|
Polaroid-a-day-Project
2008-06-19 11:13:00 Well, I'm getting on this bandwagon fairly late, but if you haven't already come across Hugh Crawford's and Betsy Reid's website with Jamie Livingstone's photo project, it's worth a look. Livingstone took 1 Polaroid everyday from March 1979 to the day he died, Nov 25, 1997. The thumbnail reprinted here is one of the most reviewed photos: it shows his wedding ring with his bride blurred out in the background, two weeks before he died. Rules for the Polaroid a day project were fairly simple: a day Polaroid a day, every day; one only; no retakes. It was basically Livingstone's diary, each image recalling the day or moment for him years later. But as Chris Higgins, the blogger who broke the story on this, points out, even if you do something very simple, if you keep doing it over and over and over for years, it eventually becomes something very different. Fascinating visual record of a man's life and times.(And on a completely different level, it is interesting to note how Chri...
When men were men
2008-04-27 11:49:00 When observations take a toll on your mind, they make you frustrated and create an irresistible, inescapable urge to rant. Maybe this post is an example of the burden of silence. I call it the Fair-N-Handsome effect (no offense meant to the brand and the company). Let?s just say that the world has more women than men because there are a lot of men who are actually women, in disguise. These are some of the common symptoms of this infection that calls for immediate emasculation of such feminists:- 1. You?ll find them sticking in and around girls, looking to make an impression that would delight the girl and ?make her day?. 2. ?Guddi, tujhe kya chahiye? Pepsi. Abhi lekar aata hoon. Arey sun, tujhe My Can chahiye ya woh 500 ml ki bottle?? Help yourself. 3. The guy will try to make inky-pinky pansy-wansy Barbie doll impressions, act intentionally foolish (Or maybe is naturally foolish. I am yet to figure the logic out here.) and at loss with his sense of hu...
When men were men
2008-04-27 11:49:00 When observations take a toll on your mind, they make you frustrated and create an irresistible, inescapable urge to rant. Maybe this post is an example of the burden of silence. I call it the Fair-N-Handsome effect (no offense meant to the brand and the company). Let?s just say that the world has more women than men because there are a lot of men who are actually women, in disguise. These are some of the common symptoms of this infection that calls for immediate emasculation of such feminists:- 1. You?ll find them sticking in and around girls, looking to make an impression that would delight the girl and ?make her day?. 2. ?Guddi, tujhe kya chahiye? Pepsi. Abhi lekar aata hoon. Arey sun, tujhe My Can chahiye ya woh 500 ml ki bottle?? Help yourself. 3. The guy will try to make inky-pinky pansy-wansy Barbie doll impressions, act intentionally foolish (Or maybe is naturally foolish. I am yet to figure the logic out here.) and at loss with his sense of hu...
Champions League, Popular Culture and Domaining
2008-04-22 16:28:00 I am an avid football fan. Real football or as the Americans call it, soccer. I watch it, play it, read about it on a daily basis - basically I am a football addict. Considering the amount of money that is poured into the football industry - yes it is an industry - I can tell ...
Say hello to league cricket
2008-04-20 23:17:00 In what is set to turn cricket into a rabid, monstrous business, the Indian Premier League kicked off in Bangalore amid the hype that is certainly here to stay. It?s cricket, cricket and more cricket than ever. The obsession just got worse. Fast-paced matches, inter-city rivalries, cheerleaders who make as much of an impression as the players and most importantly ? a format of the game that seems to be played on steroids and takes passion in the Gentleman?s game to a whole new level.Never before has India witnessed such an extravaganza in sport (although inter-city rivalries do exist in football?s I-League). Never before has an Indian crowd expressed an unnatural silence when Rahul Dravid hits a four, and followed it up with ecstasy at his dismissal. Never before have the corporates and film stars been so heavily involved with sport. This is a new era.But this is league sport just the way it should be. It has existed for years in other countries and people thrive on their local club...
Say hello to league cricket
2008-04-20 23:17:00 In what is set to turn cricket into a rabid, monstrous business, the Indian Premier League kicked off in Bangalore amid the hype that is certainly here to stay. It?s cricket, cricket and more cricket than ever. The obsession just got worse. Fast-paced matches, inter-city rivalries, cheerleaders who make as much of an impression as the players and most importantly ? a format of the game that seems to be played on steroids and takes passion in the Gentleman?s game to a whole new level.Never before has India witnessed such an extravaganza in sport (although inter-city rivalries do exist in football?s I-League). Never before has an Indian crowd expressed an unnatural silence when Rahul Dravid hits a four, and followed it up with ecstasy at his dismissal. Never before have the corporates and film stars been so heavily involved with sport. This is a new era.But this is league sport just the way it should be. It has existed for years in other countries and people thrive on their local club...
