My favorite topics covered in class was deviance and panic, the copycat effect, and the crime and drug problem. I also really enjoyed the media role in suicide article as well as the free blog entries - though I sometimes found them difficult.
To me, deviance is a very interesting subject. I think that I have trouble wrapping my head around it and because of that, hearing other peoples thoughts on it made that class extremely thought provoking. I also liked the way Dr. Castle set up that class, where we had to think of things that were deviants and not crimes, and crimes but not deviants. That was difficult and I enjoyed that a lot.
The copycat effect was another one of my favorites for a similar reason. I don't know if I believe it to be true, or if i can understand just how far that can go. It was definitely helpful to learn some statistics as well as hear some stories of related crimes.
I think everyone enjoys learning about drug-related crimes. The heroine article was super fascinating and talking about the drug cartel in Columbia, in class, was really fun.
The media role in suicide article just seemed pertinent at the time, at least to my life. There had been many suicides in the media recently and I had been studying them in depth, as well as hate crimes, and I thought that article came at a good time. I was happy to go to class knowing we'd be discussing this issues.
Lastly, the free blogs were fun because I got to talk about whatever I wanted to, and often times that topic was myself. Everyone enjoys talking about themselves.
My least favorite topics were the Scopes Monkey Trial because I've learned and talked about them many, many times, and I can't pinpoint which topics these were but sometimes, perhaps even during a topic I found interesting, the discussion lagged. Either people made idiotic comments (and not in a joking manner) or the class just didn't seem interested. When no one is engaged, it's hard for me to remain engaged, as well. I also am torn with my feelings on the diamond discussion. I am extremely grateful that Dr. Castle showed it because now I am not going to buy diamonds but it really was a "buzzkill", if you will. The Sarah Mclachlin video was so sad. It was also frustrating because I realize a few people are not going to change it. I'd also like to point out that I'm a big advocator for inclusive language and it's not secret that I'm a big feminist so with that said... I feel that discussion was heteronormatively directed. Assumably, men are asking women for their hand in marriage. Women have husbands, men have wives. Men have to buy the diamonds. Men deal with the pressure of romanticizing the relationship - through diamond engagement rings. Well, not necessarily. But, anyways...
I would like to see the topics I enjoyed the most expanded. Makes sense, right? Also, as much as I hated the media fast, I'd like to see it expanded. We did it and I understand the point of it, but I think blogging about it wasn't enough. I don't feel like it was monitored enough (though I can't really figure out how it would be monitored) and we didn't discuss it that much in class. I think the topics I liked least can easily be limited. I'd have to really look into the course content as a whole, directed toward the big picture, before I decided if anything could actually be limited. Maybe I would discuss more mediums. One day we had a discussion about news channels and perhaps that is applicable to some students' lives but I, personally, don't watch the news if I have down-time. I never watch TV but if I have time to relax, news is not going to be the station I turn on. I hated that discussion.
I'm not sure I'd vary much from how Dr. Castle taught it but I have read some extremely interesting books on this subject and I think I would implement them, and then pull a few of the articles away. I think I'd open with the media fast and then broad subjects about media and justice and eventually get more specific. I would also keep the presentation. I'd probably also give a short paper on how media and justice affect one's life or something. Something simple, but something to give the students another grade. I guess this would be a mid-term. I'm not sure I'd keep the blogs. I'd have to think of something to replace them with first. They were helpful for the most-part. I'd also like to figure out a way to monitor class discussion. Dr. Castle, you are a very patient person, but I am not. I think if the discussion veered away from my point, I'd have to redirect it. Also, Dr. Castle, you leave your opinion out, often, so it's hard for me to determine what exactly you're looking to hear. I would definitely share my opinion with my students after discussion, or during, to push them in certain directions and so they could see all sides of the arguments.
My ideal course content would be focusing more on the mediums that I know students use. I would keep the content pretty similar to the one we had, though. I really enjoyed this class.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
Freedom Writers
One of my favorite movies of all time is Freedom Writers. Haven't seen it? Do it. It'll change your life. It's one of those.
Here's a little background info: the main characters are Hilary Swank, Patrick Dempsey, and Scott Glenn. They make a great case in this movie. Basically, a quick synopsis of this movie is that Hilary Swank, a white woman, becomes a teacher in a new school. The school used to be high-achieving but an integration program has just been put in place so now the students are predominantly black and hispanic. They are referred to as "unteachables." Generally, these students aren't well educated and seemingly so, they don't have bright futures. Most of the students are gang members, as well. Hilary Swank, that magical woman, is slightly discouraged because even the department head won't let the students have books because she is afraid they will be damaged. Of course, Hilary Swank gains the students' trust and eventually gets them composition books and they begin to come to class often and have the desire to learn and blahblahblah it ends on a happy note, like most movies do.
The justice issues are basically in the plot line. The gang affiliations and the racial segregation are the two biggest justice issues in this movie. There is also a drive by shooting in the movie and, because of this shooting, there is a court hearing. The education, or lackthereof, is a huge justice issue along with the department head not wanting to fund books. I don't know much about how funding books works in school but I do think it seems slightly unorthodox that if a school has the money for supplies, it CHOOSES not to get them. I'm not sure if department heads have that choice or not, but it seems like a justice issue to me.
