“Brawl of the Bloggers” – BA #9

Blogs, once a quiet place for writers topublish their thoughts to the world, has now turned into a new frontier for celebrity feuds. One of the biggest names in celebrity blogging is Perez Hilton, who’s website is full of blogs with the newest celebrity scandals and insights. However, Hilton soon ran into trouble and filed a lawsuit against fellow blogger and former publicist for the Backstreet Boys, Jonathon Jaxson.

According to a summary provided by the Citizen Media Law Project, Hilton “alleges that Jaxson slandered him by stating that Hilton had solicited sexual favors from Jaxson in exchange for help promoting Jaxson’s website.” The allegations camedirectly after Jaxson told the New York Post in an article that, “Hilton encouraged him to send sex tapes of himself.”

The parties later agreed on a written settlement agreement (the irony of that, a written settlement involving blogs). The agreement was reached on September 18, 2008, five months after Hilton first filed the lawsuit on April 8,2008. However, a little over a year later, Jaxson, “alleged that he (Hilton) violated the 9/18/2008 settlement agreement,” and thus filed another lawsuit.

In my opinion, celebrity feuds like this are immature and juvenile. It’s a magnified version of a “he-said-she-said” scenario. If this same situation happened on a smaller scale, lawsuits would not have been filed. It is because the two parties are considered to be “celebrities,” that the situation is taken to this level. For most celebrities, the actual conflict makes headlines, and then the lawsuit that follows makes more headlines.

Perez Hilton, especially, makes a living off of public relations. He isn’t a talented actor or singer; he spends all his time blogging about celebrity gossip. This whole gave him more reason to blog, and more reason for people to read his blog. As his publicist, this lawsuit was a genius idea. Hilton gets publicity about the lawsuit, while his website, where proof of the confrontation exists.

This lawsuit isa poor excuse for libel or invasion of privacy; it is just a matter of two D-List celebrities trying to make headlines while advertising their crafts. This case doesn’t belong in the courtroom, it belongs in the classroom, case closed.

“Post Reality Star Syndrome” – BA #8

Having a child can be one of the happiest and most stressful times in a parent’s life. However, for one Pennsylvania mom, the stress of having one child was multiplied. Through fertility treatments, Kate Gosselin gave birth to six kids, three boys and three girls, in just her second pregnancy. In her first pregnancy, Kate gave birth to twin girls.

However, most of you reading this already know about the Gosselin family. The Pennsylvania family of 10 has become a household name with the success of their hit television show “John and Kate Plus 8,” on The Learning Channel. The show documented the family from the time when the sextuplets were infants to now, when are currently five years old.

Viewers were so captured by the crazy family dynamics. Aside from the adorable sextuplets, Kate was a huge part of the show. Audiences watched as Kate’s dictating and controlling attitude contrasted from her husband John’s chilled and laid back demeanor. This difference would often lead to feuds, on camera, between the couple.

As the show gained popularity, the family was soon being followed by paparazzi everywhere they went. Then, things hit rock bottom. Kate was accused of having an affair with her personal security guard, and was being slammed by tabloidsand magazines. Labeled as a “diva,” Kate was constantly defending herself to the press. When John and Kate announced their separation, Kate had to ride the “Reality Star Wave,” in order to continue to support her kids and her lifestyle. Gosselin wrote books, appeared on talk shows, and make appearances while John stayed home and watched the eight kids.

If I were Kate Gosselin’s publicist, I would advise her to step back from the “Reality Star,” façade and admit to her mistakes. Kate Gosselin was caught up by this reality fame and changed into a completely different person. Becoming crazier and crazier which each episode, Kate was a time bomb waiting to explode. That explosion created media chaos, almost every magazine and newspaper had Kate’s face on it with slandering headlines across the top.

To recover from this, Kate would have to step back completely from the spotlight. returning to a somewhat normal lifestyle, the media will no longer be as interested in an average family, versus the crazy family they were prior. By returning to a normal job, and resuming their previous lifestyle before stardom, the Gosselin family could possibly repair the damage done to their family name, and particularly the reputation of Kate Gosselin.

“Place Product Here” – BA #7

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, product placement is defined as, “the inclusion of a product in a television program or film as a form of paid advertisement.” This could be the typeof soda an actor drinks, the car they are driving, or the brand of clothing they are wearing. Big companies put in large amounts of money to ensure that the movie industry puts their products in successful films.

In the film, “Accepted,” it is clearly that companies such as; Pepsi, JanSport and Apple, have sponsored the film.

