the future of blogs as a tool for international peace?

We all saw President Obama, as he visted Egypt and attempted to make peace with a country that over 80% have an unfavorable image on America. I didn't watch the speach, I just know that he quoted the Qu'aran (smart move) in its efforts to find a common ground with those in Egypt, considering it is the most religious country in the world. My question is, will there be a time that Presidential candidates don't visit other countries, but simply write a blog about them? Instead of visiting Egypt, will future Presidents write a page or two, and that will be shown all over the news in other countries? I know there is some sort of technological divide, but is there potential for this, at least with developed countries in the future? Instead of meeting with international leaders, will the all just get on AIM and have a chat like we did in class? Will President Obama plead with Omar al-Bashir over skype rather than in person? I think the potential for these ideas is there. If countries can get past technological divide, then its do able. Heck, Osama Bin-Laden already as the art of videotaping down.

The online cultural explsion

When you here about all of the ways the internet has changed are lifestyle, its pretty mind boggling. We have heard online cultures from shopping to dating, protests to petitions, hulu, youtube, facebook, twitter, and I remember some pictures of fall out boy in one of the in class speeches. The rate at which the internet is growing, and its ability to reach out to everyone in society is mind boggingly. I have been thinking about this a lot lately though. Is the sci-fi prediction made in WALLY a potential reality? Could one day we become limited to nothing but screen staring, finger typing, robots in human skin? From what I understand about evolution, it is possible for human beings to form a trait where we are born connected to our computers. In Charles Darwin's book The Origin of Species he described evolution as a series of dramatic changes in the world that have lead to how we are now. Traits are past down through generation, so that only the strongest traits survive.
Are we at the point only those born with computer chips in their brains will survive? In the next hundred years, will new born babies have keyboards instead of hands? Will only Homeo sapimacs survive in the new computer age? Will all our knowlegdge of our pasts be stored in a memory chip rather than our frontal lobe? Will we slowly develop earpiecs instead of earlobes? Will we need to recharge rather than sleep? Most importantly, what website can I use to help me find a jobe?

Blago, Burris,and Drew Peterson

The three scandalous sculptors that have carved the national opinion of Chicago this year.

talk shows will take over

he popularity of the typical news format is decreasing. Newspapers, TV anchors, news reports, etc. I believe the popularity of television, and radio talk shows, however, is on the raise. I think in the fairly near future, next 10 to 15 years, we will see most newspapers switch to some digital format. (Sidenote: I was listening to a sports talk show the other day, and they had a guy from the sun times on. After the reporter's time on the show was up, the show host thanked him and said "You can check out so and so at chicagosuntimes.com" then as an after thought, like it really meant nothing said "or read him in the actual paper.") We will see this basic news come from the online sources, like every one else is saying. I think talk televsion talk shows, however, will be the catylist in the news world. These shows will be the force in shaping the publics opinions on certain topics. The online articles will only create awareness about a certain topic.

The typical news show I think will slowly die. The economic income stations recieve will not be able to sustain the amount of nightly news shows we have. Talk shows, however, will flourish for years to come.

How media should learn from phones

The discussion of how big name newspapers are going out of busineses is a disheatening one. Being a Broadcast comm major, and a Print Journalism minor, I have heard the lecture multiple tiems. We are also seeing television stations, and especailly radio stations, slice jobs as well. Even if the cause is websites like Youtube or Pandora stealing their viewing or listening audience, tv and radio stations have no excuse for not adapting to the media environment, and making the necessary changes (many already have made some).

I think newspapers, tv stations, and radio stations should look at the cell phone companies as a perfect example of how to appropriatly adapt to the changing media world. I mean think about it. With the rise in online chats, scype, etc. phone companies could have easily gone under. Think about the multiple ways it is "easier" to communicate than conventional talking. A quick email, a post on facebook, when AIM was big you could talk to someone there. There are also video chats that are much cheaper than a phone call. With labtops becoming lighter and more portable, it seems like there wouldn't be much of a use for cell phones, or phones for that matter. Everything could be done by computer
Cell phone companies, however, have more than adjusted in recent years. Texting was created. Applications on different phones allow people more freedom. Internet is accessible through a cell phone. Phone plans have become cheaper. Cell phones have become more user friendly by design ( think of how big and clunky they were just ten years ago).