Here's a little background info: the main characters are Hilary Swank, Patrick Dempsey, and Scott Glenn. They make a great case in this movie. Basically, a quick synopsis of this movie is that Hilary Swank, a white woman, becomes a teacher in a new school. The school used to be high-achieving but an integration program has just been put in place so now the students are predominantly black and hispanic. They are referred to as "unteachables." Generally, these students aren't well educated and seemingly so, they don't have bright futures. Most of the students are gang members, as well. Hilary Swank, that magical woman, is slightly discouraged because even the department head won't let the students have books because she is afraid they will be damaged. Of course, Hilary Swank gains the students' trust and eventually gets them composition books and they begin to come to class often and have the desire to learn and blahblahblah it ends on a happy note, like most movies do.
The justice issues are basically in the plot line. The gang affiliations and the racial segregation are the two biggest justice issues in this movie. There is also a drive by shooting in the movie and, because of this shooting, there is a court hearing. The education, or lackthereof, is a huge justice issue along with the department head not wanting to fund books. I don't know much about how funding books works in school but I do think it seems slightly unorthodox that if a school has the money for supplies, it CHOOSES not to get them. I'm not sure if department heads have that choice or not, but it seems like a justice issue to me.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Dave Matthews Band: Cry Freedom
How can I turn away
Brother/Sister go dancing
Through my head
Human as to human
The future is no place
To place your better days
Cry freedom cry
From a crowd 10,000 wide
Hope laid upon hope
That this crowd will not subside
Let this flag burn to dust
And a new a fair design be raised
While we wait head in hands
Hands in prayer
And fall into a dreamless sleep again
And we wave our hands
Hands and feet are all alike
But gold between divide us
Hands and feet are all alike
But fear between divide us
All slip away
There was a window and by it stood
A mirror in which
He could see himself
He thought of something
Something he had never had but hoped would come along
Cry freedom, cry
From deep inside
Where we are all confined
While we wave hands in fire
Wave our hands
Hands and feet are all alike
But gold between divide us
Hands and feet are all alike
But fear between divide us,
Slip away
In this room stood a little child
And in this room this little child
She would remain
Until someone might decide
To dance this little child
Across this hall
Into a cold, dark, space
Where she might never trace her way across this crooked mile
Across this crooked page
Cry freedom, cry
From deep inside where
We are all confined
Till we wave our hands
How can I turn away
Brother/Sister go dancing
Through my head
Human as to human
The future is no place
To place your better days
Hands and feet are all alike
But gold between divide us
Hands and feet are all alike
But fear between divide us
Hands and feet are all alike
Hear what I say
Hear what I say
Oh, so be it
How can I turn away
Brother/Sister go dancing
Through my head
Human as to human
The future is no place
To place your better days
This song doesn't have an official music video, so here's this: Cry Freedom
To my knowledge, this song is about the apartheid (which I'm actually doing a project on right now, so this could come in handy) because Dave Matthews used to live in South Africa so many of his songs replicate his experiences there and his attachment to his past. This song conveys the lack of togetherness and unity in South Africa during the apartheid and the want and desire for such. This is one of my favorite Dave Matthews Band songs because it is so soothing and I really enjoy the line, "the future is no place to place your better days." I think Dave is saying to live in the present and enjoy it because one cannot assume there is a tomorrow.
Brother/Sister go dancing
Through my head
Human as to human
The future is no place
To place your better days
Cry freedom cry
From a crowd 10,000 wide
Hope laid upon hope
That this crowd will not subside
Let this flag burn to dust
And a new a fair design be raised
While we wait head in hands
Hands in prayer
And fall into a dreamless sleep again
And we wave our hands
Hands and feet are all alike
But gold between divide us
Hands and feet are all alike
But fear between divide us
All slip away
There was a window and by it stood
A mirror in which
He could see himself
He thought of something
Something he had never had but hoped would come along
Cry freedom, cry
From deep inside
Where we are all confined
While we wave hands in fire
Wave our hands
Hands and feet are all alike
But gold between divide us
Hands and feet are all alike
But fear between divide us,
Slip away
In this room stood a little child
And in this room this little child
She would remain
Until someone might decide
To dance this little child
Across this hall
Into a cold, dark, space
Where she might never trace her way across this crooked mile
Across this crooked page
Cry freedom, cry
From deep inside where
We are all confined
Till we wave our hands
How can I turn away
Brother/Sister go dancing
Through my head
Human as to human
The future is no place
To place your better days
Hands and feet are all alike
But gold between divide us
Hands and feet are all alike
But fear between divide us
Hands and feet are all alike
Hear what I say
Hear what I say
Oh, so be it
How can I turn away
Brother/Sister go dancing
Through my head
Human as to human
The future is no place
To place your better days
This song doesn't have an official music video, so here's this: Cry Freedom
To my knowledge, this song is about the apartheid (which I'm actually doing a project on right now, so this could come in handy) because Dave Matthews used to live in South Africa so many of his songs replicate his experiences there and his attachment to his past. This song conveys the lack of togetherness and unity in South Africa during the apartheid and the want and desire for such. This is one of my favorite Dave Matthews Band songs because it is so soothing and I really enjoy the line, "the future is no place to place your better days." I think Dave is saying to live in the present and enjoy it because one cannot assume there is a tomorrow.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Reflections on Speaker
I enjoyed the speaker on Thursday. I thought the powerpoint made it a little more boring than expected but that is only because I had a very similar suicide awareness program presented to my organization the week prior. As a matter of fact, Katie Baird was supposed to help facilitate this program, seeing as she is certified in this area and our organization wanted someone from Varner House present. However, Katie was out of town and we found a man named Patrick from the LGBT & Ally Education program who just so happened to be certified in suicide prevention as well.
