I work at the Muddy Cup in Albany, NY, which has become the lost and found for the city. Customers stop in, grab a coffee, and go. However, the regulars sit and stay all day, whether they bought something or not. A fair few things get left here each day, such as wallets, glasses, and phones.
Today I had a customer, one of my regulars; return a phone he found in the seat of one of our sofas. Quite often what happens when a phone is left behind, is one of our customers, or random hobos who use our bathroom, take it. They either sell it or use if for themselves. But today, this fine gentleman decided to return it.
I took the phone, which happened to be a very nice one at that, and started looking through for some numbers that would help in locating the owner, such as Mom, Dad, or Home. Unfortunately, the owner of the phone does not refer to his or her parents as Mom or Dad, rather Steve and Libby, but to the untrained eye, I was lost.
I started looking through her text messages for someone that seemed as if she stayed in contact with regularly. I found someone, texted them, but then kept reading. I know, very naughty, but there is something seriously gratifying about looking into someone else’s life.
I found that the owner was in fact a she, as she is having boyfriend problems. I found that she just lost a dear friend, which was very unfortunate. I even found that she enjoys watching the program LOST, just as much as I do!
Creepily enough, I even had a quick glance through her photos. Yes, shame on me. But for some reason I was intrigued. I felt like I was doing something naughty but couldn’t get caught. I had the power of returning the phone. If she didn’t like the fact I was snooping, I didn’t have to return it.
I eventually got a response from Sally. She told me to call Steve and told me this was her father.
Called Steve. He didn’t seem as grateful as I had hoped. After reading Clay Shirky’s story about the lost/stolen phone, I thought this person may even offer a cash reward!
Steve simply replied with, “what time you open ‘til?”
Not the words of someone who is thankful.
So I wait now, to meet the face of the lost phone.
Or should I pass it on to my housemate Dana who is in desperate need for a phone? If Steve had sounded more pleased, I think I would have felt more gratified by returning the phone and issuing a good deed. However, now I feel spiteful.
What would you do?
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Facebook: Friends or Family?
In the past week, I’ve had a lot of trouble with Facebook. What seemed like a fun way of sharing photos and communicative exchange between friends, has become a war with my family.
As a college student, I attend parties. Shocking right? I always take photos of the night. The next day, I am bombarded by text messages begging me to upload the photos. In one simple task, I am able to upload all of those photos of the night, simultaneously sharing the night with every one of my “friends.”
My mother called me last week to enlighten me on the dangers of sharing photos on the Internet. I laughed. I figured I knew much more about the Internet than she did herself.
Her main concern was that pictures of drinking and partying were being made public for future employers. This I understand, however where do I draw the line? Can I upload silly photos of my housemates and myself? Am I allowed to make humorous remarks on friends’ walls?
After I thought I had fixed the problem (unfriending my mother on Facebook) I got a second call. My mother had just spent some time with her brothers, who all had their own comments regarding my profile.
My question is, should I have three separate selves? One Facebook for friends, one for family, and one for professional life? Or do I have to keep my entire life private, in the hope of presenting a positive image to not just friends who I believe are viewing my page, but the entire Web?
As a college student, I attend parties. Shocking right? I always take photos of the night. The next day, I am bombarded by text messages begging me to upload the photos. In one simple task, I am able to upload all of those photos of the night, simultaneously sharing the night with every one of my “friends.”
My mother called me last week to enlighten me on the dangers of sharing photos on the Internet. I laughed. I figured I knew much more about the Internet than she did herself.
Her main concern was that pictures of drinking and partying were being made public for future employers. This I understand, however where do I draw the line? Can I upload silly photos of my housemates and myself? Am I allowed to make humorous remarks on friends’ walls?
After I thought I had fixed the problem (unfriending my mother on Facebook) I got a second call. My mother had just spent some time with her brothers, who all had their own comments regarding my profile.
My question is, should I have three separate selves? One Facebook for friends, one for family, and one for professional life? Or do I have to keep my entire life private, in the hope of presenting a positive image to not just friends who I believe are viewing my page, but the entire Web?
Thank you Mr. President!
As of two nights ago, a dumbbell has been lifted from my back.
I will have health insurance after I graduate!
As a senior at the University at Albany, I constantly am faced with the question, “what are your plans for next year?” My whimsical answer usually consists of traveling or something about how the economy is horrible. After that, I pray that the answer was enough to appease the interviewer; however there is always the odd few who ask follow up questions. The main one I hear from family members, professors, and friends, is what about health insurance?
Sometimes I laugh at the question and say I will pretend to be my sister, but really, what would I do? I tend to be a bit over reactive. My most reason traumatic experience was when I assumed I had Lyme disease. I self diagnosed myself on WebMD, which is always a no no, and rang my mother in hysterics. Apparently Lyme disease can spread to a person’s heart, which I was positive was happening at that exact time I was on the phone.
After getting blood work done and finding that the “tick bite” was a pimple, I left the doctor a healthy, with a lack of pride and an appreciation for my parent’s health care coverage.
Now, with the news that I will be insurance under my parent’s until I am 27, so long as I am living under their roof, I have a calm about me. I no longer stress at the idea of a job.
