Andrew Taylor on the Business of Arts & Culture
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A massive dose of perspective
  Posted: June 23, 2006
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If you need a new sense of where you are in the universe (a common need for a Friday), just take nine minutes to watch Powers of Ten, the classic instructional film that's finally available on the web.

The film, created in 1977 by Charles and Ray Eames, begins with an image of a man sleeping on a picnic blanket, then zooms back by increasing powers of ten into the universe. Then it descends by powers of ten into the subatomic structure of his hand. It's a massive dose of perspective for those fretting over tiny little issues like multi-million-dollar performance halls, exhibition halls, and capital campaigns.

The film has had a profound impact on viewers for almost three decades now -- it even has its own web site, poster, and national celebration day. Trust me. It's worth nine minutes.