Violet Russell, 92, lifelong activist
“Strength, grace, courage.” That is how Violet Russell and 12 other women are described in a 2008 calendar honoring “Rosie the Riveter,” women who worked in armaments production in Washington State during World War II.
Thumbs up, thumbs down
In late September, North Texas union activists started receiving pleas to help get “Battle in Seattle” into more movie theaters. At that time, it was scheduled to open on only 11 screens nationwide. AFL-CIO, Change to Win, the Teamsters and Steelworkers asked activists to demand that the movie be shown in their cities. The promotional web site is www.battleinseattlemovie.com/labor. This is a “grassroots-powered” movie.
Keep an eye on Maher
If lightning doesn’t strike comedian Bill Maher in the next few days, you might want to buy a ticket for his new movie, “Religulous.” It rhymes with “ridiculous.” In it, Maher takes a lighthearted but very honest look at religious fundamentalism at home and around the world. Interviewing two Muslims in a gay bar, he displays his well-known brand of chutzpah.
Celebrating Latino Heritage Month
A Dominican woman wears a costume and mask representing the mischievous “Diablos Cojuelos” (Lame Demons)
Progressive cinema goes to Chicago
The 44th Annual Chicago International Film Festival has released its list of more than 175 titles from over 45 countries. North America’s oldest competitive international film festival runs for two weeks from Oct 16-29 and features many films that should be of interest to progressive viewers. Here are a few that caught my eye.
Students aim to vote for change
DETROIT, Mich. — People here say the struggling U.S. economy including rising unemployment has hit this city the hardest and as Nov. 4 approaches, first-time voters are gearing up for the most important presidential election of their lifetime.
Paul Newman: more than blue eyes
Paul Newman, remembered for his acting, his famous blue eyes, his race car driving and his socially conscious, organic Newman’s Own foods, died Sept. 26 at the age of 83.
