Catalyst Radio: In the Image

INTERVIEW (10:18)

Joining us today is Jay Starkey of In The Image, best known for getting lightly used clothing and houseware to those who express a need for them. In the Image serves 800 families a year and works with 32 elementary schools in the GR area. They are also a charity partner for the Fifth Third River Bank Run and will be sponsoring six recovering addicts in the 10K with Guiding Light.

"Blues Four Three" by Ron Di Salvio is this week's music from the album, "Happily Evans After.”

ANALYSIS (0:00)

Children cannot distinguish between ads and entertainment
A recent study  shows that children have a difficult time telling the difference online between advertisement and entertainment. Groups such as General Mills and McDonald's have been targeting youth with computer games that have little reference to their products as a marketing approach. A second study also shows that children who watch more television and are exposed to more commercials are at higher risk of obesity.
[More: NYT Bits 1, NYT Bits 2, NYT, Utne Reader]

Correlation between depression and music consumption
There is a link emerging between high music consumption and teen depression. A pediatric study showed that teens who consumed music with the majority of their leisure time as opposed to reading books had a significantly higher likelihood of being depressed. A clinical report published in March also showed that teens who spent significant amounts of time on social networking sites have a higher likelihood of becoming depressed.
[More: The Independent, The Hoya (Georgetown University, Pediatrics]

Largest security breach in video gaming history
A couple of weeks ago, Sony's Playstation network was hacked for personal information, and Sony neglected to inform its users till a week later. Playstation is Sony's best selling video game system, and it gives users the ability to purchase and download video games from the Internet as well as connect to other players around the world. While Sony is not sure if credit card information was obtained, the names addresses, birthdates and more  of 77 million people - including children - were stolen.
[More: Reuters]

CALENDAR ()

The Rapidian wants your snapshots of GR
Throughout all of May, The Rapidian is hosting a special photo project called Picturesque. We're asking you to capture in a photo the things you spy when you're out and about in GR that you think others miss. The photos are being shared on The Rapidian, and all registered users can contribute. To check it out, go to TheRapidian.org.
[More]

Opening reception at Sparrows Coffee, Tea and Newsstand for Heartside Gallery and Studio artists
6-9 p.m. on Friday, May 6 at Sparrows (1035 Wealthy SE)
Heartside Gallery and Studio has collaborated with local artists, comic book artists and children to put on "The Superheroes Show," an art exhibit at Sparrows. Heartside Gallery and Studio serves Heartside residents by giving them the opportunity to express themselves through art.
[More]

Trip the Light: Ephemeral
8 p.m. at Wealthy Theatre (1130 Wealthy SE)
$12.50 admission
An evening of live music and dance. No photography or video permitted. Any violations of this rule will be grounds for removal. You must be there to experience it, and when it's done, it's done baby!
[More]

Grand Rapids Public Museum's last of the spring Wurlitzer concerts
7 p.m. on May 13 and 2 p.m. on May 14 at GRPM (272 Pearl NW)
$10 admission
Each spring and fall, the public museum invites Wurlitzer organists, a dying breed, to perform on its 100 year-old Wurlitzer organ. The Wurlitzer encompasses the sounds of organ pipes to a glockenspiel, wooden blocks, horns to a fake bird cage. This month's concerts will be the last of the spring series.
[More]