Champlain in 60 seconds Reflection

A) For the Champlain in 60 Seconds project I had multiple roles. I was in charge of some of the shooting as well as some of the directing with Sarah Wilson.
B) I feel that the parts of the project that I contributed to were pretty well done. Although some of the camera work was not the best, it was still a pretty good effort. Therefore, I think the A- that we got on the project was fare.
C) The hardest aspect of making the video overall was figuring out ways for the four of us to work together. A lot of the time we were not in the class at the same time, and emailing each other didn't seem to work out to well. Eventually it all worked out though, so that was a breath of fresh air.
D) I really liked the way the video turned out. So the most rewarding part of the project was not just that we finished the project but that it was finished well.

Song by Song Final Exam

The media is all around us, haunting us. Filling our minds with information that we may never need to know, yet we can recall when necessary. Television replaces study time and music distracts us when we try to read. People recall things they heard on talk radio but couldn’t tell you what happened in the world earlier that day. It all comes back to media. Whether we’re talking music, television, or the internet, there is no escaping it no matter how hard we try.

“I was thinking about her, thinking ‘bout me, thinking ‘bout us; who we gonna be.” The alarm goes off as Nelly’s “Just a Dream” wakes me from my slumber. The morning is off to a great start since it’s a Wednesday and the clock has just hit 11. As soon as the day begins media plays a role in my life. As I continue to get ready the radio plays on as other songs fill my ears. As I was listening an ad for Proactive Solutions came on with Carrie Underwood speaking, saying that it’s possible to have beauty like hers if you use the product.

 This falls into the advertising chapter of the book which states, "Advertising has a powerful impact on the standards of beauty in our culture" (Page 369). Although most people know that they will never look just like Carrie Underwood the technique is still used within the advertisement and probably convinced some people to try the product. As the commercials continue to go on and on without a pause the countdown to the next song is starting in my mind.

“She looks at life like it’s a party and she’s on the list. She looks at me like I’m a trend and she’s so over it.” Walking to classes Taylor Swift’s new cd Speak Now plays from my iPod and she keeps me company along the way. iPod’s were invented as a form of making it easier for people to listen to music as they travel and walk, which is exactly what I’m using it for. People walk past wondering exactly what I’m listening to as my head bobbles back and forth, but I don’t care, I just continue on my marry way. iTunes, how much money do they make in a year? “After failed starts by other companies, Apple Computer opened the first successful music store, iTunes, in 2003 selling songs for just ninety-nine cents each”(97). Now, iTunes in the number one music retailer beating out other companies like Amazon.com. As a law abiding citizen, I refuse to use programs such as Limewire to get my music, which has cost me quite a bit of money over the past couple years.

“Sometimes I walk a little fast in the school hallways just to get next to you. Some days I spend a little extra time in the morning just to impress you.” Really Hannah Montana? As I walk into my Concepts of the Self class the song plays and I am forced to think about how much success Miley Cyrus has gotten from being on the Disney Channel Show, Hannah Montana over the past few years. ABC, which is a part of the Disney franchise is on of the “Big Three,” a group of companies that have not been challenged since the mid 1950s (168). The creation of shows like Hannah Montana, Wizards of Waverly Place, and So Random, has helped keep the company going since it brings in the younger generations. Even though the shows are getting old, and Miley Cyrus annoys me like no one else can, it seems like a great way to start a class that is usually pretty dull.

Beethoven is the next musician that my mind must endure. As we sit in Concepts we’ve convinced our professor to let us watch the rest of “Immortal Beloved” a movie based around Beethoven’s life. The notes in the song set my mind into a calm place and my thoughts wonder freely through my mind. Then media comes back into my mind. Who produced this movie? How much did it cost them to make it? How well did it do when it came out? “With 80 to 90 percent of the newly released movies failing to make money at the box office, studios need to produce at least one major hit each year to offset losses on other films” (236). Was “Immortal Beloved” the hit or miss film? I mean Beethoven isn’t THAT interesting. Even if it was one of the failing movies for the company, the fact that it’s about such a motivational musician had to help it somewhat.

