Cameron Russell (a model) recently gave a TED Talk in which she explains the power of images - both in person, and in the media.

'Russell strolls onstage in a short, form-fitting black dress looking every bit the professional model who has represented brands like Victoria’s Secret, Ralph Lauren and Chanel and appeared in many an international edition of Vogue. But then she does something radical. She puts on an outfit far closer to what she would normally wear — a wrap skirt and flats. Her point: “I was able to transform what you think of me in 6 seconds,” she says. “How we look — though it is superficial and immutable — has a huge impact on our lives.”' - via TED Talks blog

There have been so many enlightening and interesting articles and videos floating around the internet - here are some of the favorites I've read lately.  Pour a cup of tea and enjoy!

“When I was a student at Cambridge I remember a professor holding up a picture of a bone with 28 incisions carved in it. 'This is often considered to be man’s first attempt at a calendar,' she explained. ‘My question to you is this – what man needs to mark 28 days? I would suggest to you that this is woman's first attempt at a calendar.’ It was a moment that changed my life. In that second I stopped to question almost everything I had been taught about the past.” 

With Richard Mourdock's recent comments on rape following so quickly after Todd Akin shoved his foot in his mouth with his take on it, it seems that the definition of rape is back on the board.  (Which is something I truly don't understand - if a person doesn't want to have sex, that's rape.  That's it.  That's all it comes down to.)  Here are some fun graphics I've seen lately that sum up the situation pretty well.

There is a definite rape culture that still exists in America, and it boils down the fact that men think they can control a woman's body regardless of what women think.  Todd Akin, who thinks women's bodies can automatically prevent pregnancy in a "legitimate rape" is on the House Committee for Science, Space, and Technology.  Romney very publicly endorses Mourdock's candidacy for the U.S. Senate, despite his inappropriate comments.  Scared yet?  You should be.

Miss Representation emailed out a video this past week discussing female roles in horror movies.  It's kinds long (11 minutes) but makes some really good points.  They discuss the Bechdel test (Are there two or more women, who have names, that speak to each other about anything other than a man or children?), the age of women that are evil vs. victimized, and some positive examples too.

There's a Twitter chat on the representation of women in horror films today from 1-2 pm PT, tweet to @rev_melissa and @RepresentPledge using #DamselInDistress to follow the conversation.  I'm going to TRY and participate, I'll be at work then, so I may only get a few tweets in. Follow my feminist rants and ramblings at @missmarissak_.

Watch the video for more information!

I love Tina Fey. She is brilliant on so many levels. Not only is she an amazing comedian but an inspiring feminist. Speaking at a gala for the Center for Reproductive Rights, she slammed Todd Akin's comments on "legitimate rape"- check it out.

The whole binders thing is just so ironic.  In theory, Romney could have gotten a lot of positive press for what he was doing.  He realized (after a women's group told him) that he needed to bring in women to balance out his team.  That's affirmative action.  The way he said it - totally destroyed any chance of sounding like he actually gave a shit if there were women working with him.

So - party affiliation aside - I just simply don't support a candidate that isn't looking out for my (and over half the country's) rights.

I'll leave you with these last thoughts - Viagra has been covered by insurance since 1998, when it hit the market.  The Pill has been used since 1957, and just got coverage in 2009.   Also - domestic abuse is a preexisting condition.  If you weren't mad yet, you should be now.

On being asked about her clothing...