Author Archives: Ralph Hanson

Women and the Movies 2013 Part 2 – Where are the women directors?

Posted on January 6, 2014 by Ralph Hanson

While women talking to each other about something other than a man in movies was a good indicator of success last year, 2013 was not a stellar year for women directors.  According to a story from Variety, only two of … Continue reading →

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Women and the Movies 2013 Part 1 – Bechdel Test Movies

Posted on January 3, 2014 by Ralph Hanson

There’s long been the argument made that the reason that movies primarily feature male characters is that these types of movies make more money than those that have prominent female characters. For 2013, that statement is demonstrably false.  A study … Continue reading →

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Media Lessons for the Clueless

Posted on December 23, 2013 by Ralph Hanson

It’s almost New Year’s, and that means it’s time to look back at the year that was, to look forward to the year that will be, and to be thankful you didn’t do something utterly clueless through the media.  That … Continue reading →

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What happens when people get offended by pop culture stars?

Posted on December 19, 2013 by Ralph Hanson

In March of 2003, Natalie Maines of the popular country band The Dixie Chicks told a British concert audience: ““Just so you know, we’re on the good side with y’all. We do not want this war, this violence, and we’re … Continue reading →

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Basic Kindle e-book reader on sale for $49

Posted on December 17, 2013 by Ralph Hanson

If you’ve been thinking about buying yourself a Kindle e-book reader, today might be the day to pull the trigger on it.  Amazon has them on sale right now for $49 for the smallest, lightest, most basic version.  (There’s a … Continue reading →

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Remembering Peter O’Toole

Posted on December 16, 2013 by Ralph Hanson

Actor Peter O’Toole died today at the age of 81. He has been my favorite actor since I was in high school.   Here are a few of the reasons why: “I’m not an actor, I’m a movie star!” – My … Continue reading →

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Pop Culture Roundup

Posted on December 13, 2013 by Ralph Hanson

World’s Oldest Romance Writer Passes Away at Age 105 And she so doesn’t fit into your stereotypes.  (Unless your stereotype is of someone who was supposedly conceived during an affair with a Russian duke… DiGiorno pizza gets good response to … Continue reading →

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Reposting – Questioning The Hunger Games

Posted on December 4, 2013 by Ralph Hanson

Last evening I went to see the movie Catching Fire, the sequel to The Hunger Games with students in my media literacy class.  As you all no doubt know, Suzanne Collins wrote the hugely successful young adult three-volume series that … Continue reading →

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Lesson of the Day: Don’t Photoshop details out of news photos

Posted on December 3, 2013 by Ralph Hanson

A photographer for the Charleston (WV) Gazette learned a difficult lesson that really shouldn’t have to be learned: Don’t Photoshop details out of a news photo.  Just don’t. I got a note from a former student of mine who is … Continue reading →

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Link Ch. 7 – Cover versions can transform songs: Robyn’s “Call Your Girlfriend”

Posted on December 2, 2013 by Ralph Hanson

UPDATE: Want to see another great original and cover? Check out Dolly Parton and Whitney Houston doing their own versions of Parton’s “I’ll Always Love You.” I had not heard of the pop singer Robyn until recently when podcaster Brian … Continue reading →

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