Relationships and Going Places

Founded in 1799 by sea captains and merchant traders, PEM has been actively collecting art and design related to ocean liners since at least 1870, building holdings of paintings, prints, posters and models that today number in the thousands. The V&A, one of the world’s leading institutions of art and design, began collecting ship models and technology patents to improve Britain’s commercial and manufacturing advantage in the 19th century, when it was known as the South Kensington Museum. In the 20th century, the V&A acquired ocean liner posters and ephemera, ceramics, textiles, metalwork and furniture, all with the aim of representing good design. more »

This Week: Sponsored by Sen. Dean Heller (R-NV), S. 804 would require every medical center operated by the VA to include a full-time obstetrician-gynecologist. In addition, the bill would require an examination of medical centers to ensure that they are able to meet the health needs of women veterans. Sponsored by Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT), S. 681 the legislation would establish a peer-to-peer assistance program for women veterans. Among other provisions, the bill would require medical facilities operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to include at least one full-time or part-time women’s health primary care provider. more »

The collection includes rare editions such as the earliest chess related cover, DC Comics' More Fun Comics 76, released in 1942, and a 1947 DC Action Comics Superman in The Cross Country Chess Crimes. Additionally, objects are on view for comic and chess aficionados to appreciate, including limited edition, collector comic-inspired chess sets. The Ladies Knight exhibit contains diverse interpretations of the game range from the playful and feminine to the serious, and encourage dialogue about subjects like crime, language, peace and conflict, and inequality. And don't overlook the Q Boutique ... more »

Jo Freeman writes: Mother Earth was celebrated over the Mother's Day weekend at the DC Green Festival, one of five held around the country during the year. This year health and body products dominated among a wide variety of commercial and educational booths. Quorn foods were passing out a non-chicken salad made from mycoprotein that looked, felt and tasted like the real thing. You could sample half a dozen different Mycoprotein bars or Lundberg Family Farms rice and quinoa crackers. Kia Motors let attendees test-drive three electric models. I tried out the Soul EV. Nice car, but it felt really weird to be driving a car and hear no noise. more »