FRIDAY 10/26/ 2007

Hi everyone,

Class last week was interesting. We all realized that Opra Winfrey is human and she makes mistakes. Just like a regular person.


Wish the subject was better. The books were good, but the surveys and focus group was boring.

But are the surveys helpful? Marketing is based on 20 people opinions. The group was not that diverse. Marketers are guessing. They are paid to guess. The French guy base his definition on a group of people. He could be wrong. It is just ridculous how much money they spend to market a product, and how much a person gets paid to think of campaign slogan. That just isn't fair?

I work parttime trying to make ends meet and these people have to sell a product and they can afford a Coach brief case with out even a second thought. As instructor you ought to be furious. Teachers ought to be making that kind of money.
After all you are teaching generations of people. instructors help shape the future. Isn't that more important? Just a thought

Last week's class

Last week went OK. I felt like we were sortof tight with our personal comments, like we were talking with a stranger in the room. I guess it felt like we weren't as personal, but that is to be expected. On a personal note, I am having trouble with the blog. For the second week in a row, I get a message when I try to log on that says my invitation has expired, and I have to create a new account. Last week, I could not post from home, only from Baker, and even then I had to recreate my account before I could post. I don't think that both of my posts from last week went through, as I only saw one of them when went back to check, so I think that a post is floating around somewhere. Short of resetting my google account every time I post, how do I just go directly to this blog? I have just been trying to access the blog from the e-mail you sent us 1st week Or are the problems I am having normal?

Last Friday

I thought the class went very well. We had great discussions that was respected by each other. I found the videos to be very interesting. I saw another side of how advertisement is created. I got to see the behind the scenes as opposed to just seeing the end product. I also enjoyed hearing the books that were read by others. I look forward to reading some of them once I have more time. The substitute is actually my teacher for this quarter. It was nice having her for an extra day. I appreciate her for receiving and giving ideas to all the topics that were discussed in class. Overall, she allowed the class to be very comfortable and able to go on just like we would if you were there.

Last Friday's Class

Class went well last friday, despite the change in instructor! Though our substitute was very nice, and she did a great job running the class, it felt very different than our usual class. Overall, it went well and I even heard our substitute comment, as we were leaving, that she had a good time and that we were a great group to work with.

I was very fascinated by the clips of the frontline special. Even though we don't think about it, we are bombarded by marketing in many forms in our lives. I don't think that we are dumb to fall for marketing- it is crafted to be an unnoticed focre that silently persuades us to make certain purchasing decisions. I was especially interested in the french psychologist/marketing guy, Clotaire Rapaille, with his methods of finding the "code" that would work for marketing certain kinds of products. I would have loved to be part of one of his focus groups. At the end of the segment on Rapaille, I was a bit disappointed that we didn't learn more about the code, but I guess that's what he is paid for. If the show was allowed to broadcast the end result of his research, any marketing company would get it for free. In addition, I was really happy with the way we went over our journal assignment on taking sides. Our class is very opinionated and knowledgable as a whole, so the timed response with no rebuttals was a good idea.

Last Friday!

I enjoyed the substitite and she did a great job. No there wasn't another fire drill. The advertising videos were very interesting and it is sort of pathetic that people will buy the name brand stuff because of all the media time it gets, but as with any product; food is the exception, it is the name that you are paying for, not that it may work better than the generic brand. However, the media doesn't show the generic brands therefore people automatically think that it may not be as good, so they spend the money. Well earlier in the class you had said that when consuming media, you have to be educated. Then that should make people do the research on the different products, and then they will find out that there really isn't a difference in them. Food products are the exception because some generic brands taste nothing like the name brand product. Another thing is we all get colds and we all go shopping for what ever medicine will help us feel better, so the last time that I did this I compared the different cold medicines in price, discription, symptoms that they relieved, and four of the six I looked at had a similar look if not the same look as the name brand product. Granted some people may argue with me, but if it looks the same and has the same ingredients; how the heck is it any different? Personally, I'm not going to spend the money on name brand if I can get generic brand for three dollars less.

Last Weeks Class

Class last week was very interesting. I especially enjoyed the videos about advertising. I worked at an advertising agency in Warren for a few years but I never saw anything like we saw in the videos. I never knew how much advertising depended on people and their behaviors. Some of it made sense and then some of it seemed very far fetched. The psychologist I felt went way out on a limb in his sessions with people trying to find the special words that describe luxury in order to sell it to advertising agencies. I know that what he does wouldn't work for me because I tend to shop value instead of impulse.
We had a very good discussion about the books we read for pleasure. I learned about some books that I will add to my list of "Want to Read" for my school breaks.

A Comment About Class

Hello class!

I felt as though class went really well on Friday. I really enjoyed watching the videos on advertising. I can't believe how hard advertisers work to get us to buy their products! Some of the video even seemed humorous at times, but obviously some of advertising stuff is working! The only ad that I really didn't like was "Song." The main reason why I didn't really like that ad was because I had no idea what was being advertised. I was thinking that it was some sort of music software or computer program. Unfortunately, I never thought that the ads were for an airline until I was told.

During class, we had the opportunity to discuss the books that we read, which went along with chapter 2. Also, we worked in groups and created a couple lists of interview and survey questions. We also discussed the issue in Taking Sides, which was timed. Some of the class agreed with the issue but others disagreed or had mixed feelings. We wrapped up the class by turning in our group work and our papers.

It was really weird not having you in class!

See you all on Friday.

Blog for the week of 10/29

Hi all,

sorry about getting this Blog Prompt out so late this week - I had some things that kept me in Houston longer than I planned. Since I am late getting this out to you, I will only require one posting for the week. And, since I wanted some feedback about how Friday went with the substitute, I will go ahead and kill two bird with one stone.

All you owe the blog for this week is a short post letting me know how the class went last Friday. I hope that it went well and that it was interesting. Let me know how things went. Was there another fire drill?

See you all on Friday,

Jamie

Need help restarting Dylan's couch.

I could not get the video to play.

But I did get to see Dylan's Couch. It would pause in the middle. I did not get to view the end.

But that one verb of his name Dude, You would look awesome naked. I know that he ditched the note, but I cannot get to the end of it. If any one can make a copy or send it to me. Please do. Or even reblog it so that we can play it. It will only play half. But it was funny.

The other one that I liked and he did not like any of them was that damaged yellow lemons are nasty. That was funny he too. If anyone can get working it would be great. Some pretty funny stuff.

Reading for Pleasure

What is reading for pleasure?? :-) During school I never have time to read for pleasure. Before this semester I started reading The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama. I have never been a big political follower or the type to read a book like this but I had heard some good things about it and him and my Grandma had it so I borrowed it. I must say that a few sentences into it and I was hooked. I have probably only read about a quarter of the book but I like it a lot. It has also made me like him a lot. He has so many great things to say and he just seems like such a good guy, who has some good ideas. He comes out and says that he doesn't have any answers, just some ideas and that we need to get things back to the basics, hope, trust, faith, etc. A lot of people are still not too sure about him, mostly because of his race, and that is pretty sad. I would hope at this point out country would be ready for a leader or a different race or gender, but I'm not sure if he would win just because of that one factor. Hopefully I will get to finish this book sometime soon, but with the semester half over and student teaching creeping up fast, I don't know when that will happen.

To end here is a little section from the book that I really like...it is something that he said to people during his first run for a political office when they asked, "why such a nice guy like him would want to go into something so nasty like politics?"

..."I would usually smile and nod and say that I understood the skepticism, but that there was--and always had been--another tradition to politics, a tradition that stretched from the days of the country's founding to the glory of the civil rights movement, a tradition based on the simple idea that we have a stake in one another, and that what binds us together is greater than what drives us apart, and that if enough people believe in the truth of that proposition and act on it, then we might not solve every problem, but we can get something meaningful done."

