Supreme Court Rules Corporations Have Religious Freedom
President Barack Obama's Affordable Health Care Act (nee Obamacare) has been met with so much hate and disdain from both sides of the American political spectrum, but never has a ruling against health care reform been so infuriatingly stupid. This is one of those rulings where you just read a news article and go, "Are you fucking serious?" As part of Obamacare, businesses had to cover contraceptives for its employees, specifically female contraceptives like Plan B. Two specific companies, Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood Specialties, argued that Obamacare infringed upon their First Amendment rights to operate their small, for-profit businesses under "Christian principles." If they refused to cover such contraceptives, they faced annual fines of $475 million. However, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the two businesses, stating:
The companies in the cases before us are closely held corporations, each owned and controlled by members of a single family, and no one has disputed the sincerity of their religious beliefs [...]
The Supreme Court ruled that Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood Specialties, as separate companies, can be seen as a "person" under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993. The problem is the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 was meant for employees to exercise their religious right, i.e. prayer, religious observance, etc., not employers to infringe upon their employees' basic rights. However, the Department of Health and Human Services argued that Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood Specialties forfeited those rights when they became corporations, which is true; the fact that this ruling even went to the Supreme Court, let alone passed is ridiculous.
So what does this mean in layman's terms? First and foremost, the two aforementioned companies will not cover their female employees' legally prescribed contraceptives because they are "tantamount to abortion," such as the morning-after pill. However, some of these contraceptives are prescribed for health reasons. Even then, no business should have a decision as to what their employees do with their bodies, regardless of gender. Ironically, male contraception procedures like vasectomies are still being covered under the "Hobby Lobby" decision.
Secondly, and the scariest point: This ruling opens the door for many other businesses to argue their "religious rights" are being jeopardized by Obamacare. While the specific wording for today's ruling targets small businesses, it sets a precedent for larger corporations to find loopholes to not only work against Obamacare, but to also push their religious agendas upon employees and prospective employees. Remember the uproar that Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy caused by speaking out against marriage equality (and donating to many campaigns and groups that discriminated against the LGBT communities)? That was a pebble compared to the rockslide that today's ruling may cause in the future.
As it stands, this ruling targets and punishes women and their right to health care coverage for contraceptives. White House spokesperson Josh Earnest had this to say:
President Obama believes that women should make personal health care decisions for themselves, rather than their bosses deciding for them. Today's decision jeopardizes the health of women that are employed by these companies.
This has nothing to do with religious freedom, simply because corporations themselves shouldn't be allowed to express said "religious freedom." CEOs and business owners? Whatever you believe in, that's great and more power to you and your chosen deity/deities. However, when that "religious freedom" affects your public, for-profit business and your employees? That's where the line's being crossed.
[via CNN, New York Times]
Artist Channels a-ha's "Take On Me" for Photography and Illustration Collection
a-ha's 1985 video for "Take One Me" opened the door for serious music video production by not only crafting a compelling narrative, but introducing some revolutionary (at the time) technology by combining live-action with illustration via rotoscoping (which itself was used decades later in Richard Linklater's Waking Life and A Scanner Darkly). Many artists have used the combination of real life and illustration in numerous ways over the past near-30 years, especially seen in films like Space Jam and Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
French artist Sebastien del Grosso has utilized the combination of photography and digital illustration to create his latest series, "L'esquisse d'une vie," which translates into "The Sketch of Life." We've seen some amazing Photoshop-based art collections lately, such as Martin De Pasquale's series we shared a few weeks ago, but there's something extra special about del Grosso's series thanks to his illustrations.
You can check out some of my favorite pieces from "L'esquisse d'une vie" below, but be sure to check out del Grosso's Behance page for the full collection, including a step-by-step process on how he put them all together.
[via PetaPixel]
[IG Weekly] laura_austin
Everybody is on their phone. Thousands of people everyday wear out their thumbs scrolling through photos, deciding which ones to post on Instagram. It’s so easy to do whether you’re a photographer or not; just point, shoot, choose a filter and post whatever you created. From funny duck face selfies, to breathtaking landscapes, to gritty city streets. Some use it as visual journal giving glimpses of their lives, while others have taken it to another level by creating works of art. All of us at Ruby Hornet are fans of the social media platform and decided to do a weekly series highlighting people whose Instagrams stand above the rest. Let us know in the comments section if you’d like to be featured, or let us know about some other cool Instagrams. Be sure to follow Ruby Hornet on Instagram, too.
This week’s featured Instagram comes from @laura_austin. This is one of my favorite Instagram accounts because of the photos this photographer takes on her adventures. There are a ton of landscape shots that capture some amazing scenery that make me want to pack my bags and go explore. Whether she’s taking shots during the golden hour or at night, she has a style all his own definitely worth checking out . You can see some of her photos here and make sure to head on over to her gallery for more awesome imagery.
[via @laura_austin]
Capturing Photos Inside a Wave by Clark Little
Photos by Clark Little
Photographer Clark Little is incredible at capturing photos inside some of pretty fierce waves. In fact, some of his photos were shot by diving head first into some of the world's largest waves, and he's not stopping.
Little started out as a surfer lover on the North Shore of the Hawaiian island of Oahu. After wanting a good photo of a wave for his home, he ventured out into the ocean to capture it himself, and the rest is history. Now he conquers the big surf with nothing more than flippers and a camera, and his work has reached audiences around the world.
The photos really just speak for themselves, they are crisp, dangerous, refreshing, all natural and just beautiful. Check out some of our favorites below, and be sure to follow his Instagram here. Also check out this very intriguing interview, and tag-along with Vice here.
