BAGnewsNotes

Because The Pictures Are Going By Pretty Fast

... Here's my latest take at Huffington where I call out The Economist (they more than deserve it for this one) as well as that charade in Annapolis.

... Another freaky smile ... and our original pass at it.

... I loved Ward Sutton's visual analysis of campaign logos and bumper stickers last time and this time.  I especially liked his confusion over the Obama "O," which I need to think more about myself.

... I liked this shot of Bush and Lott.  These guys never got along -- the rule breaker and the parliamentarian.  Anyway, it seems no coincidence Lott quietly bowed out of the Senate in a loaded news week, and just before new rules kick in requiring two years (versus one) before he might roam the hallowed halls again as a gold-plated lobbyist.

... Before I completely forget, I also liked the NYT piece about your brain on politics.  (Romney messes with my amygdala too.)  If some of the analysis here is pretty watered down -- maybe that is to dissuade us from considering how much further brother Rove and Company could be getting into our heads.

And a quick note for newsreader subscribers:  I just restored the full-feed, including images.  To make it worth the loss of direct viewers, however, please click on those ads at the bottom of the feed from time-to-time.  Each view sends some well-appreciated nickels this way.

Link Collage #2: Defining Lines

The "collage" is a round-up of recent political visuals The BAG couldn't let go by.  Feel free to discuss whatever strikes you, and if you have recommendations for the next installment, please forward to: Openbag AT Bagnews DOT com.


For maximum effect
first read ...
then click!

1. What's the value of one more photo of Condi Rice?

Last week's TIME cover, and this shot leading the on-line article -- reveals the latest progression in the mood and temperament of the SOS.  Our last view of Condi was January 12th, capturing her first real challenge from a Senate committee.  In that shot, what we saw was anguish for being held to account for the Iraqi meltdown.  Now what we have is the further development and hardening of that attitude. 

It's a wonderful take on a person who knows she's being photographed (during a Bush photo op with the new U.N. Secretary General), and feels not at all self-conscious about the open anger and defiance.  What's remarkable is that the attitude goes so much against type.  The line on Condi, before her reputation went into the woodchipper, is that she could have been photographed on the deck of the Titanic, water up to her ankles, and you'd still get a big smile and an "everything is going swimmingly" wave.

2. Foot of the problem

The NYT recently offered a story/slide show about Rio's race-and-class divided beaches.  The story ("Drawing Lines Across the Sand, Between Classes") didn't run deep, and seemed more comfortable drawing class, rather than race distinctions, but the images were telling, including the one above, and the lead shot of "the poor kid" jumping off a cliff.

Link Collage

 

1. From the front lines of the anti-commercialism battlefront, thought you might appreciate this "street action" video from New York's Anti-Advertising Agency.  (Via Social Design Notes).

2. Reviewing the use of video by '08 challengers, I guess the NYT couldn't help but revive the "Breck Girl sobriquet."  The article features a YouTube link to "Feeling Pretty."  (BTW, did the Times mention it's in slow motion?)

3. Not familiar with Jim Johnson's Politics, Theory and Photography?  In particular, check this low view of Paul Wolfowitz.

4. Raul Gutierrez at Heading East has a nice post/video link on autism.

The "collage" is a short list of social/political visuals The BAG recommends; admires; envies; can't get to itself; or can't let go by (with at least one eye on the growing number of photo/visual blogs).  Feel free to discuss whatever strikes you, and if you have recommendations, by all means, forward to: Openbag AT Bagnews DOT com.