Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Masculinity/Femininity

The idea of masculinity is made up of a series of cliches and/or stereotypes:
  • that the man provides for the family and makes more money
  • that the man works harder and is more successful in business
  • that the man never shows 'weak' emotions and puts more emphasis on the physical aspect of relationships
  • that the man is physically strong and excels at fixing things
  • that the man is better at math and science, the 'important' subjects

On the contrary, femininity is made up of these stereotypes, though some became outdated after the 1950s:
  • the woman cares for the children, she may have a career as well but can't expect to make as much
  • the woman doesn't work as hard and therefore is not as respected or successful in business
  • women are more focused on the emotional aspect of things, both in romantic relationships and in general
  • the woman is physically weak and must be protected
  • the woman is better at English and art, the 'girly' subjects

Top 3 News Stories 12/20/11

CBS news
1. "Concrete buffer gone wild at construction site"
The article showed a video of some incident. It was the top story but I couldn't actually see the video, so I have no idea what happened because the article was vague about it.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504784_162-57345199-10391705/concrete-buffer-gone-wild-at-a-construction-site/
2. "Deadly blizzard paralyzes Great Plains"
 A huge storm hit the Great Plains late last night and morning, causing hundreds of rollovers and six deaths so far. Many roads are shut down completely.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57345435/deadly-blizzard-paralyzes-great-plains/
3. "Massive blizzard snarls Midwest travel"
Basically the same as above ^^^^
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57345384/massive-blizzard-snarls-midwest-travel/

Friday, December 16, 2011

3 Top News Stories 12/16/11

CBS news
1. "Sisters survive deadly attack at Utah cabin"
See explanation from earlier this week.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18559_162-57340406/sisters-survive-deadly-attack-at-utah-cabin/
2. "PSU's McQueary: I saw sex abuse, told Paterno"
Penn State assistant Coach McQueary revealed that he believes he may have seen Sandusky molesting a boy, but insists that he reported the incident to the proper authority figures at the university, both of whom are now being charged with failing to report this information to the police.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57344172/psus-mcqueary-i-saw-sex-abuse-told-paterno/
3. "Iowa Debate: Republican winners and losers"
Republican debate happened in Iowa last night, and the candidates who did best were Newt Gingrich, Mitt Romney, Michele Bachmann, Rick Perry, and Ron Paul. Rick Santorum and John Hunstman did not fare as well.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-57344013-503544/iowa-debate-republican-winners-and-losers/

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Top 3 News Stories 12/15/11

CBS news
1. "WH OKs military detention of terrorism suspects"
The White House is okaying a law that would allow the military to arrest and indefinitely hold suspected al Qaeda  members, as long as they are captured on American soil. It will give the President the ability to ignore military custom in circumstances he deems appropriate.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-250_162-57343287/wh-oks-military-detention-of-terrorism-suspects/
2. "Woman killed in freak NYC elevator accident"
A New York woman was killed yesterday stepping onto an elevator when her leg got caught in the door and she was then dragged into the elevator shaft.
 http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57342949/woman-killed-in-freak-nyc-elevator-accident/
3. "Paris Jackson shares her father's advice and efforts to protect her on 'Ellen'"
Paris Jackson talks about how her father, the late Michael Jackson, inspired her to become an actress.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-31749_162-57343114-10391698/paris-jackson-shares-her-fathers-advice-and-efforts-to-protect-her-on-ellen/

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Top 3 News Stories 12/14/11

CBS news
1. "Payroll tax cut row threatens gov't shutdown"
A Republican bill proposing to cut payroll taxes is completely dividing the government.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-250_162-57342767/payroll-tax-cut-row-threatens-govt-shutdown/
2. "9 Worst holiday gifts from bosses"
The article has funny stories of awful gifts people (mostly women) recieved from their (mostly male) bosses for Christmas.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505125_162-57341175/9-worst-holiday-gifts-from-bosses/
3. "The Biggest Loser: John Rhode wins by shedding 225 pounds"
The winner of the show plans to work very hard to maintain his new 220 pound figure, and the personal trainers who worked on the show said he seemed to be serious competition for the others all along.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-31749_162-57342834-10391698/the-biggest-loser-john-rhode-wins-by-shedding-225-pounds/