Cell phones have counter act the advancements in computers and the internet with their own development. In many cases, the cell phone is our personal "sidekick." The fact that the cell phone has developed from its original landline has allowed not only to be as successful, but at times be our main source of, well everything.....news, directions, games, whatever there is an "app for that! Here is a student written article that depicts this development....
http://www.collegian.psu.edu/archive/2004/09/09-17-04tdc/09-17-04dnews-11.asp


The bottome line: how can other forms of media develop and floursih the way the cell phone has. My idea for newspapers is they become more accessible to the technological savy young people. How about an application on a phone that delivers the newspaper and its original form right to your phone? Or a daily email of a newspaper, adds and all. Cars are now coming out with wifi, and there are ways to get tv channels on your computer. Political and news talk shows are creating podcasts, and samples of their shows online. Ideas like these are great, but they are only good if stations can get sponsors online. I think with the growing popularity in online viewing that won't be a problem in the future.

convergence media and intruding in on our brains

The past couple of days in class we have obviously been learning about transmedia, and different ways in which movies, tv shows, and such use different forms of media to display their product. It is an interesting strategy, and can be engaging for fans, but I worry about its progression. Will there ever be a time when can't watch a comercial for Huggies Diapers without seeing some pixar character strapping the on? So many times you see a product with some sort of movie or tv show on it. Sports provide a great arena in which the strategy of transmedia to flourish. If you hav ebeen watching the NBA playoffs, you will notice every game is being compared to some scene in the movie Taken.

My worry is we will be forced upon these images in the future. There are times when I would prefere not to see an add for some tv show, movie or video game. I worry that in the future we won't be able to avoid these adds. The will pop up everywhere, even when we are watching other comercials. They will be unavoidable, and at this point, transmedia will haven taken over our minds.

moderate blog

So we discussed different blogs in class the other day. Being a political moderate, I was a bit upset that no moderate blog was mentioned in class. I soon realized, after doing research, that there really aren't that many out there. I feel like this is a problem. There are so many blogs (cough, cough, the huffington post) that have such a biased, and poor perspective of the opposing viewpoints. This goes both ways. I have found (and this is just my opinion being in the middle and seeing both sides) that liberals have a very judgemental viewpoint on consevatives, and consevatives have a very closed minded viewpoints on a liberal perspective. I feel like these blogs create this group think like
r President Obama was because I felt like he had the unbias veiw of the world. Sure many of his viewpoints are drastically to the left, but I still felt like he was our most moderate candidate in a while.
http://news.aol.com/article/obama-notre-dame-speech/448355?icid=mainhp-laptopdl1link3http%3A%2F%2Fnews.aol.com%2Farticle%2Fobama-notre-dame-speech%2F448355


I think his viewpoints in this article, and the way he handled the Notre Dame controversy perfectly illustrate this.

Bottom line: I feel like the common theory in society is you have to pick a side, either conservative or liberal. You can't just be in the middle, and I know this is wrong. I, as President Obama says, need to have "open hearts. Open minds. Fair-minded words." We need more people that are willing to look at politics as not a competitiion between right and left, but an agreement that we are going to work together to come up with the best solution for our country.

Craigs list drops the personal section....yyyyyyyyyyeeeeeeess!

Today is a victory fall all those not in favor easier ways to spread STDs. Craiglist dropped their 'erotic service' section and will screen all ads put under the personal site.

http://www.kansascity.com/437/story/1194743.html

The "personals" on craigslist are for those looking for a quick and easy date. All one must do is put an add up for themselves on craiglist under sub sections such as "men looking for women" or "men looking for men" etc. They can do this without puting up pictures, or any information about themselves that is truthful, and people looking for a date can contact them, and there you go. For all you know, you can be going out with a killer, such as what happened in california. Also, after looking through this adds, it is obvious that the people putting "themselves up" are just looking for a quick hook up (to me, this is very self-degrading, put that topic is in the arena of personal moral ingerity). Obviously, without knowing information about someone, this can lead to a rapid spread of STDs through the craiglist community (not everyone is going to wear a condemn, don't even kid yourself). Here is an example of a title found I found on craigslist

Real latino loves S** & P***Y w/C*M - m4m - 26 (marquette park/midway/pilsen/oak lawn)

I know that there are other sites that permit this type of stuff, and I guess that's what you get in the free world. Craigslist, however, should not be one of them. Craigslist has been called (and you will read it in the article) the biggest prostitution site in the world. I personally would compare it a never ending Las Vages street corner. Even if this screeing process doesn't work, it is a step in the right direction. It is an example of a well known "figure" taking action to preserve world wide inegrity and safety. This is change for the positives.

