Review: The Newsletter and Journal of Dramaturgy, volume 18, issue 1

Contents include: Celebrating a Coffee Klatch; The Toronto Dialogues, A Conversation on US Airways Flight 4081 from Toronto to Philadelphia, June 24th, 2007; The 2008 Elliott Hayes Award, Edward Sobel\u27s Acceptance Speech at the LMDA Annual Conference Toronto, 23 June 2007; Neighborhood Stories Toronto, 2007; Parliament Street; Provocative Dramaturgy The Collaborative Creation of The Re:Actions Project; ECD Special Careers in Dramaturgy, The Writer\u27s Advocate: An Interview with Abrams Artists Agency\u27s Beth Blickers. Issue editors: D.J. Hopkins, Shelley Orrhttps://soundideas.pugetsound.edu/lmdareview/1036/thumbnail.jp

Liberation theology as a transnational social movement: the case of the North American sanctuary movement

This paper uses New Social Movement theory to explore and explain the worldwide influence of Liberation Theology. Christian liberation theology, though born in Latin America, has spread throughout the world, influencing disparate groups of people in very different environments. One group that is connected to liberation theology is the North American sanctuary movement. Using the analysis provided by New Social Movement theory, the connections between the two movements become evident. The sanctuary movement can be considered part of the wider liberation theology movement and is evidence of the latter\u27s transnational character. New Social Movement theory explains how a social movement can be unorganized, informal and fluid, while still maintaining a common identity and solidarity. This flexibility allows social movements to extend transnationally. As well, transnational social movements use the space created by globalization to circulate and flourish elsewhere. Liberation theology has spread from Latin America to nearly every corner of the world. Liberating theologies are found in both developed and developing regions. Each of these articulations of liberation theory share a common goal with the original strain of Latin American liberation theology: a commitment to end oppression. The theology can be interpreted to take into account local differences, allowing people to use the analysis it provides to understand their individual situations. As well, each local articulation can abstract seemingly isolated problems into a macro cause. Acting locally while thinking globally gives local participants the feeling that they are working towards a common good with groups around the world. The North American sanctuary movement is one expression of the ideas and social analysis inherent in liberation theology. Though the sanctuary movement is far removed from Latin America, New Social Movement theory highlights many ways the North American movement is part of the wider liberation theology movement. The sanctuary discussion in this paper demonstrates how the movement\u27s members view themselves as part of a common struggle against oppression. Above all, the North American sanctuary movement is a clear example of how liberation theology is a transnational social movement

Occupational Exposure to Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus spp. among Spray Irrigation Workers Using Reclaimed Water

As reclaimed water use expands, it is important to evaluate potential occupational health risks from exposure to this alternative water source. We compared odds of colonization with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), and vancomycin-susceptible enterococci (VSE) between spray irrigation workers using reclaimed water and office worker controls. Nasal and dermal swabs from 19 spray irrigation workers and 24 office worker controls were collected and analyzed for MRSA, MSSA, VRE, and VSE. Isolates were confirmed using standard biochemical tests and polymerase chain reaction assays. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by Sensititre® microbroth dilution. Data were analyzed by two-sample proportion, chi-square, Fisher’s exact tests, and logistic regression. No MRSA or VRE were detected in any samples. MSSA was detected in 26% and 29% of spray irrigators and controls, respectively. VSE was detected in 11% and 0% of spray irrigation workers and controls, respectively. The adjusted odds of MSSA, multidrug-resistant MSSA, and either MSSA or VSE colonization were greater among spray irrigation workers, however results were not statistically significant. Future studies with larger sample sizes are needed to further evaluate this relationship