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Monday, September 27, 2010

These Blogs

I really enjoying doing these blogs. Most of them are opionion based and really make you think about certain technologies. Looking foward to next weeks questions.

Chapter 6: Questioning the Media

1. How many cable channels do you watch regularly? What programs do you watch? What attracts you to a certain channel?

- My favorite channel by far is ESPN. I watch Sportscenter, 30 for 30 films, PTI, Baseball Tonight, and any kind of sport game that comes on. I could not have lived back before the late 80s before ESPN was invented. ESPN is the reason that sports are as big as they are today. Back in the 70s they would have one MLB baseball game on and it would be the game of the week. Now with satellite and an ESPN package, you can watch every game that is on that day. I am attracted to it because I am a sports fanatic. I am sports 24/7. I also watch CNN to check up on the news. I watch some shows on FX, TBS, and Comedy Central. Most of them are funny shows, but I will watch almost anything for a little bit, except for reality shows. Most of the shows I watch are on Showtime like Dexter, Weeds, Cali fornication. But Showtime is not a cable channel so they do not count. If I had to pick one channel to watch for the rest of my life, it would be ESPN.

4. CNN and MTV have changed our society as well as the global culture. Have these changes been positive or negative? Explain.

-I believe this question could go either way. There are some positives and negatives. Some of the positive things are that with CNN you can catch up on all the news around the world. Anything from a kidnapping to a terrorist threat. I make sure to watch at least an hour of CNN a day, to keep up with the news. Also with MTV, it is good that we can watch music videos on our TV. MTV also provides shows for teens. Most of these shows are OK for teens, but some are not. I think that most of the shows are stupid on MTV. Take Jackass for instance. They hurt themselves and act like fools on the show, then people go out and try to be them and hurt themselves. That is not setting a good example for teenagers. Another bad thing is that the teenagers could watch more MTV then do their homework. Most of CNN is positive, but some things we do not need to see. For instance, during Katrina CNN was showing dead bodies on the streets. Yea we need to see the disaster so we can help, but we do not need to see dead people in the street to get the picture. That is why the Vietnam War was so bad, because CNN was showing the shooting and killing of soldiers. But I think that CNN is positive and will continue to watch it. As far as MTV goes, I think MTV is whack and will not watch it. When I am older I will encourage my kids not to watch MTV.

6. Some critics argue that citizens no longer participate in traditional neighborhood activities and that cable has played a role in fragmenting society, keeping us in our homes. Do you agree or disagree? What has cable done well, and in what ways has it adversely affected society?

- I would have to agree with the critics. I do believe that most people would watch TV then go outside and perform an activity. With so many channels and shows coming on all day, it is hard not to fall into a television trance. Another reason why we are staying in our homes ins video games. I think video games are just as responsible for the decline in activites. I play a lot of video games and have since I was younger. I still work out and do my activites, but at night time I like to play video games. I think that cable tv and video games are why America is so obese. People would rather watch a TV show then go to the gym. Or teenagers would rather play NFL Madden 2011 for their XBOX 360, then go play touch football in the yard. With the US advancing in technolgoy, I believe that neighborhood activites will continue to decline. Video games, TV, and the Internet are why nobody is going outside anymore.

For example; My grandad would rather sit in the house all day and watch the Weather Channel and ESPN, then go outside for a walk. I try to get him to play catch with me, but he is almost like a TV zombie. Cable TV does a lot of good with providing news and giving us entertainment. But it also damages our society.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Chapter 5 Questions

1. Describe your earliest memories of watching television. What was your favorite show? Which, if any, did your family watch together? Were there shows that you were not allowed to watch? Which ones and why.