Technology has its moments!

Today I was thinking about whether technology has made my life easier. The last two mornings I attempted to log onto my computer only to find out I have something wrong with my antivirus software. Therefore, this morning I spent an hour and a half removing my software and deciding to download the free one that came with Comcast. Gateway computers had recently told me they don't recommend Norton Antivirus anylonger.
This is why I began to think about easy or not in regards to technology. On the one hand I can look up the weather forcast at the touch of my keyboard, or jot a couple lines by way of email to my sister and she can see it almost immediately. I can shop from home or go to school from home. On the other hand, I have had to learn how to remove spyware that finds its way into my files. I have had to learn how to download antivirus software to keep my computer safe. Or to research the antivirus software choices that are available to everyone and to make the best choice for my family. Unfortunately, I don't necessarily understand what makes one software work better for me versus another.
I have to say that since technology has entered my household I spend more time taking care and cleaning up problems than I do enjoying it. When my computer crashed a couple months ago due to a computer virus, it took me four hours on the phone with Gateway Computers to set my computer up again. And that was to the original state. Then another complete day of downloading updates to get it back to the way I want it. So I think my life was much simpler before technology. But I do enjoy the perks.

7 Benefits of Reading Fiction

I found this interesting article about reading, and thought I'd share it with you. I give you an abbreviated form of the article. If you want to know more, the web address is at the bottom of this post.

7 Benefits of Reading Fiction
Reading fiction can seem like an absolute indulgence when life goes into overdrive. But did you know it's good for you? Yes, really!

Is your life so busy you’re wondering how you are going to find time to read more, especially when it’s just for ‘pleasure’? Having trouble justifying it, even to yourself? Leisure activities like reading are often the things that slide when life goes into overdrive. And that’s sad because it’s an activity that can make life richer and more enjoyable. A lot has been written about the benefits of reading for and to children. However, there is very little about the benefits to adults in engaging in regular reading. Let me assure you that the benefits for adults do exist and are many and varied.

Some of these include:
1. Providing an escape from the day-to-day
2. Relaxation
3. Stress relief
4. Stimulates the right side of your brain
5. Entertaining
6. Enjoyable
7. Rejuvenating

http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/8-22-2005-75260.asp

Other articles about the benefits of reading:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/richpub/syltguides/fullview/1SZBLBQQC6PV6
http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.aspx?articleId=2343
http://www.bartleby.com/268/5/12.html
http://www.focusonyourchild.com/entertain/art1/A0000246.html
http://school.familyeducation.com/teen/reading/40617.html

Books I have read

Since I currently have an online literature class, and I have to read an ethnic literature book, post to discussion boards write a journal entry and write a research paper about the book every week, I do not have time to read what I would like to read. The last book that I read for my own pleasure was in the late summer. It was a Danielle Steele novel, "Safe Harbour". What I like about her books is that they are NOT just romance novels (if anyone has read them, you know what I am talking about!) When she writes, she really researches her topic, and brings real facts into the story. An example is the use of setting. The places where the story takes place are real, including the street names and places of interest. If her book is set in the past, or involves a historical event, the reader almost gets a mini history lesson in reading the story. I wish that I had the time to read other books, but with my classload, it is all I can do to get my homework done! The books I have read for my class are "A Gathering of Old Men" by Ernest Gaines, "Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Hurston, "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan, and "House Made of Dawn" by N.Scott Momaday. I think that I would only choose to willingly read "Joy Luck Club" and "Their Eyes..."....I did enjoy those two books (and I also enjoyed the movie versions.)

The Joy of Reading

As with many other people, I usually don't make time during the quarter to read a book I want to read, because I have so much required reading in my textbooks. However, this quarter, I decided I would make the time to read because it is one of my most favorite "leisure" activities. I enjoy the whole process of researching authors and publishers and spending time at the library, browsing the shelves, enjoying the quiet atmosphere. I enjoy reading- it does actually bring me joy to sit down and read a book. So, I've spent the couple hours a week that I would have usually been watching TV and I started reading for me again.

Currently, I'm reading Prairie Fire, by Catherine Palmer. It is historical fiction set in late nineteenth-century Kansas. When I am reading, I am caught up in the characters' world. As I read deeper into the book, the images in my mind of the characters and places in the book get more and more detailed. Also, when I read a book over a longer period of time, I find myself wondering about the characters and the coming events in the book, even when I'm doing something else at the time. My mind is invested in the book, and I sort of feel like I know the characters. This is especially true when I read books in a series.

I especially enjoy historical fiction or stories that are set in interesting times or places. I learn so much about history, far-off places, unfamiliar cultures, or whole time periods, when I read books that are well-researched and well-written by the author.

I picked Prairie Fire after I searched the publishing company at the library. I've read numerous books published by the same company, and I trust that the content of the books it chooses to market will be of a certain caliber. I've found that while publishing companies may have diverse offerings, they usually have set standards for what kind of literature they will print. I have a few favorite publishers that I search at the library when I want to find new authors. Some publishing companies even set up "imprints," or smaller, specialized sections of the company that have their own name. These imprints are used to find, fine-tune, print, and market books with specific qualities. The imprint will usually deal with books that have some similar trait.

Cedar Point

Over the weekend, I went to experience "Halloweekends" at Cedar Point with my sister and our boyfriends. Since I haven't been to Cedar Point in several years, I was very surprised to see the massive structures that are often referred to as "rides." I can honestly say that I was scared to ride some of the newer roller coasters and I had an extreme amount of anxiety as I waited in line to ride "Millennium Force." However, it wasn't enough that I had to ride the extremely scary rides. I was also succumbed to see the horrified look on my face after I rode the rides on a series of screens that captured my image. Better yet, some of the rides even have a video of each cart, which was available for purchase just in case you wanted to watch it at a later date for some laughs. All I can say about this is "Are you kidding me?" Why in the world would I want a picture of myself going a million miles per hour down a steep hill? Wouldn't that be a priceless YouTube video? I think that these roller coaster images and videos are just some other ways for Cedar Point to be advertised. I mean, think about it. If I bought one of the over priced videos and showed it to all of my friends and told them it was from the one and only Cedar Point, wouldn't that be a form of advertising?

No Time to Read

I haven't read a novel in a while. The last one I read was about 3 months ago. After Burn by Zane was very interesting. She writes romance novels that sometime have a connection to her other novels. I read her book Addicted that my cousin told me about. I found it to be very interesting so I searched for another one of her novels. I found that this novel was to be continued which was upsetting because I wanted to know what happened but on the other hand, I look forward to the next novel. She is so descriptive and makes all of her characters come to life. I also heard that she will be making a movie out of one of her novels. That is very exciting because it will nice to put a face to names. I can't wait until I have more time to read another novel by Zane.

Media now!

Media today has a way of getting people to buy or respond to the things that are broadcasted and advertised. I paid attention to media before, but not nearly as much as I do now. I guess now as an adult the media has more of an impact on my life and how I live it. I work with children and I'm going into teaching, so my view is a little bit more strict than some one who may not be around children. The cartoons, the clothing, the language you name it, is not censored enough because it still influences are youth. A perfect example is, alcohol comercials; they show people having fun and at the bottom of the screen in captions( Drink responsibly). However, I think media does not show the negative side of things enough. For every positive there is a negative and I think it is about time to start showing these negatives. The reason that this needs to happen is because there are more youths dying because of alcohol related deaths than any other cause. Media does make an impact on people both negative and positive, but media needs to step it up and put more emphasize on the consequences of these things.