Barack Obama's Church Home
2008-04-09 17:39:00 Around the age of eight, I began making up serial stories in my head when I was bored. Thus, I rarely got past the first two minutes of any sermon before exiting to fantasyland. I do remember one sermon, however, because I was sitting next to my father and saw him getting upset. The pastor was talking about bullies in his childhood who would twist the arms of weaker boys and make them cry "uncle." He then said the U.S. needed to do that to Vietnam?at which point, my father told my siblings and me to stay put and left the sanctuary. The post-sermon hymn was "Onward Christian Soldiers." My mother and several other choir members did not stand to sing it. We attended the Presbyterian Church in town for a while.I bring this up because of the furor created by Barack Obama's refusal to disavow his association with the Reverend Jeremiah Wright after sound bytes of him preaching "God Damn America" replayed endlessly in the media. I write these words the morning after I watched 60 Minutes in...
How Is It That I Wield So Much Power Over Popular Culture?
2008-04-08 19:59:00 Rachel, who is a fancy Broadway producer, sent me a desperate text message the other day that read: "Do you have a few moments where I can pick your brain re: casting? Your knowledge of boy bands is needed!" Apparently, a major star is ending his run in a popular Broadway musical, and Rachel is looking for someone of his caliber to replace him?preferably a boy band member with some name recognition. I, of course, was her first choice as the go-to authority on boy band celebrities and other pop stars who may be ready to cross over into Broadway.We spent quite a bit of time evaluating boy band members and solo pop singers to gauge their level of popularity, their potential interest in Broadway, and, of course, their hotness. Knowing that the NKOTB will be busy with their reunion tour and album, I had to help Rachel come up with a viable list of alternatives, while slyly slipping in some of my personal favorites.So, if months down the line you're shocked by an announcement that some T...
By: Bamboo Nation
Breaking News
2008-03-30 14:30:00 A day in the life of the aam aadmi would never be complete without a sinister appearance from the new age pavitra Bharatiya nari Rakhee Sawant, an update on the phenomenal transfer of Lord Shiva?s powers to WWE wrestler The Great Khali, a more recent unearthing of a female version of the Khali whose balloon-blowing act on her rooftop inspired me to monkey-jump on my seat with childlike joy and not to forget, brought a halt to life in the world?s second most populous country.If there is nothing to enlighten us with, then create something and let know. That is to say, serve something overcooked and utterly bitterly flavorless that finds its way into the everyday diet of the common man. This seems to be the modus operandi of the mainstream media in this path-breaking era of television journalism where there is hardly any difference between news and nonsense. The difference has been minimized to a negligible measure called ?choice?. We can only choose to see it or not to see it. But thi...
Breaking News
2008-03-30 14:30:00 A day in the life of the aam aadmi would never be complete without a sinister appearance from the new age pavitra Bharatiya nari Rakhee Sawant, an update on the phenomenal transfer of Lord Shiva?s powers to WWE wrestler The Great Khali, a more recent unearthing of a female version of the Khali whose balloon-blowing act on her rooftop inspired me to monkey-jump on my seat with childlike joy and not to forget, brought a halt to life in the world?s second most populous country.If there is nothing to enlighten us with, then create something and let know. That is to say, serve something overcooked and utterly bitterly flavorless that finds its way into the everyday diet of the common man. This seems to be the modus operandi of the mainstream media in this path-breaking era of television journalism where there is hardly any difference between news and nonsense. The difference has been minimized to a negligible measure called ?choice?. We can only choose to see it or not to see it. But thi...
Fashion and Costume in American Popular Culture.
2008-03-29 06:19:00 Fashion and Costume in American Popular Culture: A Reference Guide (American Popular Culture) The chapters on specific aspects of costume clearly present only a selection of material available, but it is not clear whether the selection represents the most important items available or merely a representative selection. The section on sweaters, for example, lists 6 of the 284 English-language
Indian English
2008-03-27 19:57:00 In an age where English has assumed astronomical importance in terms of getting a career and a life, we still find our own ways of getting the message across even if our vocabulary is limited or our ignorance needs to be pacified. And that involves manipulating the world?s business language in ways that suit us best.In fact, if the verbal Indian curry hadn?t been garnished with desi English toppings, then it would hardly have turned out to be as delicious as it is today, no? Our fundas are clear. Our mugging works better than ever in schools and colleges. We are as enthu as ever. More despo than frantic desperation. So congo for that, friends.The West may feel that our English has gone for a toss. But I love this language of ours more than priceless Shakespearean writing. Our English is basically very very sexy. So what if their head starts paining or their brains go haywire? Arey people don?t mind the eve-teasing please. What we actually mean is ki we love being unique and differen...
