Reality TV

"I think [reality TV] is affecting teens in the way they don't understand the difference between the good things it takes to be a celebrity and the bad," Wells said. "The danger in that is they don't have an issue compromising their morals for the purpose of celebrity and everything that celebrity brings. In their minds, the end justifies the means."

Reality TV was made for entertainment.  The desired age group aims for teenagers who will be drawn into the mundane tasks performed by celebrities, which to them will mean all the world.  This is will create a buzz among the teens, attracting more viewers to the show.  Here comes the downfall.  While the booming ratings are great for the show, the lifestyle of the teenager will come crashing down.  Automatically, teens will begin to think that what they see is how they should act.  It becomes their “birthright” to swim in luxuries and unnecessary expenses.  But when they see the celebrities doing it, they believe that must be the only way.  Teenagers will lose sight of what they should hold high in their lives at sixteen years old.  Instead, they will be raising Starbucks coffee cups and neglecting normal conversations with their parents.  The morals of these teens will be based off of the “cattiness” that they see on the screen, rather than how their parents raised them all the years before.  The teenagers will stride to emulate the lifestyle of the teens on the screen, partying when they want, spending what they don’t have, and simply just being non-realistic on a day-to-day basis.  There needs to be a point in which teenagers can stop and think,"’I saw how cool those parties were…and yes, I get a little jealous of the people on the show, but I know it's not me,’” just as Fitzgerald said in the article.  Like I said, reality TV was made for entertainment, and I truly believe that.  However, the shows need to be watched with a filter and reminders that even though those celebrities look like they are living a normal life, being a celebrity is their job.  Reality TV is hardly realistic. 

Rush

Terminology plays a large factor in everyday speech.   A word or statement can be taken in one way and then everything becomes blown out of proportion.  The true meaning of what was trying to be said is then rushed to be put together in the way it was suppose to come out sounding.  However, the case with Limbaugh, there was no mistake.  He out front called Sandra Fluke a “slut” and “prostitute” after she stood up for what she believed was right.  If her college is going to make her obtain health insurance, she wants the coverage to be complete.  In her case, the completion includes the coverage of birth control.  The first thought after hearing those words is sex.  Therefore, she must be having sex to want/need to be on these pills.  That is not at all the case.  If Limbaugh was educated to not be so quick to jump to conclusions, he would take into consideration that birth control serves many alternative purposes.  Women go through many health issues and routines.  Birth control covers many of the problems and helps regulate such occurrences.  But no, that is not good enough for Limbaugh.  Take a look at former G.O.P. leader/Viagra spokesperson.  You are mixing government with a “sex issue” right there.  But this situation is far worse!  It now becomes a battle of the sexes.  Men can get away with “needing” a pill that stands for only one sole purpose: to be able to have sex.  But then you throw women into the mix who want to be on a pill to regulate health issues and it causes all sorts of uproar. 

It is easy to jump to conclusions.  However, it is at no time professional or morally correct.  If you are going to make a comment on something or especially someone, make sure all your research is completed first.  Make sure you know what you are talking about and not just focusing on the surface “truth”.   There is a lot more than what meets the eye.  Look before you speak.

South Park

'It goes without saying - but let's say it anyway - that nobody is required to watch the show"

When a show is created, there is bound to be some controversy; especially when the main issue is pointed at religion.  However, shows are created for enjoyment, and in this case, humor and comedy.  But when the ideas of some do not match up to the ideas of others, disputes are on the rise.  So let the people “picket the studios,” it is there right—just like it was the creators right to produce the show.  This article is dead on when they made the point that no one is forced to sit down and watch the show.  It was created for viewing pleasure, not punishment.  Viewers have the choice to watch the show or walk away from it. If it’s offensive, then ignore it.  Keep the show for what it was created for, comedy.  Not controversy.

Newspapers

Its all in the name.  From the beginning of this article, readers can learn that a name means so much.  Whether it is the name of someone who is writing a story or the name of the paper they are publishing it in, the name governs all.  Once someone has written something, they are held accountable for their words.  All focus is going to be on that writer for the appearance of, "a typo or factual error, for an ad that wasn't run as promised, (or) for a late paper," states Kevin Ferris.  That is why a name is so important.  Once a writer brands their name onto a piece of work, just as much focus will be on them as their words and actions.  If a biased has been made, a judgement of character will be made as well.  "No business person in his right mind wants to anger readers" but sometimes that is what is the result of writing what you believe.