-Since I can remember, I have always watched ESPN. I use to watch Sports Center rather than study for my tests when I was in elementary school. My mom had to turn the TV off almost every afternoon. If she didn't, she knew that I would pretend to study, while I got my sports updates. Sports Center on ESPN, Nick at Night, Doug, Saved By the Bell, Full House, Boy Meets World, and Fresh Prince of Bell-Air were most of the shows I watched. I loved waiting for Friday nights and Nick at Night on Nickelodeon. They would play All-That, Red and Stimpy, and my favorite "Are you afraid of the dark." I was pretty much allowed to watch whatever I wanted on TV. We did not have HBO or satellite channels, so my parents did not have to worry about me seeing nudity or strong language. I saw my first rated R movie (The Last of the Mohican's) when I was seven. I watched a few shows with my parents when I was growing up. My favorites were Inside Edition and Entertainment Tonight. These shows keep up with mostly celebrities lives. It is interesting to see how the rich and famous live. You think it would be fabulous all the time, but its not. I also watched the news and sport games with my dad. Sometimes even good ole boring Weather Channel. I have enjoyed watching TV for as long as I have. I learn most things from watching TV. It keeps me up to date.

2. How much television do you watch today? Which programs do you watch regularly? What attracts you to your favorite program?

-I watch a good bit of TV. I do not know how much per day, but I would say about six to seven hours. I wake up to Sports Center on ESPN. It is by far my favorite show in the world. I am probably the biggest sports fan there is. Sports Center covers almost every sport in the world. It has up to date info on all my favorite teams and players. I will watch the same episode of Sports Center numerous times a day, to implant the info in my brain haha. Another program I enjoy is South Park on Comedy Central. This show is stupid and offensive to some, but I think it is hilarious. I have seen maybe 2 episodes out of the thirteen seasons of South Park that were not funny to me. I really enjoy the episodes where they make fun of celebrities such as Tom Cruise, Brittney Spears, and Michael Jackson. I also enjoy watching Gordon Ramsey's cooking shows. Whether its Hell's Kitchen, Kitchen Nightmares, or Master Chief. I like to watch people cook, so I can try to learn something myself. I watch Sons of Anarchy on FX, religiously. It is a show about a biker gang. It is action packed and also has a good plot to it. I will also watch movies that have now come on TV. I don't watch made for TV movies though. I also hate reality shows. I think they are so stupid and will never watch them.

5. How do you think new technologies will change TV viewing habits?

-With new advancements in technology, I think that people will continue to watch TV frequently. With the creation of Tivo or DVR, people can now record their favorite shows. I mean seriously, ten years ago did you ever think you would be able to pause TV. Simply amazing. I believe that the DVR is one of the greatest inventions ever made. With people being so busy, now they can record shows at their homes from work. Also people are going with flat screen TVs. All though they may be a little more expensive, the picture quality kicks ass. Compare a 42 inch 1080p TV to a 1995 Toshiba box TV. The difference will astonish you. Also TV is becoming more clearer with HD and Blu-Ray. Watching a sports game in HD is almost like being there. You can see the sweat pouring off their heads, and can read players tattoos. I do not know how they will get much better than HD or Blu-Ray, but they will trust me. Another way viewing habits will change is with 3D TVs. They have just come out this year. Imagine watching every show or sporting event, in 3D. If you were watching a NFL game, you would think that Peyton Manning is throwing the ball to you. I haven't seen one yet, but I would love to watch something in 3D. With all these advancements, people may watch more TV than ever now and into the future.

Monday, September 6, 2010

Chapter 4 Questions

1. Describe your earliest memories of listening to radio. Do you remember a favorite song? How old were you? Do you remember the station's call letters? Why did you listen?

- The earliest I remember is when I was about five listening to country radio stations. I would listen to WSOC FM 103.7. I would listen to this when I was with my mom because she loved country music. When I rode with my dad I would listen to Magic 96.1. This radio station played oldies music. My dad use to sing along with Elvis and Chairman of the Board, and I would sing to when I learned the songs. I believe this is why I enjoy oldies music today. They don't make music like they did in the 60s, 70s, and 80s anymore. By far the best music ever. I listened because that's what my parents listened to. Now I listen to 99.7 The FOX which plays 70s and 80s rock.