I think the way Patrick presented was more effective than the way Katie presented, and for this reason, Katie didn't impress me much. Patrick started out with a view videos from the "It Gets Better" campaign and then had the group (which was larger than 40 people) pair up and discuss our reference points with one another. It became deep and slightly emotional and I'm not advocating that for a classroom in which people don't know each other well but I will say the next activity Patrick did was very productive. Patrick, then, did role playing with the president of our organization and I think that put everything in perspective for me. We all were supposed to pay close attention to the questions Patrick was acting and what he said in reaction to our president. I think this was the most helpful part of the presentation. Then, lastly, Patrick had us discuss our forms of resiliency and how these can be effective when one is contemplating/thinking about suicide and I also found this helpful.
I wish Katie had discussed resiliency and made this subject seem more applicable to each of our individual lives. It's one thing to read statistics and hear that this topic is more prominent in our lives than we once thought but it is another thing when one can envision their friends coming to them with thoughts of suicide. Katie made it seem more like she was talking at us, rather than trying to help us if we are ever in the same situation. I did think it was helpful and important to talk about and I'm glad you brought her to class.
If you're interested, here's a video from the It Gets Better Project. It's Kermit the Frog!
I think the way Patrick presented was more effective than the way Katie presented, and for this reason, Katie didn't impress me much. Patrick started out with a view videos from the "It Gets Better" campaign and then had the group (which was larger than 40 people) pair up and discuss our reference points with one another. It became deep and slightly emotional and I'm not advocating that for a classroom in which people don't know each other well but I will say the next activity Patrick did was very productive. Patrick, then, did role playing with the president of our organization and I think that put everything in perspective for me. We all were supposed to pay close attention to the questions Patrick was acting and what he said in reaction to our president. I think this was the most helpful part of the presentation. Then, lastly, Patrick had us discuss our forms of resiliency and how these can be effective when one is contemplating/thinking about suicide and I also found this helpful.
I wish Katie had discussed resiliency and made this subject seem more applicable to each of our individual lives. It's one thing to read statistics and hear that this topic is more prominent in our lives than we once thought but it is another thing when one can envision their friends coming to them with thoughts of suicide. Katie made it seem more like she was talking at us, rather than trying to help us if we are ever in the same situation. I did think it was helpful and important to talk about and I'm glad you brought her to class.
If you're interested, here's a video from the It Gets Better Project. It's Kermit the Frog!
Monday, November 1, 2010
Boo York
As you may or may not have already known, NYC has a huge Halloween parade every year. This year was the 38th annual parade. Millions of NYC residents, among many others, dress up in remarkably creative costumes and parade through the street. To my knowledge, this parade is somewhat comparable to New Orleans' Mardi Gras, with less bare breasts and booze. The Halloween Parade is largest grass-roots event in the nation. Each year there is a theme. After 9/11 the theme was the Pheonix Rising and after Hurricane Katrina it was the Pheonix Re-Rising. This year the theme was Remembrances of the Dead.
This Halloween Parade gets a lot of media attention because it is the largest parade in the nation, for this holiday. Also, I assume, because New York is the capital of creativity and fashion so I assume native New Yorkers having amazing costumes. This parade has its own website where one can make donation toward the parade's fundraisers. The parade can be watched on TV if you're one of the unlucky one's who cannot make it!
This Halloween Parade gets a lot of media attention because it is the largest parade in the nation, for this holiday. Also, I assume, because New York is the capital of creativity and fashion so I assume native New Yorkers having amazing costumes. This parade has its own website where one can make donation toward the parade's fundraisers. The parade can be watched on TV if you're one of the unlucky one's who cannot make it!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
obamapiphany?
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2010/10/28/a-shift-in-obamas-same-sex-marriage-vow/#more-131550
I just came across this article when browsing through the CNN website and the title of it made me want to explore. Though uplifting, I think by the end of the article I was slightly disappointed. The article mentions that Obama is having a change of heart about same-sex marriages after speaking with people in his administration about how they are treated differently. I think that, being a minority himself, Obama can sympathize with feelings of alienation and oppression. Whatever the case may be, it seems like Obama strives for equality. If that is the case, maybe there will be same-sex marriage in the future.
I met a woman that works in the Obama administration in the commerce department and she is a transgender woman. Her name is Amanda Simpson and she's the first transgender presidential appointee. I think that shows for something and I think having people of the LGBT community in the administration will continue to open Obama's mind.
