SPOILER ALERT
This should go without saying, but if you haven't seen the movie, this video contains spoilers.
Friday
october 31, 2014
Happy Halloween!!! Here is a video that features almost every reference in Cabin in the Woods!
october 30, 2014
It's almost here. Halloween is almost here. With it will come more candy and sugar than anyone can handle. If you didn't see John Oliver's timely take down of the sugar industry on Last Week Tonight this past Sunday, do yourself a favor.
The problem is, if you have ever been a child (and I think we've all been there) you know that the houses who try to give out a healthy alternative are despised, and god forbid you as a parent try to limit your child's candy haul.
Enter the Halloween Candy Buyback. Dentists and orthodontists across the country participate buy offering $1 for every pound of Halloween candy (which is terrifying in and of itself if you ask me!). This helps kids to feel like they aren't doing all that hard work for nothing, and the candy then gets donated to Operation Gratitude to be sent overseas in care packages to US soldiers.
If you know some kids who will be trick r treating this Halloween, and bringing in a big haul, consider this! Read more and find a zip-code locator for participating offices near you via NPR.
october 29, 2014
Steven Spazuk is an artist. Here is a piece he created, called Jerry.
Wanna know what he used? Fire and feathers. Read all about it and watch a video of his process here.
october 28, 2014
An awesome group of queer and trans youth in New Orleans, called Break OUT recently completed an almost thirty page report on policing in New Orleans called We Deserve Better.
The report goes into detail about where, when, and how LGBTQ youth are targeted and, effectively, criminalized by the police force. Read more via Feministing here.
Download and read the full report here.
Download and read the full report here.
Monday
october 27, 2014
I know we've been video heavy recently, but there have been so many good ones! Here is a new music video from OKGO. If you know anything about these guys, it's that they make amazing videos. Add this one to the list.
october 26, 2014
Spike Lee directed a short film about female pitching phenom, Mo'ne Davis. You may remember her from the Little League World Series this summer, where she became the first girl to pitch a shutout LLWS.
Via Femisting.
october 24, 2014
This video is weird and appeals to me because of a long-standing inside joke. I hope it makes you smile too, even without any of that back-story!
Thursday
october 22, 2014
Today, Slate posted a beautiful series of photographs by Sage Sohier of same-sex couples at their homes in the 1980's.
These photos remind us that although the gay rights movement has become especially prominent in the news cycles and has started to gain traction politically, this is not a new issue. For too long, men and women have not been safe and supported to really be themselves.
Let's keep moving in the right direction.
Check out the rest of the photos here.
october 21, 2014
This is a completely self-promotional post today, but if any of you out there are horror fans, like I am, you'll love this too!
I am proud to announce that I am now a contributor for BloodyGoodHorror.com!! Check out my first review here!
I am proud to announce that I am now a contributor for BloodyGoodHorror.com!! Check out my first review here!
Monday
october 20, 2014
Mindy Kaling is a role model of mine. Her show The Mindy Project, airing on FOX on Tuesday nights, is one of my favorite shows on television right now. Don't believe me? Just watch this montage. Do it, seriously...
We shouldn't live in a society where successful women are automatically outliers but, for the time being, we do. So listen to this interview that Mindy did for NPR Morning Edition. It's wonderful.
Sunday
october 19, 2014
In 2010, Martin Booker died while in Police custody, and this week, in an unprecedented turn of events for a police brutality case, jurors awarded $4.65 million to his family. Booker was a homeless priest living in Denver who was picked up by authorities and died after being knocked to the ground, piled on by multiple officers, put in a chokehold, and tasered.
We have seen many cases of police brutality, particularly with victims of color, and often the resulting outcry seems to be the only consequence. Officers are too rarely punished, and often allowed to stay at their jobs, with no impediment or change. In this case, we see that the people have spoken up and hopefully this will serve as a warning to those officers who think this sort of behavior is acceptable.
The loss of a life is never something to be celebrated or taken lightly. All we can do is hope and work for change, so that others will not continue to suffer the same fate.