Hmm, I forgot about paying back those student loans…
I will have health insurance after I graduate!
As a senior at the University at Albany, I constantly am faced with the question, “what are your plans for next year?” My whimsical answer usually consists of traveling or something about how the economy is horrible. After that, I pray that the answer was enough to appease the interviewer; however there is always the odd few who ask follow up questions. The main one I hear from family members, professors, and friends, is what about health insurance?
Sometimes I laugh at the question and say I will pretend to be my sister, but really, what would I do? I tend to be a bit over reactive. My most reason traumatic experience was when I assumed I had Lyme disease. I self diagnosed myself on WebMD, which is always a no no, and rang my mother in hysterics. Apparently Lyme disease can spread to a person’s heart, which I was positive was happening at that exact time I was on the phone.
After getting blood work done and finding that the “tick bite” was a pimple, I left the doctor a healthy, with a lack of pride and an appreciation for my parent’s health care coverage.
Now, with the news that I will be insurance under my parent’s until I am 27, so long as I am living under their roof, I have a calm about me. I no longer stress at the idea of a job.
Hmm, I forgot about paying back those student loans…
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Lindsay Ain't No Madonna
There is something funny about a baby speaking with an adult voice. My dad could not control his laughter when the newest comercial hit the television. If you haven't seen it, check it out.
Made ya laugh right?
Well it's all fun and games until someone gets hurt. In this case, the person who was defamed is Lindsey Lohan, or so she says.
The New York Post states, "Lindsay Lohan is suing the financial company E-Trade, insisting that a boyfriend-stealing, "milkaholic" baby in its latest commercial -- who happens to be named Lindsay -- was modeled after her. And she wants $100 million for her pain and suffering, The Post has learned."
Apparently, Lohan feels her name is so recognizable, that it stands alone, much like Oprah, Cher, and Madonna.
To me, this is just another way of earning some extra cash. Lohan has been out of work for sometime and the only publicity she receives is for being coked out or breaking up with her girlfriend. Jumping into the lime light for another 15 minutes, she hopes to recirculate her name to the media.
Good luck Lindsey, you "milkaholic!"
Made ya laugh right?
Well it's all fun and games until someone gets hurt. In this case, the person who was defamed is Lindsey Lohan, or so she says.
The New York Post states, "Lindsay Lohan is suing the financial company E-Trade, insisting that a boyfriend-stealing, "milkaholic" baby in its latest commercial -- who happens to be named Lindsay -- was modeled after her. And she wants $100 million for her pain and suffering, The Post has learned."
Apparently, Lohan feels her name is so recognizable, that it stands alone, much like Oprah, Cher, and Madonna.
To me, this is just another way of earning some extra cash. Lohan has been out of work for sometime and the only publicity she receives is for being coked out or breaking up with her girlfriend. Jumping into the lime light for another 15 minutes, she hopes to recirculate her name to the media.
Good luck Lindsey, you "milkaholic!"
With New Technology, Comes New Pick-Up Lines
I've had the misfortune of working in my share of bars, restaurants, and coffee houses. Although the money is great, the customers are not. The amount of times I've asked, "what do you want?" and received a perverted reply, are countless. I am not trying to boast about my looks, I am simply commenting on the quality of men living in the Albany area; they will hit on anyone.
The other day, a man came into the coffee shop I work at, and I asked, as I always do, "what do you need?" He replied, "your number." I giggled uncomfortably, then asked him again, this time with a seriously annoyed tone, "no seriously, what do you need." After I gave him his caramel latte, a seriously feminine drink, I thought to myself, who asks for numbers, in this day in age?
Although I use my phone quite a bit, I do the majority of my communication through Facebook, Twitter, email, and instant messaging. So to ask for my number, seems a bit outdated? Surely, with the amount of technology at our disposal, doesn't it make more sense to say, what's your email? What's your screen name? Or even, what's your first and last name?
I guess there is some privacy in a phone number. If the person texts you, you don't have to text back. If he calls, don't answer. But in giving out a name, that provides the person in pursuit with a lot of information, which may not be ideal for the party giving out the name.
I also believe that phone numbers are becoming dated, also for the fact that everything someone can do on the web, can now be done on a phone, making actual phone calls almost nonexistent.
And finally, by texting or calling someone, we use the old fashion check list for dating. We get to know the person, asks them on a date, get to know them more over dinner, and see where things go. By adding a person on Facebook, we instantly know who their friends are, what their interests are, where they have traveled, if they are in a "complicated" relationship with anyone, and so on.
Which way do you prefer? Do you see dating advancing in the proposed direction?
The other day, a man came into the coffee shop I work at, and I asked, as I always do, "what do you need?" He replied, "your number." I giggled uncomfortably, then asked him again, this time with a seriously annoyed tone, "no seriously, what do you need." After I gave him his caramel latte, a seriously feminine drink, I thought to myself, who asks for numbers, in this day in age?
Although I use my phone quite a bit, I do the majority of my communication through Facebook, Twitter, email, and instant messaging. So to ask for my number, seems a bit outdated? Surely, with the amount of technology at our disposal, doesn't it make more sense to say, what's your email? What's your screen name? Or even, what's your first and last name?
