Featured on iPhoneography.com
Posted by Devon Akmon | Filed under Art & Design
A portfolio of my iPhone photography work is currently on display over at the iPhoneography blog. Most of the images in this portfolio are from my 2010 iPic of the Day collection. Stop by and take a look. This is a great blog for those interested in iPhone photography.
Work featured on iPhoneography.com.
Devon Akmon
Tags: Art & Design
Creating Surveys Using Google Docs
Posted by Devon Akmon | Filed under Technology, Work
Last Friday we wrapped up a two-day cultural competency training for the staff of our parent organization. In an effort to collect feedback, we decided to conduct a quick survey of the participants. We were faced with the usual myriad questions concerning survey construction: What to ask? When to distribute? How to distribute? Blah, blah, blah…
In the end, we decided to use Google Docs to generate the survey.
A survey using Google Docs.
This was my first time using the web-based application in this manner. If your looking for a simple solution to creating online surveys, then I suggest going this route. Here’s how simple it is to create a survey:
1. Sign in to Google Docs (or create an account).
2. Select “form” from the “Create New” drop down menu.
Create a new form.
Detail.
3. Begin constructing your questionnaire. Start by naming your survey form and provide a short description of what you are asking of the interviewees. Next, begin generating questions, which can be in the form of: text, paragraph text, multiple choice, checkboxes, choose from a list, scale and/or grid.
Create the questionnaire.
4. Once you’ve proofread the questionnaire and are happy with the questions, it’s time to distribute it to your audience. You can either send a link to the survey or embed it into a Web page.
5. Sit back and let the results come in. Responses are automatically compiled in a spreadsheet for easy review.
Survey results compiled in a spreadsheet.
6. Do you like graphs and charts? I do, especially those that are colored coordinated. Here’s what the “summary” view looks like:
Summary view of the survey results.
It’s as simple as that. I’m definitely open to learning better survey construction. If you have expert knowledge on authoring surveys, then please shoot me some pointers and/or links to great resources. Information is a two-way street.
Tags: Technology, Work
“Understanding Who We Are” – A Town Hall Conversation
Posted by Devon Akmon | Filed under Work
I’m honored and pleased to be a panelist for “Understanding Who We Are” – A town hall conversation about Detroit and Detroiters. This timely and important event will explore and discuss the diverse communities that makeup the metropolitan Detroit region. I hope you will be able to join us if you’re available on the evening of March 22. Here is the official press release for the event.
Wayne State University’s Detroit Orientation Institute (DOI) and One of Us Films are hosting a series of free town hall conversations examining Detroit’s communities – and a screening of the documentary film titled “Regional Roots: The Birth and Evolution of Detroit and its People,” produced by Carrie LeZotte of One of Us Films with the DOI. This inaugural town hall, hosted by the Task Force on Race Relations and Ethnic Diversity, will be held on Monday, March 22, 7 p.m., at The Birmingham Community House, 380 South Bates, Birmingham, Mich.For further information and to reserve your seat, call 248-644-5832, or e-mail racerelations@communityhouse.com.
Following the screening of the 26-minute film, audience members will participate in a conversation moderated by Detroit Free Press columnist Rochelle Riley exploring why the various communities came to the Detroit area; what roles they play socially, politically and economically; what conflicts occur and what opportunities are available to work together. The audience also will learn some myths and truisms about the various communities.
Panelists from various ethnic groups in the Detroit area will be on hand including: Devon Akmon, deputy director, Arab American National Museum; Ozzie Rivera, director, Community Based Services & Family Preservations Programs, Health and Human Services, State of Michigan; Heaster Wheeler, executive director, Detroit Branch, NAACP ; and Sook Wilkinson, chairperson, Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission.
Covering 300 years of history, “Regional Roots: The Birth and Evolution of Detroit and its People,” uses the immigrant experience as an introduction to the diverse landscape of the Detroit region. From the earliest French and German settlers to today’s growing communities, the documentary illustrates how immigrants continue to shape the region.
For more information about the film, visit www.oneofusfilms.org. Regional Roots will also be shown locally at the Main Theatre on April 21 and 25 as part of a One of Us Films Showcase. And it will be shown on Detroit Public Television on Monday, April 26 at 10:30 pm.
To learn more about Wayne State University’s Detroit Orientation Institute, visit www.doi.wayne.edu.
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Tags: Work
Stolen! Steps To Protect Your Identity During a Crisis
Posted by Devon Akmon | Filed under Technology
Today marks the two-week anniversary of having our car stolen. After years of parking in sketchy areas of Detroit, our car was stolen from a seemingly safe area within the city. However, given the current economy, it’s no surprise that grand theft auto is on the rise. It’s a sad state of affairs in our region.
We’ll spare you the details of our travails. However, considering that my wife and l both had our laptops stolen with the car, we thought we’d share with you the lessons we’ve learned on protecting yourself from identity theft when personal information is compromised.
What To Do If Your Identity Has Been Compromised
- File a police report and specify that there is the potential for identity theft.