3. If you could own and manage a commercial radio station, what format would you choose, and why.

-If I had to own a commercial radio station, I would own a sports talk station. I would have a station where callers could call in and talk with me about current events in sports. I would also try and have professional sports athletes to come and talk on my show. Sports has always been my favorite thing in the world. My family has always teased me and said," If you knew your schoolwork like you knew your sports, you could go to Harvard." I would love to be a radio DJ for ESPN radio. That would be so much fun.

5. How might radio be used to improve social and political discussions in the US?

- I think it can improve because most people get there information from the radio. Americans spend a lot of time in their cars. The radio is the mass media that people listen to when they are driving. If people are on the road a lot for their job, they may never be able to watch the news on TV. So they turn to local radio stations or satellite radio to tell them their news. Newspaper companies may be worried about their future, but radio stations have nothing to fear. People will always listen to the radio.

Chapter 3 Questions

1. Who was your first favorite singer or group? How old were you at the time? What was important to you about the music?

- My first favorite singer was Tim Mcgraw. My mom use to play a lot of country music in the car when I was growing up. Tim Mcgraw was always my favorite. My dad listened to more oldies music like Elvis, Beatles, and others. My mom was a big Boston fan as well, so I grew up listening to them to. I was probablly about 8 when I realized Tim Mcgraw was my favorite singer. I have been to six of his concerts. My favorite song he sang was, "Maybe We Should Just Sleep on in Tonight." It was my first girlfriend and I's song. He never sang about anything bad. All he talked about was having a good time, or about a loved one. Some of his songs are sad, but I love all of them. He will probably be my favorite singer of all time.

3. Think about the role of the 1960s drug culture in rock's history. How are drugs and alcohol treated in contemporary forms of rock and hip-hop today?

- Back in the 60's, almost everyone was taking some kind of drug. Most drugs were legal, so artists would do some drugs and make music. Take Woodstock for instance. Hundreds of thousands of people would go to Woodstock and just do drugs, and listen to music. I am glad I did not grow up back then, because I definitely would have been a hippie. Today all the drugs that were legal back then are illegal. Artists are scared of doing drugs because fear of getting caught. However, many artists today continue to use drugs. Hip-Hop rappers are constantly being caught with illegal drugs and being put in jail. I guess things were just more laid back, back then.

5. Do you think the Internet as a technology has helped or hurt musical artists? Why do so many contemporary musical performers differ their op ions about the Internet?

- The Internet can both hurt musicians and help musicians. The way it hurts them is that people can go online and download their music for free. If I can go online and download Tim Mcgraws new CD and burn it to a disc, I am not going to buy his CD. Just like how Napster went out of business. Artists such as Metallica, got mad and demanded them not to be able to do it anymore. It hurts artists record sales. Now people use I-tunes and have to pay $1 for the songs. It also in a way helps unknown artists. Artist that are just beginning can use the Internet to get their music out. Artist can post music videos on YouTube and create web pages telling people about their band. If people would not download music for free, the Internet would be a great source for artists.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Chapter 2: Questioning the Media

2. What possibilities of the Internets future are you most excited about? Why? what possibilities are the most troubling? Why?
- I am really excited to see how the Internet will be in future. I believe that all computers will be touch screen technology. I could see us talking to people on the computer through a hologram. The Internet will only get faster. There will be advancements in technology making the computer a lot better. Look at how far the Internet has come in the last ten years. I just got Windows 7 and I am like how is this going to get better, but it will. I really do not see any problems in the future. There could be problems with people getting on and stealing stuff from you. Always pick a good password and do not let anyone know it. I can't wait to see how the Internet will be in ten years.