Who is he?! The music of Beethoven still encompasses the space around me, but now there’s a new question on my mind. Who is the man that plays Beethoven? Quickly my laptop comes out of it’s pretty blue case as I wait impatiently for the wi-fi signal to come. Finally! It’s time to Google the film and try to find out who the man is. Google, what a useful site, one can look anything up in seconds. Google was created in “1998, had success with its algorithmic search engine, which now controls 60 percent of the search market and generates billions of dollars of revenue each year through the pay-per-check advertisements that accompany key-word searches” (57). Google.com even has a verb because of it now; the phrase “google it” is slowly being said by more and more people. Ah, finally the answer on imdb.com of course; Gary Oldman!

“What ya gonna when you’re watching TV and an ad comes on yea you know the kind. Flashing up pictures of a child in need for a dime a day you can save a life.” Carrie Underwood’s "Change" motivates me to continue working as my desire to do so lessens. I’m sitting in the office searching through old magazines trying to get rid of the ones that are “too old.” Some of them are from when I was in middle school, and yet, they’re apparently not too old. I will never understand the way some people think. The magazines aren’t your typical gossip magazines or even news magazines, they’re all about different supplies for parties. Streamers, balloons and party supplies are all around me as I continue to work. Although one cannot argue that many people subscribe to these, they are not as popular as “Advanced publications” such as Allure and Teen Vogue that are published out of NYC, the circulation of these “leisure” magazines is still pretty broad (306). No matter how many people read them, I will never understand why it is so important to have some from 2001.

“This time, this place. Misused, mistakes. Too long. Too late. Who am I to make you wait?” Nickelback’s “Far away” plays as a walk around campus hanging up posters about the upcoming events for all to read. As I wander around campus there are stands for “The New York Times” all over and I start to wonder about the paper itself. According to the textbook “despite the fact success of the New York Times and other modern papers, the more factual inverted-pyramid approach towards news has come under increasing scrutiny” (257). If that is the case, why is it the third most circulated paper in the United States; Third only to USA Today and Wall Street Journal.

“Days go by. I can feel them flying like my hand out the window with the wind.” Kenny Chesney is playing as I decide to pick up “The Accidental Mind” and do some of my Concepts homework that is due Friday since there is so much reading to be done. Books, as much I love them, will never cease to amaze me. They’re produced to quickly and in such a variety of languages that people should really appreciate them more. Harry Potter for instance, has been published in over 64 languages, which is more than just about anyone knows. “The Accidental Mind” isn’t exactly a huge hit since those who aren’t interested it the information within its pages most likely will not pick it up unless told to do so, it’s still just as interesting. “The portability and compactness of books make them the preferred medium in many situations”(315), which could be why books are produced in so many languages. Whatever the reason for the books being made, I would still be happier not having to read this book.

I am the typical college student. I’d rather watch the latest Gossip Girl or hit television show than read for the classes I have the following morning. I get on Facebook without even thinking about what I’m doing. My computer gets opened up and as soon as the internet is available Facebook comes up, even if I’m getting on just to check my email. Media is like a disease that no one wants to find the cure to. We carry iPods, cell phones and other technology around with us to stay in the loop, buy magazines and newspaper to find out what’s happening. While all of this is happening we are making the lines between humans and computers smaller and smaller.

images from IMDB.com & the fan pages for the celebrities.
All quotes are from the Media and Culture textbook

Harry Potter is coming. Harry Potter is coming. Media Meditation #4

Source: IMDB.com

The most popular books series that has been written… EVER, has one of its final two movies coming out in a just a couple weeks; a fact that most people are already well aware of, and have preordered tickets for. HARRY POTTER PART AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 1 hits theaters November 19^th and fans are going crazy.

The mass craze over the series is completely understandable if you ask me. With an amazing storyline, characters for everyone to connect to, and more conflict than most writers could imagine putting into an entire series, in just one book; JK Rowling made the series better than any other.

As a whole, the series has greatly changed both the book and movie world. How many movies before the series has had millions of people at the movie theaters at midnight just to see it before anyone else? Better yet, how many books have there been that people line up as soon as stores open, the DAY BEFORE they’re released in order to get them before everyone else?

The new movie has such a high excitement level building for it that they had no choice but to make it into two movies, which will also make them MUCH more money.

In addition to everything else, Harry Potter has created a science fiction, magic world, craze amongst movie goers and brought about series like Twilight, which UNFORTUNATELY, has become quite popular.

Source: moviefone.com

There hasn't been a Harry Potter event where people haven't dressed up and acted the part. The movies and books have created a HUGE fan base and amongst the crowds of crazed fans out to see the movie on November 19th at midnight will be me. Even if it means no sleep for the night.

