Reading the Black Code

In February, I found myself in the lounge of a sports arena in Cardiff, Wales. People walked around me as I sat with my laptop, tapping away. I was mixing scenes of police chasing a man who supposedly set off an explosive device at a protest in Rio de Janeiro. But all was not as it seemed - as became apparent in the many angles of the events shot by fighters for truth whose best weapons are phone cameras and laptops like mine. That's just one of the stories in the compelling documentary Black Code, based on the book by Professor Ron Deibert of Citizen Lab at the University of Toronto, investigating issues of technology that can help limit human rights... but can also help them flourish. Look for it on SuperChannel in Canada starting in the summer. 

DCMP Spotlight: The Default Setting

I appreciated being able to write description for something that will help students outside the classroom. Default: The Student Loan Documentary explains how the financial aid system in the United States can set up students for money worries long after graduation. In this clip, two of the many former students featured look back on their high hopes and an author discusses the origins of the student loan system. 

Movies For the Blind 102: The Private Life of Henry VIII, part 3

Henry (Charles Laughton) moves into later life with fifth wife Catherine Howard (Binnie Barnes), who has everything she wants – including the love of Thomas Culpeper (Robert Donat), which may prove her undoing. Part 3 of 3. First posted November 2, 2009.

Movies For the Blind 101: The Private Life of Henry VIII, part 2

As Katherine Howard (Binnie Barnes) waits for her chance to be Queen, Henry (Charles Laughton) must first contend with Anne of Cleves (Elsa Lanchester), who schemes to get out of the marriage without losing her head. Part 2 of 3. First posted October 26, 2009.

Movies For the Blind 100: The Private Life of Henry VIII, part 1

In his Academy Award-winning performance, Charles Laughton stars as the notorious King, who continues his quest for male heirs while his second wife Anne Boleyn (Merle Oberon) faces execution. 1933. Part 1 of 3. First posted October 9, 2009.

DCMP Spotlight: Career Connections

You could say I took a tour of my home state of Ohio in this series, made by various local PBS stations. These many short videos open young people's minds to a world of careers with practical information about the skills and interests involved, including what to take in school to start the path to that career. There's a ridiculous variety to the jobs covered, from welding to marketing to accounting to hairstyling, to this one in a field near and dear to my heart: radio. 

Movies For the Blind 099: Back-room Boy, part 2

As Arthur (Arthur Askey) struggles to navigate two females in the lighthouse, even more shipwreck survivors arrive…and then start to disappear, one by one! Part 2 of 2. First posted October 5, 2009.

Movies For the Blind 098: Back-room Boy, part 1 (repeat)

Dumped by his girlfriend, civil servant Arthur Pilbeam (Arthur Askey) asks to be transferred far away from women, but when he reaches a spooky Scottish lighthouse, women are not far behind. 1942. Part 1 of 2. First posted September 28, 2009.

Movies For the Blind 097: The Scar, part 3 (repeat)

As Johnny (Paul Henreid) keeps getting away with posing as Dr. Bartok, his pursuers may not pose as much of threat as Bartok’s life before it was taken over. Part 3 of 3. First posted September 21, 2009.

Movies For the Blind 096: The Scar, part 2

Johnny (Paul Henreid) puts a plan in motion to replace Dr. Bartok, but when he makes a huge mistake, he must rely on people’s self-absorption to keep it from being fatal. Part 2 of 3. First posted September 14, 2009.