- Immediately contact one of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, or TranUnion) and place a fraud alert on your credit report. An initial fraud alert stays in your file for at least 90 days while an extended alert stays in your file for seven years. It is not necessary to contact all three major agencies; by filing a report with one, the others receive notification within 24 hours. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC):
A fraud alert requires potential creditors to either contact you or take reasonable steps to verify your identity. This may cause some delays if you’re trying to obtain credit. To compensate for possible delays, you may wish to include a cell phone number, where you can be reached easily, in your alert.
Be sure to check your credit reports periodically, especially for the first year after you discover the identity theft, to make sure no new fraudulent activity has occurred.
- File a complaint with the FTC. This is another means to document the situation in case fraudulent activities should occur on your accounts.
- Were the keys to your home or your garage door opener lost in the theft? If so, immediately change the locks on your home. Additionally, reset the frequency on your garage door opener.
- Believe it or not, the scallywag might contact you. Therefore, we recommend immediately contacting your phone service provider to unscramble blocked numbers. This is a service that you can purchase at any time.
- Reset all passwords on online accounts.
- Contact all organizations that you have accounts with (banks, utilities, credit, etc.) and alert them of the theft. Request an additional security measure that requires you, the account holder, to provide information that would not be included in standard documentation (now they possibly have access to maiden names and all the other standard “security” questions/prompts). Additionally, make sure that you continue to receive statements on a regular basis. Thoroughly review them for any fraudulent activity.
- Cancel all extraneous accounts that are not often used.
Tags: Technology
How To Build A Simple Interpretative Panel For An Exhibit Pt.2
Posted by Devon Akmon | Filed under Museums, Work
This is the second and final part of a series on how to build a simple interpretative panel for an exhibit. If you missed part one, then point your browser to How To Build A Simple Interpretative Panel For An Exhibit Pt.1.
Now that the final exhibit graphic has been proofed and the substrate cut and finished, it’s time to move on to the last few stages of production.
Assemble The Panel
It’s time to assemble the exhibit panel. The first step is to mount the graphic to the front of the substrate. There are several different adhesives and transfer papers on the market for applying the graphic. We’ve had much success using Perma Trans inkjet transfer paper to mount graphics. The material adheres well and the end result is a smooth and clean presentation.
While one could stop after completing this task, I highly recommend adding a second surface to the panel. This helps to protect the graphic and it adds longevity to the panel (keeps those sticky fingers from damaging the graphic). Additionally, it helps to reduce glare from gallery lighting. In general, we use a 1/8 inch piece of acrylic cut to the same dimensions as the graphic and substrate. As mentioned, our preference is to use non-glare acrylic.
Admittedly, these few steps may seem daunting to a novice. Therefore, I recommend checking with a local printshop to see if this service is available. It’s relatively inexpensive and the turnaround time is usually quick. Go with what feels comfortable. While screwing up a panel is not the end of the world, it will set you back on time and money.
The final, assembled exhibit panel.
Add The Mounting Hardware
OK, the interpretative panel is now finished and ready to be mounted to the wall. Congratulations! It’s time to add the mounting hardware. Similar to the other steps in this process, there are numerous ways of approaching this task. Our preference is to use aluminum “z” clips for mounting panels. These clips are both strong and durable, as well as easy to assemble and install.There are numerous vendors for “z” clips on the Internet. If you have the tools, I recommend purchasing larger lengths and cutting them to meet the size of each individual panel. Otherwise, one can usually have them cut by the vendor.
Once you’ve got your clips cut to size, mount one of the interlocking clips to the wall at the spot where you want to hang the panel. Now, mount the second interlocking part on the back on the exhibit panel. However, before mounting the panel to the wall I recommend adding a small strip of Sintra or foam board to the lower portion of the panel. This will help stabilize the panel and keep it flush with the wall.
Pat Yourself On The Back!
Congratulations, you’re done! Take a moment to admire your hard work. As you can see from the picture below, these simple panels make a very professional gallery when hung together and placed with artifacts.
The Gallery.
Heritage Works (@HeritageWorks) & The Pepsi Refresh Project
Posted by Devon Akmon | Filed under Community Involvement
Last month I had the honor of joining the board of Heritage Works, a Detroit-based nonprofit with a focus on cultural arts. This community-based organization is both inspiring and making an impact on the lives of children and adults. Founded in December of 2000 as African Dance Works, Heritage Works “celebrates the beauty and humanity of African people through music, movement and folklore.” What inspires me the most about this organization is its commitment to preserving cultural heritage and tradition while empowering both individuals and the wider community to achieve its potential through artistic excellence.
I’m excited about serving with this board. I understand the power of sharing cultural traditions and its potential for breaking down ethnic and racial barriers. I believe this small organization has a lot of potential to do big things!
This month Heritage Works is participating in the online Pepsi Refresh Project. Voting began Monday and it extends through the end of the month. In short, if Heritage Works can land in the top ten vote-getters then it will receive $50,000 in financial support from Pepsi.
If you believe in the power of the arts, then I urge you to help support Heritage Works. Please log on daily throughout the month of March and vote for Heritage Works!
Vote for Heritage Works!
Tags: Community Involvement
