Recently by Heather Anderson

Nice way to spend an afternoon

By
Heather Anderson
on May 9, 2008 1:00 PM | | Comments (0)

I've been interning at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art with the marketing and communications team since September. There are lots of things that I like about the internship, but one of my favorites is Press Preview Days. The Thursday before each exhibit opens, the marketing and communications folk invite the media to come and see it beforehand. It gives them the opportunity for photos and careful examination of the exhibit without the public.

My favorite part of the press previews is getting to hear the curators speak about the exhibits. It's fascinating to hear the reasoning behind the inclusion of each piece and gain insight about each work and artist.

The two new featured exhibitions are particularly interesting, especially if you are interested in modern and contemporary art. I don't know if there are any fellow "arties" out there, but if you are - you don't want to miss Sparks! or Print Lovers at 30. The shows are both full of crucial artists working in many different media. The Sparks! exhibition features many artists that are often overlooked or underrepresented in museums across the country. The works are all thought-provoking and visually captivating.

So if you've never been to the Nelson-Atkins, I challenge you to check it out. If you are of the drinking age, head there after class on a Friday evening and check out the Cultural Cocktails in the Museum Cafe. Take in a little art and a beverage or two. I think it's important for people, particularly college students, to soak up as much knowledge and culture as they can. Now is the time. If you get there while Rozzelle Court Restaurant is open or the Cafe still has desserts, you definitely don't want to miss the cookies.

Let the viewers have their say

By
Heather Anderson
on May 2, 2008 1:37 PM | | Comments (0)

Procter & Gamble is the nation's largest advertiser. They have recently allowed their consumers to have a say in the programs during which their advertisements will appear. The main concerns have been during programs on MTV and VH1 where there is lots of profanity, the "N" word and degrading views of women. The other concern is at the other end of the spectrum in terms of audience because it is the soap opera, "As the World Turns," which apparently features kissing scenes of daytimes only gay couple.

P&G set up choices on their hotline for consumers to voice their opinions regarding these programs and the sponsorship of them by P&G. Many popular bloggers have gotten in on the controversy, encouraging their readers to call and weigh in on the situation. P&G claim to be responsible advertisers and are not stating their opinions on the matters one way or the other. As of now, they are not planning on removing any of their ads on the aforementioned programs.

I guess it's interesting that P&G is letting their consumers take an "active" role in their program sponsorships, but it doesn't seem like the consumers will really be able to make an impact. P&G is a huge company and regardless of where they advertise, they are in no danger of people not using their products.

Try a little honesty...

By
Heather Anderson
on April 23, 2008 1:14 PM | | Comments (0)

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I recently read about this new children's book that it supposed to help mother's talk to their children about plastic surgery. The mommy in the book receives a tummy tuck, nose job and breast augmentation.

I am not quite sure about this. I do understand that many women opt to get tummy tucks after gaining a lot of weight during pregnancy. Even if they have lost all the weight gained during pregnancy, the skin definitely does not look the same. Mostly what I'm unsure about is the fact that these moms can't just talk to their child honestly and tell him/her what is going to happen and why. I don't really think a child needs cartoon pictures of a mom getting her "barbie-like" body back.

What kind of message is this sending to children at such a young age - particularly young girls? In a society when girls get bombarded with the cult of skinny so young anyway, why would a mother purposely bring that into her home? I'm not sure what has happened to just embracing life and age, but plastic surgery is a woman's perogative. I also find it interesting that the mommy in the book does not explain the breast augmentation to her child at all, but the post-surgery mommy has definitely higher and larger breasts.

Regardless of seeing cartoon pictures or not, a child between the ages of four and seven (the books target audience) will still not understanding what is going on. I give kids a lot of credit for being far more observant and smarter than we think, so come on mommies of the world. Buck up and just be honest!

Cell phones for everyone

By
Heather Anderson
on April 16, 2008 3:06 PM | | Comments (0)

The people of Cuba, ALL the people of Cuba, can officially have cell phones thanks to Raul Castro. This week, huge lines of people waited to get their first cell phone. Cuba had reserved the use of cell phones as a luxury for Cubans working for foreign firms or for the government.

Sadly, many Cubans will quickly discover that they can probably not afford to have a cell phone. I'm sure this story comes as quite a shock to many of you who rely so heavily on your cell phone. Stories like this always make me think about the many things so many of take for granted everyday. I'm not sure having a cell phone is all it's cracked up to be anyway, but c'est la vie.

It is good to know that hopefully Raul Castro, the newly appointed president, is trying to change some things in his communist-run state. I know it seems a small thing to us, but it probably means a lot more to the Cubans.

"Seeing" art for the first time

By
Heather Anderson
on April 16, 2008 2:28 PM | | Comments (0)
art.jpgWoman experiencing a Rodin sculpture.

This story came to my attention through a Google news alert at my internship. I think it's incredibly interesting and a fantastic idea. Many art museums around the world are making special "touch tours" for the blind.

These special tours allow the blind to actually touch the art in order to experience what it looks like through descriptions. One person noted that the audio guides do a wonderful job in explaining the work of art, but it is only through touch that a blind person can actually "see" it.

Granted these tours are relegated to sculpture for the most part, but some museums are branching out to their textiles or African masks in their collections for these tours. I'm sure the conservators at each of these museums probably have mild heart attacks each time hands move toward the sculptures, but it is such a great idea. It is an innovative way to bring these individuals into museums. I hope that more and more museums across the world adopt these for their own tour programs.