I guess there is some privacy in a phone number. If the person texts you, you don't have to text back. If he calls, don't answer. But in giving out a name, that provides the person in pursuit with a lot of information, which may not be ideal for the party giving out the name.
I also believe that phone numbers are becoming dated, also for the fact that everything someone can do on the web, can now be done on a phone, making actual phone calls almost nonexistent.
And finally, by texting or calling someone, we use the old fashion check list for dating. We get to know the person, asks them on a date, get to know them more over dinner, and see where things go. By adding a person on Facebook, we instantly know who their friends are, what their interests are, where they have traveled, if they are in a "complicated" relationship with anyone, and so on.
Which way do you prefer? Do you see dating advancing in the proposed direction?
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Media 2010: Too Polite
Early tonight, I attended the blogging conference Media 2010: How blogs shape the new conversation. I was most interested in seeing the reactions of the bloggers when they met, face to face, however, the anticipated sparks did not fly. In fact, it further instated the idea of blogging as a shield to hide behind while bashing others.
I think everyone had hoped that the anger and frustration between bloggers would transcend to the conference and result in face to face altercations, but that was simply not the case. Instead, everyone was seemingly nice to one another. Everyone sat in harmony and the conference went off without a hitch. Well, one hitch. Ironically, at the media convention, the sound on the video was not working. Go figure.
As for the idea of hiding behind a computer, it became clear the reason people are able to talk with such words of hate on the Internet.
Time!
During the conference, Kristi Gustafson was asked a question about accepting gifts from companies, in order to write about them on her blog. She answered by stating that instead of taking the gifts for herself, she auctions them off to her readers.
Another blogger on the panel, who was not as loud as the others, therefore I cannot remember his name, responded by asking Gustafson if she would consider getting more readers through the products as a benefit for herself.
Instead of the heated argument which I, and many others, hoped would begin, Gustafson simply explained she had never looked at it in that way.
Online, things would have been different.
If this had occurred on a blog, the readers would jump in at once. People would choose sides and defend them at all costs. But in this setting, everyone watched in silence.
Then, instead of offering a heated rebuttal, Gustafson agreed with him!
That's not supposed to happen!
When it comes to the Internet, there is time to sit down and think about the next move. In face to face interaction, people are not that quick thinking. In fact, we often walk away from an argument, finding a comeback ten minutes later, wishing we could still add to the conversation, even after it is over. But on the web, the individual can wait days.
Is this the difference between online interaction and face to face interaction? That we have more time to be wittier and meaner? Or is it that we aren't scared of anyone when we have the shield of a computer? I personally do not know the answer, but feel that conferences such as this, which bring the hidden online world to the actual reality of old fashion face to face chat, we will discover more.
I think everyone had hoped that the anger and frustration between bloggers would transcend to the conference and result in face to face altercations, but that was simply not the case. Instead, everyone was seemingly nice to one another. Everyone sat in harmony and the conference went off without a hitch. Well, one hitch. Ironically, at the media convention, the sound on the video was not working. Go figure.
As for the idea of hiding behind a computer, it became clear the reason people are able to talk with such words of hate on the Internet.
Time!
During the conference, Kristi Gustafson was asked a question about accepting gifts from companies, in order to write about them on her blog. She answered by stating that instead of taking the gifts for herself, she auctions them off to her readers.
Another blogger on the panel, who was not as loud as the others, therefore I cannot remember his name, responded by asking Gustafson if she would consider getting more readers through the products as a benefit for herself.
Instead of the heated argument which I, and many others, hoped would begin, Gustafson simply explained she had never looked at it in that way.
Online, things would have been different.
If this had occurred on a blog, the readers would jump in at once. People would choose sides and defend them at all costs. But in this setting, everyone watched in silence.
Then, instead of offering a heated rebuttal, Gustafson agreed with him!
That's not supposed to happen!
When it comes to the Internet, there is time to sit down and think about the next move. In face to face interaction, people are not that quick thinking. In fact, we often walk away from an argument, finding a comeback ten minutes later, wishing we could still add to the conversation, even after it is over. But on the web, the individual can wait days.
Is this the difference between online interaction and face to face interaction? That we have more time to be wittier and meaner? Or is it that we aren't scared of anyone when we have the shield of a computer? I personally do not know the answer, but feel that conferences such as this, which bring the hidden online world to the actual reality of old fashion face to face chat, we will discover more.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Are You Too Cool For Twitter?
Recently, I have gotten into Twitter, big time. I love it! I think the main reason I love it, is due to my lack of interest in Facebook, which I like to think is my maturity level shining through, but also because I understand how to use Twitter now.
Some of you may be laughing thinking, how to use Twitter? Well you just create a password and then write mini blog posts of 140 characters. Sounds easy, right?
Not so much.
The actual space of Twitter can be intimidating and quite daunting. The thought of your minuscule post being swallowed up in cyber space for no one to ever see or read is quite frightening. It may even discourage you from publishing all together. But once you understand Twitter, it is actually quite amazing.
I started using Twitter for a few things. One, I use it as a tool to keep in touch with some friends. The ones who use it, use it often, which makes it easier to keep up with their day to day lives.
