AMIA 2009

Workshops at Washington University

We are pleased to be able to host this year's AMIA workshops at Washington University. All workshops will be held in Olin Library. If you are participating in a workshop you can find a map here Campus map (PDF). You can also access and interactive online tour to find out more about the campus.

If you plan to drive, be forewarned that parking services is ticket happy. You can buy a day long pass for $5.00 at the Bookstore. If you take the bus you will be dropped off in front of this building above. There will be someone there to guide you to the Library.

If you take the MetorLink you will want to make your way towards these buildings once you surface above ground.

If anyone is interested in visiting the Film & Media Archive (home of the Henry Hampton/ Blackside Collection and William Miles Collection) you can contact Chris Pepus to make arrangements. His contact information is cpepus@wustl.edu and (314-935-8679).

Best of St Louis

               

Just in time for AMIA 2009, the Riverfront Times Best of edition is released.

The Riverfront Times is an authority on St. Louis events and entertainment. You can find info on weekend events, festivals, shows, and nightlife in our St. Louis. This newspaper is owned by Village Voice Media.

The Annual Best of edition highlight over 400 top picks in the following categories:

• People & Places
• Sports & Recreation
• Arts & Entertainment
• Goods & Services
• Restaurants
• Food & Drink
• Music
• Bars & Clubs

There will be a hard copy at the main information table during the conference (for those of you who still like to get newspaper ink on your hands while you get your information).

10,000 Peacock Feathers in Foaming Acid

 

All are welcome to a performance piece being shown in conjunction with the AMIA conference, but not in the conference hotel.

The title, "10,000 Peacock Feathers in Foaming Acid", stems from the Chinese expression, "the ten thousand things," signifying the varifold of cosmic phenomena, including the vast variety of optical, mathematical, thermodynamic and electrochemical discoveries that have been made by studying the behavior of soap films since the time of the Renaissance. Gelfand (Russia) and Evelina Domnitch, (Belarus) create sensory immersion environments that merge physics, chemistry and computer science with art and information theory.

Current findings, particularly regarding wave phenomena, are employed by the artists to investigate questions of perception and perpetuality. Evelina Domnitch and Dimitry Gelfand's installation "10,000 Peacock Feathers in Foaming Acid" uses laser light to scan the surfaces of nucleating and dissipating soap bubble clusters. When aimed at specific angles, this penetrating light generates a large-scale projection of molecular interactions as well as mind-boggling phenomena of non-linear optics. 

Having dismissed the use of recording and fixative media, Domnitch and Gelfand's installations exist as ever-transforming phenomena offered for observation that take place directly in front of the observer without being intermediated. The distinction between perceptual expansion and scientific discovery blur.

The artists have collaborated with numerous scientific research facilities, including the Drittes Physikalisches Institut (Germany), the Institute of Advanced Sciences and Technologies (Japan) and the Meurice Institute (Belgium); and have exhibited their work worldwide including the prestigious Rotterdam Film Festival and Arts Electronica in Austria. In 2007 they were the recipients of the Japan Media Arts Excellence Prize (2007). 

Location: J. Buck's Showroom (Lower level of J. Bucks Restaurant) 1000 Clark Street, St Louis, MO 63102 (314) 436-0394. It's an 8 minute walk from the hotel.  

Times: Performances are at: 8:00PM and 9:00PM on Wednesday, the 4th. Performances are 30 minutes.  

Web link: http://portablepalace.com/10000.html

The Delmar Loop

Residing mostly  in "U City" or University City (creatively named after its proximity to Washington University) and partly in the city of St. Louis, "The Loop" refers to the portion of Delmar Blvd. that formally served as the turnaround for streetcars . Stretching 6 blocks, The Delmar Loop has been named one of the best 10 streets in America.

Attracting a diverse crowd, The Loop offers a variety of restaurants/bars, venues, and shops.  Although it's sprouted it's fair share of chains, The Loop strives to keep things local. Some highlights include:

St. Louis Walk of Fame - The sidewalks of the Delmar Loop honor the St. Louisans that have made their mark on the world. Be sure to look down and see what honoree you're stepping on!

The Tivoli - The Tivoli Theatre, built in 1924 and restored in the 1990s, will host The Reel Thing.

Blueberry Hill - Named for St. Louis' Chuck Berry (who plays there one weds a month.  Sorry, he'll be there Nov. 16th), Blueberry Hill is a landmark restaurant. This favorite is packed with pop culture memorbilia. I can't say it's the best food, but it's worth stopping in for a beer. 

Vintage Vinyl -Formerly the Varsity Theater (home of the Rocky Horror Picture Show) and currently one of the few remaining independent record stores.

Pi - If it's good enough for President Obama than it's good enough for me! Pi serves up deep dish pizza that won the heart of Obama during one if his campaign stops in St. Louis.

Fitz's - I can't recommend the food, but if you if your looking for a float this is your place. Equipped with its very own vintage bottling line, Fitz's is famous for its rootbeer.

Star Clipper - Comics and more!

The Pageant - A small, well designed (there's a bar and bathrooms on the balcony!), concert venue that attracts a wide range of performers. Whilst AMIA is in town AFI will hit the stage on Nov. 4, Neko Case on Nov. 5, and  Son Volt on Nov. 6. Click here for tickets.

Have any questions about The Loop? Don't hesitate to ask!