The Child Called “It”

The last time I read a book for enjoyment was The Child Called “It” by Dave Pelzer. This was a year ago, I was sitting in my early childhood class and in that class we were talking about child abuse. All of a sudden this girl mentioned the book. She explained what the book was about, and I found myself very intrigued and curious about it. So the very next day I went and bought the book. I finished the book in three hours. This book was the fastest book I ever read in my life.

This book is an emotional drain. It is about a little boy who was not wanted by his mom. She treated him terribly, wouldn't feed him, beat, and at one point stubbed him. I found myself almost in tears and confused. Confused of how Dave’s dad did little to stop the abuse and how no one really cares about Dave’s well being. I just wanted to take him in my arms and never let him go. I wanted to protect him in anyway possible.

After reading the book I found my self depressed and sad. But at the same time happy because I am fortunate enough to have a loving, caring and happy family.

This book did very well change my understanding of child abuse and what actually is happening out there. The book leaves the reader with many questions and gives the reader better understanding that child abuse do really happen.

An Eye Opener!

The most recent book I have read is titled, Black Like Me, by John Howard-Griffin. A friend had told me about it after a discussion we had on racism. The book is about an educated white man who wants to see how it really is down south for African American people. He wanted to see just how racist people were and how unequal it was. The man goes to a specialist to get a die that darkens the skin over a short period of time, so he can start his experiment. As his journey begins he soon realizes although he is, and sounds educated, he still is looked down upon and has no freedom to walk just anywhere because of his skin color. During this time he also realizes that mixed people think they are better than the non mixed African Americans, but aren't looked at any differently by the white people. It was a real eye opener for me because growing up I had heard things like that, but after reading this book it made me sad that people can be that ignorant about other cultures and have it come to that. It was a very good book and I would recommend it to anyone who likes to read to gather knowledge. Even though we do enough of that with our college books, this would be for relaxing.

A word about the homework while I am gone.

Two orders of business.

1. it occurs to me that we did not speak about the website review (see homework, Week 4), that is, what your expectations were. In that case, do not worry about it. We will reschedule that journal prompt for later in the semester.

2. You have a newspaper analysis due for Week 6 (the week I return). All I am asking for is that you choose a newspaper (any one you want, or that you can get your hands on), read a copy (or two), then locate and peruse that newspaper's corresponding online content (for instance, examine the Detroit Free Press, and then freep.com). After youn have done that, write a brief response in your journal that deals with the disparity of coverage between the two mediums (print and online). are they the same? Different? how so? Are the ads the same? Must you subscribe to the online portion? Is the online version of the newspaper a full version or a partial version? These are some examples of the kinds of questions you can deal with. It doesn't need to be long, just enough to help us facilitate a discussion during Week 6 when I return.

Thanks, and email me if you have any questions.

Jamie

Blog Prompt for Week of 10.22

A reminder of the Blog prompt for this week:

What was the last book you read (or are reading) not as part of a school assignment? What was the experience of reading it like? And, how did you come to it, that is how did you find the book/how did the book find you?

As always, your second post is a catch-all - your choice--a response or something new.

Thanks,

Jamie

Books are one of my favorite hobbies

This was one blog assignment that I looked forward to writing about. I love reading. My problem is I never have the time to enjoy it for pleasure during the school term. I always have a book saved in reserve for when my classes are over and I am on a two week break. It is relaxing and enjoyable to me to escape into a book I choose. This summer I read the last book of the Left Behind Series, Kingdom Come by Tim Layhaye and Jerry B. Jenkins. ( I think that was the title, it's missing from my bookshelf at the moment.) My family and friends have read all of these books and I enjoy discussing them with everyone. I love learning about Christianity. It's a fun twist with a bit of science fiction rolled up together. My faith is a very important part of my life and I tend to spend my vacation time catching up on readings related to it.

I Love Books

I am so excited about our blog prompt for this week because I love reading! During the school year, I put the novels on hold until winter break, so in other words, I am looking forward to some time off from textbook reading and paper writing so I can get back to reading some wonderful novels.

Over the summer I read several novels, but my favorite was "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel. I was interested in reading "Life of Pi" because my best friend, Kim recommended it. Kim and I usually like the same type of novels so I decided to take a chance with "Life of Pi." After reading the first page of the novel, I was hooked. I thought the book was amazing from the beginning to the end.

I must add that I also read "Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time" by Mark Haddon and "The Little Friend" by Donna Tartt. Both of the mentioned novels were well written, but I thought that I connected to "Life of Pi" the most. I also thought that it was nice to talk to my friend about the book after I read it. All too often, I read a book and I go crazy trying to find someone to talk to about it, so I enjoy getting book recommendations from friends.

I am planning on reading "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert during the winter break. I think that it will be a great book because it was recommended to me by my dear friend, Oprah Winfrey.

Happy reading to you all...

Red Tent a Novel

The book that I read over the summer break is written by Author Anita Diamant. However before I read it. First I had to read the old testament of the bible. Then my mom gave me more to read on the story of Dinah. It was so that I would understand the story and the character better. Even if is for fun. It is hard to pick up a book and read it.

Some of the books that I look forward to reading are: Lovely Bones, which I purchased myself, The Memory Keeper's Daughter a novel. I received this book as a Christmas gift still have not read it, and I am really looking forward to reading it. Please try not give anything away.

Freaky economics I did read it. There were many interesting concepts in the book. I forget who wrote the book. I borrowed the book from Macomb Library and had to rush through it. I will never do that again. It was on the best seller's list. I had less than a week to read it. I did not get to fully enjoy the book. I wanted to buy it. The cost of the book stops me. Technically, I did read it. I will wait for the book to either go on sale or wait until it is on the bargin shelf.

Chocolat when the movie came out, I went to see the movie, I bought the book, just have not read it.

My mom gives us books from the best seller list for Christmas presents. We get a major gift, but the books are just something to open on Christmas day.

I have two brothers and a sister-in-law. My sister-in-law and I get the same book for Christmas. She reads faster than I do. She done with her book she is ready to discuss it I either did not read it or I am starting to read it. I am very slow reader, and I have to re-read sections sometimes.

Chihuahua

This video was on after the dancing cat. It ask me if I wanted to share and of course I said yes,

Here this one is cute. Enjoy. It ought to play. Song is worth your time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqILfap1sJs

Debate Question

So this question is kind of off the wall and not with all the usual debate questions which is why I picked it. I also forgot to mention in it that we are one of only four countries with such a high age.

Useless Garbage or Valid Forum?

YouTube may not be your cup of tea (or Venti Joya del Dia Blend Dulce de Leche Frappuccino, as it may be.) My point is, this world is a changing place. Every new generation seeks to find its unique niche in the social order, and make its new or "newish" statement about life and how to live it. This has gone on decade after decade. This will go on for long after any of us is ever remembered. Some people may disagree on whether they believe the changes are beneficial or detrimental. Some people may accept change wholeheartedly, while others may stick to what they know and like better. However, personal tendencies aside, we should be able to take a balanced look at the advances that progress affords us. There are not many things in this world that are completely beneficial or completely detrimental. There are usually a mix of positive and negative factors to any change we make, whether it be social, political, or technological.

My major point here is in defense of YouTube. You may have the time to spend on it, or you may not. You may hate it, love it, or neutrally disregard it. However, all I'm saying is that it should be judged fairly.

You may not like YouTube or you may think it is stupid. However, please don't write it off without digging a bit deeper. Is YouTube really all garbage, or does it have some value to others? Is YouTube a complete mistake, useless to everyone in the world, and a thoroughly horrible thing that shouldn't even exist? Or, is there any possiblility that YouTube may have value as a forum for public opinion? We enjoy, and often take for granted, the many freedoms that our country's constitution provides and protects. We each, as citizens, have the freedom to express our personal opinions to a reasonable degree. I'm not saying that I don't agree that some of what people post on YouTube is not valuable to me. I will also note that some of the material can be downright crude or senseless. However, why condemn a FREE- and I repeat, no cost involved to participate- forum for the public to air their opinions? I shudder at the thought of a possible time in our country when we, as citizens, are denied our right to express our opinions, whether or not they may seem invalid or totally useless to others.