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Top 3 News Stories 12/13/11

CBS news
1. "Once tiniest premature babies grow up healthy"
The world's two tiniest babies are now living normal lives. Madeline Mann, born at only 9.9 ounces and 27 weeks into gestation, is now studying psychology at an honors college. Rumaisa Rhaman, born at an extremely tiny 9.2 ounces (the current world record) and 26 weeks old, is in the first grade now. Both these births were the result of preclampsia, which causes dangerously high blood pressure in women and often forces doctors to remove the babies early via cesarean section.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-57341249-10391704/once-tiniest-premature-babies-beat-odds-grow-up-healthy/
2. "Russian billionaire, NBA owner, challenges Putin"
Mikhail Prokhorov has announced that he plans to run against Russia's Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. Prokhorov stands a good chance, Putin's party has already lost about 14% of the vote from just a few years ago.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57341248/russian-billionaire-nba-owner-challenges-putin/
3. "Obama: we leave Iraq with 'heads held high'."
The nearly 9 year war with Iraq is finally ending this year, and the last of the troops will finally be brought home by December 31st.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-57341455-503544/obama-we-leave-iraq-with-heads-held-high/

Monday, December 12, 2011

Top 3 News Stories 12/12/11

CBS news
1. "Sisters survive deadly attack at Utah cabin"
Tricia and Linae Tiede went to their family's cabin for Christmas in the winter of 1990, only to be met by two robbers, who killed their mother and grandmother. Linae was then alone with the robbers (her father and Trish were in town), and waited in terror until her father and sister came back to the cabin, and then were also attacked. The men shot  their father, but did not kill the girls. The girls grew even more terrified when they realized that the killers had made themselves at home, they hadn't simply interrupted a robbery, but rather, they were prey, and the killers had waited for them. The robbers set the cabin on fire using gasoline the family kept for snowmobiles. The men then forced the girls to drive them away from the burning cabin on their snowmobiles. The girls saw their uncle while driving on the mountain but pretended not to know him so the shooters wouldn't kill him too. Later, their father, who had somehow managed to survive both the shooting and the fire, found their uncle and told him what had happened, and the search for the girls began. Their uncle managed to eventually get ahold of the cops and a helicopter to take their dad to the hospital, and the girls were rescued. Their father also survived, but later passed away from cancer.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18559_162-57340406/sisters-survive-deadly-attack-at-utah-cabin/
2. "President Obama: The economy, the Congress, the future"
President Obama defended his candidacy by explaining his plans for Congress and how he plans to imrpove upon the economy if reelected as president.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18560_162-57341032/president-obama-the-economy-the-congress-the-future/
3. "A rare glimpse into China's busy death row"
China recently has had some 8 year old photos surfacing on the internet, which sheds some light on the country that executes more people than any other. Drug trafficking is enough to warrant an execution, and the numbers are so high that the government keeps it a secret.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-57341063/a-rare-glimpse-into-chinas-busy-death-row/

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Top 3 News Stories 12/8/11

CBS news
1. "Documents: ATF used 'Fast and Furious' to make case for gun regulations"
The ATF used a covert mission known as 'Fast and Furious', which basically meant they encouraged gun traffickers to sell to people who might take out members of a Mexican drug cartel. They are now saying that what they themselves did is proof enough that gun regulation is necessary.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-31727_162-57338546-10391695/documents-atf-used-fast-and-furious-to-make-the-case-for-gun-regulations/ 
2. "'Mythbusters' Misfire: cannonball crashes through house in TV show mishap"
Mythbusters meant to fire a cannonball into a hill, but it missed the original target meant to slow it down and continued to go through the hill and into a house and then a car. The show is prepared to cover the damage.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-57338972-504083/mythbusters-misfire-cannonball-crashes-through-house-in-tv-show-mishap/
3. "Lindsay Lohan's Playboy cover leaks online"
Lindsay Lohan did a photo shoot for the January/February edition of Playboy, and got paid an estimated million dollars for it. She isn't expected to unveil it until the 15th of December on the Ellen DeGeneres show, but it has already been leaked online.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-31749_162-57339204-10391698/lindsay-lohans-playboy-cover-leaks-online/