So much for grooming ladies

By
Heather Anderson
on April 11, 2008 9:34 AM | | Comments (0)

tiara.bmp

Christina Silva was the runner-up at the Miss USA pageant in November. She was wrongly crowned Miss California earlier that year. Three days after coming in second, she was told that the real winner was Raquel Beezley. Silva is now suing the Miss Universe Organization for humiliation and emotional distress.

I was always under the impression that part of the Miss USA pageant was learning to be a lady and gracious under any circumstances. That's what they claim for this "scholarship program," right? Being congenial through all things and showing support for one another is a cornerstone of this event. I just find it interesting that Silva missed that aspect of the competition. She lost her crown due to simple human error, and she gets to keep her prizes and money.

I'm curious to know what her emotional distress consisted of? One of her primary bases for suing is that the organization shows favor to white women - Silva is of Hispanic and Ecuadorian dissent. Anyway, it seems a ridiculous thing to spend money on lawyer and court fees just to keep a lousy title.

Well, it's certainly unusual.

By
Heather Anderson
on April 4, 2008 12:33 PM | | Comments (3)
pregnant-man-thomas_265355d.jpg Yep, it's real.
Photo: Belfast Telegraph


I'm assuming you haven't missed the latest in bizarre news: pregnant man. I'm not quite sure what to think of this story. Yes, he had a sex change operation 10 years ago, but opted to keep his reproductive parts - hence the pregnancy.

People keep wondering if this is going to be trend - men having babies, but hopefully the general public understands the special nature of this pregnancy. It is an odd news story, but could definitely become less unusual in the years to come.

I do wonder why the couple wouldn't have chosen to adopt a child in this case though. I'm sure the world will be very different when the child is old enough to learn about the unique way she was conceived, but I feel quite confident that it will still be thoroughly confusing for her. I don't really want to get into political correctness and all that, but as bizarre as this story initially sounds - is it really that strange? He does have a uterus, so why not? The more I think about it the less bizarre it seems.

Desperately Seeking Blame

By
Heather Anderson
on March 10, 2008 2:02 PM | | Comments (0)

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This lawsuit is absolutely absurd to me. I don't understand how this woman genuinely believes that her gambling issues lie with anyone but herself. If she was conscientious of her gambling problem, it's her responsibility to stay away from casinos.

It seems like an increasing trend in today's "sue or be sued" world to place blame on anyone but yourself. It is not up to the casino managers and dealers to evaluate each gambler's mental state. If someone from the casino had tried to get her or anyone else to leave when they were simply wealthy and out having a good time, the casino would inevitable get sued for that as well.

People need to start taking responsibility for their own actions. I feel like this was something my mom ingrained in my head at an early age. Is this an idea that people are growing out of with age or is not embedded as deeply in some people? I have no doubt that the judge and jury will side with the casinos, and hopefully it will discourage other people who will experience her loss to place blame where it belongs.

The power of our vote

By
Heather Anderson
on March 2, 2008 6:04 PM | | Comments (0)
SNL.jpgHilary Clinton and Amy Poehler on Saturday Night Live
Photo: AP Photo/NBC

Hilary Clinton made a guest appearance on Saturday Night Live this weekend. Clinton has been lagging behind Barack Obama in the presidential race and was obviously trying to appeal to a different side - and age - of voters.

This year's Democratic candidates are recognizing the power the young generation has in voting. The power has always been there, but this year the candidates are finally tapping into it. Obama has been making great strides in his campaign as he has truly invigorated the youthful generation's vote. I think younger voters are also more interested in this presidential race because of its incredible historic nature.

Presidential candidates have been utilizing YouTube, MySpace and other media channels that are directed toward youth to encourage the typical dispassionate to vote. I think it's great that Clinton is trying to show the world her lighter side. She has endured so much criticism for being too cold and harsh; it was important to her to show that she can laugh at herself and be silly as well. Her appearance on SNL was obviously strategic, but will it prove successful?

Young voters have a lot of information to keep straight about each candidate, but when it comes to voting I wonder what people our age find truly important in a potential president. I'm concerned that there are few of us who actually know the real issues and the rest of us just vote for whomever our friends or Oprah tell us to. I think Clinton's attempt at reaching a young audience was great. For those of you who are interested, she will be on The Daily Show on Monday night as well.

The Smurfs are back in town

By
Heather Anderson
on February 21, 2008 1:25 PM | | Comments (0)
series540.jpgImage from Smurfs cartoon.
Photo: I.M.P.S.


I don't want to end up being the Resident Smurf Expert, but I couldn't resist posting one more about my fantastic blue friends from long ago. It looks like the Smurfs are soon to be revived, revamped and revived.

The original series will soon be out on DVD and a 3-D movie can be expected out next year. The Smurfs' global marketer doesn't seem to think the idyllic nature of the series will detract from a new generation of kids being charmed again. The Smurfs' revivers hope that people will want to spend time in the laid back, peaceful world of blue once again.

The first reports from Germany is a mixture of sentimentality and fun from old and new viewers. Children seem to appreciate the productive nature of the Smurfs and revel in the creativity of an old cartoon.

The Smurfs did require some adjustments after it's hiatus. Smurfette, the resident female, will finally have some same sex companions. Hopefully some of the old gender roles will be updated as well. That Papa Smurf should probably take some courses in delegation and women's suffrage in order for the Smurfs to work in today's society.

Needless to say, I am definitely looking forward to the Smurfs' revival. This might be more exciting to me than when they finally released Fraggle Rock on DVD. Well, it's a toss up.

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