Bulluing

In the past year, it seems that bullying has become the new "epidemic!" every other newcast is about the kids of America being a victim of bullying. Some say bullying was always around, but technology makes it easier to bully. This I believe to be true. Although I was never really a victim of bullying, I understand what it is like to be somewhat of an outcast; which most that are bullied are! Cases from florida to new york and even the west coast have shown that it is indeed a problem. Kids arent just name calling anymore, they are getting fierce and physical! Most kids that are bullied are not in the so called popular crowd, or the cool kids, they are normally kids with a special gift or kids that have fallen from the so called cool crowd. Whatever the case may be, its wrong that they are the victims of the viral bullys. In more recent cases kids are starting to commit suicide or are being killed by the bullys; in less serious cases, kids have to switch schools and start all over, which is another headache all together! The notion that its just words when kids are being bullied is myht because nowadays they get very physical. the case from june in florida was one about a boy who came out as being gay at the age of 13,and was lateset on fire by his class mates that called him names like queer and faggot! These are all things that call for more regulation from the teachers and the parents. On a Oprah special, it was called the civil Rights movement of this generation. This is one of the generations that have more problems thatn any other in my eyes and bullying is just one on the long list of them!!

Music that Im not particular about!

Before Taylor Swift I may have said that I like all music except country and heavy metal. Well nowadays it seems like all genres are crossing and collaborating making it impossible not to listen to certain genres that were once easily avoidable. Well last year my favorite music artist Kanye West, interrupted a new contemporary artist, Taylor Swift on stage while accepting her award. Well opened my eyes and I decided to research this Swift lady that caused all of this bad media for Mr.West! Before I knew it I was listening to the country sweetheart left and right. I even realized a song that I previously had stuck in my head was her singing it and the whole time I thought it was Carrie Underwood. The world of country music isnt much different from the genres I love most (r&b an hip-hop). The main thing that musicians talk about in hiphop and r&b music is love and the life they lived before making it the the music industry aka the "struggle". In country music they talk about the same thing; artists in r&b and hiphop discuss the "hood" and selling drugs and country artists take about the trailer park, their pets and drug addictions. The similarities are endless but the main points stand out well. Since finding a new love for country I ve listened to artist such as Carrie Underwood and Rascal Flatts. I continue to listen to country and now have a more open mind to different genres; except metal!

Public Service/ a potential draft???

This week in class, we discussed the idea that has been rumored to be the "now talk" in Washington; the rumor is, that the United States government is thinking about imposing a draft on the people of the country to better the economy and the armed forces. This is nothing to to the United States but it is frightinig to think that this could actually happen. When I think of the draft, I think of it as something that is dated and a "thing of the past." A draft in 2010 just doesn't seem right in a world that has overcome so much to be " the land of the free." Is it really the land of the free?? I would like to think that serving the country could remain a choice because like many other things, the armed forces(military) is not for everyone. I know some circumstances put the U.S in a tight spot but I do believe that somethings should remain a choice of the citizen. Serving the country is definitely one of them. After all we don't make people go to college, or to a certain trade they have no interst in, that job is for the parents, not the government. There is a set of boundaries that should not be crossed by law. There called human rights and morals. I believe people should have the right to choice; freedom of choice. So I don't believe in a "draft."

Public Service blo 3

Week 3 Blog

This week in class we discussed the idea of a Draft for the United
States. This is something that is not new to the U.S but is very scary to
some. In most country's , there is a standing army and in the U.S we have
the largest standing army, but the idea and rumors of a draft are always
mentioned. A draft is nothing more than mandatory service to your
country. With that said in this blog post I will unveil what I feel about
the draft

America is supposed to be the land of the free and the home of the
brave. Those are so of the lyrics that are in the National Anthem of
America. With that line alone, I think it answers the question of whether
or not there should be a draft; land of the free would not be so free if we
imposed a draft onto the country. The "brave" who want to serve their
country should.

In society today , we are focused on being equal and unbias so if we had a draft
then men and women, blacks, whites, Hispanics, Asians, and all other types of
people that are citizens would be chosen at random to serve there country.
This may not be what the person wants to do but because its " mandatory" service
then by law they have to? That's not freedom. On the other hand it
would create jobs but at what cost. I feel that before a draft can
be imposed on this country I call home, the government needs to explore all
options and notions about this plan before making any unjust
decisions.

