Cats In Films (Year Of the Cat) -- VIDEO

I'm someone who is generally considered a 'cat person'. I would take it farther, however, in that I respect all species equally; I am entirely against speciesism. But yes, I am a cat person.

After seeing 'Inside Llewyn Davis' last month, and falling deeply for Ulysses the cat who I consider the hero of that Coen brothers film, I had an inkling to piece together a (hopefully) beautiful and especially respectful tribute to cats who've appeared in films. I immediately knew I'd want to use Al Stewart's song 'The Year Of The Cat'. As a music-and-film-driven videographer who loves cats, and also loves that particular song, this was all an inevitability.

After gathering all the media I could find, I created the video over the course of a few days. I wasn't entirely satisfied when it was completed last Sunday. But I waited, then shared the video on my social media channels on Monday. This video meant a great deal to me, so I asked and practically pleaded (for the first time, ever) for friends to watch and share. A few did and I was appreciative for their support of my efforts (as this sort of 'super-cut' video does take some effort!)

By Tuesday afternoon, I noticed the views were creeping up slightly. And faster. I found out Tuesday night that the video had been posted on Neatorama, which was a wonderful surprise. By Wednesday, in the early afternoon, I discovered that Slate.com had picked it up as well (via Neatorama.) An even bigger surprise. I'm happy the video has gotten some traction since it was meant to be seen and enjoyed by other like-minded cat lovers. I hope it might even instill a sense of respect for all species, somehow.

Here is my celebratory tribute to cats in films –– 'Cats In Films (Year Of The Cat)'.

Vintage Ads: How Sanderson's Home Decor & Wallpaper Brand Appealed To The 'Me Decade'

Sanderson is an English wallpaper, interior design and decorating company. It is the oldest surviving English brand in its field. The Sanderson brand is known for its coordinated fabric and wallpapers.

In the 1970's, Sanderson's print ads included a series featuring some famous Brits and one Swede, Britt Ekland, who was also a resident Brit. The ad copy says simply: 'Very Britt Ekland, very Sanderson.'

Ekland's ad is from around 1973. She had yet to appear as a Bond girl and would soon play Mary Goodnight in 'The Man With The Golden Gun', which was released in 1974. Other ads from this print campaign feature Ekland's fellow Bond girl, Diana Rigg (the only Mrs. Bond, Tracy Bond, in 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service' in 1969); the singer and actress Petula Clark; and famed British chef Robert Carrier.

The standard in 1970's home decor entailed matching one's wallpaper with fabrics, like the curtains and sofa covers. Sanderson had enough clout to suggest a connection between its brand name and a one's ability to decorate his or her home to reflect a distinctive style.

If a home is 'very' someone, but also very Sanderson, this indicates Sanderson values (and can accommodate) each person's unique design preference. In the midst of the 'Me Decade', the idea of a brand being able to cater to one's individual taste had to have been a novel and appealing concept. Which is why these Sanderson print ads are a strong time capsule. They capture not only the look and feel of the 1970's, but also a concept that Sanderson, as a company, perceived to be desirable to the people of that era.