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Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Chapter 8: Questioning the Media

1. What kinds of stories, topics, or issues are not being covered well by mainstream papers?

-I believe that newspapers do a good job covering stories and topics. One thing that newspapers could do is make there papers more appealing. The paper in my hometown is plain black and white. It is boring to look at and is not appealing at all. I wish newspapers would cut down on there ads as well. I know they need them in there, but more than half of them are stupid ads for something nobody uses. They could put in more stories about whats is going on in the area or world, then buy one get on free at fashion bug. I always read the sports section and that's it. I am not interested in the business section or the stocks or anything like that. My paper in my hometown could do a better job with their sports section. There is only one guy trying to create a whole section of a paper. The Mooresville Tribune, my hometown paper, is the only paper that I will even look at. I am a TV news person. I do not like to read. ha ha.

5. Will blogs and other Internet news services eventually replace newspapers? Explain your answer.

- I would say that the Internet is already taking over traditional newspapers. Almost every town no matter how small it may be, has there newspaper online. With most Americans having Internet access, it is much easier to just hop online and check the news. Rather than having to have a prescription, and walk to you mailbox, people are just a click away from seeing their local news. I believe that newspaper companies are in jeopardy of going out of business due to the Internet. However, I also do believe that newspapers might have a chance to survive. People that are older still continue to read the paper. My grandparents still read the paper everyday and never get online. I am sure they are not the only ones that still reads papers. I never read the paper. I go online to ESPN.com or CNN.com to check any news that I need. Newspaper companies are already loosing business. I fear that newspaper companies future does not look good. My cousin writes "Our State" magazine and she talks to me all the time about how newspaper companies now use the Internet almost as much as they do print. With more and more advancements in technology, everything will one day be digital. It is way more faster and you do more stuff with the Internet.

2. Why do you think people aren't reading U.S. daily news papers as frequently as they once did? Why is newspaper readership going up in other countries?

-People are not reading daily newspapers because of the advancements in technology. Now Americans can check on their laptops about any breaking news. They can also check news on their phones. There is almost no need for newspapers anymore, unless you want a hard copy of your news. Most people I know watch CNN or Fox News on their flat screen TVs. I like watching the news because you also get commercials as well. Back in the day they did not have the Internet or as many news channels on TV. Technology I would say is newspapers biggest threat/enemy. I have a CNN app on my Blackberry that I look on everyday, just to see whats going on in the world. My mom reads my home town paper, so she tells me anything interesting that has happened, which is most of the time nothing. I also try to watch CNN at least for a little bit a day. I want watch Fox News because they are so Republican and just bash anything a democrat says, but that has nothing to do with this haha. Countries like China, Japan, Russia, England, and other big countries have technologies so they can check their news easier than other countries, especially China and Japan. Cell phones, computers, and video games come out in Japan and China before they do in the US. Smaller countries would rely more on local newspapers. They might not have TVs or Internet, so they use the newspapers for news. Some countries in Africa probably don't have any type of way to gets news. I doubt they have newspapers or the Internet. I wonder how they get world news or anything. I am just lucky to live in America and have multiple ways of finding news about anything I want. I can check anything on my Blackberry. It is like a personal computer.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Chapter 7 Questioning the Media

2. Do you remember seeing a movie you were not allowed to see? Discuss the experience?

-When I was about eight years old, I saw a movie that I will never forget. I was staying over at my aunt's house and my fifteen year old cousin Alexa, let me watch Halloween. I can still remember the creepy theme song. That movie was the scariest thing I have ever seen before. I stayed up all night that night and worried about Michael Myers coming to stab me in my room. I went through a period of time where I slept with either the TV or a light on, because I was scared. I use to aggravate my cousin all the time, so she knew I would get scared from this movie. Lets just say she got her payback and more. I would try and stay as far away from a scary movie as I could. Today I still do not watch scary movies but not because I am scared. I no longer get scared of movies or anything for that matter. I believe that my experience with Halloween has mad me not be scared of movies now. Now I think they are stupid and probably the most fake looking movies they make. I will never waste my money to see a scary movie in the theaters. These days I will see Halloween on TV and just laugh thinking about my cousin playing that trick on me. Really takes me back. ha ha.

3. How often do you go to the movie theaters today? How often do you play DVDs on a TV at home. or watch movies on a computer? Which experience do you prefer and why?

- I am a movie fanatic. There is nothing I like more than watching a good movie. These days I go to the movie theater once or twice a month, depending on what movies are coming out. I went and saw "The Town" last week because I thought it looked good on TV. It was a great action packed movie that had me on my seat. I love going to the move theater and getting snack before the movies. I usually get popcorn and a drink then head to the movie. I love sitting in the stadium like chairs and watching the movie on the huge screen. All movies are better on the big screen. I never watch movies on my computer, because my screen is to little. Why would I watch a movie on a 12 inch screen when I could watch one on a 42 inch screen. I love watch DVDs at my house. My mom has hundreds of DVDs and I have probably seen everyone of them. She also just got a Blu-Ray player, so my love of movies really increased. The picture is unbelievable on a Blu-Ray player. I would recommend everyone spend a little more money on the Blu-Ray, it is well worth it. I will watch any movie whether its action, drama, romance, or comedy. As long as it not a three and half hour long movie, I will watch it. I can not wait to watch my next movie.

4. If you were a Hollywood film producer or executive, what kinds of films would you like to see made? What changes would you make in what wee see at the movies?

-If I was a Hollywood film director, I would like to see more sports movies made. More movies about certain players or events in sports. Some of my favorite movies are sports related. They are Rudy, Field of Dreams. The Blindside, and Remember the Titans. Most sports movies are both funny and inspirational. There are so many sport stories out there just waiting to be told through film. I wish they would come out with a couple of sports movies a year. One change I think they could make is limit the number of scary movies that come out. Most of them are so stupid and the acting is terrible. I can not remember the last good scary movie that I have seen. I use to waste my money back in high school when I went a saw scary movies. I would always walk out and say, " Well I just wasted that eight dollars." Other then the reduction of scary movies, I believe that Hollywood does a good job with movies. They keep a balance between all categories of movies. Hopefully within the next few years Hollywood will come out with some sports movies. Since I am a huge UNC Tarheel fan, I would love to see a movie about them. Whether its about a National Championship or about a historic coach, I would pay serious money to go see that and so would my friends.

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.