Listen to an segment on Democracy Now! here.
We have seen many cases of police brutality, particularly with victims of color, and often the resulting outcry seems to be the only consequence. Officers are too rarely punished, and often allowed to stay at their jobs, with no impediment or change. In this case, we see that the people have spoken up and hopefully this will serve as a warning to those officers who think this sort of behavior is acceptable.
The loss of a life is never something to be celebrated or taken lightly. All we can do is hope and work for change, so that others will not continue to suffer the same fate.
Listen to an segment on Democracy Now! here.
Saturday
october 18, 2014
Slate is introducing a new podcast called Working. In it, David Plotz will speak to people about their jobs and how they work. The first episode went online this week and his first guest?
Check out this 40 minute podcast and hear the unbelievably-talented Stephen Colbert talking about making his show and his character.
Friday
october 17, 2014
Today's post is very Chicago-specific, but the website that I write for posted this video about a local bar commodity that is hard to describe in any way other than saying it's an acquired taste.
This is for everyone who has ever had Jeppson's Malört.
This is for everyone who has ever had Jeppson's Malört.
october 16, 2014
My lovely sister is one of the most festive people I know. She loves holidays and celebrates each and every one to its fullest. Halloween, however, is one of her absolute favorites. With her wild imagination and flair for theatrics, the celebration carries on all month.
She has created a Halloween playlist that has little of the cliche stuff you're sick of hearing and all sorts of fun things that work perfectly.
Check it out here!!
Wednesday
october 15, 2014
With no warning, and no real explanation, the Supreme Court passed down a position allowing a dozen abortion clinics to reopen in Texas. In a state that small, it's still small, but it's a start.
Read the whole story here.
Tuesday
october 14, 2014
Today is a day I have been waiting ages for!! Andrew McMahon frontman of favorite bands of my youth, Something Corporate and Jack's Mannequin, released a new album this morning. Entitled Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, the new album is wonderful.
Just try to listen to this song he wrote for his baby daughter and try not to smile!
Just try to listen to this song he wrote for his baby daughter and try not to smile!
october 13, 2014
This one has been floating around the net for a while, so there's a good chance you've already seen it. It's worth a watch whether you have never seen it or you have.
Watch actor and writer, B.J. Novak, read his new children's book (with NO pictures) to a room full of kids.
Watch actor and writer, B.J. Novak, read his new children's book (with NO pictures) to a room full of kids.
Sunday
october 11, 2014
I've become pretty infatuated with Cameron Esposito recently. After listening to several interviews with her, and reading an op-ed she wrote for The A.V. Club. Today, All Things Considered shared an interview with Cameron in which she talks about her comedy and her attitude on hecklers,
"... If you care about gay people in a way where you would want them to not be what they are, I just wonder, what's up with your life? How are you doing? Are you OK? I just felt like I wanted to give that guy like a really big hug. Followed by a punch. Just a punch and a hug. Hug and a punch."
Check out the full thing, here.
Friday
october 10, 2014
Just a few days ago, I highlighted an amazing person who has done much in his eighty-three years to make the world a better place. Today, the world honors another amazing soul, who has showed unbelievable levels of strength and bravery in her comparatively short life.
Today, Malala Yousafzai became the youngest person ever to win the Nobel Peace Prize, which she will share with Kailash Satyarthi, and Indian children's rights activist.
Thursday
october 9, 2014
As someone who has worked in several restaurants, this really warms my heart. Be careful to remember when you are out to eat and are not having a great experience, it isn't always the waiter's fault.
This couple recently had a poor time at a restaurant, but recognized that their waiter was doing the best he could.
Full story here.
This couple recently had a poor time at a restaurant, but recognized that their waiter was doing the best he could.