The latter part of the article discussed DADT (don't ask, don't tell) and Obama said that he feels this topic should be decided by the Congress, not the courts. I'm not sure how I feel about this. Neither seem appealing to me, and either situation frustrates me. I think Obama should step in and say how he feels about it.
I just came across this article when browsing through the CNN website and the title of it made me want to explore. Though uplifting, I think by the end of the article I was slightly disappointed. The article mentions that Obama is having a change of heart about same-sex marriages after speaking with people in his administration about how they are treated differently. I think that, being a minority himself, Obama can sympathize with feelings of alienation and oppression. Whatever the case may be, it seems like Obama strives for equality. If that is the case, maybe there will be same-sex marriage in the future.
I met a woman that works in the Obama administration in the commerce department and she is a transgender woman. Her name is Amanda Simpson and she's the first transgender presidential appointee. I think that shows for something and I think having people of the LGBT community in the administration will continue to open Obama's mind.
The latter part of the article discussed DADT (don't ask, don't tell) and Obama said that he feels this topic should be decided by the Congress, not the courts. I'm not sure how I feel about this. Neither seem appealing to me, and either situation frustrates me. I think Obama should step in and say how he feels about it.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Bill Curtis
Well... I wasn't in class on Monday so I didn't get to see the movie...so a reflection would be difficult. I heard great things about it though! I wish I had got to see it. Good choice, I'm sure, Dr. Castle :)
Thursday, October 21, 2010
So you agree, you think you're really pretty?
My friends and I are obsessed with the movie, "Mean Girls". Obsessed. All of us. Every person I meet, I think I base our future "close-ness" on how well they quote that movie. Sad, I know.
Anyways, my senior year of high school, my school and a few surrounding schools were putting on a talent show. This talent show was going to be big. A team from America's Best Dance Crew was performing because one of their members went to one of the schools involved. So I knew I had to have a great routine. Well, unfortunately, my friends and I are some of the least talented people on this Earth. So we did what any talentless teens would do. The Mean Girls Dance.
We knew that dance better than the back of our hands. Even the lines before and after the dance. Granted, none of us can sing so when it came time for Lindsay Lohan to sing when the music cut, I'm sure we sounded awful. Regardless, I think we did a damn good job. I've never been so proud to call myself Gretchen Weiners.
Too bad the judges had never seen the movie...needless to say, we did not win. We looked foolish.
Anyways, my senior year of high school, my school and a few surrounding schools were putting on a talent show. This talent show was going to be big. A team from America's Best Dance Crew was performing because one of their members went to one of the schools involved. So I knew I had to have a great routine. Well, unfortunately, my friends and I are some of the least talented people on this Earth. So we did what any talentless teens would do. The Mean Girls Dance.
We knew that dance better than the back of our hands. Even the lines before and after the dance. Granted, none of us can sing so when it came time for Lindsay Lohan to sing when the music cut, I'm sure we sounded awful. Regardless, I think we did a damn good job. I've never been so proud to call myself Gretchen Weiners.
Too bad the judges had never seen the movie...needless to say, we did not win. We looked foolish.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Repeat that order, please
I wasn't in town this weekend for Homecoming because I was at the Ingrid Michaelson Concert in Charlottesville! She's so great. She interacts with the audience on a level that some comedians can't even reach. I was super impressed by her.
But, okay. Let's talk about a little event that occurred right before the concert which made me realize how language barriers can impair success even with the simplest of media.
Before the concert, my three friends and I ordered Chinese food. Two orders were put on one credit card, and two on another. We specifically told the man on the phone, whom did not speak English well AT ALL, that they're two orders but need to come to the same place, so make them all together, please? He pretended to understand.
Needless to say, two of us were eating and finished for a half hour. The other two called the restaurant again and they were extremely confused. Yes, they gave us our two orders. We already got them.
Oh. Um, no. Those were just two dinners, not the two ORDERS. So, after much confusion on their part, my friends finally got their food. I felt bad that the delivery man had to go back and forth twice, but I really thought this situation was made clear.
My point is that even with cell phones and online that can track orders and make it visual for the employees, there are still significant problems in the restaurant business because of language barriers.
But, okay. Let's talk about a little event that occurred right before the concert which made me realize how language barriers can impair success even with the simplest of media.
Before the concert, my three friends and I ordered Chinese food. Two orders were put on one credit card, and two on another. We specifically told the man on the phone, whom did not speak English well AT ALL, that they're two orders but need to come to the same place, so make them all together, please? He pretended to understand.
Needless to say, two of us were eating and finished for a half hour. The other two called the restaurant again and they were extremely confused. Yes, they gave us our two orders. We already got them.
Oh. Um, no. Those were just two dinners, not the two ORDERS. So, after much confusion on their part, my friends finally got their food. I felt bad that the delivery man had to go back and forth twice, but I really thought this situation was made clear.
My point is that even with cell phones and online that can track orders and make it visual for the employees, there are still significant problems in the restaurant business because of language barriers.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Cheesus Christ...
So, okay. Let's just go ahead and accept that the media is based entirely on stereotypes. I got it. I know. You don't want to read about it anymore...
That said... Did anyone catch last week's episode of Glee?