However, if the paper a writer has chosen to write in does not make a name for themselves, the writer's name will no longer matter as well.  Just like it is all about name, remember, it is a business too.  "No matter how talented the writers and photographers,...they couldn't put those talents to use if your newspaper wasn't making money." Ferris puts this reality into focus for his readers and makes it known that with lack of popularity and revenue, the writer will lose his or her hard work to a failing production.  With the increase of electronic use, the newspaper's value has gone down and their business is falling with time.  In order to regain popularity, writers need to make a splash and highlight their names again.  This is where talent will outshine the paper and draw in more readers, resulting in a positive increase in sales.

With the name newly furnished and the talent fresh, a newspaper is sure to keep up confidence and talents of the writers will be able to stand out and draw far away from ever being wasted.

Greater Than Us

It was a night of emotions, talent, and excitement at the 54th Grammy Awards.  Singers of all genres came out in their best fashions to be share in the night of performances and award presentations.  This year, the spot light was directed towards pop singer Adele.  Her recent vocal mishap left her cancelling tour dates and muting her breathtaking talent.  However, the 54^th Grammy’s were here and presented her time to shine (and boy she did!).  After undergoing throat surgery last fall, her fans had missed Adele’s appearances and angelic voice.  But last night when she took the stage, Adele left everyone in the audience on their feet.  The reaction from the audience was definitely the other lasting impression aside from the performance itself.  The energy and substantial reaction the audience gave by rising to their feet surely left Adele awestruck and more appreciative than ever.  This surely was a remarkable event.  Adele hit every note perfectly as though the surgery was just a dream.  This goes to show what kind of heart and determination this new artist holds.  Adele faced the odds and pushed towards excellence.  She did not want to let her fans down and not once did she give up. 

This is just one of many examples as to why it is a life goal of mine to one day attend the Grammy Awards.  I do not have to be in attendance as an artist or anyone special, I just want to be able to be a part of such a night that cannot be put into words.  As LL Cool J said himself in the beginning of the night, “this night is about something greater than us, it's about music.” 

And I for one truly believe that.

The Bookstores Last Stand

With electronics on the rise, bookstores find their businesses in jeopardy.  With a great fear of going under, bookstores such as Barnes & Noble take a stand to fight back.  They are eager to put a team together to crank out something that will save the business but unfortunately, they are on a time crunch.  To stand up to other competitors such as the Kindle and the iPad, the team creates the Nook: Barnes & Nobel's own e-reader.  This will put Barnes & Noble back on the map with hopes of increased sales and popularity. 

In the ideal world, a little bit of both sounds perfect, right?  However, that is not always the case.  With electronics teaming up with the old paperbacks, it becomes more of a competition, with electronics coming out on top.  That is why it is crucial for bookstores to create something that will keep up their popularity.  This idea seems smart and harmless up front, but in the long run, could hurt the business and their partners. 

With all eyes on the electronic devices, the popularity in book sales will decrease.  This will not necessarily hurt the company first hand but others such as publishers and authors.  If not all the proceeds from the sales are distributed properly, those deserving credit will be left in the dark.  On the contrast, some might find reading from devices such as the Nook more enjoyable which will increase sales from unexpected parties.

As long as there is a good balance between new and old, advancements in businesses will be a step in the right direction.  Keeping up with completion in today’s society is key and some sacrifices must be made in order to stay on top.

Winter What?

After ten days of not having to report to school for scheduled classes, students should be left feeling refreshed and ready to start off the new year.  However, that is not the case this year.  At least for me.  Five days out of the ten day break I had to report to school at 8:00am and earlier.  Its called Winter Track.  There is no break.  Having practice that kicks your butt so early in the morning leaves you tired and not wanting to do anything for the rest of the day.  So I would come home in a bad mood and not even really get the chance to settle down.  With the limited amount of break we had, there was not much time to do everything on my "wish list."  Having to juggle wanting to see friends home from college, spending time with the family, and working, before I knew it, my break was over.  I like to use winter break as a time to catch up on some lingering school work but every time I attempted to start, I was distracted and wanted to go do something else.  Maybe senior year is getting to me?  But coming into school today, the first day back, I had much anxiety hearing about all the work that is due in a short amount of time.  Everything just escaped me.  Coming back sick does not help the matter either.  But enough with the negative.  I haven't heard one positive out of any one's mouth today and it is pretty much on my last nerve.  So its time to suck it up and be productive.  One foot in front of the other.  One project at a time.