Two, I follow people in the field of journalism. This makes it easier to follow the news as well as new ideas that I will need to understand and know when entering the journalismfield.
And finally, I use it as a tool for a guilty pleasure. I follow celebrities, cooking sites, travel sites, and more.
But how do you do that? Isn't everything jumbled together?
LISTS my friend! Try it. It honestly makes everything so much easier.
Okay, who cares?
The point I'm trying to make is that Twitter isn't just a self obsessed website for people to add to their ego. It is a tool that can help you on so many levels!
What really erks me, is when I hear people put down Twitter, right away.
I was sitting in class the other day, when my teacher asked if anyone was currently "microblogging?" Myself and one other student raised their hand.
It was a lecture center of 600 students.
When the teacher explained what microblogging was, a girl in front of me looked at her friend and said, "I don't use Twitter and I never will."
With ideas like that, she might as well toss her cell phone and her laptop out the window of a fast moving car.
The second thing that turned me on to blogging about this was this Facebook conversation between two college aged girls:
Girl #1: can we get twitter? i am rather intrigued and would like to know what you are doing all day since facebook doessn't give me the best stalking abilities when it comes to ur everyday life. xoxo
Girl #2: i just want to say, you've written on my wall seven times since the last time i wrote on yours...WHY YOU SO OBSESSED WITHMEHHH. =] oh and you wanna tweet me huh? redicccc. i'll neva do dat sheeet.
This conversation proves to be an example of the sad, simple minded college students who are not using Twitter to the full capabilitiy.
My conclusion and solution? Those who do decide to use Twitter will increase their contacts, benefits, and existence in the cyber world. Those who don't, will live on in the dated, Facebook stalking world, where pictures and posts dictate the the lives of the simple.
Some of you may be laughing thinking, how to use Twitter? Well you just create a password and then write mini blog posts of 140 characters. Sounds easy, right?
Not so much.
The actual space of Twitter can be intimidating and quite daunting. The thought of your minuscule post being swallowed up in cyber space for no one to ever see or read is quite frightening. It may even discourage you from publishing all together. But once you understand Twitter, it is actually quite amazing.
I started using Twitter for a few things. One, I use it as a tool to keep in touch with some friends. The ones who use it, use it often, which makes it easier to keep up with their day to day lives.
Two, I follow people in the field of journalism. This makes it easier to follow the news as well as new ideas that I will need to understand and know when entering the journalismfield.
And finally, I use it as a tool for a guilty pleasure. I follow celebrities, cooking sites, travel sites, and more.
But how do you do that? Isn't everything jumbled together?
LISTS my friend! Try it. It honestly makes everything so much easier.
Okay, who cares?
The point I'm trying to make is that Twitter isn't just a self obsessed website for people to add to their ego. It is a tool that can help you on so many levels!
What really erks me, is when I hear people put down Twitter, right away.
I was sitting in class the other day, when my teacher asked if anyone was currently "microblogging?" Myself and one other student raised their hand.
It was a lecture center of 600 students.
When the teacher explained what microblogging was, a girl in front of me looked at her friend and said, "I don't use Twitter and I never will."
With ideas like that, she might as well toss her cell phone and her laptop out the window of a fast moving car.
The second thing that turned me on to blogging about this was this Facebook conversation between two college aged girls:
Girl #1: can we get twitter? i am rather intrigued and would like to know what you are doing all day since facebook doessn't give me the best stalking abilities when it comes to ur everyday life. xoxo
Girl #2: i just want to say, you've written on my wall seven times since the last time i wrote on yours...WHY YOU SO OBSESSED WITHMEHHH. =] oh and you wanna tweet me huh? redicccc. i'll neva do dat sheeet.
This conversation proves to be an example of the sad, simple minded college students who are not using Twitter to the full capabilitiy.
My conclusion and solution? Those who do decide to use Twitter will increase their contacts, benefits, and existence in the cyber world. Those who don't, will live on in the dated, Facebook stalking world, where pictures and posts dictate the the lives of the simple.
Publish, Then Filter
In his book, Here Comes Everybody, Clay Shirky presents the presents the idea of “publish, then filter.” To many in the writing industry, this may sound a bit absurd, as the standard is to always filter, or edit, before publishing, to ensure a perfectly put together piece of work. But today, many of the people publishing are not professionals; therefore do not abide by the standard rules of journalism or publishing. And not everything on the web has educational or intellectual value, but isn’t that what we love about it?
In reading his work, I understand where Shirky is coming from and think his point makes excellent sense, however I would like to span from the theory in my own direction. The beauty of the Internet is that the blogging world has emerged. With this, anyone who is anyone can publish their thoughts and ideas. Grandma Sue can blog about her cat while her nephew Bill blogs about the Mets. It allows every average Joe to become a mini celebrity. I honestly felt celebrity status when I got my first Twitter follower. Granted, it was my boyfriend, since then I have gained followers consistently and it makes me feel like someone is listening; like my writing isn’t a total waste.
When Shirky discusses the amateur writing and how the emergence of “publish, then filter” has come about, he explains that not everything on the web is for us. Many of what is being written has been written for other people, but this is where I disagree.