The episode was titled "Grilled Cheesus" and centered around our favorite group of awkward high school kids struggling with religion in various ways. After his father experiences a life-threatening heart attack, Kurt, the show's "token gay", expresses his atheism to his friends in New Directions.
So let's take a guess: When we're talking religion and stereotypes, the black girl is a gospel church goer, the blonde cheerleader has specific, predictably protestant beliefs that cause her to be offended when someone suggests an alternate belief system and the gay kid doesn't believe in God.
Okay, cool. You don't need to watch the episode, because that's exactly what happened.
Now I'm no Glee hater. I love the music, and I think Lea Michele is gorgeous. But I just thought this particular character breakdown was unusually predictable, even for Glee.
That said... Did anyone catch last week's episode of Glee?
The episode was titled "Grilled Cheesus" and centered around our favorite group of awkward high school kids struggling with religion in various ways. After his father experiences a life-threatening heart attack, Kurt, the show's "token gay", expresses his atheism to his friends in New Directions.
So let's take a guess: When we're talking religion and stereotypes, the black girl is a gospel church goer, the blonde cheerleader has specific, predictably protestant beliefs that cause her to be offended when someone suggests an alternate belief system and the gay kid doesn't believe in God.
Okay, cool. You don't need to watch the episode, because that's exactly what happened.
Now I'm no Glee hater. I love the music, and I think Lea Michele is gorgeous. But I just thought this particular character breakdown was unusually predictable, even for Glee.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Shenandoah Hate Crime Trial Begins
http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/10/04/pennsylvania.immigrant.beating.death/index.html?npt=NP1
First, I'd like to point out that I chose this article because of the recent events that have occurred at Rutgers University. I didn't do that case because it is high profile, but I wish it was getting even more attention. Hate crimes are a terrible thing in America.
My article is about a Mexican immigrant named Luis Ramirez who was beaten to death by three young men in Pennsylvania. The three men were drunk walking home from a bar and saw Luis and beat him to death while yelling racial slurs at him.The three men were first convicted of a misdemeanor simple assault. All felony charges were acquitted. After the verdict, the Governor of Pennsylvania wrote a letter to the U.S. Attorney General suggesting that the Justice Department pursue civil rights charges. One of the men's charges were dropped but the other two are facing hate crime charges now. If the two are convicted of the hate crime, they could face life in prison.
I do not think this crime is entertainment. The part of the CJ article that this reminded me of was the Crime Justice Policy and Media Research section. To me, this article instilled fear into the readers minds. I think this article isolates public interest groups, especially with the other recent hate crimes, and it shoves another traumatic hate crime in their face. This hate crime certainly makes some individuals feel victimized.
I happen to agree with the way the article is presented. It shows the seriousness of hate crimes and by instilling fear in the readers mind, perhaps adversaries of certain groups will have a change of heart.
First, I'd like to point out that I chose this article because of the recent events that have occurred at Rutgers University. I didn't do that case because it is high profile, but I wish it was getting even more attention. Hate crimes are a terrible thing in America.
My article is about a Mexican immigrant named Luis Ramirez who was beaten to death by three young men in Pennsylvania. The three men were drunk walking home from a bar and saw Luis and beat him to death while yelling racial slurs at him.The three men were first convicted of a misdemeanor simple assault. All felony charges were acquitted. After the verdict, the Governor of Pennsylvania wrote a letter to the U.S. Attorney General suggesting that the Justice Department pursue civil rights charges. One of the men's charges were dropped but the other two are facing hate crime charges now. If the two are convicted of the hate crime, they could face life in prison.
I do not think this crime is entertainment. The part of the CJ article that this reminded me of was the Crime Justice Policy and Media Research section. To me, this article instilled fear into the readers minds. I think this article isolates public interest groups, especially with the other recent hate crimes, and it shoves another traumatic hate crime in their face. This hate crime certainly makes some individuals feel victimized.
I happen to agree with the way the article is presented. It shows the seriousness of hate crimes and by instilling fear in the readers mind, perhaps adversaries of certain groups will have a change of heart.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Double Amputee Returns to front lines in Afghanistan
1. http://www.foxnews.com/world/2010/09/25/wounded-iraq-double-amputee-returns-lines-afghanistan/
2. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39356718/ns/world_news-south_and_central_asia/
The story I chose is about a double amputee, Dan Luckett, returning to the front lines in Afghanistan, two years after the amputation of one of his legs and one of his feet. The articles basically explained his story; how Luckett lost his limbs and his rather quick road to recovery, along with some comedy about how he behaves with his prosthetic leg now. Interestingly enough, the articles in both Fox and MSNBC were the EXACT same. Word for word, they were the same article. At the bottom of each, it said, "Associated Press Writer Anne Gearan in Washington contributed to this report." My thoughts are that Gearan had a lot to do with this report. So much so that the news reporters decided not to change the story at all. Perhaps she even wrote the report in its entirety and just told MSNBC and Fox that they were allowed to use it. This also leads me to believe that CNN did not cover it because two other very large networks already had the same story printed with, what clearly seem to be, the facts. In my opinion, I think this story should have been reported on. It's interesting enough that a majority of people would want to read it and it also makes people realize how devoted military men are. It shows, through emotional means, how hard they work and how passionate they are about their job.
2. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39356718/ns/world_news-south_and_central_asia/
The story I chose is about a double amputee, Dan Luckett, returning to the front lines in Afghanistan, two years after the amputation of one of his legs and one of his feet. The articles basically explained his story; how Luckett lost his limbs and his rather quick road to recovery, along with some comedy about how he behaves with his prosthetic leg now. Interestingly enough, the articles in both Fox and MSNBC were the EXACT same. Word for word, they were the same article. At the bottom of each, it said, "Associated Press Writer Anne Gearan in Washington contributed to this report." My thoughts are that Gearan had a lot to do with this report. So much so that the news reporters decided not to change the story at all. Perhaps she even wrote the report in its entirety and just told MSNBC and Fox that they were allowed to use it. This also leads me to believe that CNN did not cover it because two other very large networks already had the same story printed with, what clearly seem to be, the facts. In my opinion, I think this story should have been reported on. It's interesting enough that a majority of people would want to read it and it also makes people realize how devoted military men are. It shows, through emotional means, how hard they work and how passionate they are about their job.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
The Situation.
http://www.popcrunch.com/the-situation-iphone-app-in-apples-top-10-highest-grossing-applications/
This article makes me question why I watch the Jersey Shore. Basically, Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino is making $5 million dollars this year for...well, nothing. For being super guido and somehow landing himself a spot on a highly thought-provoking television show. Ha.
The logistics of this articles are that The Situation has his own application for iPhone. The application involves GTL-ing, which is Gym, Tan, Laundry. This app directs you to the nearest laundry mats, tanning salons, and gives you a gym workout routine. This application also involves a game among a few other little things.
Honestly, this blows my mind. if this guy can get his own iPhone application, I definitely should have one by now.
He's keeping my dreams of being on Oprah alive.
Clearly, there has been a shift in our mediums from needs to pointless desires. We used to need cell phones in the case of emergencies, the internet to research important information, television to watch the news or learn, now it's this; The Situation. I'm not complaining, I enjoy not having to use my brain when I watch television, and I certainly enjoy people on television making me feel really smart, but I can't help but think applications such as this are wasting my money.
This article makes me question why I watch the Jersey Shore. Basically, Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino is making $5 million dollars this year for...well, nothing. For being super guido and somehow landing himself a spot on a highly thought-provoking television show. Ha.
The logistics of this articles are that The Situation has his own application for iPhone. The application involves GTL-ing, which is Gym, Tan, Laundry. This app directs you to the nearest laundry mats, tanning salons, and gives you a gym workout routine. This application also involves a game among a few other little things.
Honestly, this blows my mind. if this guy can get his own iPhone application, I definitely should have one by now.
He's keeping my dreams of being on Oprah alive.
Clearly, there has been a shift in our mediums from needs to pointless desires. We used to need cell phones in the case of emergencies, the internet to research important information, television to watch the news or learn, now it's this; The Situation. I'm not complaining, I enjoy not having to use my brain when I watch television, and I certainly enjoy people on television making me feel really smart, but I can't help but think applications such as this are wasting my money.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Serial Killer in Alabama
1. http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/2009/03/10/2009-03-10_alabama_shooting_spree_suspect_michael_m.html
2. http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/2009/03/11/2009-03-11_michael_mclendon_gunman_who_killed_10_se.html
The article I tracked is about a man named Michael McLendon. He is considered a serial killer but all of his murders occurred on the same day right before he killed himself. McLendon is said to have burned down his mother's home while she was in it and then drove to his grandparents home and shot both of his grandparents, his aunt, and his uncle. After that, he drove around the town shooting people, two of which happened to be the sheriff deputy's wife and 18 month-old child. After killing 10 victims from his Mitsubishi Eclipse, he went to Reliable, which is a manufacturing metal supply factory that he once worked at. Cops caught him there and after firing 30 rounds at the officers, he shot himself.
The article focuses more on the cases than the serial killer because all of the cases occurred on the same day and it is very clearly uncharacteristic of Geneva, Alabama. The article says that the man was from Alabama and in his 30's, but not much else was mentioned about him. There were no nationwide statistics mentioned.
After realizing there was not much mentioned about the serial killer or law enforcement, I went to a related link. The second link I posted says that McLendon was an ex-cop and the law enforcement that was involved in this case found a list written by McLendon, of people who had "done him wrong". (Coffee County District Attorney Gary McAliley.)
There was some information about the victims, such as the fact that 5 of his victims were family members, including his mother, grandparents, aunt and uncle. The second article says that his aunt was not killed but his two cousins were. The other victims, besides the sheriff's wife and child, were random people and the article said very little about them. The community in which this occurred was in uproar because, as mentioned in the second article, this case is the worst mass murder by one killer in Alabama history.
2. http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/2009/03/11/2009-03-11_michael_mclendon_gunman_who_killed_10_se.html
The article I tracked is about a man named Michael McLendon. He is considered a serial killer but all of his murders occurred on the same day right before he killed himself. McLendon is said to have burned down his mother's home while she was in it and then drove to his grandparents home and shot both of his grandparents, his aunt, and his uncle. After that, he drove around the town shooting people, two of which happened to be the sheriff deputy's wife and 18 month-old child. After killing 10 victims from his Mitsubishi Eclipse, he went to Reliable, which is a manufacturing metal supply factory that he once worked at. Cops caught him there and after firing 30 rounds at the officers, he shot himself.
