast, ovarian, uterine and cervical cancer. Proceeds are reserved for SMH Cancer Care Programs and continue to benefit the prevention and treatment of women’s cancers including state-of-the-art technology and surgical approaches.
Saks Fifth Avenue , 120 University Town Center Dr, Sarasota, FL 34243
Aargh! Listen up, Matey! Don’t miss the 80th Annual Flower Show presented by the Scallywags of the Sarasota Garden Club. Enjoy a fun flower show both inside and out as you view the creative and beautiful floral designs, the lush and diverse horticulture and the stunning photography. While enjoying the flower show, be sure to stroll through the acre-plus of botanical gardens, a real Pirates Treasure you won’t want to miss. Avast ye! You ain’t done yet! Don’t miss the Annual Plant Sale & Gardenfest in conjunction with the Flower Show with a variety of plants and flowers propagated by club members priced typically lower than retail.
Sarasota Garden Club , 1131 Blvd of the Arts, Sarasota, FL 34236
Join SRQ MEDIA as we celebrate 20 years of superlative
coverage, community engagement and living hyper-local at
LaStrada | SRQ’s 20th Anniversary Street Festival!
Dolphin Street, Downtown Sarasota, FL 34236
SRQ DAILY is produced by SRQ | The Magazine. Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and in the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. Senior Editor Jacob Ogles edits the Saturday Perspective Edition, Letters and Guest Contributor columns.In the CocoTele department, SRQ DAILY is providing excerpts from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. The views expressed by individuals are their own and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Ashley Ryan Cannon at 941-365-7702 x211 or via email |
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