In my own experience, the phone is still a useful tool for conveying and sharing information. The Internet has proved a tool for sharing this information even further. An example of a communication transaction that occurred this weekend works perfectly for this situation. My friends and I went to a local bar on Friday night, which was filled with familiar faces. Beers were drank, stories were told, laughs were had. The next day, my friend Eileen and I were texting back and forth, rehashing the previous night, as we always do. While in the process of texting her, I realize that a comment has been left on my Facebook wall. It’s from Eileen! Surely whatever she is about to say online, would have had the same effect through a text message?
The point was, Eileen had something to say that was directed at me, but intended for others to read. If she had simply intended it for me, and me alone, she could have continued the thread of text messaging. However, she made a conscious decision to upload it to the Internet, allowing everyone of my “friends” to read her hilarious moment from the night before.
In this sense, I think Shirky has exaggerated his theory. Yes, many conversations that occur on the Internet are meant for certain people’s eyes only. However, there are many cases in which the information is uploaded for an ounce of fame, hoping others will read it.
In reading his work, I understand where Shirky is coming from and think his point makes excellent sense, however I would like to span from the theory in my own direction. The beauty of the Internet is that the blogging world has emerged. With this, anyone who is anyone can publish their thoughts and ideas. Grandma Sue can blog about her cat while her nephew Bill blogs about the Mets. It allows every average Joe to become a mini celebrity. I honestly felt celebrity status when I got my first Twitter follower. Granted, it was my boyfriend, since then I have gained followers consistently and it makes me feel like someone is listening; like my writing isn’t a total waste.
When Shirky discusses the amateur writing and how the emergence of “publish, then filter” has come about, he explains that not everything on the web is for us. Many of what is being written has been written for other people, but this is where I disagree.
In my own experience, the phone is still a useful tool for conveying and sharing information. The Internet has proved a tool for sharing this information even further. An example of a communication transaction that occurred this weekend works perfectly for this situation. My friends and I went to a local bar on Friday night, which was filled with familiar faces. Beers were drank, stories were told, laughs were had. The next day, my friend Eileen and I were texting back and forth, rehashing the previous night, as we always do. While in the process of texting her, I realize that a comment has been left on my Facebook wall. It’s from Eileen! Surely whatever she is about to say online, would have had the same effect through a text message?
The point was, Eileen had something to say that was directed at me, but intended for others to read. If she had simply intended it for me, and me alone, she could have continued the thread of text messaging. However, she made a conscious decision to upload it to the Internet, allowing everyone of my “friends” to read her hilarious moment from the night before.
In this sense, I think Shirky has exaggerated his theory. Yes, many conversations that occur on the Internet are meant for certain people’s eyes only. However, there are many cases in which the information is uploaded for an ounce of fame, hoping others will read it.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Wikipedia
Ah, Wikipedia. The most valuable tool a college student could have. With every book, movie, story summarized, it is quick and easy to get a general understanding of the topic at hand. But that's all it may be, just a generalization, because to trust the information on Wikipedia, would be to trust everything you have ever heard.
Wikipedia is an open site for anyone to update facts and information to a certain site. It allows individuals to pose as experts on certain subjects, however this does not always allow for accurate information. As much as everyone wants Wikipedia to be flawless, it is just not the case.
A prime example of this, is in regards to Lady Gaga. When Lady Gage first became big, really big, I checked her out on Wikipedia because she seemed to pop up from no where. I wondered if she had been struggling to make it big for years or if she had just stumbled upon a rich rapper who funded her one hit wonder. To my amazement, she was from New York! But not the real New York City, she was from Yonkers.
I began to follow Lady Gage in the media because she really fascinated me. She would literally wear panties out in the street and call them pants. She would bring tea cups to her live appearances on late night. And she would wear a different wig for each occasion. Not to mention, the rumors of her being gender questionable was very intriguing as well.
What began to bother me, is that every time she was asked where she was from, she would say New York City. Me, being a fan, would yell at the screen saying, Yonkers! Eventually, Lady Gaga appeared saying that the information posted to Wikipedia was false. She was not from Yonkers. Since then, she has repeatedly logged into Wikipedia and attempted to update her own information, but someone keeps changing it back.
Today, if you go to Wikipedia, Lady Gaga's page has been corrected.
Although I always knew Wikipedia was never a reliable source for facts, this occurance lead me father down the path of dissaproval.
The moral of this story is, use Wikipedia for a summary to begin your knowledge and research of the subject, then stray far from the site when you begin looking for information that you will site.
Wikipedia is an open site for anyone to update facts and information to a certain site. It allows individuals to pose as experts on certain subjects, however this does not always allow for accurate information. As much as everyone wants Wikipedia to be flawless, it is just not the case.
A prime example of this, is in regards to Lady Gaga. When Lady Gage first became big, really big, I checked her out on Wikipedia because she seemed to pop up from no where. I wondered if she had been struggling to make it big for years or if she had just stumbled upon a rich rapper who funded her one hit wonder. To my amazement, she was from New York! But not the real New York City, she was from Yonkers.