From their Facebook page:
People all around us were making fun of the restaurant & how bad the service was. Yeah, it was pretty terrible. But, it was very obvious that the issue was being short staffed, not the server. He was running around like crazy and never acted annoyed with any table. At one point we counted he had 12 tables plus the bar. More than any one person could handle! As I sat there and watched him run back & forth and apologize for the wait, I said to Steven… Wow, this used to be us. Waiting tables. I don't miss it at all and I never loved that job. I did it for the tips. Steven and I agreed it would feel good to make this guys night when he would probably be getting minimal to no tips due to slow service. We walked out before he saw this and I'm not posting this for a pat on the back. I'm just sharing this as a friendly reminder to think of the entire situation, before you judge. And always always always remember where you came from.
Full story here.
october 8, 2014
Today we wish a happy birthday to a man that has been an inspiration to me throughout my life.
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| Photo via ZambiaReports |
Desmond Tutu is Archbishop Emeritus and a Nobel Laureate from South Africa. He played a crucial role in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Hearings at the end of apartheid and has continued to be a strong advocate for human rights around the world.
Check out the Desmond Tutu Peace Foundation to learn more about this amazing man. May we all be just a little more like him.
Tuesday
Monday
october 6, 2014
On Saturday, the audience and performers at the St. Louis Symphony were surprised by a group of demonstrators. As the conductor and symphony members took their places at the end of the intermission, a man and woman began to sing, and other voices joined them in singing the popular union song, "Which Side Are You On?"
Demonstrators unfurled banners with Michael Brown's name along with the dates of his birth and death.
Demonstrators unfurled banners with Michael Brown's name along with the dates of his birth and death.
Protests continue in Ferguson as people seek answers and appropriate action in the wake of Mike Brown's killing. Listen to the full story, via NPR here.
Sunday
october 4, 2014
Today I bring you a rabbit hole to fall into! Check out Rejected Princesses for a fantastic, detail-oriented look at strong, and sometimes crazy, women throughout world history. These are women that we don't talk about, don't hear about, and certainly don't see portrayed by Disney animators.
october 3, 2014
Today, I got the opportunity to do something truly exciting, and that's what is making me happy. Due to my position with The Chicagoist I was able to obtain a press pass to one of the first North American screenings of a a new film called "Words with Gods".
The film is made up of nine short segments, each done by different directors from around the wold, that portray a moment in the life of various people of different faiths and in different nations. The segments represent almost all eight world religions and include a piece about Atheism.
It was absolutely amazing and completely moving to see. Keep your eyes peeled for screenings near you!
The film is made up of nine short segments, each done by different directors from around the wold, that portray a moment in the life of various people of different faiths and in different nations. The segments represent almost all eight world religions and include a piece about Atheism.
It was absolutely amazing and completely moving to see. Keep your eyes peeled for screenings near you!
Thursday
october 2, 2014
Mayan women took on agricultural giant Monsanto, and won!
Last month, a movement lead primarily by indigenous people was successful in repealing the Monsanto Law, which would have granted patents to the transnational company for several hybrid varieties of seeds. In effect, small farmers could have been severely punished if any of these seeds commingled with their crops, through pollination or wind.
Read more of this underdog story here.
Last month, a movement lead primarily by indigenous people was successful in repealing the Monsanto Law, which would have granted patents to the transnational company for several hybrid varieties of seeds. In effect, small farmers could have been severely punished if any of these seeds commingled with their crops, through pollination or wind.
Read more of this underdog story here.
october 1, 2014
BADASS WOMAN ALERT:
Fatu Kekula, a twenty-two year old woman in Liberia, is a young nurse-in-training. Three out of her four immediate relatives contracted ebola and were unable to receive care. After being turned away and left to fend for herself, Fatu decided to care for them all on her own. Not only did she treat them, but she avoided infection herself.
Read more here.
Fatu Kekula, a twenty-two year old woman in Liberia, is a young nurse-in-training. Three out of her four immediate relatives contracted ebola and were unable to receive care. After being turned away and left to fend for herself, Fatu decided to care for them all on her own. Not only did she treat them, but she avoided infection herself.
Read more here.
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