Mosque in the City?/9/11 significance...

This past week in class, we discussed a number of interesting topics that were quite newsworthy. Out of the things we talked about, I've chose to criticize the issue of the "mosque" in NYC. This has been an issue for a few weeks now and it has not been something the society is talking lightly; people really show their true colors when it comes to religion and "9/11." So what's this really about? I asked myself this question when I decided to take this topic on and I came up with several different answers. In the mist of 9/11, most people tend to take about any survivors, how the day effected America and of course, all the individuals that were never found. Now that a "mosque" is to be built a few blocks down from ground zero, is it taking the significance away from the memory of 9/11? I think so. I mean, there is no way it can't take the significance away not because of the religion behind it, but because of society. Every "buzz worthy" topic that is taken on by the media becomes open to everyday society which in turn, lets people express their feelings about it. This always happens. The mosque is just whats happening now. In class we watched a clip and got a few different perspecetives on the mosque being built in New York City. I learned that the so called mosque is going to be a community center where the top two levels will be dedicated to prayer but that is all. I will say it made me think, but it did not change my mind about the situation. Although it will be a community center that will create jobs and add business to the ghost town ground zero tourist area, I feel the significance of 9/11 gets watered down each year. People just go about their business as if it were any other day, secretly crossing their fingers that nothing bad happens, awaiting the next day. My views are a lot different from others because I am a new yorker and I lost a cousin to 9/11 so the topic is always touchy for me; but at the end of the day , I feel as if the mosque should not be built because it will divide the city, state and country at a time where people need to pull together.

comm 395 1st post!!! Media Coverage.

In this class I hope to learn more about the art of criticism and the proper way to argue. This blog was used in my Rhetoriacal Critism class last year and I scored and A so I've decided to recycle it and use it for this class. My 1st post is about media and the effects it has on society. According to google, children ages 8-18 spent 25% of their time using some sort of media. With that staggering stat, could this be the root of the commonly growing diease A.D.D and A.D.H.D??? I think so. As someone who has had A.D.H.D fo over 10 years, I can definelty think that all the social networks and tech gachets are effecting the youth. Kids aren't going out anymore, they just stay on the computer, on their vidoe games and on the phone texting and / or talikng. This also contributes to childhood obesity. Whether or not this has been a study or has been proven , its true in my book. And society needs to do something about it...

Tips on getting Summer Ready

Good news for those trying to melt away a few more pounds while its still SUMMER!!! 1st things 1st, kill the soda. Its so yummy but its sooooo bad for you. As a former ginger ale addict, I can testify that you will drop at least 3 to 7 lbs. just by switching every soday for water, juice or a gatorade. If you dont love an icy cold glass of H2o then add crystal light lemonade....mmmmmm. If the soda isnt your issue, then look at what and how you eat; most of us young adults sleep in and skip breakfest which leads to eating a larger lunch and dinner and snacking. If you eat a sensible breakfast, such as a bowl of cereal (any kind of cheerios, flakes, pops, special k) with soy milk or low fat milk, you will boost your metabalism and energize your throughout the day. And when its time for other meals, eat smaller portions and drink a glass of water before you eat so you wont over eat. The next step is obvious but most people do not comply; if your trying to slim down you have to workout. You dont have to be a body builder but move more than you sit and eat and you will see results; walking , riding a bike jogging, running and swimming are a few activities that do not require a gym membership and you will see results. Also, find an activity that you love and stick with it. Im a new zumbaholic! Its a fun way to get a full body workout that will have you sweating and laughing all in one workout!!! The last tip is to not eat after dinner or 8 pm, if you have to have a midnight snack, had a granola bar and a glass of milk or water but dont make it an everynight thing. If you follow these steps and refrain from cheating this system, you'll be summer ready soon!!! And remember to have fun and love yourself!!!

Christina is no longer a "Dream" girl

As if anyone cares, The Dream and Milian are done. This couple never were a Jay-z and Beyonce or a Kanye and Amber Rose, but they were briefly in the news when the had a speedy wedding before announcing that they were prego!!! The rush wedding bursted into flames, obviously!!!!In an interview the Dream claims that he cried about the situation for over a mouth and he tried to "take his own llife" because it just wasnt working. He then apoligized to his fans for misleading them into believing his marriage was doing well, when in fact it wasnt... Blah Blah Blah, for the FAN that he does have never cared about his marriage , they just want you to keep singing about sharties that are 10"ssss and throwing 5 stacks in that make up bag. Knowing the 2 of them they'll probably use the ounce of publicity they get from this and run with it. Milian will probably make a horrible new movie and the Dream will probably put out 2 to 3 random new club hits....

