AHA Moments

1. Something that really caught my eye earlier in the quarter was about the first prints of books and what kind of paper they used to write on. Papyrus, which is a type of reed that was used to make an early form of paper. I found this to be crazy because it was founded and invented in 3000 BC. It really makes you think that as a species, we have come a long way from just creating paper. There are so many new innovations and inventions still to come too.

2. Another Aha! moment I had was discovering about the Radio Act of 1912. This was put in place because the Titanic sank, and all other ships radios were turned off. For this, it is now that all ships must leave there radios on 24 hours a day. First off, I immediately thought to myself, "Well, wouldn't they already want to leave the radios on anyway just in case something happens?" I found it baffling that they didn't already have something like this in effect already, that's why this was so eye popping to me.

3. Lastly, looking at all the money spent on advertising has blown my mind. We could do so much more with that money than just spending it on one product. Seriously, is it really necessary to spend billions of dollars on an ad that might be thirty seconds long? Just alone, direct mail spends sixty billion dollars a year to get the attention of folks at their house to make them want to go buy their product. I was blown away by some of these numbers. For example: Yellow Pages: $14.2 billion, Radio: $19.6 billion, Newspapers: $47.7 billion. You notice that it doesn't say million, but BILLION! That's just crazy if you ask me. What next, a trillion dollars spent on crap that isn't going to benefit me? HORRIBLE!

Media Ethics/Law

Over the years, South Park has been looked upon as one of the most grotesque and vile television programs that has been on the air. Every season, the creators; Trey Parker and Matt Stone take the show to new limits. In 2010, South Park aired its 200th and 201st episodes. In these episodes, all of the famous stars of movies and television got together to protest against the town of South Park. Their request was that they receive the prophet Muhammad or else they are going to sue the town for slander. 

Previously, about ten years ago, Muhammad was depicted in a South Park and had the power of flames. In 2006, Comedy Centrals Network didn't approve of showing Muhammad due to threats from the Muslim religion. And as of recent, in 2010, they brought back the prophet for another run. A group called RevolutionMuslim.com decided to write the network, but this time they meant business. They sent a passive aggressive threat, stating that if Muhammad is to be shown or to be heard, that the creators would face the same fate Theo Van Gogh did (Theo Van Gogh was an artist that made a film about the mistreatment of women in the muslim religion. He was killed for this). The Comedy Central Network was forced to bleep everything, even a speech by Kyle Brovlofski which was about intimidation and fear which was bleeped because of the fear instilled by the religious group. 

South Parks right to freedom of speech and expression was taken from them. It's sad and have made many people very angry, excluding the Muslim group that originally made the threat. In the past fourteen seasons, South Park has been full of racial and religious bigotry that has never been taken to this aptitude. For the creators, they're disappointed that the muslim group didn't have any sort of repercussions for the threat they sent. But, the FBI refuted their argument because no ones life was at risk at the time.  

Propaganda in Advertising

As you can see, if you get this VW Touareg, you will be the "Man," and everyone will be out of the way and fearful of your vehicle when you'r driving to work. While this vehicle is compelling and a wet dream to some men in this world, it's complete nonsense. As we can see, this advertisement is presenting an issue that is compelling and irrelevant to the argument at hand, but also validates the argument as well. This is known as red herring propaganda. The VW Touareg is a great family vehicle that is safe, very sturdy, and has great features and specs. Here in this photo, the vehicle looks "extremely safe" and ready to take on everything. As the advertisement states:"Touareg Mad Max means never get cut off on your way to work again." That's an understatement if you ask me. If I saw that thing on the road, I would get over immediately and get out of the way. Another type of propaganda that is being used in this ad is oversimplification. Oversimplification is favorable generalities that are used to provide simple answers to complex social, political, economic, or military problems. Well, as we can see here, getting to work shouldn't be to hard anymore if you buy the "Touareg Mad Max" because you'll just pulverize everyone in your way. Get to work safely, and look like a "badass" at the same time. Simple and perfect solution to getting to work on time everyday.    

Internet Addiction

Just about three years ago, I discovered Amazon.com. I use to go on the website just about ten times a day, and I would purchase at least one item everyday. It became such an addiction that my beginning purchases were only twenty or thirty dollars, which then led to purchases that were hundreds of dollars, and even thousands. I started having no room in my house to put some of my purchases, and then I had to start giving away some of the things I got. Also, my credit card bill came in each month, and I realized that I had a "Champaign taste, with a beer pocketbook." After being a pretty penny in debt (I would prefer not to say how much I was in debt, it's embarrassing to me) I realized I needed to stop. I'm finally making my last payments on my credit card, but it was a lesson that I will never forget.