Food Network Magazine: My Ultimate Goal

THESIS: Food Network Magazine is a compilation of various tips, recipes and advice from various chefs aimed to help people cook better and a greater variety of things.

FIVE FACTS:

•        Thaw a turkey in the refrigerator not on the counter or in the microwave. Doing so takes days but it will stop any bacteria from forming on the bird, which starts when the bird reaches room temperature (page 52).
•        When baking it is better to premeasure ingredients and set them out in front of you. In doing so it makes it easier to get the recipe correct if you get distracted by family and friends who may be coming over for the holidays or by other things you may be cooking (page 53).
•        The difference between natural and regular peanut butter is that regular peanut butter gets hydrogenated oil, which has bad trans fats in it, to extend its shelf life. Natural peanut butter has a tendency to separate so it usually needs to be stirred before being eaten (page 50).
•        Every Thanksgiving one turkey is delivered to the White House instead of being eaten. In July 25 newly hatched turkeys are put in a VIP barn. After rigorous training and having to listen to the song that will be played at the parade on repeat two birds are selected, in case one gets scared (page 47).
•        When the birds fly from the White House to Disneyland in Southern California Disney pays for them to have a first class flight where the passengers from coach can come and visit them if they wish (page 42).

TRIUNE BRAIN: Food Network Magazine uses the Limbic Brain to a great extent with the many images that are placed on its pages. From the pictures of many different pies, stuffing, turkeys, readers see as many things as they read. The fact that they use so many pictures probably helps those who are trying to redo their recipes. The Neocortex is also used in reading Food Network Magazine because readers have to work through the many recipes that are given throughout.

EIGHT TRENDS: Technological- Not only does Food Network publish a magazine but the magazine is put online at foodnetwork.com. Personal- Although readers may read the magazine on their own times and have their own personal opinions that they do not share, it is also possible to go online and discuss the recipes and advice that is given. Aesthetic- Food Network, which was once only a television channel, has reached out to other types of mediums such as the internet and magazines.

SEVEN PRINCEPLES: Emotional Transfer- Some of the recipes that are in the magazine may spark memories or ideas for the readers. The readers could flash back to cooking in their grandmother’s kitchen or of a recipe that they made with their mother as children. Individual Meaning- Although the recipes most likely hold the same meaning for the readers, the “In the Know” section of the magazine may have different meanings to the readers because some of them may make the mistakes that the cooks are talking about.

TWENTY-NINE PERSUASIVE TECHNIQUES:  Simple Solutions- Many of the articles within this issue of the magazine are supposed to help solve the many problems that surround cooking a Thanksgiving dinner. Some of the problems are simple, while others, like a dry turkey, cause more of a commotion on this holiday. Testimonial- In the “In the Know” section of the magazine Ted Allen and Ellie Krieger, two cooks from Food Network with good reputations give advice on how to have the perfect holiday meal. Either/Or- When describing the various ways to make three popular pies, apple, pecan and pumpkin, the “classic” versions of the pie, that many readers had as children are mention as well as new recipes.

The Amazing, Original, Fantastic Midterm Reflection

1.   After studying 21^st century media for eight weeks in this class, what have you learned? Please be specific.

a.       Since being in the class I have learned a lot about the music industry as well as the movie industry. I did not realize that Sony was SUCH a large part of the industry as a whole. With movies, I did not know just how far movies have come since first being created.

2.  What is the most important thing you have learned about yourself as a critical reader, a writer, and a thinker in this class so far?

a.       So far in this class I have learned that as a reader I am more likely to pay attention to what I am reading if I know that I am going to have to blog about it. If I were reading without having to blog I would not retain as much information.

3.   What’s one thing you would do differently this first half of the semester if you were to take this class again?

a.       If I were to take this class again I would study the power tools more intently in the beginning so I wouldn’t be cramming them in now, at the half-way point.

4.   What’s one thing you would like me to do differently this first half of the semester if you were to take this class again?

a.       Honestly, the way the class is run works out very well for me and I am able to learn a lot in class. All of the videos and applications that we do in class help me grasp the ideas well.