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Top 3 News Stories 12/7/11

CBS news
1.  "Study ranks 10 worst kids' cereals for sugar"
This is a list of the top ten cereals with the greatest percentage of sugar by weight, Kellogg's Honey Smacks being the worst at a whopping 55.6% sugar.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-500165_162-57338283/study-ranks-10-worst-kids-cereals-for-sugar/
2. "Mom denied food stamps shoots kids, kills self"
A woman in Texas had tried for months to qualify for food stamps and continued to fail to do so, eventually her desperation lead her to pull a gun in a welfare office. The seven hour police standoff resulted in her shooting her two children (10 year old Timothy and 12 year old Ramie, who both remain in critical condition) and then killing herself.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57337766/mom-denied-food-stamps-shoots-kids-kills-self/
3. "Alec Baldwin kicked off American Airlines flight"
Alec Baldwin was removed from an American Airlines flight for using an electronic device to play Words With Friends. Others on the flight, however, explained that Baldwin was loud, obnoxious, and rude in addition to breaking the rules regarding electronics. He later that night posted tweets that made him seem a victim.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-31749_162-57337935-10391698/alec-baldwin-kicked-off-american-airlines-flight/



Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Top 3 News Stories 12/6/11

CBS news
1. "NASA finding feeds talk of a new Earth"
A planet known as Kepler-22b has qualities very similar to Earth. It has a temperature of about 72 degrees Fahrenheit, and most likely has water and land. The sun it revolves around is very similar to Earth's sun, and it is located in the middle of a 'habitable' zone, so it could likely sustain life. However, it is 600 light years away.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-205_162-57336848/nasa-finding-feeds-talk-of-a-new-earth/
2. "BP: Halliburton destroyed key oil spill evidence"
Halliburton is being accused of having intentionally destroyed evidence of simulations and reports that may have predicted the BP oil spill before it happened.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-500202_162-57337311/bp-halliburton-destroyed-key-oil-spill-evidence/
3. "Naked bodybuilder attack leaves couple badly hurt"
22 year old Ruben Arzu, a 300 pound bodybuilder, was found naked on the porch of a family in Southern California on Saturday. When he was confronted by the husband, he attacked both husband and wife, leaving them both in critical condition. He was under the influence of steroids and other drugs.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57337293/naked-bodybuilder-attack-leaves-couple-badly-hurt/



Monday, December 5, 2011

Global Media, Neoliberalism, and Imperialism summary

The 5 most important points of this article (http://monthlyreview.org/2001/03/01/global-media-neoliberalism-and-imperialism#.TtZZ6thPva8.blogger) are, in my opinion:

 1. The author, Robert W. McChesney,  believes that the idea of globalism as a 'natural and inexorable force' is misleading. He prefers to use the term neoliberalism, which basically refers to the 'set of national and international policies that call for business domination of all social affairs with minimal countervailing force' (in shorter terms, neoliberalism refers to the laws that allow businesses to pretty much do what they want socially, or in terms of controlling the media). Neoliberalism requires a strong, large government - to better support and protect, rather than control and restrict, said businesses.  Neoliberism depends on the belief that new technology and new products can solve social problems more efficiently that any other option, forcing a reliance on corporations to provide the solution. The main goal in neoliberalism is for commerical media and communication markets to become and remain deregulated, so that their power is unchallenged and they are free to do what they please.

2. The second point builds on neoliberism. Companies (especially American companies) are in a constant struggle for control of the market, and as a result, oligopolies are being formed across the globe (an oligopoly is when a very small number of firms controls a very large portion of the market). This has previously happened with the oil and car industries and is now happening in the media/entertainment industry. Companies are expanding overseas in an effort to make the most profit and capture the most of the consumer market they can. As Frank Biondi, former chairman of Universal Studios, said, "99 percent of the success of these companies long-term is going to be successful execution offshore".  The idea of the oligopoly makes it that much more important for the government to stay out of business deals and to allow the market to be as unregulated as is possible (neoliberism), because restricted business practices would not allow for such massive expansion. Because they maintain such a large percentage of the global market, many companird don't even associate the business with the country it was founded in anymore (Thomas Middelhoff said "I'm an American with a German passport" when it was complained that it wasn't right for a German company to control 15% of the U.S' publishing and music markets).