Reflective Post

This class was extremly intersting to say the least. It was a hands-on fun course and I enjoyed every lecture.

-The most useful part of the class was the book. If all else failed, I could look up what I didnt know in the book. Each criticism was different and the text helped give me a better understanding of how to analyze for each criticism.

-My favorite part of the course was the presentation and the film festival assignment. As everyone knows by now, I am in love with the film "Sex and the City" so I enjoyed writing about it; it was a challenge but I think I covered the basics.

-The most challenging part of the course was trying to understand the criticisms. The class itself is not difficult, but you have to go over the material carefully to understand it properly. I think metaphor and generic were the easiest and pentandic was a bit more challenging.

-I will use what I have learned in many ways. I look at everything now as an artifact instead of just a movie, or sculpture, building ect. There is motive and purpose behind everything in this world and the class taught me how to question and analyze those things.

-The question I have is : How will I get myself on TV.? I always wanted to be on tv. I want to have my own show and be a fashion reporter. So using my methods of critcism, I know now that I can talk my way to fame. Rhetoric and persusion will get me to the top. I can argue my way through most situatons so I think I can do it!!!!

Final Essay

-For my final essay I will analyze Kanye West's latest album 808's & Heartbreak. I will be using Generic criticism to analyze my artifact. I chose this artifact because it goes against the norm of the typical rap album. Instead of demeaning woman and using foul lanauage to describe his thoughts like the typical rapper , in 808's and Heartbreak West takes a different route and discusses love and the stuggles he has dealing with a tough break-up.

- In our text, on of the sample essays uses a similar example for generic criticism which gave me the idea to use this artifact. The version of the critcism is participant. I am confident that I will have a more revelvant and accurate understanding with essay #2 because I understand this critcism better.

So Clueless...?

For my film critique, I've decided to analyze the file Clueless. The film premired in the early 90's and was an intstant hit. The movie stars Alicia Silverstone and Stacy Dash. Their characters, Cher and Dee, are young rich and live in the "sunset" of Southern California. The film is a comedy that pokes fun at the lives of privliged teenagers while sending a message to help others. In the film, main character Cher goes through many battles: getting her license, finding love, getting "dissed" and she deals with no longer being the most popular girl in school. The creators used many aspects of Pentad in this film, so that is what I chose to use in this blog.
In the film, Cher acts as the agent. The film is presented through her narrating and revolves around her. The scene of the film is in the upper southside of California. The act is Cher overcoming her battles while helping others to find herself. The agency is the satisfaction Cher gains when she helps others with her resourses. And the purpose is so Cher can find herself and be accomplished.

Cher is a very privledged 16 year old who has a routined life. When things begin to go a bit wrong for her and she gets a C in one of her courses, she begins to take charge. Her recieving a C in her debate class gave her the idea to give the debate teacher a pick me up so he will give better grades. This leds to her interfering in everyones love life, and making over the new girl on campus. This also leds her to find love for herself.

The film portrays the California teens in a very upscale light. They all drive new top of the line vehicles and where expensive labels which is suppose to give viewers a glimps as to how California really is. When a new student from New York moves to town, she shakes things up with her not so designer clothes and wild hair. Cher and Dee decide to make her over and make her into one of them. The film also has Chers love intrest as a homosexual. The guy she ends up chasing is gay and the guy she end uo with is the one she always ignored and annoyed her. The film sends several different messages to people of all ages.

The content of the film is based on the idea that a young Califorina girl just want to be happy; and money cant buy that happiness. The relationships she builds throughout the movie are far more valuble than money, cars or designer labels.

Pentadic Pre-essay Presentation

*Agent- Carrie Bradshaw

*Act- The wedding ( its planning and its downfall)

*Purpose- To pick up where the series left off.