The article focuses more on the cases than the serial killer because all of the cases occurred on the same day and it is very clearly uncharacteristic of Geneva, Alabama. The article says that the man was from Alabama and in his 30's, but not much else was mentioned about him. There were no nationwide statistics mentioned.
After realizing there was not much mentioned about the serial killer or law enforcement, I went to a related link. The second link I posted says that McLendon was an ex-cop and the law enforcement that was involved in this case found a list written by McLendon, of people who had "done him wrong". (Coffee County District Attorney Gary McAliley.)
There was some information about the victims, such as the fact that 5 of his victims were family members, including his mother, grandparents, aunt and uncle. The second article says that his aunt was not killed but his two cousins were. The other victims, besides the sheriff's wife and child, were random people and the article said very little about them. The community in which this occurred was in uproar because, as mentioned in the second article, this case is the worst mass murder by one killer in Alabama history.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Lindsay Lohan Our Favorite Celebrity Yayyy!
1. http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/lindsay-lohan-leaves-jail-starts-90-day-rehab/story?id=11304689
2. http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2010/08/02/2010-08-02_lindsay_lohan_released_from_jail_but_will_enter_rehab_center_in_west_los_angeles.html
3. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/08/02/earlyshow/leisure/celebspot/main6735767.shtml
My articles cover Lindsay Lohan's transition from jail to rehab. All of these articles recap the day that she left jail and then went straight to a rehabilitation center, void of seeing her family.
The first article said Lohan was in jail for 13 days but the other two articles said she was in jail for 14. The first article that Lohan had been in the Lynwood Correctional Facility while the second article stated that she had been in the Century Regional Detention Facility. Both articles say she is going to rehab for bi-polar disorder and for use of amphetamines. The second article says methamphetamines and then denies the use of meth and clarifies by saying that Lohan actually was using adderall. I guess this author didn't realize that adderall is a methamphetamine. The third article actually says that Lohan will be treated for crystal meth, but then goes on to say that this quote is a fabrication. The last two articles mention that Lohan was on Adderall, Dilaudid and Zoloft. The first medication being a treatment for ADHD and the last two are anti-depressants.
To me, it seemed that each article put more emphasis on a different part of the story. The third article clearly focused on Lohan's disorders and drug problems. The second article seemed to focus more on the rumors on and surrounding the day of her leave from jail and then either confirming the rumors or shooting them down. The first article mostly focuses on the facts, or so it seems, but one can also see a bias for Lohan. The other articles seem to not be in favor of her, but the first article shows all positive comments about her, including some comments praising her looks, which seem irrelevant, if you ask me.
I think the differences in these stories would be more subtle if the emphases of each article were all on the same thing. Since there are different focuses of each article, it is much easier to notice the differences.
2. http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2010/08/02/2010-08-02_lindsay_lohan_released_from_jail_but_will_enter_rehab_center_in_west_los_angeles.html
3. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/08/02/earlyshow/leisure/celebspot/main6735767.shtml
My articles cover Lindsay Lohan's transition from jail to rehab. All of these articles recap the day that she left jail and then went straight to a rehabilitation center, void of seeing her family.
The first article said Lohan was in jail for 13 days but the other two articles said she was in jail for 14. The first article that Lohan had been in the Lynwood Correctional Facility while the second article stated that she had been in the Century Regional Detention Facility. Both articles say she is going to rehab for bi-polar disorder and for use of amphetamines. The second article says methamphetamines and then denies the use of meth and clarifies by saying that Lohan actually was using adderall. I guess this author didn't realize that adderall is a methamphetamine. The third article actually says that Lohan will be treated for crystal meth, but then goes on to say that this quote is a fabrication. The last two articles mention that Lohan was on Adderall, Dilaudid and Zoloft. The first medication being a treatment for ADHD and the last two are anti-depressants.
To me, it seemed that each article put more emphasis on a different part of the story. The third article clearly focused on Lohan's disorders and drug problems. The second article seemed to focus more on the rumors on and surrounding the day of her leave from jail and then either confirming the rumors or shooting them down. The first article mostly focuses on the facts, or so it seems, but one can also see a bias for Lohan. The other articles seem to not be in favor of her, but the first article shows all positive comments about her, including some comments praising her looks, which seem irrelevant, if you ask me.