5. As we move from a print-oriented Industrial Age to a digitally based Information Age, how do you think individuals, communities, and nations will be affected?
- Everyone is affected when we move from a print-oriented society to digitally based age. By using digital technology, things will be made easier. We will not use so much paper. There will be more trees saved with less consumption of paper. You can keep up with things better. Most people have calenders on their cell phones. This way people can keep up with what they have to do by looking at their phones, instead of writing things down with pens and paper. Although the digital world is a good thing, it can also be bad for some people. Newspaper companies are worried that in the future people will no longer read the newspaper. You can go online and read the paper on their websites, why would you need a hard copy? Printing companies could go out of business. Writers could loose their jobs. Some of the older people in the world may not know how to use digital technology. My mom is the most non technology person I know. I have to show her how to work everything. In the future everything will be digital, so we better start learning how to cope with it.

1. What was your first encounter with the Internet like? How did it compare with your first encounters with other mass media?
- I believe I was about seven years old when I first came in contact with the Internet. I was so fascinated with how I could look up anything I wanted to. Back then the Internet was way slower than it is today, but I thought it was the greatest thing ever. To be able to search for anything in the world, makes you feel like you have a lot of power. I use to Instant Messenger my friends a lot in elementary school and middle school. It was a cool way to chat with your friends and keep up with what they were doing. You could also ask a classmate what the homework assignment was for that night. I asked a girl to the fifth grade dance on Instant Messenger, and she said,"YES" with a smiley face. That made me feel special ha ha. The Internet is by far the one of the greatest things ever invented. The only thing that can compare to it that I remember, is Nintendo. Other than that the Internet is in a league of its on.

Chapter 1: Questioning the Media

4. Make a critical case either defending or condemning South Park, Soap Opera, etc. Use the 5 Step critical process to develop your position.
- I am the biggest South Park fan in the world, so of course I am going to defend it. South Park is a comedy animated show that makes fun of current events in the world. It could be any current event from the presidential elections, to something dealing with Brittaney Spears. South Park has no limits, they will make fun of whatever they want to. I will be the first to admit that South Park sometimes takes it over the top with what they say on the show, but I will continue to watch until it goes off air. Although they are sometimes a little naughty, what they say is often true. This may sound bad, but I believe that I learn something sometimes when I watch the show. Take the Atheist show for instance. I did not know what they believed, but South Park showed what they believe so now I know. South Parks strengths are that millions of people watch the show, and have for years. Weaknesses are that they offend people and certain religions. South Park remains my favorite show so I will keep watching.

3. Pick an example of popular media product that you think is harmful to children. How would you make your concerns known? Should the product be removed from circulation? Why or why not? If you think the product should be banned, how would you do it?
- The product from the media I think should be removed for children is rap music. I know we can not get rid of it totally, but we should not let children listen to it. It uses explicit language that no child should be hearing. They also talk about shooting people, robbing people, and doing drugs. Rap music talks about gangs committing crimes and quiting school. No child should listen to this. Just like no child should be watching R rated movies. They do not need to be seeing or hearing guns shooting or people doing drugs. When I become a parent my child will not listen to rap music or watch R rated movies, until I think he is old enough to do so.

5. Although in some ways postmodern forms of communication such as email, MTV, cell phones, and Twitter, have helped citizens participate in global life, in what ways might these forms harm more traditional and native cultures.
- Email has harmed native cultures because it is more impersonal than face to face communication. Sending someone an email is not personal at all. People hardly often hand write letters to people or chat as much on the phone now with email. Email eliminates our ability to have talk with people in person. Although cell phones are good in emergency situations, they also create emergency situations. There has been an increase in deaths on the interstate from people talking or texting on their phones. There have been more accidents. People do not realize how dangerous it is to text and drive. You pay more attention to what the person is saying, then you do the road. That is why law enforcement made it illegal for a person to talk on his or her phone when they drive. MTV has taken away the fun of going to concerts. With the ability to watch music videos on TV, more and more people turn to MTV instead of going to a live show. I use all of these communication devices, but I try and use them in the right way.