I had the opportunity to see an interesting documentary this week and since my blog is read mostly by women, I thought it was important to share about it in place of a craft post. The documentary is called Miss Representation and was written, produced, and directed by Jennifer Siebel Newsom. Siebel-Newsom narrates the documentary and dedicates it to her daughter in hopes that the future will be better for her.
The documentary's focus is on the media and how it is a contributor to the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence. It asserts that the media is a driving force in shaping cultural norms and that the current collective message to both young men and women is that a woman’s value and power lie in her youth, beauty, and sexuality, and not in her intellect or capacity as a leader.
The film features stories from teenage girls and interviews with politicians, journalists, entertainers, activists and academics. While I do not agree with all the messages in this film, it is thought-provoking and in my opinion worth a view. It has encouraged me to look more critically at what I see on TV and encourages me to think about picking up a book before flipping the switch!
Take a peak at it below!
Newest Miss Representation Trailer (2011 Sundance Film Festival Official Selection) from Miss Representation on Vimeo.
Showing posts with label Observations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Observations. Show all posts
Sunday
A Fascinating Story from Peculiar Photos
"A good snapshot stops a moment from running away."--Eudora Welty
The book's main character is Jacob Portman who is on an adventure to discover the true origin and meaning of the magical stories and pictures his grandfather shared with him. His grandfather's last words before he dies encourages Jacob to travel to Wales to learn about his peculiar past. What Jacob discovers is much more peculiar than he could have imagined, but you will have to read the book to learn more!
After reading this book, I was more curious about the author and wanted to learn more about him. I have always wondered about the discarded photos that I see in thrift and antique stores. They have always sparked emotions as well as questions in my mind as to who the people were and what happened to them that their memories have ended up for sale in a store. Turns out, Mr. Riggs collects these types photos as a hobby. He especially enjoys finding ones that include handwritten messages on them. He recently published a book called Talking Pictures: Images and Messages Rescued from the Past. Just fascinating, but then again I love genealogy too! View the video below to learn more about the book.
“All we see of someone at any moment is a snapshot of their life, there in riches or poverty, in joy or despair. Snapshots don't show the million decisions that led to that moment.”--Richard Bach
Last year I posted about the Cottingley Fairies that turned out to be altered images in vintage photographs. To my surprise, I happened upon a book that has woven am interesting fictional story around peculiar vintage photographs. The book is called Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs and I just cannot put it down!
The book's main character is Jacob Portman who is on an adventure to discover the true origin and meaning of the magical stories and pictures his grandfather shared with him. His grandfather's last words before he dies encourages Jacob to travel to Wales to learn about his peculiar past. What Jacob discovers is much more peculiar than he could have imagined, but you will have to read the book to learn more!
After reading this book, I was more curious about the author and wanted to learn more about him. I have always wondered about the discarded photos that I see in thrift and antique stores. They have always sparked emotions as well as questions in my mind as to who the people were and what happened to them that their memories have ended up for sale in a store. Turns out, Mr. Riggs collects these types photos as a hobby. He especially enjoys finding ones that include handwritten messages on them. He recently published a book called Talking Pictures: Images and Messages Rescued from the Past. Just fascinating, but then again I love genealogy too! View the video below to learn more about the book.
“All we see of someone at any moment is a snapshot of their life, there in riches or poverty, in joy or despair. Snapshots don't show the million decisions that led to that moment.”--Richard Bach
Friday
Hungry for the Games
I must admit, I am a huge fan of the Hunger Games trilogy and I can't hardly wait for the movie to open in March!
I just caught a photo that was released this week of Elizabeth Banks who will play Effie Trinket in the movie. From the looks of it, I think the movie will be nothing short of a feast for the eyes! I didn't recognize her at all, but I think this is an amazing look.
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| "May the odds be ever in your favor." |
This photo reminds me a little of Finlay MacKay's 2008 Lavazza Calendar. MacKay's photos have a very dramatic and magical quality to them. If you are not familiar with Lavazza calendars, you should click here to learn more about them.
Here are a few of McKay's most amazing images for the calendar:
Are you a fan of the Hunger Games?
Sunday
Vintage Technology in the Modern Day
Date night this weekend involved seeing "Super 8!" I love science fiction and we were huge fans of Lost, so I was really excited when the previews for this move came out and I saw that Spielberg and Abrams were involved. I also thought it was so clever that these directors featured the Super 8 technology since this is what they used to practice on. Introduced in the 1960s, Super 8 cameras were inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to use which allowed many families to document important life events. The film had to be developed in order to be played using a projector. It is hard to imagine that it would take considerable time to develop, but one hour had not been created yet!
The movie itself is about kids shooting a horror film in the late 1970s. While in the middle of shooting, they stumble upon a government cover up of an alien from outer space. The rest is what ensues as the alien runs rampant throughout their town. At the end of the movie you get the chance to see the kids' Super 8 movie, so be sure to stay until the very very end!
Since seeing the movie, I have done a little more research about Super 8 technology on the web. The Smithsonian Collections Blog highlights how the Super 8 has been a valuable tool for collecting and documenting scientific data. The Kodak website features wedding cinematographers that love to use this technology to document their client's special days in vintage fashion.
Super 8 is a cross between “E.T.” and “Goonies". Sadly, I was not as entranced by it as I wanted to be. It may be that I am getting old, but some of the language and situations seemed unnecessary for a fun family movie. All in all, the hubbs and I were definitely entertained and now I find myself inspired to get a Super 8 camera in order to document our important family moments! Do you have one?
Wednesday
Wisteria Lanes
The Wisteria is in full bloom here in Texas! Yards are teeming with these twisted vines draped with beautiful violet flowers. Are there signs of Spring in your neighborhood?
Baby It's Cold Outside
It's cold out most everywhere and in Dallas we've had two consecutive snow/ice days! Temperatures are lower than they have been in 15 years! Makes me think of one of my favorite winter card sets from Mary Engelbreit. If you have to go out - be careful and try to keep warm out there friends!
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