In further defense to the validity and benefits of YouTube, I present this example.

Right on the first page, the top of the Featured Videos list, I found a video about the One Voice Movement. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43jqkI2KWxE) This took me mere seconds of skimming the page after typing http://www.youtube.com into the address bar and the page loading. I watched the short video, 1 minute and 1 second long, and then clicked the link to go to the organization's website. I read through the website for 3 minutes and found out about the One Million Voices Movement. After no more than about 4 minutes, I was updated about this global issue that directly affects me as an American. This very issue is the reason why Condoleezza Rice traveled abroad this week on a diplomatic trip to two very important countries. This very issue has been described by Bush as "a top priority of his time in office." Rice also said that "she would devote her 'last ounce of energy' to the issue."

As American citizens, it is important that we stay up to date on what our government leaders consider important (and also sometimes, the things they don't think are important). Democracy itself depends on educated masses. A free republic cannot thrive if its citizens do not inform themselves of events that affect their decisions and policy-making. In addition, our society is becoming increasingly globalized. No longer are we isolated from the issues that affect other countries. I won't explain everything I learned about this pressing issue to you here. If you are interested in it, and see the value in spending 4 minutes on educating yourself about what our country's top leaders are placing great importance on, check it out for yourself.


After all, I found it on YouTube.




What am I willing to do to end the conflict?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43jqkI2KWxE

Further Information
http://onemillionvoices.org/campaign/campaign_2007-2008.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7044914.stm
http://www.onemillionvoices.org
http://www.onevoicemovement.org

To The Candidates

My question is this- The declaration of independence, which was the official birth of our nation, recognizes specifically our unalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Further, there is staggering medical evidence to support the fact that abortions are very harmful to all involved. What will YOU do to defend these rights for every citizen of our country? What will you do to stop this epidemic of denying innocent children their right to live? If you become president, what will you do to control the movement to legalize abortion?

Presidential Candidates

I tried to go to youtube and get information on the debates. I spent 15 minutes that I don't have in my schedule sorting through mindless crap, opinions from people whose opinions don't matter to me, and "creative" video garbage made by people who really need to grow up and get a real job. Sorry, you can't sell this waste of time to me, I am not interested. I FIRMLY believe that myspace, youtube, and other sites such as these are technology's version of the National Enquirer. I don't care to learn about them, or waste my time on them. If anyone thinks that these sites are the wave of the future, it is a sad commentary on the state of our civilization. Sites like this will only be a part of our future if we let them, and I am not letting them in my world.
Now, on to the assignment. If I were to ask a question of the candidates, it would be this:
As a parent, and as a future teacher, I have seen firsthand the stress that current standardized tests and the NCLB act have placed on the backs of young children and their teachers. I have also seen great teachers leave the field of education because of increased pressure to meet AYP with flawed tests, and one size fits all standards. IF you are elected president, what are you going to do IN YOUR FIRST YEAR to take the pressure off of 8 and 9 year old children, and focus on individual learning as a result of all factors in a child's life, including home, family, income, experiences, and school? Secondly, there has been much talk of linking teacher salaries and school funding to performance on standardized tests. If you believe, as most research states, that school performance is tied to many factors outside of school, including parental involvement, do you think that it is correct to penalize the education system for student failure and not include the parental figures in the equation?

Promoting beauty!

I subscribe to the InStyle magazine, so that I can keep up on fashion; with my busy schedule that seems very difficult to do, but that's not the point. The point is why are all the advertisements showing flawless women using certain products? I haven't known anyone to be perfect, but all the ads shown of men and women have them looking perfect; when we all know everyone has something they don't like about themselves. The reason this bothers me is because it makes young girls and boys think they have to achieve this look and if they can't, then they will not be cool. Well, the editors need to realize that all this does is promote eating disorders in young girls and low self-esteem in boys. I think if your going to do an ad you shouldn't falsify it.

Helen Degeneres the Humaine Socitety

This was on Magic Radio during the Breakfast Club. Between Jim Harper and Faye, the producer of the show.

Today, I got up and heard Helen DeGeneres crying on the radio, because she did not read a contract that she signed at the Animal Rescue Shelter. She gave her dog to a family and the animal shelter took it away from the family and gave it to another owner. Even though Helen had the dog for a month and spent many some odd dollars on this dog. The dog was not hers to give away and to make matters worse she did not insist that they put her name on a chip.

Jim Harper seems to think that this is another case where it is celebrity that gets away with breaking the rules. Faye, the producer of the show says that is a misunderstanding and Helen did read the contract.

Here is my opinion: You adopted the dog the dog becomes yours. Unconditionally. Shelter no longer has anything to do with it. I understand the system and why it is in place but sometimes the system is just stupid.

The dog and family were happy. The dog was safe.


Jim claims that the dog, Helen and the family should have went back to the shelter and make arrangement through the shelter.

Hey: It is a dog. It is not a human being. Change the rules. Or make an exception. In this case they could have made an exception.

So many horrible things happening in our world. Give me a break. Too much to do about nothing. Allow the family with the 9 and 12 year old keep the dog. At least it was used for dog fights or target practice. It was somebody pet. Helen choose to give that dog to a family.

What is the Big Deal? Yes, she was wrong but still.

(I always thought you adopted an animal that animal becomes yours. )

That is not the case. Jim Harper, pointed out that as long as the animal shelter is around. The dog is theirs. They just allow you to feed it, take care of it and give it vaccinations. How lame.

Not enought time for youtube!

I just spent some time this morning looking through youtube. With my lifestyle I just don't have enough time to sit and sift through the different videos. I use the computer to get my information as quickly as possible and then get on with my other activities: studying, writing papers, laundry, grocery shopping, being with my husband and kids. That doesn't leave time to watch meaningless videos trying to find the stuff that is worthwhile. Maybe it has to do with my generation and how I am wired for my life. The youth of today are more video oriented with television, video games, and the computer.

You Tube

It was interesting visiting You Tube. This was my fist time on the website and I found it to be very useful. I got a chance to explore a lot of different material. I saw very cute and funny animal videos. I never knew this website existed. Now that I know it is there I will visit often. The site offers just about everything and anything you can think of.

Health Care

I would ask the candidates, " As a president of the United States what would you do to better health care". This is very important to me because my husband gets health insurance through his job and it is very expensive. We like other Americans have to keep health insurance for one, we have a child and because you can barley get treated with out it. Although we pay a lot of money a month on health insurance we still have unbelievable co-pays for doctor visits and prescriptions. There are so many people not being treated because they can't afford the proper health insurance. I don't understand why there is not affordable health insurance for families. I can't imagine how hard it is for single family homes. I think there should be a huge change in our health system.

Where are the jobs in Michigan? Why doesn't the U.S. accept help from other countries?

To all the candidates. Does not matter Republican or Democratic.

How would you fix the unemployment in Michigan?

Governor Jennifer Granholm has stated that the state is in need of chemists. My husband is a Chemist and right now he is working through a contractor. His salary went from $60,000 a year to approximately $20,000 a year. I went back to school for Business and cannot find a management position. I am currently working at a cafe for $7.00 a hour. The state of Michigan needs chemist. Where are the Chemistry positions?

Here is another question. Why did the Federal government refuse help from the country of Holland? They are experts in the field of buiding and repairing levies. In fact they are in Italy working on Venice. Yes, it is true Venice is sinking.

If other countries can accept help. Why can't the United States? New Orleans is need great need of repair. The federal Government ought to fix it better than they found it.