3. The next point builds on the previous one, that oligopolies take time to form. There are usually dozens of companies in each industry competing for the largest amount of consumers. However, in time, those that cannot compete get pushed out or even absorbed by the larger companies until eventually, only a few remain. The media, especially, has many competitors. Of the seven top American contributers to the media industry none of them even existed 25 years ago and yet, today, they each rank among the largest firms in the world. These seven companies nearly all have overseas branches, and between them own all the film studios in the U.S., all but one television network, and control 80-85% of the music market. There used to be dozens of other companies competing for these markets, but the top seven were strong enough to eliminate most of their competition to completely dominate the market.

Top 3 News Stories 12/5/11

CBS news
1. "Luxury cars likely worth $1m in big pileup"
A group of Japanese luxury car owners took their vehicles out for a spin, but ended up crashing, all 11 cars getting ruined, resulting in about a million in damages.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-500202_162-57336494/luxury-cars-likely-worth-$1m-in-big-pileup/
2. "Prosecuting Wall Street"
Attempts are being made at prosecuting Wall Street executives who might have prevented the economical crisis of three years ago.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18560_162-57336042/prosecuting-wall-street/
3. "Most insane, brilliant video of flying human ever"
Espen Fadnes can truly fly with his wingsuit, and has been doing it for years.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-205_162-57335746/most-insane-brilliant-video-of-flying-human-ever/



Friday, December 2, 2011

Top 3 News Stories 12/2/11

CBS news
1. Grade inflation: Colleges with the easiest and hardest grades
*see yesterday's post
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505145_162-37243170/grade-inflation-colleges-with-the-easiest-and-hardest-grades/
2. "The X-Factor: Astro, Drew, dumped"
There was a double elimination on the X-Factor last night, and Drew simply couldnt handle being cut.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-31749_162-57335410-10391698/the-x-factor-astro-drew-dumped/
3. Ginger White apologizes to Herman Cain's wife, kids
Ginger White stands by her claim of a thirteen year affair with Cain, but apologizes for any pain she may have caused him or his family.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-57335433-503544/ginger-white-apologizes-to-herman-cains-wife-kids/


Thursday, December 1, 2011

Top 3 Posts 12/1/11

CBS news
1. "Hard times generation: Families living in cars"
The construction industry has been declining in Florida, resulting in increased unemployment and many families slipping below poverty level, some resorting to living in motels or cars.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18560_162-57330802/hard-times-generation-families-living-in-cars/?pageNum=3&tag=contentMain;contentBody
2. "Grade Inflation: Colleges with the easiest and hardest grades"
The article discusses which schools will have higher standards vs lower standards in grading, therefore making it harder or easier to get a A, respectively.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505145_162-37243170/grade-inflation-colleges-with-the-easiest-and-hardest-grades/
3. "Beatboxing cellist and singer-songwriter team up again to make beautiful music together"
A beatboxer who also plays the cello and his song-writing friend have come together twice now in order to make music.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504784_162-57334091-10391705/beatboxing-cellist-and-singer-songwriter-team-up-again-to-make-beautiful-music-together/

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Top 3 News Stories 11/29/11

CBS news
1. "Cain campaign dealt new blow by affair claim"
Herman Cain's presidential campaign has again been threatened by a sex scandal, this time by a woman (Ginger White) claiming to have carried out a thirteen year affair with him that ended only shortly before he announced his intentions to run for president. This woman, however, has a history of lying, including libel suits, and is not considered credible.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505103_162-57332673/cain-campaign-dealt-new-blow-by-affair-claim/
2. "Iran students storm U.K. Embassy in Tehran"
Iranian students broke into and virtually destroyed the United Kingdom Embassy in a violent protest. The U.K. responded with a message stating that it is the duty of Iran to prevent such things from happening and to protect embassies located in their country.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57332717/iran-students-storm-u.k-embassy-in-tehran/
3. "American Airlines files for bankruptcy"
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-500395_162-57332686/american-airlines-files-for-bankruptcy/