*Agency- Love and its differneces between different people

*Scene- The city of course (New York) and Mexico for the honeymoon

I think this artifact has more than enough info to pinch out a 1000 word essay. It is a long movie that deals with love fashion, and the up and downs of the lives of 4 very different women and the people they love. In my essay I will discuss the main points in the movie such as Carrie and her big daddie Mr.BIG! I will also talk about the othe 3 characters Samatha, Charlotte and Miranda and their battles with love and life. Another thing that I find stunning about the movie that differs from the series, was that there was finally a sense of diversity! In the series nothing was different besides the womens hair color and sex drive(until Charlotte became jewish.) Needless to say I feel my essay will be fruitful and fun. (=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mV81fil6Ync

Pentadic Criticism Blog

(5 elements blog)

I choose to use the same artifact as in my last blog; Sex and the City, the Movie. This artifact is interesting and edgy so I believe it will work well for my pentadic analyzation. In the movie, it picks up where the series left off and also adds lots of twists and turns to spice things up. The Act in the movie is Carries wedding. This is what the movie revolves around and is what the entire film is relating to. The Agent in the movie is tricky: it is of course Carrie, the bride but her co-stars/ bestfriends in the movies could also be the agents. But the main "agent" is Carrie. The Agency is love and its obstacles. The purpose is to fill in the die hard fans on what happened after Carrie and Big finally got their love right. And the scene is of course New York City.

The movie basically follows up on a wonderful series that ended and left fans in disbelieve. It gives an update on the ups and downs of the characters lives that we love so much and love to watch.!!!!

Artifact Analysis

In my last post, I choose three artifacts dealing with my major at ODU. The three that I choose were Style magazine, 5th Ave in Manhattan, and The Tyra Show. After viewing my classmates blogs and Fridays class, I've decided to choose another artifact as my topic to analyze. Instead, Im going to write about "Sex and the City" the movie and series. I decided to change my topic because it was the original idea that I had and I feel that it relates more closley to my major and I can get more information from it. The series "Sex and the City" was a popular, edgy, look into the life of four woman from different walks of life living in the wonderful city of New York. The show portrays all the different ways a woman can represent herself and be bold in the big city. I believe this artifact will be fun and interesting to analyze because I love the series and I see it from more than one perspective; as a viewer and as a woman.

The series shows that women can be smart, happy, ronchy, sad, wonderful, and sexually charged all at the same time. The series is about four completly different women who become bestfriends and go through the day to day challenges of life and love. Carrie is the narrator and the writer who has trouble finding the perfect man; many times she had love, but it always led her back to the same man that, in the movie, she ends up marrying. Samantha is the older, somewhat wiser one who loves to have fun and thinks that sex is a game that needs to be played often. Charlotte is little miss perfect that has it all together, at least thats what she thinks until her marriage falls apart due to her inablitity to have kids. Finally, Miranda is the lost soul, feminist, that hates men and winds up getting pregnant by a guy she meets in a bar that she would never go for. All of these traits about the characters are elements that I can analyze and relate them to real woman in society. There isnt much evidence that shows that their lives were different than reality, but there are aspects that are unrealistic. Also , their is a lack of diversity in the series and they rarley discussed religion or culture.

In conclusion, Sex and the City is and artifact that explores different women and their struggles and acivenments over many years. Each character portrays a different women in society and how they deal with day to day stuggles. Writing about this artifact will be interesting because the elements are fun an a non-traditional which goes with my sytle.

Artifacts for my Future

My major at ODU is Communications (Public Relations/Journalism) and Fashion (Styling and Imagining). One artifact that relates to my future is Style Magazine. I feel that this is an artifact because it is a reflection of style through writing and I can critique the magazine by writing style and quality.

Another aritfact that I could write about is 5th Ave in New York City, famous for its high end fashion boutiques and fashion week being hosted on the end of the street.

The final artifact that I can critique is the Tyra Show. Tyra Banks (the host) is a model, tv host and writer. She lives in the fashion world and in the world of journalism. Her show is a fashion show and talk show all in one.

Questions on Neo-Aristotelian

1. The book define Aristotelian criticism as such: a critic anal yes an artifact in a 4 step process...1) selecting an artifact 2.) analyzing the artifact 3.) formulating a research question and 4.) writing the essay.

2. Reconstructing the context in which the artifact occurred; application of the 5 canons to the artifact; assessing the impact of the artifact on the audience.

3. Invention, the location and creation of ideas and materials for the speech; Organization, the structure or arrangement of the speech; Style, the language of the speech; Memory mastery of the subject matter, which may include the actual memorizing of the speech; Delivery, management of the voice and gestures in the presentation of the speech.