Social workers have told me some stories. Here is one: New Orleans did have the money to fix the levies, but instead of repairing them the governer took the money and spent it somewhere else. Another story that I heard and this one is sad: That the houses that were standing they moved those people out of their houses and gave them to other people. Depending on their Social economics. Not everything is fair. New Orleans does have some explaining to do.

YouTube, Thanks

Thanks YouTube, now I am caught up with the entire democratic presidential candidate. I am more aware on what our candidates stand for.
I also found out that I can watch some of the Pilipino shows on YouTube.

Homeless, jobless, etc in United States

My question to all the candidates is; why are we spending millions or even billion of dollars to helping other country. It seems like when tragedy hit other country we are the first one to help (which is good). But when tragedy hit us the government is very strict and slow (like rebuilding New Orleans). The US citizens are homeless, jobless, uninsured, and people are living pay check to pay check. What steps are candidate willing to do in order for the US citizens to come first in case of tragedy and everyday life? We should come first since we live in one of the most riches and powerful country in the world.

A Question for the Republican Candidates

I would like to begin by saying that I truly enjoyed watching the YouTube debates in class. Afterwards, I thought and thought about a question that I could ask the republican candidates. I decided that since other people would probably ask about health care, the economy, the war, and gay marriage, I tried to think of a question that would show off the candidates' personalities. I initially thought to ask the candidates a question about why they decided to be in the running for the next president, but I decided on the question asked in the following video.

Where has all the water gone?

My question to all of the candidates would be, "Michigan has been in a very tough economic downturn. The state is struggling to grow and break free from the slow economy. The limited industry in our state is struggling and Michigan needs to look at bringing new forms of business to grow here. With the talk of other states running into a shortage of water in just a few months due to the drought in their part of the country, What would you do to help Michigan get back into the economy? Michigan does not want to allow any harm to come to the lakes but needs to bring other business ideas into the state. How do you feel about promoting that the people and businesses affected by the drought relocate to Michigan? Would this be beneficial to changing Michigan's economy and helping it to turn around?

The next best thing!

I was listening to the radio and an advertisement came on about all the media that children are using now; It was kind of ironic because I wrote a little about this in my paper, but it was saying that all the young generation is carrying around cell phones, ipods, mp3 players and cd players, but now they have a new phone (the next best thing) called the Kilt and all of these things are built into it, so you're not carrying all the extra stuff around. Yes, this is convenient , but do we need twelve and thirteen year olds begging their parents to get these phones and then abusing the priveleges that come along with it. First of all I don't think that children should have all of these things because there isn't enough restrictions on them. Therefore it is allowing children to be subject to the violence and negativity that the media portrays. Especially if the parents are continuing to buy them. This ad completely is made for the younger generation and granted I don't think 28 is old, but I don't need all those things, so why do school-aged children? Isn't there first priority school not media, and worrying about the next best thing

My question to the candidates

My question to all of the candidates would be, " What are your plans for healthcare?" The reason I would like this question answered is because if you do the math the majority of U.S children are living without health care. I know for an adult there are routine visits, but for a child; who knows when they're going to get sick. Most adults work therefore they have a way to pay, but what are the children to do when their parents are just getting by and can't afford healthcare for the whole family. I think this problem needs to be addressed more than civil unions or lack there of. I have been there without health care and it is no picnic, but now that I have it there isn't that worry of what if I get sick and I'm out of work? The people who have families are really feeling this worry and that is why I think it needs to be at the top of the list of problems that need to be addressed in the U.S.

Blog Prompt for the week of 10/15

Sorry to be late posting this, but luckily everyone was in class this week.

As you probably already remember, your blog prompt is "What Will You Ask the Republican Presidential Candidates?" This is of course after the CNN / YouTube debate process that we viewed in class last Friday.

You can view candidates and the process for question writing at the following web addresses:

http://www/youtube.com/debates
http://www.youtube.com/youchoose

As always your second Blog assn. is your choice.

Have a Good Week,

Jamie

Jena 6

A few months ago, I was watching Court TV and I heard about the "Jena 6" incident for the first time. For those of you who may not know, Jena 6 refers to a racially charged incident that occurred in Jena, Louisiana in 2006. According to the Democracy Now! website, "Six black students at Jena High School in Central Louisiana were arrested last December after a school fight in which a white student was beaten and suffered a concussion and multiple bruises. The six black students were charged with attempted murder and conspiracy. They face up to 100 years in prison without parole. The fight took place amid mounting racial tension after a black student sat under a tree in the schoolyard where only white students sat. The next day three nooses were hanging from the tree."



After I read about the Jena 6 incident, I was intrigued. I wanted to know more about the students involved and what each of the involved students' futures entailed. I just can't believe that there are racial tensions that lead to such extreme actions. I believe that the Jena 6 is a horrible incident for numerous reasons. I am going to continue to do some research on this situation and I will report back at a later time. If you happen to know about the Jena 6 then let me know because I am very interested!

Dancing Cat

My girls found the dancing Cat on You Tube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dP_tfVGKxdE It is really laugh out loud funny.

TV Guide- The Magazine

I recently got a free subscription offer for the new TV Guide Magazine. So, I got the first issue this week and flipped through it with the prompt in mind. However, before I started analyzing it, I took a minute to think of it as a piece of media. It is a magazine that promotes Television. It also includes highlights of stories you can find on the website ("Now on TV Guide.com") Right there you have three forms of media in one item. I think that the magazine has more than one purpose. First, to inform the readers of upcoming television programs, by the TV listings in the back as well as the articles featuring new shows or actors. Second, it entertains readers with slightly tabloid-like controversial articles (One of the headlines on the cover reads "Rosie's SHOCKING new book!") and information on celebrities. It also can persuade the readers to watch certain shows or networks based upon its criticism or promotion of some over the others. So, as I cracked the cover of this complex, multi-format, multi-purpose piece of media, I was keeping all of these things in mind.

Most of the ads featured television shows, food products, and products that seemed targeted for families or women. It seems that the Magazine targets TV watchers (obviously, since it is produced by TV Guide) and families.

Time

OK, second post. I really don't have time to read anyone's post. I'm sure they are all wonderful topics, but to me, at this point in my life, they are smalltalk, and I don't have time for small talk. I am sure that much of my current midset comes from online classes, which I am determined to avoid at all cost from this point on. Most of my online classmates do not read the readings, and write weak answers to the questions. ...very hard to respond to I prefer face to face interactions. I see blogs and most internet communication, such as blackboard, as a time consuming (sucking) activity. There is very little meaningful conversation, and it takes too much effort to make the conversation flow. I think that you lose much of the nuances that make conversation valuable, such as spontaniety, facial features, guestures, tone of voice, pauses and pace when you attempt to discuss something online. Conversation to me is a give and take, not a give, wait, take, wait. I find that with required posting for classes, we are posting for the sake of posting. Thoughts do not flow freely; they are expressed in sound bites. If I am sounding cynical, it is because I am at this point. I am overwelmed and burning out fast without something meaningful to discuss and someone intelligent to discuss it with, the old fashioned way, over a cup of coffee, sitting across a table from each other. I'll take a real smile over a :) anyday!

Advertising

I wish that I could fast forward through all of the ads. I know that there is technology to do this, but I'm not interested in adding another thing with cords to my televison...there are too many things connected there already! Right now, my time is so precious, I don't have time for advertisements. I had so much homework tonight that I had to miss Grey's Anatomy, which is the FIRST episode I missed. Maybe if I could have just watched the 23 actual minutes of storyline without all of the commercials, I could have fit it in somehow. The advertisements are purposefully aimed at the market niche, which is why if I don't know what the ads are for, I probably shouldn't be watching the show! What I especially dislike is the repetition of ads...as if I am too stupid to get it the first time, so the ad guru's are going to show the same commercial at every break. The current overplayed commercial that is beginning to really bug me is for Pantene, "release your energy". I actually got up and turned the tv OFF a few nights ago because every 5 minutes that commercial was on again. And I have used Pantene products faithfully for years, so that ad campaign actually had the opposite effect on me!