I think the differences in these stories would be more subtle if the emphases of each article were all on the same thing. Since there are different focuses of each article, it is much easier to notice the differences.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Deviance and Moral Panics
The website I chose is both a support group and an informational site. It's also somewhat of a personal blog. The website is about thinspiration or "pro-ana". A young girl describes her experiences of being anorexic and makes it seem so positive and enlightening. She has many links on her page that go more in depth about being pro-ana. She wrote a list of reasons of why eating is so terrible, the best ways to exercise, videos and music that will help people to not eat, among many other things. The number of supporters for this website baffles me. In my opinion, this is an extreme social deviant. I believe that anorexia is a deviant in and of itself but I also know that it is a sickness, and therefore am less likely to judge someone who has this illness. This website is above and beyond that. This website is above and beyond a support group. It seems almost cult-like. I can't even fathom the insecurities of these poor young girls and I hope that somehow an end is put to this "fad," soon.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Media Critique
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/01/technology/personaltech/01pogue.html
The article I chose is a critique of the Apple iPad's. The article basically explains what an iPad is and is not capable of doing. I think it is a good article because it specifically shows both sides of the spectrum. There is a brief critique for all tech-savvy people, and a brief critique for regular individuals. In my opinion, this article was written by someone who is technologically inclined because although the article is trying to see both sides, it still seems biased. I don't think that the article is in favor of the iPad.
I assumed this article to be credible because it was posted in the New York Times, an extremely prestigious newspaper, and also went as far as to correct itself in a later posted article. The author of this article brings up great points for both sides. The iPad will play videos and DVDS for a much longer period of time than a portable DVD player or laptop, yet it's not compatible with Flash video - just to name a few.
The feedback given was both positive and negative, like I previously mentioned, but definitely geared more toward the negative side. Even after looking at the iPad in a positive light, the article was concluded with a statement about the iPad being built by perfectionists. The theory of perfectionism carries a negative connotation because it is common to believe that nothing is perfect. The author also goes on to question if people even like the concept of the iPad, mostly suggesting that the audience should not.
After taking all of the aforementioned into consideration, I do believe that this is a good critique. If the author is doing just that; critiquing, then he will most likely get the audience to second guess their fondness for the iPad. Although the author never gives any suggestions for improvement,I think that is fine because that's not his point. Rather, his point is to make the audience think twice before buying an iPad, not fix the ones that already exist.
The article I chose is a critique of the Apple iPad's. The article basically explains what an iPad is and is not capable of doing. I think it is a good article because it specifically shows both sides of the spectrum. There is a brief critique for all tech-savvy people, and a brief critique for regular individuals. In my opinion, this article was written by someone who is technologically inclined because although the article is trying to see both sides, it still seems biased. I don't think that the article is in favor of the iPad.
I assumed this article to be credible because it was posted in the New York Times, an extremely prestigious newspaper, and also went as far as to correct itself in a later posted article. The author of this article brings up great points for both sides. The iPad will play videos and DVDS for a much longer period of time than a portable DVD player or laptop, yet it's not compatible with Flash video - just to name a few.
The feedback given was both positive and negative, like I previously mentioned, but definitely geared more toward the negative side. Even after looking at the iPad in a positive light, the article was concluded with a statement about the iPad being built by perfectionists. The theory of perfectionism carries a negative connotation because it is common to believe that nothing is perfect. The author also goes on to question if people even like the concept of the iPad, mostly suggesting that the audience should not.
After taking all of the aforementioned into consideration, I do believe that this is a good critique. If the author is doing just that; critiquing, then he will most likely get the audience to second guess their fondness for the iPad. Although the author never gives any suggestions for improvement,I think that is fine because that's not his point. Rather, his point is to make the audience think twice before buying an iPad, not fix the ones that already exist.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Media Fast
I chose to do my Media Fast starting Friday night and ending Saturday night but it was a lot harder than I thought it was going to be. I chose this day because I was going to DC Friday night and I knew I wouldn't have to talk to anyone except for the people I was with. Friday night it was easy not to use my cell phone or my computer because I didn't have either of them with me. I cheated when I went to a club and, naturally, music was playing the whole time. I think in that circumstance, media was not negatively effecting my relationship with my friends but strengthening it because we all danced together and bonded more over good music. The next day wasn't hard either because my phone died during the drive back from DC at 7:00 am. As soon as I got home at 9:30 am, I went to bed until 11:30 am and then woke up and went to work until 6:00 pm. I have to use a radio/walkie talkie at work, constantly. I also kept checking my phone for the time because I didn't have a watch. After work, I was hosting a party and a friend of mine was coming to visit so I had to use my phone to make plans. When guests arrived, I put my phone away. I listened to music at the party. I never watched any TV.
I realize I cheated a lot more than I should have but I am, by nature, the type of person whom makes all the plans and expects everyone else to contact for questions. I am aware of the fact that I am very dependent on my cell phone and though sometimes I wish I didn't have one, I know I wouldn't function well without it.
I realize I cheated a lot more than I should have but I am, by nature, the type of person whom makes all the plans and expects everyone else to contact for questions. I am aware of the fact that I am very dependent on my cell phone and though sometimes I wish I didn't have one, I know I wouldn't function well without it.
Media Log for 9/2
6:00 am - Computer (Email, Weather, Facebook, E-Campus)
6:30 am - Music while I got ready
12:00-? - Cell phone (calls and texts)
I basically texted during the whole rest of the day after noon time and talked on the phone occasionally. I didn't watch any TV, but that is not out of character for me. I listened to music at a party for about 4 hours.
6:30 am - Music while I got ready
12:00-? - Cell phone (calls and texts)
I basically texted during the whole rest of the day after noon time and talked on the phone occasionally. I didn't watch any TV, but that is not out of character for me. I listened to music at a party for about 4 hours.
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