I also had friends that had a problem as well. They were addicted to WOW (World of Warcraft). I remember two friends that were just ADDICTED!!! We would make plans early in the day to go to the movies, hockey games, or baseball games. When it would be time to go (mind you, tickets were already purchased), they would say: "Bro, I can't make it. I have some things I need to get done." This happened a couple of times. After the third time, I started to get suspicious of what was going on. I went to both of their places to see what was happening, and there they were, sitting in front of their computers playing World of Warcraft. It made me really upset that I did all this work to collaborate these things together, and they decided to play some game that wasn't going to go anywhere. I stopped talking with both of them for about six months. They both finally came to the realization that they should quit and do something better with their time considering they both gained about twenty-five pounds, and their friends stopped talking with them. Plus, both of their computers continued to crash, so they weren't able to play anymore.

Lets Read It Now
I Just Read A Book For Nothing
Length between the two videos: 2:34
Description: The boys of South Park (Stan, Kyle, Kenny and Cartman) are asked to read: Catcher in the Rye, by Mr. Garrison. He forewarns the class that the book is filled with vulgar language and risque parts. The boys read the book, but didn't understand why the book was banned or suppose to be vulgar or risque. Butters on the other hand is influenced by the book and see's a deeper meaning in what he has read.
Chapters: Media Impact and Books (Chapters 2 and 3)
Quiz Question: What model of "Force of Effects" did the book play on Butters after he read Catcher in the Rye?
Answer: Powerful-Effects Model.

Inside the World of Warcraft
Length: 2:05
Description: The boys are at it again on the internet playing World of Warcraft. In this clip, it shows how children pick up newer technologies and its lingo faster than there parent counterpart and how these games can be very addictive if played for a certain amount of time. Also, the guy that is going around killing is a hacker.
Chapters: Media Impact and Internet (Chapters 2 and 10)
Quiz Question: What does MMORPG stand for?
Answer: Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games.

Recording

Just as of a couple weeks ago, Talib Kweli released his album "Gutter Rainbows." The whole album is amazing. Each song has a great sound, flow, and beat. "So Low" is my favorite track on this album because his word play and rhyming skills are so superior to those that are in mainstream rap. Also, the sound and the beat of this track is mellow and soothing. 

Talib Kweli: "So Low"

My favorite recording artist of all time has to be Murs. He started off with the group Living Legends, then broke off to do his own thing. His music is easy to listen to, one of a kind, and inspirational. One of my favorite verses is from his song "Can It Be (Half A Million Dollars And 18 Months Later):

And a wise man old me man like life

is like a table full of like glasses of water
and your job is to keep them all full
you know what I'm sayin 
so everyone’s happy but at the same time
you got to keep your pitcher full of water 
so you can fill everybody else up
and it’s like damn

Murs is a unique artist of the underground scene and I hope there are more albums to come from him and his producer 9th Wonder. 

Murs Freestyle

Murs: Can It Be (Half A Million Dollars And 18 Months Later)

Talib Kweli I got from itunes, but I've been purchasing Murs CDs for years. I also have the Murs albums on itunes as well. 

My Magazine

Title: Cocktails
Concept: In this magazine, we are going to look at how people can improve cocktails, cocktail of the month, top bars through all fifty states (new state and bars each month), how to start up your own bar (new tips each month), look at pubs of the world each month, recipes for cocktails, different spirits, wines, and beers, and food pairings.
Readers: My magazine would attract men and women from ages of 21 to 55. It would attract people that enjoy traveling, those who have a great taste for wines, spirits, and beer, and also for businesses (bars and restaurants) that are looking for new ideas on how they could improve there selection of cocktails and recipes. I would say this magazine would attract more of a white audience, but I believe it can entice everyone.
Competitors: "Cocktails" would be more informative on every subject which pertains to spirits, wine, and beer. Also, each issue will give insight and tips for starting your own bar (in home and business), and lastly, each issue will have new recipes for cocktails from different spirits.
Five Advertisers: I would have Rideell glassware, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Sierra Nevada Brewery, Skyy Vodka, and Alexander Valley Wines.

Five Articles: How to improve your Bloody Mary, Is Crystal better than Glass?, New Wines for 2011, Top 25 Skyy Vodka recipes, and Difference between Whiskey and Bourbon.  