School shootings

So is it just me or are we as a society just so use to there being school shootings that they don't get coverage anymore? There was a school shooting in Ohio the other day and there was hardly anything about it in the news and a few days later there is nothing at all. 10 years ago the news stations would have had breaking coverage and cut into shows, it would have been all over the Internet and newspapers. Today it seems that we are so use to it that it isn't even talked about it. It's just "another" school shooting, nothing else.

In Touch

I don't usually get into the world of magazines. However, I do like to read them once and a while. As I was checking out at a store , the In Touch magazine caught my eye so I picked it up. I skimmed through a couple pages and thought I shouldn't purchase this magazine but I went ahead any way. As I was standing in line, the rack with all the magazines pretty much had the same headlines. Which included no other than, Brittney Spears and Angelina Jolie. It seems as if people would get tired of hearing about the same people over and over again. Poor Brittney! She is everywhere. I hear people talking about her on the radio and there are all kinds of specials estimating when she will actually breakdown. It is sick that people actually get paid to taunt others. Along with the headlines I saw of course, the hot things to wear this season and which stars looked good in what and which ones didn't. The ads are becoming repetitive. I We have no right to judge others. It is really sad that other people lives become entertainment for others. Even though, I don't buy magazines often but when I do find myself getting caught up in the hype.

Cosmo

As I sat thinking about this assignment a stack of magazines caught my eye. I don't even know why I subscribe to them anymore because I am so busy that I practically have a years worth of them sitting around. So I thought this was a good chance to catch up on them since it was "for school". The first 20 or so pages were all ads, with a page of contents mixed in. For the most part the whole magazine is ads. They could easily cut the magazine in half if they took out all the ads. All the ads are definitely targeting women. For the most part I would say younger women 20-30 perhaps. But there are also some ads for things like wrinkle cream and other stuff that would appeal to older women who are looking through the magazine wishing they looked younger again. All the ads are catchy, colorful, with beautiful models, sexy, appealing, etc. There was a random male cologne ad here and there, but they were obviously there to appeal to the girlfriend to purchase for the boyfriend. There were definitely no car, sports, or any other "manly" ads in this magazine. They are definitely trying to portray a certain image and catch a certain audience.

A response to D. Kubbe's article on Alcoholism.

Dear Diane,
Although, I did not see the article on Alcoholism, but I know first hand that it affects behavior and it affects everything else because it is a disease and a very ugly one at that. I dated a guy for eleven months and at first I just thought he liked to go out on the weekends and have fun with his friends, but I soon saw that it was an everyday thing with him. In that eleven months he almost burned my apartment down because he would start cooking something, but then he would pass out on the couch. I remember waking up several times at one and two in the morning to the smoke alarm and the house full of smoke. It was very frustrating because it was if I had my own baby and had to stand over it to make sure nothing happened. There were many nights that I would just cry thinking that I was the crazy one and I was the one with the problem, but I soon realized that the alcohol was the problem. There were several fights that turned physical, but I always felt bad and told myself that it won't happen again, so I didn't call the police, However, about four months ago we had a fight and he was so wasted that he told me he was going to kill me and then proceeded to do just that by choking me. I called the police this time and he went right to jail and was convicted of domestic violence and is now serving 93 days in jail. I know all too well how alcohol is a disease because an alcoholics first and only priority is the bottle and nothing else. After this incident I did a lot of reasearch just so that I could understand the disease more and not ever have to re-live something so terrorfying again. I always like to research things that I'm not completely educated on; that is why having media is a good thing.

Alcoholism a genetic disease

Live Outside the Bottle

I was watching the Fox 2 news this morning. They did a segment on alcoholism. I just found out that alcoholism is not only a behavioral problem but also a disease. It is a genetic problem. People with family history of alcoholism have a higher risk of being alcoholic. Today, a behavioral therapy (AA) is not only the solution but also a prescription drug is now available.

Here is the web address, if you want to find out more about it: www.liveoutsidethebottle.com

Why is Everybody always Picking on Me?

Hi Everyone:

This is Diane.

I heard and read many advertisement in the course of this week and it just seems that many are aimed toward the over forty set.
Some of the magazines that I did read addressed some of these current issues, fashion, anti-aging cosmetics, weight loss, automobiles such as the GMC Acadia and education.

Get a real career and start attending college. Magic Radio, with Jim Harper really pushes the education commericials.
I also see the advertisements for various education institution including our very own Baker College. However I notice that they have cut back on their advertising. I do not see their ads as much as I use to.

Most of the advertisements are for going back to school the advertisement stresses that college will work around the students’ schedules.
I have gone back school and the only time that college has worked around my schedule was attending classes. The advertisement does not state that the student will have homework every day and a test every week. The advertisement does not state that instructors will be fair when making out the test. In my opinion the going back to school advertisements are deceiving. It is very costly to attend school, and time consuming there are some nights when I stay up until 2:00 in the morning doing homework.

Yes, It will be worth it when I get my degree, and yes, I will be wearing the shirt that states ALL THIS HASSEL FOR A TASSEL. But in the mean time it is really exhausting. The advertisements only give the potential student half the truth. Grant it the colleges have become more flexible, but I feel that they could do better.

Same with anti-aging winkle cream, they are expensive and some of the cosmetic companies are sited for not working as well as they should. No, I do not have to buy into. But yet I want to look attractive, I do not want gray hair or winkles.

Commercials for varicose veins are hard for me too. I hear the commercial, but I do not have health insurance, and I cannot afford the procedure. However, I am still made to feel bad myself. I am not a perfect, beautiful person until I get this procedure done, lose this weight or purchase a $300.00 coat with a $300.00 purse to match.

Let face it, the majority of these commercial are aimed at the forty old women. I use to have a career. I use to be able to at least consider some of these products. Now, I am not even in the position to purchase any of these products.

I already bought into the education. I should not have to buy into looking gorgeous at 50. Society and the fashion industry should accept us the way we are. Fabulous and beautiful at any age.

Leave Britney Alone!

So, what's the deal with Britney Spears? Why does it seem like the world is infatuated with her? In the last month, I have seen Britney on the television, in magazine articles, in newspaper articles, and plastered on various Internet pages. According to various media sources, Britney is an unfit mother, an alcoholic, a drug addict, and a party animal. Apparently, Britney, at a size 6, is "fat" and "out of shape," along with the other things previously mentioned. But, besides the fact that the world has recognized that Britney does not have it together, why does the media keep focusing on her faults? Why does the media care that Britney is unsuccessful? I guess one could argue that it is nice to see that the "pop princess" is not perfect; however, I think that this is an example of the media going too far.



As I did a little Internet searching on Britney Spears, I found a really interesting article on tmz.com. The article read, "A court-ordered-sober Britney Spears applied for a new job on Thursday as a ... wait for it ... bartender!! Sources inside the Viceroy Hotel in Santa Monica, Calif. tell TMZ Brit checked in Thursday and at around 10:30 PM went downstairs and started talking with a bartender.We're told Spears told the bartender she wanted to do what she did -- then asked for and obtained an application from the night manager to work in the hotel's 'Cameo Bar.'"



Along with the previously mentioned article, tmz.com is loaded with embarrassing pictures and other ridiculous articles about Britney Spears. There is even a poll about the odds of Britney Spears receiving another DUI. Basically, I think we all understand that Britney has come a long way from "Hit Me Baby One More Time," so why can't we just leave her alone? Unfortunately, I think that we are going to be hearing about Britney for quite a while and when the media gets tired of talking about Britney, they will focus on her look-a-like little sister.