Monday, November 28, 2011

Top 3 News Stories 11/28/11

CBS news
1. "Cyber Monday 2011 deals from Walmart, Target, Best Buy and more"
Today is Cyber Monday, when thousands of people will get online to shop rather than go to the store.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505144_162-57330408/cyber-monday-2011-deals-from-wal-mart-target-best-buy-and-more/
2. "Hard times generation: Families living in cars"
One third of homeless Americans live in Florida, and an alarming number of those are living in cars. Unemployment and poverty levels are so high in Florida that schoolbus routes have changed to include cheap motels, where many families have taken up residence.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18560_162-57330802/hard-times-generation-families-living-in-cars/
3. "Best bets for Cyber Monday deals"
The article predicts which sites will be the most reliable and offer the best deals for Cyber Monday, Amazon and Zappos coming out on top.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-502303_162-57331464/best-bets-for-cyber-monday-deals/



Monday, November 21, 2011

Top 3 News Stories 11/21

CBS news
1. "The Pledge: Grover Norquists hold on the GOP"
Grover Norquist's main goal working for the Republican party has been to prevent taxes (particularly those for the wealthy) from going up. He has even gone so far as to write "The Pledge", a promise not to vote for higher taxes for anyone, and gotten 279 legislators to sign it.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18560_162-57327816/the-pledge-grover-norquists-hold-on-the-gop/
2. "American Music Awards 2011: Taylor Swift wins artist of the year"
The article summarizes the results of the American Music Awards, including Taylor Swift winning artist of the year as well as the other two awards she was nominated for.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-31749_162-57328407-10391698/american-music-awards-2011-taylor-swift-wins-artist-of-the-year/
3. "Depleted Texas lakes expose ghost towns, graves"
The water levels of Lake Buchananan, one of Texas' largest lakes, have been decreasing as the drought in Texas continues. The lowering levels have been exposing a former city that was covered with water, including, eerily, some gravestones.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57328356/depleted-texas-lakes-expose-ghost-towns-graves/


Friday, November 18, 2011

Top 3 News Stories 11/18/11

CBS News
1. "L.A. sheriff reopening Natalie Wood case"
Hollywood actress Natalie Wood drowned in the Pacific Ocean on November 29th, 1981, under 'suspicious circumstances'. LA police now believe they have enough information to reopen the case and further investigate her death. Police believe foul play may have been involved.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-31749_162-57327031-10391698/l.a-sheriff-reopening-natalie-wood-case/
2. "Second test affirms faster-than-light particles"
Recent testing in Europe has proven the existence of subatomic particles that move faster than light, and a second round of testing had the same results, but more testing will be necessary.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-502223_162-57327392/2nd-test-affirms-faster-than-light-particles/
3. "Tim Tebow "Jesus" jersey raise eyebrows"
Bronco's Tim Tebow has never been ashamed to show his religion on the field, praying after big plays and even going so far as to have scripture written in his face paint. However, recently, fans who purchase his jerseys have gotten "Jesus" written on the back instead of Tebow, causing major controversy.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-500202_162-57327420/tim-tebow-jesus-jerseys-raise-eyebrows/


Thursday, November 17, 2011

Top 3 News Stories 11/17/11

CBS news
1. "Wall Street clashes  start Occupy's day of action"
Occupy Wall Street was led by protesters, some of whom even chose to sit down in the street and thus block traffic.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57326595/wall-street-clashes-start-occupys-day-of-action/
2. "White House gun suspect obsessed with Obama"
A man obsessed with Obama shot at the White House while the president was gone, getting close enough to crack a family living room window. The man, Oscar Ramiro Ortega-Hernandez, seemed to be consumed with a hatred of Obama, even going so far as to call him the Anti-Christ. He has been arrested and is awaiting trial.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57326437/white-house-gun-suspect-obsessed-with-obama/
3. "Used Cars: 5 to Avoid (and 5 Better Alternatives)
See previous blog post, the same article is featured there
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505145_162-40543260/used-cars-5-to-avoid-and-5-better-alternatives/




Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Top 3 News Stories 11/15/11

CBS news
1. "Used Cars: 5 to Avoid (and 5 Better Alternatives)
This article explains which used cars should be avoided (Volkswagon Beetle which often requires expensive repairs) and alternatives to these cars (Hundai Elantra).
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505145_162-40543260/used-cars-5-to-avoid-and-5-better-alternatives/
2. "Amazing bass cover of Radiohead's "Karma Police" provides some mellow music on Monday"
The author of the article found this cover of Radiohead's famous song and wants to share it with viewers.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504784_162-57324425-10391705/amazing-bass-cover-of-radioheads-karma-police-provides-some-mellow-music-on-monday/
3. "Girl trapped 2 days in wrecked car with dead dad"
A 9 year old girl was trapped in her father's wrecked car and was forced to eat Poptarts and drink Gatorade for 2 days while she awaited rescue. Her father was dead during this time. Their car flipped off the road on Friday night, killing her father. The cause of the accident is uncertain; the speedometer was stuck at over 100 mph but those who knew the victim insist it was not possible for him to be going that fast.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57324808/girl-trapped-2-days-in-wrecked-car-with-dead-dad/



Monday, November 14, 2011

Top 3 News Stories - 11/14/11

CBS news
1. "Congress: Trading Stock on inside information?"
Apparently, some members of Congress are exchanging stock in companies for valuable inside information that will influence decisions they make. They will do nearly anything to hold on to their jobs and the power that comes with it, despite only making $174,000 a year and spending millions in campaigning.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18560_162-57323527/congress-trading-stock-on-inside-information/
2. "Penn State president explains McQueary status"
Penn State has had a recent trend of firings, and yet one of the assistent coaches once involved in the child sex scandal has yet to be cut. The reason behind this is that there are "legal issues" involved with McQueary's case.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-500202_162-57324022/penn-state-president-explains-mcqueary-status/
3. "Questioning Pelosi: Steve Kroft heads to DC"
60 Minutes correspondant Steve Kroft attempted to get an interview about the recent stock trade information (which, as it happens, is not illegal). He was denied this and ended up publicly questioning Nancy Pelosi at a press conference in order to get what he needed.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504803_162-57323518-10391709/questioning-pelosi-steve-kroft-heads-to-d.c/



Thursday, November 10, 2011

Top 3 News Stories 11/10/11

CBS
1. "Paterno fired over Penn St. child abuse scandal"
Joe Paterno recently announced he would be retiring at the end of this football season, but was fired by Penn State before this could even happen.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-400_162-57321984/paterno-fired-over-penn-st-child-abuse-scandal/
2. "Republican debate winners and losers: a disastrous night for Perry"
The Republican debate on CNBC happened last night, one of the most memorable moments was Perry being unable to name the third and final federal agency he hopes to get rid of.  Romney is predicted to be the Republican candidate, but CBS seems to be democratic ("the Republican presidential race has officially become Mitt Romney's to lose")
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-57322003-503544/republican-debate-winners-and-losers-a-disastrous-night-for-perry/
3. "Paterno stunned by firing in Penn State scandal"
A letter explaining that his employment had been terminated was hand delivered to Paterno's home, as a result of the sex scandal involving his assistant coach/heir. He'd already planned to retire at the end of the season in light of the scandal. He was fired after 61 years of coaching and 46 seasons at Penn State. 
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-400_162-57322136/paterno-stunned-by-firing-in-penn-state-scandal/


New York Times
1. "Paterno is finished at Penn State and President is Out"
Joe Paterno was fired Wednesday night,  and Graham B Spanier, the university president who has done much for the school, was also removed from his position. The reasoning for the firings is that they knew what Sandusky was doing and failed to report it.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/10/sports/ncaafootball/-joe-paterno-and-graham-spanier-out-at-penn-state.html?_r=1&ref=us
2. "Penn State students clash with police in unrest after announcement"
The announcement of Paterno's firing led to a riot on Wednesday evening which resulted in the tipping of a news van and light poles being torn down. Students threw rocks and fireworks at police, who responded by spraying them with pepper spray.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/11/sports/ncaafootball/penn-state-students-in-clashes-after-joe-paterno-is-ousted.html?ref=us
3. "Some articifacts are gone, but not pride in a war correspondent who mattered"
 The main draw of a tiny town in Indiana is the museum honoring Ernie Pyle, a former WWII reporter.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/10/us/ernie-pyle-museum-is-struggling-dan-barry-this-land.html?ref=us








Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Top 3 News Stories for 11/9/11

As found on CBS (www.cbsnews.com)
1. "Mississippi's 'Personhood Amendment' fails at polls"
Mississippi tried to pass an amendment to challenge abortion, saying that life begins at fertilization, but was shot down by voters.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-250_162-57321126/mississippis-personhood-amendment-fails-at-polls/
2. "Paterno to retire at end of football season"
Penn State's coach, Joe Paterno, has chosen to retire due to him recieving pressure and to his character being questioned based on the recent Sandusky child sex scandal. He was originally going to be preceeded by Sandusky himself.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-400_162-57321343/paterno-retiring-amid-child-abuse-tragedy/
3. "Voters across nation stick largely by incumbents"
Most voters are focusing on reelecting the tried and true leaders they already have.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-250_162-57321240/voters-across-nation-stick-largely-by-incumbents/


As found on the New York Times website (www.nytimes.com)
1. "Voters defeat many G.O.P. sponsored measures"
This article is about Mississippi's failed 'Personhood Amendment'.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/10/us/politics/voters-defeat-many-gop-sponsored-measures.html?ref=us
2. "Ohio turns back a law limiting union rights"
Ohio previously had a law that restricted the rights of public workers to bargain for better wages and/or benefits, which was recently struck down by voters.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/09/us/politics/ohio-turns-back-a-law-limiting-unions-rights.html?ref=us
3. "Accused Al-Quaida leader is arraigned in USS Cole bombing"
Abd Al-Rahim al-Nashiri will soon be standing trial for the 2000 bombing of the USS Cole.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/10/us/abd-al-rahim-al-nashiri-arraigned-in-uss-cole-bombing.html?ref=us








Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Top 3 News Stories for 11/8/11

As found on CBS's website (www.cbsnews.com)
 1.  "Cain Vows to Set the Record Straight"
 Republican candidate Herman Cain has been accused by at least 4 women of innappropriate sexual behavior approximately 10 years ago. However, one of the women has stepped forward, and now that there is a name and face to the accusation, the charges seem more serious and Cain will be forced to acknowledge and explain.
 http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-250_162-57320353/cain-vows-to-set-the-record-straight/


2. "Sarkozy to Obama: I'm fed up with Netanyahu"
Obama and French President Nicholas Sarkozy are both growing weary of Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu, Obama even going so far as to say "You're fed up, but I have to deal with him every day".
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503543_162-57320340-503543/sarkozy-to-obama-im-fed-up-with-netanyahu/

3. "Epic fantasy meets epic rhymes in "Skyrim Epic Rap"

The article is about a rap advertisement for a new fantasy game.

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504784_162-57319906-10391705/epic-fantasy-meets-epic-rhymes-in-skyrim-epic-rap/







Thursday, November 3, 2011

Manufacturing Consent Documentary



Reviewing Manufacturing Consent: Noam Chomsky and the Media
3/5 Stars
 The documentary focuses on what the media chooses to present and how it presents this information, as well as its effect on the people. Basically, the main idea is that the media is funded by rich, powerful people  and or companies, and that information is slanted in their favor as a result of them writing the check that pays for it.

I personally found the documentary a bit bland. It had some good points (such as the need of each person to decide what sources are 'good' or relevent, and the difference between honoring freedom of speech and agreeing with a point of view, etc.), but beyond his unique point of view, it wasn't really anything that kept me captivated or interested for very long. It was educational, just not easy for me to focus on.




“Propaganda is to democracy what violence is to a dictatorship.” - Noam Chomsky
The most important part of a dictatorship is to maintain control, and most such governments have done so throughout history by using violence and fear to keep the people 'in line'. In this way, a dictatorship cannot exist without violence. Similarly, without propaganda to sway the people, a democracy (by definition a government run by representatives chosen by the people) cannot be successful.

Monday, October 17, 2011

We Feel Fine - opinion

I think this website is really cool. It allows people to see what the rest of the world is feeling, and to do everything from looking at the numbers to see who is feeling how they are at the moment to reading the words of other people to get a better idea of the personalities of those who would otherwise just be faces in a crowd. The site offers many different ways to sort out the data, such as sorting by emotion, gender, age, location, etc., or even different ways to literally view it (ex., montage, madness, etc.)