Invisible Children Program

First off, I really enjoyed the online class. The topic of Inivisibel Children was brought up, so I thought I'd quickly explain it, post a link to the website, and then quickly discuss the walk myself and Andi went on.

The Invisible Children Program was established earlier on this decade to create awareness, and funds about the then current war chidlren crises in Northern Uganda. The problem revolved (and still does) around a group called the LRA who raiding homes in trbes and towns and taking the children, and forcing them to be soldieres. The purpose was to over throw the Uganda government, and establish their own ideologies. The problem has dramatically decreased, thanks in part to the Invisible Children Program. The program creates funds by selling bracelots made by women in Northern Uganda, and asking for donations. They also create videos, schedule marches, make posters, etc. to create awareness of this dreadful problem. They even allow people to intern or mentor in Northern Uganda, and other countries with similar problems.

http://www.invisiblechildren.com/home.php

there is a ling to their site, which is becomingly more popular day by day.

The march Andi and I went on took place in downtown Chicago two weekends ago. About 2,000 people showed up, and it was to represent the march abducted children have to take when taken by the LRA. It also was trying to create awareness of the problem. The kids we were representing were those in Joseph Kony's (LRA boss) army. He is the corrupt leader of the LRA, and if he steps down, then the LRA will most likely follow. It was an incredible experience for me to march downtown in the conditions we were in, as I'm sure it was for Andi as well.

It's humbling to know how good our lives are compared to those in those countries. I have found personally that I take many graces in my life for granted, and this program, through its multiple uses of media has created awareness in me, as well as thousands of others.

top 10 reasons why I'm not a sox or cards fan

Top ten reasons why Im not a sox or cards fan
10. I can’t speak spanglish, nor do I understand male menopause, thus couldn’t stomach a Ozzie Guillen press conference.
9. I would be afraid to drive around St. Loius after Tony La Russa gone thrown out by the home plate ump in a night cap, and followed with a rough night at the bars.
8. Hawk Harrleson is the only human being who is remotely as annoying Flavor Flav ( I hear the phrases “You can put it on the board, yes” and “yeah boii” are featured on the new “Catch Phrase form Hell” video game)
7. I’m not from, nor live in Missouri, thus show loyalty to my state.
6. 2005 was a rather dull year.
5. 06 was nothing special either.
4.I don’t want to root for a team whos mascot can be categorized as underwear.
3. I find people who are obsessed with their pujholes to be a bit perverted.
2. I love the taste of plaster in my bowl of popcorn at a game at Wrigley.
1 Finally…… I BLEED CUBBY BLUE BABY!

a hybrid between the mac and pc

Ok so I have have had the advantage of using both a mac and a pc for a while now, and have come to the conclusion that the mac is the better computer, obviously. However, I want a hybrid. I love how the mac has more applications, such as garage band, and the little bar at the bottom is conveniant. It's wonderful that you can't get viruses on a mac, and they are quicker (for the most part than pcs). I use macs at my internship and radio station almost as much as I use my own PC. I will admit I like them more, however I must say this. The PC is much easier to use. For starters, lets look at the design. The bigger keyboard on the pc is on the hands to type, even if it is a little heavier (what's one pound right?) Also when you have multiple programs up on the computer (like I do all the time) it's easiest just having a quick clickable link at the bottom, and that standard scrolling application. I also LOVE my windows sidebar, even if it does make the computer a big slower. Most people hate it, but I've found if you add the most useful applications, it's nice. Oh, and its a BIG OH! The PC is soooooooo much cheaper. Try $400 dollars cheaper. I know computers are cheap already, as stores like Best Buy make their profits from chords and such instead of the computers, but still. If Mac could lower the prices of their computers, they would regain all the customers they lost since the beginning of this year. I also prefer internet explorer over safari (again I use both all the time), and I think windows movie maker is a little easier to use than the mac one.