Indian English
2008-03-27 19:57:00 In an age where English has assumed astronomical importance in terms of getting a career and a life, we still find our own ways of getting the message across even if our vocabulary is limited or our ignorance needs to be pacified. And that involves manipulating the world?s business language in ways that suit us best.In fact, if the verbal Indian curry hadn?t been garnished with desi English toppings, then it would hardly have turned out to be as delicious as it is today, no? Our fundas are clear. Our mugging works better than ever in schools and colleges. We are as enthu as ever. More despo than frantic desperation. So congo for that, friends.The West may feel that our English has gone for a toss. But I love this language of ours more than priceless Shakespearean writing. Our English is basically very very sexy. So what if their head starts paining or their brains go haywire? Arey people don?t mind the eve-teasing please. What we actually mean is ki we love being unique and differen...
Science in Popular Culture ????????
2008-03-24 20:41:00 Science in Popular Culture????????# Author: A. Bowdoin Van Riper# Format:PDF 6.3MB# Publisher: Greenwood Press # Number Of Pages: 224 # Publication Date: 2002-06-30 # ISBN-10 / ASIN: 0313318220 # ISBN-13 / EAN: 9780313318221 Spaceships travel through time at lightspeed, piloted by human clones and talking animals. Serious injuries are healed with the wave of a medical gizmo. The media makes it all look easy. Can scientists hope to accomplish such amazing feats in the real world, or are they merely flights of fancy? This book is a fun look at what can, and can't, be achieved with current technology in today's laboratory experiments. Fans of the Jetsons, Star Trek, and Star Wars will learn the facts behind the fiction through entires that describe the scientific inventions and procedures on the screen, and how they differ from the reality. Van Riper shows us who innovators like Charles Darwin, Benjamin Franklin, and Isaac Newton really were before they were mythologized. He...
Garfield
2008-03-17 21:38:00 Okay, here's one from Central Ganglion: The Garfield minus Garfield comic."Who would have guessed that when you remove Garfield from the Garfield comic strips, the result is an even better comic about schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and the empty desperation of modern life? Friends, meet Jon Arbuckle. Let?s laugh and learn with him on a journey deep into the tortured mind of an isolated young everyman as he fights a losing battle against loneliness in a quiet American suburb."Deeply disturbing in a very funny way.
Snoop ranting about this Winehouse chick, popular culture… so what e
2008-02-12 19:23:00 America’s next top model? Singing sensation? Trailer court junkie? If you are an Amy Winehouse fan, don’t read, but then again I doubt that anyone who peeps this blog could possible be a fan of this white crackhead drug fiendI watched some of the Grammy Awards; Mrs. Snoop was able to tolerate far more of it ...
50 movies in 50 days
2008-01-27 23:56:00 I've been catching up with John Herbert's blog, Shlock and Yawn and was very impressed with his current series, 50 movies in 50 days, in which he reviews old SF movies, most of which no one has ever heard of...or wished that they hadn't heard of them! Highly entertaining.
IOL Does Not ?Behead? Poem But Calls for Alternative
2008-01-07 05:59:00 Almost a week since publishing the “How to Behead” poem, a poorly-made decision thought by many, editors at leading Islamic website Islamonline.net (IOL) gave what should have been a statement on Sunday. But the latest article implies that Islamonline are not ready to apologise or justify their actions, which have confused some Muslims and given Islamophobics a golden opportunity ...
By: Unique Muslimah
My Journey With Yahoo! Avatars Vs. WeeWorld Avatars
2007-11-30 23:56:00 Previously on Unique, I went through an individual campaign to get Yahoo! Avatars to design a small hijab so that Muslim women donning the hijab can join in the fun. Since writing the post, If Yahoo! Ruled the World, I received a reply from the staff at Yahoo! giving me the impression that they are serious ...
