University of Oklahoma Medieval Fair Department Prepares For 36th Fair

Feb. 17 Medieval Fair Lecture at the Norman Public Library

Preparations are being made for the 36th installment of the University of Oklahoma Medieval Fair Department's annual medieval fair.

The fair begins at Reaves Park in Norman on Mar. 30 and runs until Apr. 1.

Along with the negotiating and planning that comes with organizing a fair, the department is also putting on a Middle Ages lecture series at the Norman Public Library.

Christian Kelly is a student of Oklahoma State University Professor Randi Eldevik, who lectured Feb. 17 as part of the series. Kelly attended the lecture and believes the series gives people a better understanding of what goes on at the fair.

"I think you have to have a pretty good grasp of medieval culture to understand the fair. If you have a basic level of the culture, it'll be more enriching," said Kelly.

Medieval Fair Coordinator Ann Eckart organizes the fair with the help of local volunteers.

"Help is always needed at the fair. We welcome all volunteers that want to get involved," Eckart said.

For more information on volunteering, email ameckart@ou.edu. There is a volunteer meeting Mar. 24 at the CCE Forum at 4 pm.

More information on the fair can be found at medievalfair.org.

Feb. 9 Lecture Explains Climate Change

The Dean of the University of Oklahoma's College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences held a lecture Feb. 9 to address climate change and answer related questions.
 
Dr. Berrien Moore's lecture, titled "What We Know, What We Think We Know, and What We Do Not Know About Climate Change," detailed concerns and provided answers to climate change questions.

Moore knows the amount of carbon dioxide is increasing because of the burning of fossil fuels. As a result, the mass measuring satellite GRACE shows that Greenland is losing mass due to melting ice.

"It truly is an amazing GRACE," Moore said about the satellite.

Hojun Roh attended the event and was surprised by the satellite photos.

"The ice over Greenland is melting over time in significant size. The map makes me see that it's really happening," said Roh.

Moore's solution to the problem is to swap coal for natural gas. He believes that will cut carbon dioxide emissions by 70 percent.

Moore's lecture is the first of four for the course "Earth, Sustainability, and the Economy." The course is part of the Presidential Dream Course Public Lecture series.

More information on the public lectures for the course can be found at: 

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=4&ved=0CDcQFjAD&url=http%3A%2F%2Flists.nwc.ou.edu%2Fread%2Fattachment%2F13834%2F1%2FDC_Hon3993_SpeakerList_S12.pdf&ei=jH04T7uyDPGmsALWiJWWAg&usg=AFQjCNHgCFaUDRfLcsuWre9XQ5Ir1u099Q&sig2=yW0QVqRTipZBxiXIja0cjw

Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art To Host Art "à la Carte" Feb. 10

The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art will showcase its monthly installment of Art "à la Carte" Feb. 10 from 6-9 p.m.

The event combines live music and a short film with the museum's art collection. 

"Over the years we have changed things up, incorporating various elements such as live performances, scavenger hunts and art activities. However, we have found what people enjoy most is the opportunity to view our collections and hear live music. These two elements have remained the staples," said Katie J. Parker, audience development manager at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art.


This month's musical guest is the OU Brass Quintet, and the film is More Perfect Union. 

Both will run from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The film is 30 minutes long and should be considered for mature audiences only.

Music will be performed in the Natalie and Paul Buckthal Gallery, and the film will be shown in the Orientation Room. 


The event is hosted by the museum in conjunction with Norman Arts Council's Second Friday Circuit of Art and other local galleries and organizations. The museum has put on the event since the circuit's inception in Feb. 2009.