With the recent publication of his latest book, Fashion, Dress, and Post-postmodernism, Andy Reilly of the Dept. of Family and Consumer Sciences caught the attention of instructors at the Lebanese American University. Andy was invited to provide a guest lecture for the university's new course, Fashion Studies Seminar, and – given the ubiquity of online access, he was able to speak with the students in Beirut, while never leaving Honolulu. For his lecture, “Attention Deficit Fashion:  Post-postmodernism in the Fashion Industry,” he presented his work and discussed the students' own projects. 

“We are leaving postmodernism behind and entering a new phase called post-postmodernism,” Andy told the class. “One of the outcomes of this new condition is rapid turnover of retail stock due to shortened attention spans and an industry desiring to meet the need for constant newness, resulting in micro-trends that disappear in a few weeks and are quickly replaced by something new. And of course, that relates to excess waste.”

The class ended with an invite for Andy to visit the university and its students – in person – when it is safe to travel again. Andy’s also been invited to lecture at Ludwig Maximillian University in Munich, Germany.

In their latest newspaper column on nutrition and health, Alan Titchenal and Joannie Dobbs of the Dept. of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences weigh in on green drinks, those superfoods-in-a-smoothie concoctions we drink for a variety of health goals. With more than 800 million green drink recipes available – each with health claims ranging from sensible to … not sensible – some of us might be tempted to over-consume such green drinks. “However, consuming too much of a good thing can be harmful,” the authors point out. “Many of the nutrients and phytochemicals in these drinks are good for you in moderation, but excessive amounts can result in potential health problems over time.”

Read the full article, Nutrient Overload From Green Drinks Can Be Harmful.

If the words “competitive grants” strike fear in your novice grantwriting skillset, the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative feels your pain. AFRI’s competitive grants program, part of the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, has plenty of funding opportunities ahead for new researchers – and plenty of webinars starting March 1 to guide you through the processes. The webinars are designed to provide information about AFRI programs, introduce new NIFA staff to applicants, and answer questions. “Here is an excellent opportunity to learn more about funding opportunities in the NIFA AFRI competitive grants program,” says Walter Bowen, CTAHR Associate Dean for Research. “Please note that registration is required to participate in these webinars.”

Exquisite, delicate and full of positive vibrations! You can still get some really pretty plants for your holiday dining table – and support our budding scientists (graduate students) – at the Dept. of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences’ Christmas Plant Sale.

Mahalo! to Aloun Farms for donating a dozen large pumpkins so that students, staff and faculty could display their creatively crafted cuts at the Dept. of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciencesʻ annual Pumpkin Carving Contest!