Three Books Of Influence

The Pot Book
Now, everyone is looking at this like: "Are you serious?' Well, ABSOLUTELY! As a person that does use marijuana for anxiety and ADHD, it helps me keep myself at an equilibrium. The Pot Book: A Complete Guide to Cannabis has influenced my life, just as many other pot books have because it gives information on physiological and psychological effects, what are the best ways of ingesting marijuana, knowing your rights as a cannabis user if you have a "medical card" or if you use it recreationally, and much more information for other's to read about. After reading this book, I stopped smoking blunts (A tobacco wrap rolled with marijuana in it) because I learned that inhaling the tobacco that is mixed with marijuana effects the lungs almost ten times more than just a joint or a bowl from a pipe or bong. I also found it fascinating about health risks and the toxicology of marijuana (there are many myths that are spread through the world, and in this book, they are either proven or disproven).

Moving Toward Balance
So this book has helped me in so many ways. I have some lower back problems from bartending, and I can't afford going to a chiropractor. A great friend of mine told me to start doing Yoga. At first, I thought he was full of shit, but I regret saying that now because I'm feeling great everyday after I have a Yoga session. This book: Moving Toward Balance: 8 Weeks of Yoga with Rodney Yee, has helped me begin my adventure with Yoga. It's an excellent read with many great pictures to help you see if you are doing a pose right or wrong. Also, the introduction gives great ideas for how to start off. Everyday was a new read as well as new poses to learn (And yes, I did do the whole eight weeks the book proposes you do). After reading this, it has lead me to going to Yoga classes, buying DVD's so I can practice Yoga at my house, and being more active. Plus, I feel great just after an hour of exercising.

Parable Of The Sower
Parable of the Sower is one of the most inspirational books I have read in the past few years. Granted, it is a science-fiction novel, but it has many good values, morals and beliefs. From living in a dystopian society, having trust issues, and having "hyperempathy syndrome,"(Hyperempathy Syndrome in this book is being able to feel what others experience), Lauren Olamina is a character to look up to. No matter what is in her way, she always finds a way to prevail and make the best of her surroundings. This book has made me feel more appreciative of how well we live. Her society has crazies, people that set things on fire, and people that are willing to kill on the everyday. We have this in reality, but not to the extent where everyone is having to fight for there lives from day to day. It changes the perspective of my life of how great I have it.

Media Impact

The internet and television have been two of the major media impact’s that have affected myself as well as many of my friends. When we were younger, CKY and Jackass had just hit the internet and television, which gave my friends and I many hours of entertainment. Also, many hours of brainstorming of what kind of stupid and ridiculous ideas we could come up with to imitate the guys from both shows. We got successful with the ideas, but now all we needed was a camcorder. We all saved up money, and then checked it off the list of things we needed. We thought we were going to be rockstars!  

As time went on two of out most stupid things we did was shopping cart derby and Big Wheel Racing. My friends and I went to the local Safeway and started to screw around with the shopping carts. From there, it turned into shopping cart derby. One person was in the basket, and the other person was pushing the cart. We started running into each other, and later into other cars (No real harm to the vehicles). Talk about some hurt put on the body though, and my friend Adam got a bloody nose followed by a missing bottom tooth. All the other guys were just aching. 

Next was Big Wheel Racing on highway 9, which was not exactly the best place to go racing Big Wheels. But, we did it. There is a decline on highway 9 right after Castle Rock which didn’t seem very steep when we were at the top, but were we wrong. I didn’t end up going because we had to rush down to pick up my friend Mike after he got a case of the speed wobbles and crashing really hard into the asphalt. We ended up having to take him to the hospital. The cool thing was that his parents weren’t mad, a little worried, but really calm about the situation. They asked what happened, and we told them we were doing "Jackass" stunts. His parents were a little confused at first, then we showed them videos of what the guys from the show were doing.     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3MBsH650LU

After watching something like that as a teenager, it inspired me and five of my other friends to see how far we could push our limitations. Granted, after many trial and errors, we decided to finally put it up. We couldn't handle all of the pain and agony we inflicted on each other. But we certainly didn't stop the pranks we pulled on people. As of recent, I occasionally pull pranks here and there, but not to the extent where I can be thrown into jail for doing something stupid, like I did as a teenager. I finally grew up, or did I?

