Down Shift Weekly

Beware of companies that exploit your desire to be green.

George Bernard Shaw asserted that the made-up word 'ghoti' could be pronounced as 'fish.' Indeed, English spelling is so unintuitive and inconsistent that they have to hold events (spelling bees) all over the country to see if anyone can do it. Ken Glaser and Stephen T. Marchillo leave no stone unturned as they take on the English spelling system in the video essay 'Standardized English.' The subhead 'EENGLISH' hints at a new way of approaching spelling.

Despite an increased awareness of overfishing, the majority of people still know very little about the scale of the destruction being wrought on the oceans. This film presents an unquestionable case for why overfishing needs to end and shows that there is still an opportunity for change. Through reform of the EU's Common Fisheries Policy, fisheries ministers and members of the European Parliament can end overfishing. But only if you pressure them.

People have flocked to the melting pot we now know as America for the last 13,000 years. Since 2000, the U.S. has welcomed more than 10 million immigrants, who leave behind places like the Philippines, India, China, and Mexico. 'Coming to America,' explores the history, politics, and challenges of taking in the world's 'huddled masses.'

Hurricane Katrina and the ensuing aftermath destroyed Noel's community and home. He is rebuilding, and as he rebuilds, he evokes the past through the enlistment of his personal archives. His memories are complicated by the tragic events that occurred on the Danziger Bridge on September 4Th 2005. As Noel reflects back on what has been lost, the story that he tells about his neighborhood is affected by the story of innocent people gunned down while attempting to cross a bridge in search of safety, and for Noel their plight clarify many things. Noel is performing his story, motivated by a collection of photographs that prompt him to recount events from his past and present. An implied author performs Noel who then performs others.

A cut-out animation film made in response to the on-going revelations of the systematic abuse of Ireland's children by Ireland's priests. In the film, images of Christ are juxtaposed with images of Ireland's priests and bishops, played out against a background of abuse. Christ was betrayed and crucified, as were a generation of Ireland's children. The only difference is that the latter really did happen.