Here is a clip from when Britney shaved her head...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsyWlcQAy-Q

Sunday Night Football

Last night I watched Sunday night football, Chicago Bears against Green Bay. And my team Green Bay lost L. Anyway, I’ve started noticing the commercials during the game all seem to be about the same things; credit cards, cars, and upcoming movies. For every break there were at least two different kinds of car commercial such as Silverado, Mercedes’ Benz, and Mustang. The credit card like American Express, it informed the audiences how spending money earn you sky miles. I believed that the commercial were aimed straight for the younger generation of viewers, more working people are home at night these advertisement beg us to get out there and buy.
The purpose of advertising has also changed. Advertising used to informed the audience where and when to buy a product. Today, advertisers try to persuade the audience to buy a product. Advertisers also try to persuade the consumer that their particular product is better than the others. This means that if the consumer chooses their product, it will make the life of the consumer easier.
I believed that television viewers respond to this ideal and not only want to possess the products advertised, but also wish to be like the people in the commercials. Audiences often envy these characters and desire their beauty, self-confidence, and self-satisfaction. I believed that advertising company’s main purpose is to sell their product and not to inform the consumer abou the product.

Advertising in Good Housekeeping

Hey Everyone, I reviewed a Good Housekeeping magazine and found that there are quite a few advertisers within the pages. The list was pretty extensive but in the end, all of the products being advertised affected women and their lifestyle. The largest advertising categories were food, medical items, household items and charities. Then as a close second I found makeup, cleansers, and cleaning supplies for the home. After that there were items that covered hair care, teeth, crafts, kids, pets, insurance, water, feminine hygiene, phones, cars, and other magazines by the same company. All of these ads were every other page in the first half of the magazine and then the items being advertised were placed near articles that they related too. The articles were located with no ads surrounding them but were tucked way into the second half of the magazine and not very easy to locate.
I also noticed that for instance, food ads were near the recipes and cleaning ads were near household articles. The magazine publisher definitely goes out of its way to capture a particular type of woman in this magazine. Since it is about keeping up with your home, most items did focus around the household and a few toward women and their appearance. Fashion and makeup or hair were hinted at but not the main focus.

Blog Prompt wk. of 10/7

Hi all.

A reminder from class. Your main blog prompt for this week:

Examine some form of media outlet (t.v. show, magazine, radio, newspaper, website, etc.), paying attention to the advertisements that are present. Then write a short blog entry (200-250 words or so) describing the types of ads you found and who they seem to be targeting with those ads.

Your second blog entry for the week is and will remain a "catch-all" - your choice. a short entry of response to someone else's entry, or anything media-related that you thought of or experienced. Something you'd like to share with the group.

Oprah Magazine is Drowning in Ads

One of the magazines that I receive on a monthly basis is O or Oprah Magazine. Although the magazine is about 300 pages in length, the majority of the magazine is filled with ads. The ads range from skin care products to kitchen utensils, but regardless of the product being advertised, the products all seem to be geared towards women. More specifically, I actually believe that the magazine is geared towards middle aged women. I started to search around online and I came across some interesting tidbits of information regarding Oprah magazine including:

Key Demographics: Male 11.7%
Female 88.3%
Median Age 42.4
Married 57.70%
Median HH Income $64,700

"The mission of O, the Oprah Magazine, is to speak and connect to women in a way
no other publication ever has; to help women 'live their best life.' The May 2008
issue has a 'Splash Into Summer' editorial focus.
Oprah Magazine"

Advertising Opportunity:
Costs: $5,900 1/6 Page

Wow. So, if you think about it, advertisers realize how powerful of a voice Oprah has in society because they are willing to pay an extreme amount of money to have an ad in a magazine that is full of ads. Interestingly, I don't even look at the ads because, honestly, I can't afford anything that is in the magazine! In other words, the ads are really directed at women who have money or for women who plan to have money in the future (this is where I come in). Furthermore, there is a section of the magazine where Oprah picks her "Favorite Things." In Oprah's "Favorite Things" section, numerous products are advertised such as $68 umbrellas and $250 watches that every lady "must have." Oprah also has authors advertise their books and celebrities advertise their television shows (Dr. Phil, Rachael Ray, etc.). When there actually is an article, the article is filled with subliminal advertisements. In other words, if the advertisements were taken out of Oprah Magazine, there would be about 10 pages to look at.

Hi everyone!

My name is Kathy Bour, and I am a post-bachelor teacher prep student (elementary ed/language arts)at Baker Clinton Township. My first degree is in Social Work, from Michigan State University, where I was also a diver on the women's swim team. I still coach diving (taking this semester off due to TOO MANY CLASSES), and I will be diving in the Alumni meet next weekend at homecoming. I am married and the mom of 2 boys (age 19 and 17) and two stepsons (age 20 and 22) and a 9 year old black lab who thinks he is son #5. I will student teach in Fall '08, with a plan to graduate before my youngest son graduates in June '09. I tutor elementary age students (certified dyslexia tutor) and I also work in the library at Baker. In my free time (???) I like to go to my trailer in Standish,work in my gardens and tackle home improvement projects (I have my own power tools and I know how to use them!!) What do I hope to get out of this class? I'm not sure. I did not grow up with technology; much of the technology that is used today was developed and became mainstream during my life. In terms of media, I am old school...watch the morning and evening news, read the newspapers. I see much of the new technology as time wasting. There have been numerous studies that show that productivity has gone down in many areas due to technology because people can't seperate work and home...they blend together as people check e-mail at work and pay bills, take cell phone calls and text on company time. I would much rather prefer to talk to someone face to face than spend time on a blog or chat room. There is too much of the message lost when communication is one demensional. Soooo, in many ways this class may be a struggle for me in my ways of thinking.

RSS Feeds and other content

As you can see, along the side of the blog I've added some RSS Feeds from various web sites of note & noteriety. For any of you who may not know, RSS Feeds allow for updated content from certain web sites to appear on our blog.

Also, we have the capability to add links (see bottom of page), lists, polls, pics, etc. If anyone has anything they would like to see on the blog, let us know. As the moderator I can add/delete/modify content to suit or moods/needs/areas of study.

Introduction

Hello everyone, my name is Haley Jones and I'm 24 years old. I attend Baker of Auburn Hills normally but I have taken a few other Science classes at this campus before. I currently live in Fenton with my boyfriend, but who knows where we'll be in the next few months. (We like to move around a lot) My boyfriend is the newest person at his company so they keep moving him around. We are trying to find a middle ground right now, he needs to be in Warren and Ann Arbor and I need to be in Auburn Hills and Rochester. So that's pretty difficult. I have been with my boyfriend for many years (he's saving up for that ring!). I got a kitten for my birthday this year that is getting de-clawed Thursday, finally!

I grew up in Holly and lived in the same house with my parents and younger brother up until a few years ago when I finally got out on my own. This is my last semester of classes! I am student teaching in Rochester this winter so I am pretty busy right now. I have 4 classes, 50 hours of observation, 2 babysitting jobs and to much other stuff to name. I babysit for 3 girls in White Lake 2 days a week and 4 boys in West Bloomfield 2 days a week. They have made me re-think having a big family! I like to read, take pictures, put together scrapbooks, hang out with my friends and family, run and work with kids. I have always known that I wanted to be a teacher and I am so excited to be almost finished and get my own class.

I like most other people am required to take this class. Unlike other required classes I have been looking forward to this class. I am interested and eager to learn more about all the media and technology out there, some that I love to use and some that I don't even know about yet. I am addicted to my cell phone and the internet so I can't wait to do our first paper about not using these things, it is going to challenging and fun.