The botom line: I wish they could combine the to. This ultimate computer would have the format and design of a pc, with the speed, programs, and would be immune to viruses. The price would be the same as a PC's. Of course, this is impossible, but it is just a thought.

Christianity vs. Harry Potter: Response to Chapter 5 of reading

Ok, so I think the first reaction of readers of this chapter is to right evangelical christians off as crazy (not that many people sadly think this already). It does seem a bit extreme to consider Harry Potter blasphomy just Rowling basis the premise and plot on withcraft and wizardy. The reason evangelists, and a number of other Christians. believe the Harry Potter seriese is teachign Pagan principles of believing in some other force ourside of God, and of course according to Christianit any sort of Pagan worship is considered to be terribly wrong. From what it seems, Evangelicals believe the act of witchcraft and wizardry is Pagan. For this reason, they burn the HP books, and protest their availabilty in libraries. I think a critical mind would understand were Evangelicals are coming from, but at the same time look at the benefits in the books.

Personally, I think Evangelicals, and other Christians who apose the Harry Potter book series are attacking the wrong piece of literature.

As a Christian, I believe the critical examination of the validity and moral ethics of magazines such as Cosmopolitan, and the "novel" Do they Serve Beer in Hell should be more of a focus to Evangelicals. Pieces of literature likes these position certain taboo topics as not just acceptable by society, but almost laughable matters. Sex is not some game, but rather serious topics, would not be able to see after reading the forementioned pieces of writing. Admitingly, I read an article in Cosmo the other week regarding what men look for in woman, and must say I was appaled that some women believe a word it says, and personally felt 0% in accordance with the viewpoints of the article. I could go on and on about my hatred for Cosmo, but I digress.

Bottom line: deep hearted Christians, and those who live by a positive moral code in general, should protest societal poulting literature, rather than Harry Potter, which in general has positive effect on the literacy level of our youth.

real response to "literacy of a lesser kind"

I didn't really grasp the entire concept of the article, considering like the article says we don't take in a large percentage of what we read online, I caught the gist, and agree with the author.

We should not, however, fault technology for its inability to improve the knowledge of its young users, but rather the young users and those who have guided them (parents, teachers, etc.)

We have been granted the wonderful tools of computers and the internet, yet since our pre- pubescent days, we use computers for games and "fun" stuff rather than learning. Parents and teachers alike need to position computers as engaging tools of learning for children at a young age, rather than just fun rewards. Teachers need to implement technology in the elementary classrooms, and use it consistently (the smart board will help this cause.)

I have many more opinions on this topic, but since the article says most people don't spend much time reading something online, I will stop.

response to "literacy of a lesser kind'

Topic brought up in class, VERY controversial

OK. I know this topic was briefly brought up in class, but I thought it was one that is worthy of discussion. Prof. Macek mentioned a conservative group in the 90's that proposed fairly strict restrictions on what content could be viewed on the internet. I have my own opinions about this, but I want to know if anyone agrees that more restrictions should be placed, or if the internet should be treated as an open ground, and anything goes.

rebecca's pocket blog prompt 1

I enjoyed this article on Trine- Maria Kristensen. I found it interesting how she seemed skeptical of the blogging and later became a supporter of the art. Every day she has about 1,000 people looking at her blog, which to me is incredible! It's not like it's on some big website, she just made it. It gives all of us hope, something to shoot for.

Over the past week, one of the greatest business moves of recent history was made...by KFC. That's right, the Kernel's (I know that's popcorn) logo is now imprinted on multiple pot hole fillings around the country. KFC is filling potholes in different urban and suburban areas for free, as long as they are aloud to stick their logo on the filling itself! Personally, I think this a fantastic business move. Not only are the helping the community, but are basically getting free advertising, with the cost of labor. I'm not sure what's more dangerous though, looking up at a billboard going 70 in a four lane, or looking down at filled pothole.