While it could technically be considered intrustive, I don't think it is. It does post the words and emotions of other people, but does not identify who's saying it. All it does is give an interesting and unique way to look into the minds of other people.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Advertising tactics applied to real ads

I found two ads, one television ad for JG Wentworth and one printed ad for the World Wildlife Fund.

We have all seen that annoying JG Wentworth ad that seems to have the whole neighborhood dangling out of their windows. The JG Wentworth ad offers a 'testimonial' of sorts by featuring multiple 'normal' people with one thing in common:  'its their money, and they need it now'. This could also be considered bandwagon, because the people featured in the commercial and what the workers of the firm say implies that everyone is doing it (getting one large sum instead of many smaller payments). They also use the 877-CASHNOW jingle, which sticks in viewers heads (salience).

I also found this ad for the World Wildlife Fund:

This ad features the fear tactic to try to convince people to change their lives and consuming habits in order to make the earth a healthier place to live. It threatens people with turning into fish hybrids under new conditions.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

My ad


This ad applies to Monroe’s Motivated Sequence because it…
Grabs the audience’s attention by presenting a problem (gross tasting cough drops and syrups), a product to solve that problem (the menthol jellybeans in many ‘good’ flavors),a testimonial ‘proving’ the quality or convenience of the product, and a way to get the product (the store located downtown) .

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Analyzing Advertisements


Analyzing Advertisments

creative advertisements on bus02 Creative Advertisements On Bus
Product: Duracell batteries

5 words to describe this ad are: simple, creative, subtle, 'cool', and distinct.

The ad has no people as part of it, because it is simply depicting the batteries themselves, with their registered colors and logo. The ad is a close-up photo of the product, taken in natural lighting and from directly above, and placed on the back of a bus, as if the batteries were powering it.

The product is targeted towards pretty much everyone, as every person has had some need for batteries at least once in their lives. I personally liked it because its interesting and entirely unique. It caught my attention initially because I had to look twice to make sure it wasn't real, then captured my attention because, to be honest, it looks cool.

The ad doesn't seem to have any real consequences, as it has no people in it to offend and no absurdly high expectations have been set (unless someone who sees the ad actually wants to purchase huge batteries that can power public transportation, which would be a problem because of course Duracell does not make batteries with this size or capability).




Product: Coca Cola

5 words to describe this ad are: creative, engaging, simple, exciting, and interesting.

This ad also does not have people, but instead features just an open bottle of Coke and the registered colors and logos of the Coca Cola company. The picture was taken straight on, and relatively close to the bottle (you can see the condensation on it). The 'lighting' has been added in, as the shadow is entirely unrelatistic and is more like there is a mirror directly underneath that the bottle is resting on than it is a natural shadow. The text of the ad is just two lines, one that says simply "open happiness" in all lowercase letters to create a relaxed vibe, and the other which says "fizzzshh" in letters meant to look like bubbles. This is an onomatopÅ“ia because it reads exactly like it sounds, and makes the consumer instantly think of their personal experiences with the product itself and hearing that sound when they opened a bottle of Coke.

The ad is directed towards anyone who ever has or ever will drink a Coke. I myself find it appealing because I did immediately think of Coke and the other senses I associate with it, so it was quite effective. Adding the 'sound' to a soundless ad makes the product seem more exciting.

The ad features no people, so it makes no assumptions about gender, race, or class and does not create any unrealistic expectations for the product.




Product: milk. This ad isn't necessarily promoting any one brand but rather a lifestyle choice.

5 words: interesting, persuasive, intense, creative, effective

The ad features Hayden Panettiere. She is young, pretty, well-dressed, and has an intense look on her face (which makes sense, since milk is exploding in her hand).


Compared to Monroe's Motivated Sequence, this method is much more detailed and specific to the people recieiving the message rather than the person delivering it.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Media Exposure

From day to day, I find myself constantly surrounded by the media. Whether its the local news broadcast, the advertisements on my favorite websites, or the copy of People magazine I pass while checking out groceries, the media is quite literally everywhere.

Some common examples:
*magazines
*newspapers
*television
*internet/computers
*billboards
*signs
*pamphlets
*radio
*mailings