[Via ReshareWorthy]
[RH Photos] No Color at Insit Studios (6/21/2014)
Photos by Jessi Grant
This is the first in a series of two pieces by Contributing Writer Jessi Grant exploring No Color, a new campaign dedicated to creating a foundation of diversity and positivity within the Chicago arts and creative scene.
After a tiring night of waiting tables, I made my way to Bronzeville to cover No Color's pioneering event. Upon entering Insit Studios sometime after 11pm, I was greeted by the beats of DJ Al Cheeks and the poetic words of one of the event's attendees. The crowd stood close and attentive, some waiting eagerly to step up to the mic. I became quickly enchanted by the contagious energy of the room, leaving behind my post-work fatigue.
Established by long-time friends Vee Miyagi and Steven Reaves, No Color is a campaign with the ultimate goal to unite artists from diverse backgrounds to do positive work for the community while reducing racial tensions within the arts. In order to meet their ambitions, the campaign plans to maneuver throughout various communities of Chicago using all forms of art and creativity as its driving force. Miyagi decided to house their first event at Insit Studios after gaining the support of owner Koto and learning about the charitable work his establishment has done for the Bronzeville neighborhood.
Koto hosted the June 21 event alongside Frankie Robinson of Power 92.3. The event opened by engaging attendants in the filming of a TV pilot In The Loop, a production of Chicago's 2 Guys on the Reel. Shortly after, musical performers took to the mic including Ace League, Freaky Dray, and event organizers Vee Miyagi, Reggie Ruler, Illiad, and Steven Reaves (going by his stage name King Reaves). Featured Jamla Records artist Add-2 performed the longest set of the evening with drummer Donte Webb aka Tay Sticks. The performance portion of the evening also allowed time for an impromptu cypher led by artists in attendance.
After the performances, the space remained open for attendees to connect with one another and view the artwork adorning the walls. Osei Agyeman-Badu, a featured artist in the gallery space, conducted a live example of Pyrography, a practice in which the artist uses a small torch and other various instruments to burn wood in order to create portraits. Throughout the duration of the evening, Badu worked on a piece depicting Malcom X. Additional depictions of other leaders and well-known artists in the Black community, including Erykah Badu and Nelson Mandela, sparked admiration and discussion among No Color's guests.
Originally intending to exist in the event as a spectator, I ended up having several engaging conversations with both the event organizers and attendees. I felt part of both the space and community of artists and inspired minds within. From my own experiences and those I observed in my surroundings, it was clear that No Color succeeded in building a community based on honest, meaningful, and supportive connections. A portion of the event's proceeds will go to The Center for New Horizons, a non-profit organization assisting children, youth, and families in Bronzeville and Riverdale.
Emily Ratajkowski Covers GQ's July 2014 Issue
It's officially summer, so it's only natural that Emily Ratajkowski graces the cover of GQ yet again. Ever since EmRata appeared in Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines" video, her stock has steadily soared, perhaps even matching fellow model Kate Upton's popularity. With a role in David Fincher's upcoming Gone Girl this October, it's only a matter of time before Ratajkowski becomes an international sex icon... if she wasn't already considered one. Considering EmRata's popularity on Ruby Hornet in the past, it's only fitting that we spotlight her latest spread in GQ with these photos shot by Michael Thompson. Honestly, what makes a summer photo spread possess more of a "summer" vibe than a girl in a bikini covered in dirt and mud?
Check out GQ's latest photos and a behind the scenes video with EmRata below.
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[via GQ]
Photos You Don't See from the World Cup
The 2014 FIFA World Cup games have begun this week, and although there should be much to celebrate, the streets of Brazil tell a different story. Since the decision was made for Rio de Janeiro to hold this year's grand event, more than a million demonstrators have been hitting the streets to protest against the billions of dollars being spent on sports stadiums while education, housing, healthcare, public transportation and other social services go begging for assistance. Hidden behind the glitz and glamour of this internationally beloved event is a great population of people living in suffrage and poverty stricken conditions, in one of the most unequal countries in the world.
With everything going on in Brazil, DOSE.com shared photos from various online media outlets, that you don't typically see in coverage on the World Cup. Whether it's photos of anti-World Cup street art, police violent, protest, or poverty, each tell an important back story that the rest of the world should see. Check them out below, and find more information on the photo sources here.
"The World Cup will continue for a few days, but the lives of these people will continue long after that."- Dose
[Via DOSE]
[IG Weekly] karim.mustafa
Everybody is on their phone. Thousands of people everyday wear out their thumbs scrolling through photos, deciding which ones to post on Instagram. It’s so easy to do whether you’re a photographer or not; just point, shoot, choose a filter and post whatever you created. From funny duck face selfies, to breathtaking landscapes, to gritty city streets. Some use it as visual journal giving glimpses of their lives, while others have taken it to another level by creating works of art. All of us at Ruby Hornet are fans of the social media platform and decided to do a weekly series highlighting people whose Instagrams stand above the rest. Let us know in the comments section if you’d like to be featured, or let us know about some other cool Instagrams. Be sure to follow Ruby Hornet on Instagram, too.
This week’s featured Instagram comes from karim.mustafa. This Instagrammer really captures some awesome images of NY/NJ and really pays attention to composition. You might have seen other galleries of the same cities, but this one stands out from the bunch thanks to his night time shots. Whether he's taking shots during the golden hour or at night, he has a style all his own definitely worth checking out . You can see some of his photos here. Make sure to head on over to his Instagram and hit that follow button for some more awesome imagery.
[via @karim.mustafa]