My Media Autobiography

Over the time of my life, books didn’t play a large role as until of recent. My parents never really enforced me to read, which made me as child and teenager not have any sort of passion to read. I honestly despised reading because I always had the mentality of why should I have to do work when I have television to do it for me. Just as of recent though, approximately over the past three years, I have reintroduced myself to reading and have enjoyed it immensely. Most of the books that have been of interest to me are informational, short stories and the occasional non-fiction title. Most titles have ranged anywhere between books about Marijuana, Sports, War, and Medicine. I also have a hard time retaining everything I read (really bad), so over the last three years, I have accumulated four notebooks filled with information about the books I have read.

I can’t remember the last time I picked up a newspaper. I remember when I was younger, I would look through the newspaper for the comics, sports, and movie sections. I use to collect some of the weekend comics, such as; Calvin and Hobbs and Garfield. Since then, the newspaper has been obsolete.

Magazines are one of my favorite readers. Ranging from so many different subjects to choose from, I have subscribed to: Sports Illustrated, Game Informer, Car & Driver, and many more. I had quite the collection of magazines in my room as a kid, but my dad made me get rid of them because they were taking up too much space. I really wish I didn’t have to toss all my magazines, it would be cool to see what was “high tech” then, and look at all the new technologies now.     

Movies have been one of the most influential types of media in my life. Now I said I am not the best at retaining information when it comes to books. But, when it comes to movies, I have most of the movie memorized after the first time watching. I’ve been like this since I was a kid. I’m pretty sure, I gave my family some great entertainment when I was younger. Now, movies are great conversation starters, fun to repeat from time-to-time (especially the REALLY funny one liners), and are enjoyable to go see. I still have a dream to be in a movie one day, and find myself daydreaming here and there thinking about being the next Jim Carrey or Woody Harrelson. I’m a big fan of comedies! Some of my favorites are: Liar Liar, Zombieland, Superbad, and as much as this one is out of place, Finding Nemo.

Out of the media’s I have discussed already, recordings are definitely the most influential media that has shaped my life. The music that I listen to can honestly shape the way my day goes! I listen to A LOT of underground Hip-Hop artists. They have a message that is to be sent and heard, and can make a person like me relate to what they are trying to reach. Unlike the mainstream shit that is heard on the radio, the underground scene has made me go to numerous amounts of shows, concerts, and even house parties where they are to be seen and heard. These recordings have made me write occasionally (who knows, I might blog a few of my so called “songs”) and have helped me get through some tough situations by just listening. Some of my favorite artists are: Murs, Slug, JR & ph7, Sunspot Jonz, and Big Pooh. 

Radio is probably the least used media in my life. I haven’t listened to the radio in years! I think the only time I would listen to the radio was when I was a kid sitting in my dad’s truck and going to work with him occasionally. Other than that, it has been nothing but recordings. Radio is another one of those media that has become obsolete to me.

Coming in a close second, Television has ruled the way media has taken over my world.   Granted, I’m not watching the news, CNN, or C-SPAN, because there are so many bias people in this world, and I know this sound ignorant, but I would rather live blind than listen to all the bullshit that is said by some of these people that are misinformed. I feel if the topic is important enough, I’ll look for something that is published that shows proof about what is being discussed. Now, that being said, South Park, South Park and South Park!!! One of the most controversial, AWESOME, and intriguing shows on the air, has kept me watching since it originally came out in 1996/1997. Comedy Central’s overall network, (me personally), has more of actual news than what is being said on mainstream news casts. I would start naming all my favorite T.V. shows, but I think I would be typing for the next few hours. Just know that I’m the South Park fanatic in the class.

As much as the internet has been booming for the past fifteen years, it has played a decent role in my life. Due to the Facebook’s, Myspace’s, and Twitter’s, it has helped me stay in touch with friends, some family, and getting to know new people. I still think it’s ridiculous that there are online dating service’s. I’m not going to discuss this topic because I might go on a rampage. The internet has many great qualities, but with every great thing has a consequence. I’ve experienced some of these consequences, such as: my computer crashing, getting viruses, getting mislead to information that isn’t a credible source, and links not always working. But, it is one hell of a shopping tool! My favorite shopping website, Amazon.com, has an abundance of great deals, prices, and a wide selection of almost everything. Also, it’s convenient that everything on the world wide web is just a click of a button away.

As of now, I’m studying for a Liberal Arts Major, with an emphasis in communications. I would really love to have a career in being a professional speaker for some sort of firm. I enjoy giving presentations, and I personally feel that I have a voice that is to be heard (Not trying to sound smug or full of myself, I just believe I have potential!) Thanks for reading my first blog!