By: Unique Muslimah
Alberta Dance Theater's Harry Potter
2007-11-25 20:58:00 November 24-26, 2007.Lethbridge; November 29- December 2, 2007 Calgary.The frustration of attending the opening night production of Alberta Dance Theater's production of Harry Potter was knowing that after five more performances in Alberta, this brilliant dance production would be history. It's one of those rare productions that one feels ought to be available to everyone; it ought to have gone on to tour through Canada for the next two years and then into the States and across Europe, because, by god, it was that good. Not feasible, of course, given that most of the performers are school age, but wow! Where's a CBC Arts film crew when you really need them?Artistic Director Emily Forrest's first smart move was, of course, to pick a story that everyone knows and loves. The problem with a lot of modern dance productions is that, with the possible exception of a few aficionados, no one can figure out what the hell is going on. I have seen my share of productions of, say, "Dance of ...
Bad Christmas Gift Ideas
2007-11-22 07:44:00 Stolen from Derryl Murphy's blog: Star Trek Putter I'm not sure whether this shows that the ST generation is aging, or if it means golf has become too mass market to remain a sport of the elite...but either way, it can't be a good sign.
Is Popular Culture Worth the Time?
2007-11-22 01:57:00 When I did my Master?s dissertation, I ran into a problem that embarrassed me a little. My topic was Reader Response criticism and the sociology of literature. As a case study, I examined the... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
By: Shelly's Blog
“The Vampire in Popular Culture” by E. L. McKaigh
2007-11-10 18:25:00 The Vampire in Popular Culture by E. L. McKaigh Popular culture has long been enamored with mythical creatures. Few, however have enjoyed the longevity that the vampire has held in the popular psyche. The vampire has been an object of fear and revulsion as well as one of desire and lust. However, beyond any ...
?Happily Ever After? is Only the Beginning
2007-11-06 18:54:00 In all the Disney films we’ve watched and the tons of chick flicks out there, we are made to believe that the couple have found true love and then live happily ever after while riding off into the sunset. I don’t know about you but even as a child watching, I always wondered what happened NEXT. ...
By: Unique Muslimah
The Anime Blog Poll: Has Japanese Popular Culture ?Arrived?? Will It Ever?
2007-11-02 18:41:00 We like to think that we?re a part of something cutting edge, something noveau in terms of...
By: Neverslair Blog
National Novel Writing Month
2007-11-02 04:48:00 National Novel Writing Month has started (November 1) and I have taken the plunge and signed up, my family responsibilities and crushing day job commitments notwithstanding. Made 2000 words today, a decent enough start, but we'll have to see if I can keep that up.
NeoOpsis wins Aurora
2007-11-01 05:30:00 The magazine I review for, NeoOpsis won an Aurora for "Best Work in English, Other" earlier this week. The Auroras are for best Canadian SF.NeoOpsis editors and publishers Karl Johanson and Stephanie Johanson.Photo by Nina MunteanuOther award results and photos from the Aurora Awards ceremony are here
3. Use popular culture as your subject
2007-08-10 12:03:00 Daniel Edwards is a sculptor. His pieces address celebrity and popular culture in ways that have often stirred controversy.His works include a sculpture of the disembodied head of Ted Williams, a life-sized statue of Britney Spears giving birth while nude on her hands and knees on a bearskin rug, a provocative bust of Senator Hillary Clinton, and a 25 foot bust of Fidel Castro.
Islam Unembalmed: Popular Culture
2007-08-04 03:31:00 I’ve been trying to learn more about Islam since I attended the local mosque with the women right after 9-11. I hope to have two interviews for TMV not too far down the road here… one with an Islamic scholar of Islam, and the other with a non-Islamic scholar of Islam. In the meantime, I have come across more and more examples of Islam’s up to date culture markers that sometimes are buried under other reports on Muslims made by people who don’t understand the culture. I am not saying I understand the breadth and depth of the culture. I am still trying to learn. Here are two: I dont mean in any way to ridicule the English translator who wrote the copy on this. I come from people who were constantly mispronouncing everything in English, but I hold them as meritorious for even trying to speak a language that was not their mother tongue. So, here: SOFTWARE PRAYER CLOCK “Ela-Salaty is a new Arabic program helps you to remember times of prayer. Also helps y...
Dept. of Popular Culture: Banksy Was Here: Reporting & Essays: The New York
2007-05-11 06:30:00 The rebellious grafitti painter Banksy with the amorphous identity gets a long feature in the New Yorker. Personally, though, my all-time fav artist is the guy that used to be on sesame street all the time going around painting the number of the day on stuff. did that promote grafiti/vandalism? who knows...but i liked watching him work.
By: webtourz
|
|
 |
|
 |
