Century Project Book To Be Published The Century Project is a series of nude photographs of women whose lives span from infancy to 100 years, accompanied by the subjects' personal statements. Some of the women have physical imperfections, others have experienced emotional trauma, while others portray assurance, but what they have in common is a sense of empowerment. According the The Century Project website, "the words and pictures combine to form a powerful statement about body image, society's portrayal of women in the media, sexuality, and women's health issues." What the women have in common with readers is everything. The women in these photos are not air-brushed supermodels, but real women with real bodies. The intent of the photographs is not titillation but education. The Century Project is the brainchild of Frank Cordelle, a professional photographer whose work has appeared in such major venues as Life and Newsweek. He has taken his exhibit nationwide to universities and churches. The Century Project website is even required reading for some college courses on campuses around the country. Now, Cordelle's dream of publishing a book about The Century Project is becoming a reality. Bodies and Souls: The Century Project will be published this fall by Heureka Publications. The 224-page book will feature 90 of Cordelle's stunning images, accompanied by the women's statements. The forward is written by Naomi Weinshenker, M.D., a psychiatrist on the faculty of NYU Medical School who has written and spoken nationally on various body image-related issues. 
Dear Abby OKs Visit To Nudist Resort In a recent Dear Abby column, "Wondering Wife" writes for advice on whether she should visit a nude beach or resort on her husband's suggestion, citing religious concerns. The column has long been a respected source of common sense, practical advice for millions. Abby advises Wondering Wife to consider her husband's suggestion, and states, "There is nothing sinful about going to a nude beach with one's husband." She writes that the woman will likely encounter families and people of all ages who just want to enjoy themselves, not leer at anyone else. In an interesting side note, the same day, another syndicated advice column, "Annie's Mailbox," ran a letter by "Wondering Husband" who had been talking to his wife about his interest in visiting a nude beach or resort. While Husband's wife was reluctant, Annie suggested that perhaps his wife was not as comfortable with her body as he was and maybe they should look for a nudist resort that allows visitors to "bring spouses who opt to remain clothed" as a compromise. Editors of both columns say the similar subject matter was pure coincidence. Read both columns at Editor & Publisher. Film Features Nude Wedding A new film about the over-the-top wedding industry that features a nude wedding is getting rave reviews.USA Today calls the mockumentary "pure improvisation, with some winning comic moments." Confetti satirizes the lengths people will go to for the perfect wedding. In the film, an English bridal magazine stages a contest for the most original wedding. The editors choose three engaged couples who are assigned a pair of professional wedding planners. One couple plans a musical wedding, another couple plans to center their wedding around a tennis theme, while the third pair, a nudist couple who spend much of the film naked, plan on a nude wedding. While filming Confetti, writer/director Debbie Isitt visited Spielplatz, the oldest naturist community in the UK. In a Movienet piece, she writes about her experience. Although apprehensive at first, Isitt writes that, after a short time, seeing naked people at the resort began to seem "strangely normal," and the film crew started to feel uncomfortable wearing clothes while everyone else was nude. Half an hour later, "we're all around the pool wearing nothing but our birthday suits," she writes. Read more and see photos from the film at Movienet. In-The-Buff Bluff Many who saw the sign that said "Experience a Nude Beach Today," in Garden City, Utah, were disappointed to find out that the nude beach in question was not an invitation to go skinny-dipping, but a marketing tease touting a new dessert at the Bear Lake Pizza Factory, says The Salt Lake Tribune. Bear Lake's owner and his son were experimenting with a new dessert pizza made from melted caramel, brown sugar, marshmallows, and Snickers bars, and decided it resembled the earth tone colors of a beach. And "Nude Beach" was created. The dessert took off when an employee posted the sign in front of the eatery to draw attention. The result? A 50 percent boost in sales. A Rich County sheriff stopped by to warn that anyone caught stripping can receive a citation for indecent exposure or disorderly conduct. Although some customers were disappointed, most seem happy with the new dessert. However, two brothers from northern Utah followed the signs in anticipation of a day of skinny-dipping only to find that the invites were a tease. One of the brothers could barely hide his disappointment. "I don't really eat sweets," he said. Read more at Nude Beach.  |
