Friday Update is taking a break over the Thanksgiving holiday. Our next edition is planned for Dec. 2.

—The Friday Update staff

Spotlight on…

Hamlet reimaginedPhoto:

In Shakespeare’s play, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern had minor roles. In Tom Stoppard’s reimagining of Hamlet as an absurdist comedy, directed here by Granada Artist-in-Residence Michael Barakiva, they are the stars. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead moves through a surreal alternate reality, attempting to answer the fundamental question, “How do we know what we know?” The play continues through Dec. 3. [ More … ]

NEWS SUMMARY

More stories at Dateline UC Davis and UC Davis News and Information

A week of protests: From the Quad to Mrak and back to the Quad

In a series of protests this week, all without incident, students and others rallied on the Quad, spent a night in Mrak Hall and then set up tents back on the Quad, demonstrating against tuition increases and budget cuts, and — echoing the national “occupy” movement — capitalism. As the protests went on, life and learning continued as usual across most of the campus, for the vast majority of students, faculty and staff, with officials working to maintain a safe environment. [ More, including slideshow… ]

Suspect admits to yellow ribbon vandalism, police say

The Police Department announced Thursday (Nov. 17) that a suspect had admitted his involvement in an incident of vandalism to one of the yellow ribbons that comprised a Veterans Day tribute on the Quad, and that the investigation concluded the act did not meet the criteria of a hate crime or hate incident. Read the chancellor’s earlier message encouraging all members of the campus community “to engage in dialogue rather than confrontation, to exchange ideas rather than shout slogans and slurs, and to be respectful and inclusive of others.” [ More… ]

Wind experts advise on revolutionary wind-powered skyscraper

Two UC Davis engineering professors assist on a revolutionary skyscraper project, a building with a vertical “wing” of turbines that will harness the power of the infamous winds that gust through the streets of downtown San Francisco. [ More, including video… ]

Economist helps devise livestock insurance for drought-stricken Africa

Herdsmen in drought-stricken Kenya have received their first payments from an innovative livestock insurance program designed with the help of Michael Carter, a professor of agricultural and resource economics. The program, intended to prevent livestock producers from falling into indigence and food-aid dependence, could be a model for improving food security in other areas of the world. [ More… ]

Faculty, staff and visitors required to sign patent amendment

All UC employees, as well as visiting professors, researchers and others who use UC research facilities or resources, will be required to sign an amendment to the patent document that UC presents for everyone to sign when they first come to the university. The signing process will be electronic, beginning the week of Nov. 28. [ More… ]

Need child care in a pinch? New benefit offers access to caregivers

Imagine you are at work — faculty or staff — and you suddenly need someone for day care or elder care, or to take care of your dog. Starting Jan. 1, UC will provide access to a list of prescreened caregivers, via a service called Sittercity. It is for all benefits-eligible employees, except those for whom collective bargaining is required. UC will pay the fee that allows access to Sittercity, while you will be responsible for making arrangements for hiring and payment. [ More… ]

At the C.N. Gorman Museum: ‘A curatorial and artistic collaboration’

Veronica Passalacqua and Hulleah J. Tsinhnahjinnie, the creative minds behind Double Vision: New Works by Hulleah J. Tsinhnahjinnie, will give a presentation Nov. 29 about their project — on display now at the museum where Passalacqua is the curator and Tsinhnahjinnie the director. The latter is also a member of the faculty, Department of Native American Studies, and a photographic artist. [ More… ]

Laurels: Reynoso receives Lincoln-Juarez Award

The Hispanic National Bar Association has presented its highest honor, the Lincoln-Juarez Award, to Professor Emeritus Cruz Reynoso, recognizing him as “a lifelong trailblazer who is dedicated to helping those of humble beginnings have access to the legal system.” … Plus other honors for UC Davis faculty and staff. [ More… ]

News briefs: Open enrollment, WarnMe test, UPTE sign-ups

Things to do before Thanksgiving: Buy a turkey. Take care of open enrollment by Tuesday (Nov. 22), the day before we take off for Thanksgiving break. … WarnMe test is set for Tuesday, Nov. 29, the day after most of us return from the Thanksgiving break. … Human Resources issues a statement about UPTE’s effort to sign up administrative professionals for union representation. … The WorkLife and Wellness Brown Bag Series joins up with Aggies on the Move for a free program on Quick Fit, a 20-minute circuit-training workout. … [ More… ]

DIRECTIVES and ANNOUNCEMENTS

No directives were issued this week.

EVENTS

Stanford tonight on the court, Sac State tomorrow in Causeway Classic

Friday, Nov. 18, 7 p.m., The Pavilion at the ARC; and Saturday, Nov. 19, 1:05 p.m., Hornet Stadium

The UC Davis men’s basketball team hosts Stanford tonight, while the Aggie football team takes on Sacramento State tomorrow in the 58th annual Causeway Classic. Purchase tickets online. [ Football game… ]

“Bicycling in Davis: What Lessons Can We Learn from Europe?”

Tuesday, Nov. 22, noon, conference room, The Barn

Sarah Underwood discusses her research on people’s attitudes toward bicycling for routine transportation. [ More… ]

Composer-conductor Fabián Panisello visits UC Davis

Friday-Sunday, Nov. 18-20

He’s lecturing at 3 p.m. today in 266 Everson Hall, he’s the featured composer and a guest conductor for the Empyrean Ensemble’s concert at 7 p.m. Saturday, and he’s conducting the Symphony Orchestra at 7 p.m. Sunday. [ More… ]

More calendar listings…