I began to follow Lady Gage in the media because she really fascinated me. She would literally wear panties out in the street and call them pants. She would bring tea cups to her live appearances on late night. And she would wear a different wig for each occasion. Not to mention, the rumors of her being gender questionable was very intriguing as well.
What began to bother me, is that every time she was asked where she was from, she would say New York City. Me, being a fan, would yell at the screen saying, Yonkers! Eventually, Lady Gaga appeared saying that the information posted to Wikipedia was false. She was not from Yonkers. Since then, she has repeatedly logged into Wikipedia and attempted to update her own information, but someone keeps changing it back.
Today, if you go to Wikipedia, Lady Gaga's page has been corrected.
Although I always knew Wikipedia was never a reliable source for facts, this occurance lead me father down the path of dissaproval.
The moral of this story is, use Wikipedia for a summary to begin your knowledge and research of the subject, then stray far from the site when you begin looking for information that you will site.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
John Mayer
This past week, Playboy published a interview with the musician John Mayer. The interview contained some racy comments regarding his prior girlfriend Jessica Simpson. Mayer said, "Sexually it was crazy. That’s all I’ll say. It was like napalm, sexual napalm." But what many writers and commentators are looking past, are his racist comments. When asked if he had ever dated a black woman, Mayer said, "My dick is sort of like a white supremacist. I’ve got a Benetton heart and a fuckin’ David Duke cock. I’m going to start dating separately from my dick."
Personally, I could care less what John Mayer is thinking, however much of the entertainment world is very curious. Poking and prodding until a reaction occurs, Mayer has given the media exactly what they want, a scandal. Creating drama from a few statements that total to about four sentences, the interview has been blown out of proportion.
If any of the commentators took the time to actually read the interview the entire way through, which I hope anyone reading this will do, they would find some insightful, very witty comments. Mayer discusses what lead him to music, his high school career, and how the status of his celebrity has ruined his social life. Instead of commenting on these personal details, entertainment commentators have picked out the few statements that would make people shocked. Interestingly enough, they left out the racist comments, which I believe to be much more hurtful than the comments about Jessica Simpson.
My final comment regarding this interview, would be that many of the commentators seemed shocked at what was said and almost offended, however this is what they want, as it allows them to have jobs. If John Mayer has said he loves music and is going to become celibate, Access Hollywood and Showbiz Tonight would have to look else where for material.
Personally, I could care less what John Mayer is thinking, however much of the entertainment world is very curious. Poking and prodding until a reaction occurs, Mayer has given the media exactly what they want, a scandal. Creating drama from a few statements that total to about four sentences, the interview has been blown out of proportion.
If any of the commentators took the time to actually read the interview the entire way through, which I hope anyone reading this will do, they would find some insightful, very witty comments. Mayer discusses what lead him to music, his high school career, and how the status of his celebrity has ruined his social life. Instead of commenting on these personal details, entertainment commentators have picked out the few statements that would make people shocked. Interestingly enough, they left out the racist comments, which I believe to be much more hurtful than the comments about Jessica Simpson.
My final comment regarding this interview, would be that many of the commentators seemed shocked at what was said and almost offended, however this is what they want, as it allows them to have jobs. If John Mayer has said he loves music and is going to become celibate, Access Hollywood and Showbiz Tonight would have to look else where for material.
Are we over extended?
After watching the program ‘Digital Nation’ on Frontline, I began to think about the idea of being distracted and over extended. Do we, as a society, extend ourselves too far into technology? Is it possible to participate in one thing at a time, without constantly downloading information and uploading our lives?
The topic is not new to me, as I am currently in the class AJRL220, Visual Culture. In the class we discuss the ideas of Marshall McLuhan, in which he describes the process of extending ourselves into technology, so much so that we eventually extend our central nervous system. We eventually become technology.
In today's society, it is impossible to exist without technology and electronics. I myself have become obsessed without even realizing it. After watching the Frontline special, I evaluated myself and realized, I am no different to students found on the program. When I watch a film, I have my laptop on my lap and my BlackBerry in my hand. When I was younger, I would sit and watch an entire film in one sitting, where as now I need to be occupied with other forms of media. This became evident while watching the special, as I was updating my Twitter from my BlackBerry. For some reason, I needed people to know what I was doing. What happened to the era of mystery? I have uploaded myself.
The topic is not new to me, as I am currently in the class AJRL220, Visual Culture. In the class we discuss the ideas of Marshall McLuhan, in which he describes the process of extending ourselves into technology, so much so that we eventually extend our central nervous system. We eventually become technology.
In today's society, it is impossible to exist without technology and electronics. I myself have become obsessed without even realizing it. After watching the Frontline special, I evaluated myself and realized, I am no different to students found on the program. When I watch a film, I have my laptop on my lap and my BlackBerry in my hand. When I was younger, I would sit and watch an entire film in one sitting, where as now I need to be occupied with other forms of media. This became evident while watching the special, as I was updating my Twitter from my BlackBerry. For some reason, I needed people to know what I was doing. What happened to the era of mystery? I have uploaded myself.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Super Bowl Ads
In the weeks leading up to the Super Bowl, there was much controversy regarding the commercials that would air during the program. One in which that was grabbing the majority of the press' attention was the anti abortion ad featuring Tim Tebow, a Heisman trophy winning quarterback. In the ad, Tebow's mother would appear and explain the difficult decision she had to make while pregnant with her son.
