The Future

As I've mentioned before, I have mixed feelings about Miranda July. I surprised myself by really liking this movie.

Detroit

Much has been written about Detroit, and those who love ruin porn can find quite a bit to gaze at. I try to avoid falling into that trap too much (as tempting as it is) but I will say that I've always loved old signs and typography - from ancient laundries on the Lower East Side to fudge shops in southern Maine - so I feel pretty okay about documenting the terrific signage I saw on my Detroit journey.

Subway

This Film Is Not Yet Rated

Last week I took a fun, adventurous, enjoyable trip to Michigan. (Photos coming soon). I came back to New York majorly sleep-deprived and all I could do on Sunday was half-lay on my bed and watch non-challenging things on Netflix Instant.

One film that entertained and infuriated me in my pathetic state was This Film Is Not Yet Rated, which I highly recommend. It's light-hearted and funny and yet still reveals the problematic - and, frankly, misogynistic - aspects of American culture which play out in the ratings system. While it's obvious to most people that violence gets a pass and sexuality gets a disproportionate amount of scrutiny, there is also a pretty hefty bias against sex that isn't strictly heterosexual (or missionary or artificial-seeming.) It was frustrating to see how these archaic, puritanical influences have created real barriers for creative filmmakers, who simply want to release their films in theaters for adult audiences.

Vanity (Fair)

For a successful pin-up photo shoot, you need: a black backdrop, a camera, an assortment of retro outfits,  a few shots of Jim Beam. Optional, but very fun: free internet photo editing tools.

Happy 4th Weekend!

Collection of vintage 1980's fireworks packaging, via @rafikam.