Week 9: Media Ethics/ Media Law

A recent media ethics/media law case happened between a celebrity (Michael Jackson's ex-wife Debbie Rowe) and the woman who defamed her on the TV show "Extra" (Rebecca White). Rowe sued White claiming that she suffered from the false comments that White made, accusing Rowe of just wanting money from her deceased-ex-husband rather than custody of their children.

You can read the story in more detail here.

I think that Rowe had every right to sue White for her false comments. Hopefully cases like this will continue to teach people the importance of thinking before you speak, and that our words can be hurtful and have consequences. It's like what mothers have said for centuries..."If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all."

Week 8: Propaganda in Advertising/ PR

This video is a commercial for Nike, specifically Nike Women. The commercial uses the following "propaganda techniques"(found on wikipedia.org)

1. REPETITION: This type of propaganda deals with a jingle or word that is repeated over and over again, thus getting it stuck in someones head, so they can buy the product. The "Repetition" method has been described previously. The ad uses variations of the phrase "I'm making myself _____".

^{2. APPEAL TO AUTHORITY:} Appeals to authority cite prominent figures to support a position, idea, argument, or course of action. The women in this ad are all famous female athletes. These prominent, strong, fit and confident women are well-known and inspire the "every day woman" to think that she too can look like these women!

Week 7: Internet

As much as the internet has become a phenomenon that has taken over practically everything we do in life, I am still skeptical of using it for certain purposes. I buy my music online through Itunes, have purchased event tickets and books online, and pay for my tuition and classes online, however I know that those sites are secure. I am afraid of linking my bank account information to "sketchy" sites that could be a scam. For example, my aunt bought me UGG boots for Christmas online, but it ended up being a scam website from China, and she still hasn't gotten her money back! I do not know anyone who is obsessed with the internet, but I do like to look at wedding and event blogs myself. (not because I am obsessed, but because I want to be an event planner).

Here are some of my favorites! Style Me Pretty, Green Wedding Shoes, The Wedding Chicks, 100 Layer Cake, along with countless others! I can swoon for hours over the teeniest details!

Week 2: Media Impact (late submission)

I have seen so many talk shows and newscasts that focus on the issue of "cyber bullying". Which is defined as "involving the use of information and communication technologies to support deliberate, repeated, and hostile behavior by an individual or group, that is intended to harm others."(wikipedia). Basically, it is when a person uses technology to deliberately offend, slander, harass or embarrass another person. This often occurs between children and teenagers, but can happen between anyone. Some people blame media, saying that without texting, internet social networking sites (such as Myspace or Facebook) and other channels of mass media, cyber bullying would not exist.

This video is just one example of a young girl who committed suicide after falling victim to cyber bullying.

MOVIES

My favorite movie of 2011 was, without a doubt, Inception. I remember watching it in theaters, being completely blown away by everything: the plot, the acting, the characters, the special effects, the music, the idea of inception and how deeply interwoven the plot is. Everything relates from beginning to end. I love that Inception is the kind of movie you can watch over and over and find new details and gain better understanding. It never gets old.

My favorite "oldie" movie is Ferris Bueller's Day Off. I remember watching it with my parents all the time growing up. It's one of those "feel good 1980's high school" movies, similar to The Breakfast Club or Can't Buy Me Love. I love the carefree attitude and witty humor found in this film, and I can't wait to watch it with my kids someday. Definitely a must-see classic!

Magazines!

Name: Birds of a Feather
Concept: This is a magazine designed for women planning their wedding, however it has a twist unlike other wedding magazines on the market. This magazine would give step-by-step instructions on how to make everything from invitations, to decorations to doing your own hair for the big day. This is a practical, beautiful, budget-friendly wedding planning magazine for the girl next door.
Readers: Women, aged 20-40, middle class, interested in crafting, creating, weddings, love and romance. Positive self image, wanting to find money saving tips.
Competition: Wedding Magazine, Bride Magazine, Martha Stewart Magazine.

Advertisers:
-wedding photographers
-paper and craft supply companies
-florists
-travel agents and hotels
-beauty/makeup and hair companies

Articles:
-"He proposed...now what?" (a checklist to starting your plans for the big day!)
-HOW TO: make your own bouquets and centerpieces
-Vintage Chic (how to find those unique pieces locally, without breaking the bank)
-a guide to accessorizing any gown (sashes, veils, brooches and so much more)
-HOW TO: Make your own invitations, save the dates and thank you cards!

Cover: (I will draw and turn the cover in on Tuesday 5/3)
The cover will have warm colors, vibrant and inviting. The words will be in interesting fonts all over with a picture of a bride with crafts all around her and a big bold title!

BOOKS

1. "Green Eggs and Ham" by Dr. Seuss
I would say that this is the most simple, yet impacting books I have ever read. It was the first book I ever read on my own. I remember sitting with my aunt for hours and hours sounding out every syllable, crinkling every page. And finally, I learned to read it all by myself. I associate this book with so many of my childhood memories. It is most impacting because without it, I wouldn't have read any other books.




 2.  The Bible, preferably in the message translation. Being raised in a Christian home, this book contains everything that my parents have spent the last 18 years instilling into myself and my brothers. My core values, convictions, and the foundational truths I stand on all come from the words and ideas expressed in the Bible. This is my "how to" book on life.

3. "Bossypants" by Tina Fey
I recently finished reading this book on my Kindle, and I have not laughed this hard in quite a while. The people at Starbucks obviously hadn't read this satirical, sarcastic and hilariously crafted synopsis of Tina Fey's life, because they sent me judgemental "shut up" glances as I giggled and gasped page after page. I would say this book was impacting to me because it inspires me. I see Tina Fey as a role model, someone I can relate to. A girl with a killer sense of humor, leadership abilities and a knack for finding herself in awkward and embarassing situations. I loved every moment of this book and can definitely see myself reading it again and again, and laughing every time. see for yourself!