Hello everyone my name is Jessie Marx and I currently live in Clintontownship, but am originally from Washington state where I lived up until four years ago. I came here in August of 2003 with a blind-autistic child and his family. It was a roundtrip ticket that said, leaving Detroit Michigan September 21st, but the reason I came here was so that I could train someone to be with Camron, but after a few weeks of calling different companies his mother and I soon realized it was going to take months before someone would be qualified to take care of him. Although, my family felt differently I had decided to stay until christmas and then return home, but then that also changed and I started school in January of 2004, so that kind of kept me here long term. At first my family was very resentful and then figured out I wasn't here just for me. It is still hard, but we are all managing.

One reason I am in this class is for the same reason we all are because we have to be here, but I also look forward to learning more about the media and just how absorbed we are in it. I enjoy working on the computer and using a CD player now and again, but all the new media out there now I have no time for with my busy schedule. I believe this class is going to be very interesting and I look forward to learning how much we are all influenced by the media and how that affects our socialization skills out in public.

Diane C

Hello everyone my Name is Diane and this is my husband Tony. We have been married for 26 years. This picture was taken from Kristen's Wedding. On Tony's side of the family. The photographer choose Black and White.

On the email I go by Delta. My real email address ought to have been Deltadawn, but so many women had that name that it was impossible to get on the Internet.
So, I am known as Deltacang. I have lived in the Macomb-Clinton area all of my life.

I could be a member of Daughters of Macomb because I was raised in Macomb County for 49 years. Unfortunately you have to be invited to be in the Daughters of Macomb. The person needs two signed affidateds stating that you were really in Macomb County for 49 years. Like I would lie about it. If, I wanted to lie. I would rather live in Rochester Hills all of my life. Certainly more exciting living in Clinton Township. Hee hee.

I am in this class because I needed an elective and I had some choices. I ask my daughter, Jennifer for help and she said I would get more out of this class then the other two choices. although at this time I forget what they were.

Yes, I am also addicted to the media. Not so much to television but to music. I have a extensive music collection. I still have my collection of 45's and they still work. Our book talks about RCA. I remember the RCA label. In fact the Sound of Music was recorded on the RCA label.

I agree with Kathy, you do not get the same reaction as you do in face to face conversation.

In fact I serious think that people forgot how to communicate. Students do not even say Hi in the hallway. Just start talking on their cellular phones.

I am proud of my age and my accomplishments. This is not my first Degree, but it my most expensive, and worth working for. I am going to start a new job at Partridge Creek Shopping Mall on October 18, 2007 and I will be very busy working and attending college.

I had two associates degree prior to this and they did not get me anywhere. Now I am in a Bachelor of Business management program with a medical minor and I am a very successful student. My expected graduatation date is June, 2008.

Hello, hello, hello!

Introducing: Jennifer Damaska

You already know my name, so here are a few things about me. I live with my family (Mom, Dad, two of my sisters-Terri and Cassie, and two dogs) in Richmond, MI. We have only lived there for two and a half years. Since we've moved in, we've planned a wedding and everything that goes with it, for my oldest sister Stacey, house-trained our puppies, unpacked everything, sent my little sister off to college, and put our house up for sale again! Our house has been on the market for 9 months now.

Living with a big family, plus buying a new house, plus moving and unpacking everything you own, plus crazy party planning, plus pets, plus re-organizing and repacking everything you own, plus cleaning for house showings, equals a full schedule, let me tell you! Most of my time has been wrapped up in all of this, not to mention babysitting, going to college full time, and working at my church every week. My family, church, and school are the biggest parts of my life right now.

I'm going to Baker to get my degree to be a teacher. Envisioning my future in a classroom of students, one day, is the thing that keeps me motivated to excel in school. It has been my lifelong aspiration to be a teacher, and I find working with children very fulfilling! So, that is why I'm here now. This class is part of my degree, and I hope to walk away with a greater appreciation of the Media around me. I acknowledge that I am a media junkie. Every day, I use the computer for email, entertainment, watching news reports, reading news reports, organizing and adding to my music collection and researching information for school. I watch TV, use a computer, go on the Internet, listen to the radio (talk and music), listen to my iPod, and use my cell phone every week. So, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of how the mass media works- how is it created, disbursed, and even regulated.

A Little Introduction From Your Friend, Erika

Hello everyone!!!

My name is Erika Diener and I am very excited to be a part of this class. I currently reside in Warren, MI, but I actually grew up in the Flint area. I attended MSU immediately after high school, but it just wasn't for me, so I tried out a community college in Flint. After a couple of years, I decided to try Baker College in Auburn Hills, which has been a wonderful experience; however, this is my last quarter of classes and I will be off student teaching somewhere in Oakland County come fall 2008.

I have numerous interests and hobbies including: Playing flute, piccolo, guitar, and piano; singing, ballet, art, photography, and scrapbooking. I am an avid reader and some of my favorite authors are Wally Lamb, John Irving, Barbara Kingsolver, and Toni Morrison. Over the summer I read "Life of Pi" and "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time," which I could talk about at length, so I will spare you all the agony. I am a big-time animal lover, but I only own cats at this time. I hope to have horses, goats, dogs, and other random animals in the future (ya know, when I start making the big bucks!).

I am in this class for two reasons. One, I have to be here because if I do not take this class I cannot graduate. Two, I love talking about the media and forms of mass media. I really enjoy watching the news and a variety of television shows, talking on my cell phone, going on the Internet, listening to the radio, using an ipod, and emailing; therefore, I think this class will be a great way for me to learn about how these technological tools are enhancing or deteriorating my brain. I am hoping to learn a little bit more about the effects that media has on society and I look forward to having some thoughtful discussions in class.

If you have any questions or if you would like a book suggestion, please do not hesitate to ask!!!

It is very nice to meet all of you.

Tabatha W.

Hello. I am 24 years old. I am married to a wonderful man named Eric. I also have a beautiful son named Eric Jr. I am attending Baker to become an Elementary teacher with language arts as my major. I am very excited to continue on the path of my education of becoming an Elementary teacher. As a requirement, I am enrolled in the class. However, I am finding the reading very interesting and very informative. After this class, I plan to discover media more in depth. Before entering the class, I looked at media from one angle, pure entertainment. Once I complete the class I hope to be able to see media in another light. See both the positive and negative aspects of media.

Cindy B

Hi, I am Cindy Boylan, a 40 something student in the Elementary Education - Language Arts program. I am a mother of 4 children: a 16 year old daughter, 14 year old son, 10 year old daughter, and an 8 year old daughter. I have been married for 19 years to my best friend! We also have a dog (golden-doodle) that has no idea he is a dog. My life is very full keeping up with my family while I attend college full time, usually 17 credits a quarter.

This is my second attempt at a college degree. Many years ago I was going after a Business administration degree and hated every minute of it. I walked away from school after I married and just started back two years ago. I love the elementary education program and finally feel that I fit in. I am looking forward to completing my degree in two years. Then I can find the job that I having been dreaming about.

I am looking forward to studing the different forms of mass communication. This is my first time participatin in a Blog. It amazes me that I can become part of a media in this way. I have only used the computer for typing papers, email and a little research. This will be quite a new experience for me.

Doreen K.

I am Doreen Kubbe, 25 year old, recently got engaged and I am in the process of planning my wedding. I am going for my Early Elementary-Language Arts. I took English as my major, the fact that English is my second language. I want to learn more about the English language.

I am hoping to get out of this class are to be more aware of my surrounding, to listen to people and have a better understanding on why people do such thing. I want to be active on how such issues will affect me and the rest of the people.
My hopes in the future are to marry my bestfriend, finish my degree and have kids. And, hopefully find a job.