The movie tells the story of Bartleby Gaines (Justin Long) who was rejected every college from which he had applied. Bartleby then decides to create a fake school so that his parents won’t be disappointed with him. Alongside his fellow college rejectees, Bartleby creates the South Harmon Institute of Technology (SHIT for short). However word soon gets out about the school, and Bartleby ends up with full freshman class of college rejectees at SHIT.

Throughout the film, all of the students walk around campus carrying JanSport backpacks, and using Mac Computers, a product of Apple. Also, all drinks in the film are Pepsi products. Whether is be Mountain Dew, Pepsi or Sierra Mist, the labels on the can were always pointed towards the camera so it was impossible for the audience not to notice the product.

These products were placed in the film specifically for their relevance to the audience of the movie, teenagers and college students. Almost every college student purchases a laptop before heading off to college, so to have only Maccomputers in the film, makes the trendy computers even more appealing. Also, the films lead actor, Justin Long, is a spokesperson for Apple, and particularly for the Mac products. This contracted agreement between Apple and Long, may have influenced the producers of “Accepted” to include Apple products in the film. Additionally, JanSport products are seen in the film as way to advertise their backpacks to college students. After all, it is essential to have a backpack for school, no matter what your age.

Overall, the product placement in this film was done very well. It wasn’t “in your face” blatant advertising, but with a sharp eye, a viewer can point out the products. Unlike other movies such as “You’ve Got Mail,” whose soul purpose seems to advertise the e-mail industry, the film “Accepted,” is entertaining and humorous for audience members.

“All Aboard the Hogwarts Express” – BA #6

The Harry Potter series exploded on to the book market in 1997 with the release of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” Written by JK Rowling, the series had a huge impact on my adolescence. The series was first introduced to me in the third grade, when my teacher read the fiction book aloud to the class. From then on I was hooked, and began reading the later novels on my own.

The prolonged books allowed my mind to wander and explore the fantasy world of wizards and witchcraft. The books provided a productive alternative to watching TV or playing videogames (having two brothers, it was always a battle for the remote), and even as a way to pass time on long car rides. However, at times it was “un-cool” to read books, and so I stopped reading for a while.

But later when Warner Brothers began producing and then filming the movies, I began to continue reading the series again. This way I was ahead of the Hollywood production and could finish the books before seeing the movie. This is an example of the power that the media has on our lives and our culture.

The production of the movies was one of the main appeals of the series. After reading and imagining the book yourself, you could then go see the film in a theatre and see how Hollywood perceived the story. In all of the movies, the true character of the book was never put on to the screen, leaving out key information or sometimes even changing the plot and sequence of events. On one occasion, I had to explain what was taking place in the story to a complete stranger sitting next to me in the theatre, during a screening. These mangled Hollywood productions made me appreciate the books even more.

At times, the books were a source of healthy competition amongst my friends.We would race to finish the newest book the fastest. Some of my friends even finished the book within 24 hours of receiving the new copy, while it took me closer to one or two weeks to finish the book.

Although I did not sit in bookstores waiting in line for midnight releases, my mom would always buy me the newly released books after the crowds had cleared. After my friends and I had the read the book, we would discuss what happened and what we expected to happen in the following book.

The Harry Potter series created a sort of community amongst readers. No matter age, you had read the series and fell in love with the characters and their stories. We all hoped for the eventual romance of Ron and Hermione, and shuttered at the thought of seeing Voldemort triumph over Harry.

Unfortunately, I have only read a few books since finishing the Harry Potter series two years ago. I made an attempt at reading Twilight (key word- attempt), but I found it boring and pointless. The book didn’t draw me in and keep my interest like the Harry Potter books. The Harry Potter series defined a generation, the Millennials.

“It Means No Worries” – BA #5

“Hakuna Matata,” a phrase first introduced to the people of my generation in the 1994 Disney movie “The Lion King.” The phrase was a carefree slogan coined by two of the main characters in movie, Timon and Pumba. Incorporated into a catchy song and dance, the scene was a defining moment in the story of young Simba becoming a man.

However, did the phrase create a movement among Americans? “It means no worries for the rest of your days.” An interpretation of this could be to not care and slack off.

Taking the term literally would do just that. Through this phrase, you have just inadvertently told a young child that it is acceptable to lounge around all day and “grub.” After all, that’s what Timon and Pumba do in the film. The character Pumba is an overweight warthog that spends his days relaxing in the jungle with his best friend Timon, a meerkat. In addition, Pumba also has a flatulence problem, which is perceived as comedic and entertaining in the movie.