5.  Please comment on the usefulness of the power tools, our course blog, your personal blog, our in-class quizzes, our films, and our book(s) as learning tools.

a.       Power tools: The power tools help out a lot when analyzing videos and such. Overall, they are very helpful to the class and understanding what we are learning.

b.      Course blog: The course blog makes it easier for me to understand what I read each week and I get to put it in my own words, which helps me to better understand.

c.       Personal blog: I LOVE blogging as a part of the class. It lets me use a lot of the things that we have learned in class and apply it things that I love… like Disney classics and Country music.

d.      In-class quizzes: The in-class quizzes keep me in-line with my reading and keep a lot of the information fresh in my brain.

e.      Our films: The films allow us to use our power tools to analyze things we may have missed i.e. “Reel Bad Arabs” talking about Aladdin and other films.

f.        Textbook: The textbook is honestly the least helpful to me because I am more of a visual learned and I learn by doing. However, getting to apply what we read in the blogs really helps me understand the information.

Disney corrupting the minds of youth? Media Meditation #3

     Most children in the United States have seen the classic Disney films such as:  Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, and The Rescuers. Each of these four films has messages or images hidden in them that most children do not notice. In other cases, they notice years later.






     With Disney, being one of the more economically stable companies, messages such as these will not completely destroy the empire, but many of the movies have since been changed. When the movies go into the "vault" for 10 years they often alter them in order to take out any of these hidden messages.
     Since the original movies first release, more of these messages have not been found, but that is not to say that they do not exist in the newer films, such as Toy Story 3 or Finding Nemo.
     In The Little Mermaid, arguably one of the more popular Disney Princess movies, there are at least two hidden images. The first is the more commonly known image, the castle portrayed on the cover, as well as in the film, has a penis right in the center of it.

     In addition to this image, when Ursula and Eric are getting married the priest is said to be a little too happy about the festivities. Although it later becomes known that it was nearly the priests knees, the original thought is not quite as innocent.

     The Lion King is yet another popular Disney Classic that has a hidden message within it. Although many young children who watch the film may not know the meaning of the word "sex" the fact that it appears within a Disney movies brought about much commotion for the world-wide industry.

     The letters spelled out in the dust that blow as the lion collapses are often hard to see if you are not looking for them. Once you know they're there, it's all you see during the scene. 

     Aladdin, one of the most popular Disney movies of all time has a more verbal message concealed within it. In once clip of the movie Aladdin says "good teenagers, take off your clothes."

     Many people do not hear the line when they watch the movie without knowing. Like in the other films, once they know it's there they question how they ever went without knowing.     The last film I want to bring up is The Rescuers. In once scene from the film you can look behind the mice and see a naked woman in the window. 

     As a child I watched many of these movies many many times. In the case of Aladdin, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid, I have the original VHS copies of the films that were put out before anyone noticed and could  take them out. Overall, the films are still amazing.      The many messages that are able to be hidden without someone noticing, and the company is still able to be the biggest child's movie company in the world and one of the biggest franchises world-wide. 

Expressing Champlain's awesomeness in only 60 seconds.

Sarah: Welcome to another cheery morning here on campus.

Courtney: That’s right, we’re here broadcasting straight from Champlain, and it looks like it’s going to be another typically beautiful day here.

Sarah: We’ll take a brief moment to hear about some activities happening right here on campus.

Lucas: Yep! Here at The Hub everyone is signing up for Dead North, the scariest thing around.

Katie: I’m a Junior here at Champlain and I go every year. It is definitely not for the faint of heart!

Lucas: Not only does Champlain offer tickets to events like Dead North, different events happen right here on our beautiful campus each week.

Katie: There are plenty of clubs for people just like you to join, and if you can’t find one you like, you can even make one yourself!

Courtney: Thanks guys, that was really informative.

Sarah: You should go to The Hub after class and sign up for all the different activities that Champlain hosts!

Courtney: That’s one great thing about a small campus. The groups here really get involved with the student body to create a fun atmosphere where everyone can find a way to enjoy themselves.

Sarah: I know that there are already 6 clubs I’m interested in, not to mention all of the activities I’ve done so far.

Courtney: So Sarah, tell me, what is your favorite thing about this college?

Sarah: Well, bigger schools are so impersonal. Teachers don’t even notice if you go to class or not! Where as here at Champlain you get the quality attention you deserve. not to mention have you heard our motto: Audeamus, Dare to be Different.

Lucas: Well, I think that is all the time we have for today. Signing off this has been the Daily Champlain Broadcast.

ALL : Same as StateFarm Theme:
Like a good college, Champlain is there!