Discussion stemmed from the use of the one sided argument. In the commercial, there is only one side of abortion shown. CBS turned down several other commercials, including one which advertised an online dating site for gay men.
The real problem here is that CBS specifically chose to show biased commercials.
The end result was the actually airing of the comercial, in which the word "abortion" was never even used! The full meaning of the comercial is still hard to find, leaving many viewers confused. The controversie seemed to be over nothing.
Now that the hype is over, all that is left is to make jokes. Jimmy Kimmel gives his pro-life ad.
Thoughts?
Discussion stemmed from the use of the one sided argument. In the commercial, there is only one side of abortion shown. CBS turned down several other commercials, including one which advertised an online dating site for gay men.
The real problem here is that CBS specifically chose to show biased commercials.
The end result was the actually airing of the comercial, in which the word "abortion" was never even used! The full meaning of the comercial is still hard to find, leaving many viewers confused. The controversie seemed to be over nothing.
Now that the hype is over, all that is left is to make jokes. Jimmy Kimmel gives his pro-life ad.
Thoughts?
Monday, February 8, 2010
Twitter!
I, jmine414 originally entered the Twitter world while I was studying abroad in England. I became very homesick while away and needed a way to connect to home, without writing lengthy emails to my parents, friends, and other randoms. I stumbled onto Twitter and found that I could update people back home, no matter what i was doing. Updating when I go to class or when I went to Paris, either way I was staying connected in a quicker form.Since joining Twitter, I have used it as a news forum. I am able to find out the latest gossip regarding my favorite celebrities. I follow the moves of each of my college roommates. I can even follow newspapers, allowing me to quickly scan through articles and choose the ones I am interested in. My main use of Twitter has been to stay connected. I use it simply to find out what is going on. Some days I try to connect to others, but I find getting responses back very difficult. As for using Twitter as a professional forum, I have no experienced this yet. As I search for a job in the coming months, I may use it to network and market myself, but I have not started this task.
At the moment I am following 117 people, while 32 people are following me. My top ten people I follow on Twitter are as follows:
1. aayzjerAayzjer is my boyfriend, Joe Reeves. He is the first person who introduced me to Twitter. He originally joined to decrease the distance between himself and his favorite band of all time, Blink 182. Since following Blink 182 on Twitter, Reeves has participated in numerous events in which the members of Blink 182 give instructions to their followers, in order for their followers to interact with them on a global scale. One such example would be an event that happened in Nottingham, UK. Mark Hoppus, a band member, left a USB memory stick in a local shop in the city of Nottingham. On the memory stick, there were unreleased songs, photos, and information exclusive to the stick. In order to obtain it, Mark Hoppus left specific instructions for his followers to find it, almost like a scavenger hunt. By doing this, the band then allowed it's fans to feel a part of Blink 182, by owning something that had once belonged to them, with private information, exclusive to that one stick. By following aayzjer, I am able to get fast, brief updates from my boyfriend through out the day, which get sent directly to my phone, allowing the two of us to stay connected at all times.
I began following John Mayer because of my sister. Not only is he an amazing musician, he is actually very witty! Updating comical posts such as, "My life on the road is a lot like '70s Fleetwood Mac, except instead of cocaine it's Cinnamon Toast Crunch." He also writes insightful, poetic posts much like his music, tweeting, "And that's what adulthood is: you wake from the nightmare and realize there's no bigger bed to climb into."
3. PerezHiltonAlthough he can be obnoxious and rude, Perez Hilton is very enjoyable to follow on Twitter. He discusses celebrities from Lady Gaga to Jon Gosling. Reality television, music, entertainment, fashion, and random gossip; it's all there. Perez Hilton has a website as well, however his Twitter account gives updates which read fast, rather than scanning his entire site for what you are looking for. He also offers links to his site, so if an article is worth reading, you can click and go
4. iamdiddyAlthough I have never been much of a fan of P. Diddy's, also known as Sean Combs, music, I still enjoy reading his tweets on Twitter. He is very inspirational and uplifting when he writes, " 'Make yourself familiar with the Angels and behold them frequently in spirit; for without being seen, they are present with you.' " He also uses his Twitter account to promote himself when he has a new commercial coming out, a new fragrance, signed a new artist, or simply took some photos of himself.
5. BrittanyLTBrittany Tronolone, my housemate and a close friend, tweets about her everyday life, which mainly includes her brand new nephew. She includes tweetpics of the newborn and shares his development with the world.
6. KF5689Kelly Fitzgerald is another of my housemates and close friends. Fitzgerald and Tronolone are the only two of my housemates that actively use Twitter, updating on average about three times a day. Fitzgerald updates about her serving job, her marketing homework, and being deprived of sleep.
7.nytimesI follow The New York Times on Twitter because of time restraints. As a student, I don't always have the time to sit down and read through the entire paper. By following the newspaper on Twitter, my Tweetdeck alerts me every time The New York Times posts a new article of blog. I can then choose if it I want to read on, past the 140 characters allotted by Twitter. This also proves to be an effective source of a news feed, allowing me to obtain general knowledge of what's happening.