In my opinion, the “Hakuna Matata” attitude has molded itself into the lifestyles of the people who grew up watching these Disney movies. “No worries,” has influenced people to not care about their future and drop out of school. Also “grubbing,” has turned into excessive eating and to an increase of obesity in our country.
By seeing, at such a young age, characters in movies portrayed as “cool and funny,” for eating a lot and lounging around all day, it has altered our perception of how to live our lives. “The Lion King,” is easily the most recognizable Disney movie of all time. Anyone who grew up in the 1990’s has seen the film. But the messages it portrayed are still affecting us today in how we are carrying out our lives.

These ideas may be farfetched, and to some even absurd, but if you think about the lifestyles of Timon and Pumba depicted in the movie, and then apply that same lifestyle to the real world. The result is our current modern culture. My generation, more than any, is becoming increasingly lazy and obese as a result.

In the movie, the characters describe the “Hakuna Matata” slogan as their motto or, “A phrase that will solve all your problems.” To all those who grew up in the Disney culture, is it solving all your problems?

Old Enough to Know Better, Young Enough Not to Care – BA #4

Facebook, once a small network of only college students, now has expanded to become available to anyone with an email address.

            From my own experience, Facebook has given me the opportunity to stay in touch with friends that have moved away, as well as with relatives that I see only once or twice a year. Although the communication is not in the most formal manner, it still gives users, like myself, the opportunity to keep-in-touch with those they care about.

            However, Facebook is quickly changing, and by allowing anyone to access it, employers now raid the pages of job applicants and uncover all of their old dirty laundry. In circumstances like this, the keg-stand you did at the frat party last year, suddenly does not seem as cool. In addition to employers, Mom’s are now on Facebook. My mom recently got a Facebook, and I’ll admit, I denied her friend request the first time. But after finding a privacy setting where she would have limited visibility of my page, I accepted her.

            In a recent article on FOXNews.com, the author goes through her own experiences of having her mom on Facebook. The truth of the matter is, college students should not post incriminating pictures of themselves on Facebook, but we do it anyways. In my opinion, college is a time to have fun because after four years (sometimes five, just ask my brother) you are expected to become a REAL adult and enter the professional world. That is the time when you clean up your Facebook, or even delete it. For now, I don’t really think it’s a big deal, after all your parents were your age once, no matter how much we try and forget it.

            In all, social networking sites have become a necessary evil for my Millennial generation. Facebook and other sites, give us a chance to connect with others at a faster rate than writing letters or talking on the phone. Although there may be some ridiculous pictures of you on Facebook, I say don’t sweat it. At this point in our lives you could say we’re “old enough to know better, young enough not to care.”

Don’t Touch the Remote, Grab the Mouse – BA #3

“Hey turn it up! My favorite show is on!”… Like most Americans I spend my weeknights sitting in front of the television watching my favorite prime time shows.Whether it be CSI on CBS, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition on ABC, or Law and Order: SVU on NBC, I can always find a good show to watch on any given day of the week.

Most of us sit in trance as we watch, completely engrossed in what plays out on the screen in front of us, and then as the action gets even better, the inevitable commercial break.

Commercials often serve as a good time for a bathroom break or to refill the chip bowl, however networks have recently given viewers a chance to stay involved with the show during these breaks. All you need is a computer.

Prime time shows now have websites, where viewers can access additional information outside of the hour time block the show is allotted. All the major networks such as ABC, NBC, CBS and FOX have websites that can be accessed with any home computer.

My favorite show, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition; has the most accessible and interactive webpages. With designer biographies, episode guides, discussion boards, and even a form to nominate future families, it is both entertaining and resourceful for any fan of the show, such as myself.

The site is very successful. It even has it’s own discussion section, where viewers can post comments on message boards. Over 1,000,000 total posts! Some families that have been on the show in the past have even posted messages about their gratitude towards ABC and the Extreme Makeover team for changing their lives, by helping them at a time where they really needed it. The success of the webpage is also reflected by the success of the show itself.

Families sitting on their couches at home can relate to the families helped on the show. It’s a breath of fresh air amongst the other competitive-cut throat reality shows. It promotes a feel-good attitude and encourages viewers to go out and make a difference in their community. The website even has links to local organization and how you can help the Extreme Makeover team. As Ty Pennington would say, “Let’s Do it!”

 …Quiet! My show is back on!

