Link About It: This Week’s Picks

Inventing transparent wood, saving a language, how emoji is changing the way we communicate and more in this week's look at the web

1. How Empowerment Became a Purchasable Product Originally used by social workers to encourage marginalized communities to rise up from poverty and oppression, the term “empowerment” has taken on completely different definitions in recent years. It’s been transformed into a mass-marketing tactic—especially when pertaining to women—flaunted by corporations (like the #StrengthHasNoGender campaign from Brawny paper towels, a company owned by Koch Brothers who have spent …

Alluring Images of LA’s Vibrant Courtyards

LA-native TJ Tambellini tracks down the uncomplicated beauty of Los Angeles’ vibrant patios and balconies in his photo series “Court Yard.” Zooming in on lush details like a turquoise lawn hose or a set of sun-drenched pool chairs, the images deliver an alluring look at behind-the-scenes SoCal through thoughtful framing and pleasing color pairings. It’s “not a straight documentation of these central courtyards, but rather …

The Impossible Project’s New I-1 Instant Film Camera

Continuing its quest to revive instant film photography, The Impossible Project has created a brand new instant camera called the I-1. The company previously collected and refurbished old Polaroid type 600 cameras to sell online, but starting May 10th, their very own take on the instant camera will be up for sale. The I-1 merges the old-school allure of instant film with high-tech features of …