Lost in a Connected World – BA #2

Connected

As I sat on my bed anxiously watching the clock, my hands shaking, I waited and waited for the clock to strike midnight. No, this was not New Years Eve; it was the last few minutes of my experience without using mass media devices for the 48 hours prior.  Yes, this meant I had not used my cell phone, ipod, computer or television for the past two days.

At last it was midnight, I quickly turned on my cell phone and opened up my computer. There amongst all the missed text messages, e-mails, voicemails, and Facebook notifications, I realized how much I relied on media and also how much my roommate didn’t appreciate all the noise at midnight (sorry Patrick).

My experiment began on Friday.  I woke up at 7 o’clock to the radio station 92.3 FM, again my roommate must have been so happy. After getting out of bed, I got on my computer to check the weather for the day and dressed accordingly.

I then rushed out of the door to make the long trek from West Village to class. Yes, I do take 8 AM classes, and yes it is horrible. After class, I came back to my room where I listened to music, completed homework, text messaged friends, and sat on Facebook for the rest of my day. Living the life of a typical college student. The following day I got to sleep in and did not have class, it was Saturday after all. It was a typical weekend for me. Filled with sitting on the computer, text-messaging friends, and even watching movies. After logging all the times I used mass media, I felt exposed and mindless. The media had successfully entered almost every aspect of my life; it was as if “Big Brother,” was watching my every move.

 

Unplugged and Unconnected

The next day, I woke up dwelling the next 48 hours of not using mass media devices. I quickly turned off my phone and put it in a drawer, along with my laptop and the remote control to the television. This way I was completely submerged in the project 100%.  I sat aimlessly on my bed for the next twenty to thirty minutes; I had no way of occupying my time without using media.

Soon I was interrupted by a knock at my door. I found my friends standing in the doorway, “Ryan, why haven’t you responded to my text messages? We want to go to lunch.” Without my phone, people could not get in contact with me as they usually would. This situation put both a burden on myself, and those trying to contact me.

On the last day, Monday, I didn’t wake up to the smooth sounds of 92.3 FM at 8 AM; instead I awoke to an annoying buzzing noise. This would be the start of a bad day. Filled with lonely lunches, quiet dorm rooms and endless amounts of homework assignments, the day was far from my what they normally are. As a person of routine, I still found myself checking my pocket for my phone, even though I knew it was not there. This concerned me the most as to how much I relied on my cell phone, even to check the time. Later that night I had my first club swim practice, afterwards I was excited to call my mom and tell her how it went, but unfortunately I had to refrain.

Without a cell phone, I was disconnected from the world. It was a lonely feeling, almost nakedness, not having my phone in my pocket.

However the experience was not all bad, not always being connected had its good points. For once I could sit down and concentrate fully on my homework or readings. From this trial, I realized how much of an impact the mass media has on my everyday life. The littlest tasks, such as waking up in the morning, have been infiltrated by mass media.

Overall. The experiment made me realize that sometimes I should be conscious of how much mass media affects my daily life. I would suggest this same experiment to any other “Media Junkie,” such as myself. Before this assignment, I thought it would have been impossible surviving without my cell phone and laptop, but afterwards it was definitely an eye opening experience for me.

Constant Change of Media

Today in class we watched a film called, “Media History: The Story of film, TV and Media.” The film, created in 1998, showed how mass communication has evolved and changed throughout time. The film put a good perspective on how drastic communication has changed, and the role technology played in the evolution.

The original form of mass communication was known as the oral period. During this time, stories and information were spread by word-of-mouth from priests or monks to the general public. The movie then went into the development of manuscripts and Guttenberg’s introduction of the printing press in the 1840’s. This revolutionary machine would change media and the mass distribution of products such as books and newspapers.

However, the part of the film that interested me the most was the drastic change of mass communication from when the film was made in 1998 to now. The film showed people on “top-of-the-line” desktop computers that were the size of cinder blocks, where as now I sit here typing on a laptop that is no bigger than a textbook. Also in the movie they showed a person putting a CD-ROM into the computer, where as now flash drives are the preferred method of storing and transporting data onto computers. Even CD-ROM’s for music are now considered “old school.”

In addition to computers, within the past decade, many other mass communication devices have changed that were not shown in the movie. Cell phones, for example, have gone from the size of bricks, to a tiny device that is no bigger than the size of your hand. Additionally, music players have gone from using CD’s and cassette tapes to using MP3 files that are put onto a device such as an iPod.

If such developments in mass communications can be made within the past ten years, I can only imagine the new innovations and technologies available within the next ten or twenty years to come. Overall, I thought the film was very informative and was a good introduction into the communications industry.

First Assignment.

hope this works.