8. rzrachelzoeRachel Zoe is a stylist to the stars, a new designers, and a reality television star. She updates her Twitter with style suggestions. She also is one of the best celebrities with responding to replies. Often times she has an hour of question time where followers can ask Zoe fashion advice and she responds straight away.
9. makeupbymarioMario Dedivanovic is a professional make up artists to the stars. He offers ideas and suggestions on make up through out his Twitter. He also links tutorials on YouTube and other video sites to help his followers in achieving certain looks
10. Sn00kiAs embarrassed as I am to write this, I follow Snooki, whose real name is Nicole Polizzi. She is a newly formed reality star with her appearance on MTV's "Jersey Shore." On the show she made a fool of herself repeatedly by drinking too much and dancing too weirdly. She captivated audiences and still has me following her!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Don't Ask, Don't Tell
After watching the State of the Union address last week, I was rushed with a few conflicting emotions. Many of the ideas seemed great, but the key word was "ideas." Turning on the news the next morning, I expected to hear political commentators arguing over taxes and health care reform, but instead, I heard something that may have been the smallest input of the entire speech.
Waking up to HLN, a sister station to CNN, I was overwhelmed with the amount of callers and bloggers discussing the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. I remembered that President Obama had included this in his speech, but only at the end and it was only briefly discussed. What seemed to be the smallest, least discussable statement became the most heated debate in the media. Now, almost a week after the address, political commentators are still arguing over it!
One caller called into HLN, stating that the government doesn't know what's right for the military, only the military know what's right for the military. Another woman followed by saying, men might feel uncomfortable knowing they are sleeping in the same room as a homosexual. I have news for you, they already are! The policy of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" simply means that a soldier cannot be openly gay. If it is kept a secret, the soldier is fine. So under the current ruling, these soldier are in fact sleeping in the same room as homosexuals, yet they don't know it. So what will be the difference when these people are classified as "gay." Many of these soldiers may still choose to keep their sexual preference a secret.
To me, with the important matter of our economy, it seems insane that the matter of homosexuals serving the country is even an issue. Brooke Anderson, a reporter for HLN, said this morning that if this decision to allow homosexuals in the military, it will be the first decision of it's kind since African Americans were allowed to openly serve. That worked out okay didn't it?
Waking up to HLN, a sister station to CNN, I was overwhelmed with the amount of callers and bloggers discussing the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. I remembered that President Obama had included this in his speech, but only at the end and it was only briefly discussed. What seemed to be the smallest, least discussable statement became the most heated debate in the media. Now, almost a week after the address, political commentators are still arguing over it!
One caller called into HLN, stating that the government doesn't know what's right for the military, only the military know what's right for the military. Another woman followed by saying, men might feel uncomfortable knowing they are sleeping in the same room as a homosexual. I have news for you, they already are! The policy of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" simply means that a soldier cannot be openly gay. If it is kept a secret, the soldier is fine. So under the current ruling, these soldier are in fact sleeping in the same room as homosexuals, yet they don't know it. So what will be the difference when these people are classified as "gay." Many of these soldiers may still choose to keep their sexual preference a secret.
To me, with the important matter of our economy, it seems insane that the matter of homosexuals serving the country is even an issue. Brooke Anderson, a reporter for HLN, said this morning that if this decision to allow homosexuals in the military, it will be the first decision of it's kind since African Americans were allowed to openly serve. That worked out okay didn't it?
Friday, January 29, 2010
Social Networking
In regards to my previous post, I found this story on Good Morning America regarding social networking sites and how employers are using them to find their future employees.
Social Networking
Social networking sites have become the highways of our global village. If you are not a member of one of these sites, you may feel disconnected. Or is this true? Is it possible to stay connected without this form of technology? Dana Howe, 20, says it's "impossible" to stay connected. As a student at the University at Albany, she keeps in contact with her family and friends on Staten Island. She used to use MySpace, but since in college, she has switched entirely to Facebook, as "it's what everyone uses."
Are college students the only ones taking advantage of the free networking? My own mother has recently become an avid Facebook user, using it to connect to her old college roommate, elementary school teachers, and a long lost friend in California. Since being on Facebook, she has reconnected with a childhood friend and developed an in depth relationship with this woman.
Facebook is not the only site out there, but it lends itself as the easiest to use. Valarie DiStefano, 20, of Massapequa, says she "doesn't understand Twitter." For her, she would rather use Facebook, allowing her to upload full photo albums and write lengthy responses to friends. As for her friend Brittany Tronolone, 20, of Staten Island, she uses Twitter to "stalk celebrities." Tronolone says it's interesting to see what her favorite celebrities are doing through out the day, allowing her to feel as if she has formed a bond with these famous people.
I think the main advantage to using social networking sites would be the cost. With Twitter, MySpace, and Facebook giving free access to user accounts, connecting with one another is more affordable than ever. The only disadvantage of these sites, are the effects on the young people using them, causing them to become more disconnected, while at the same time, becoming connected. Although the world has become smaller, creating a global village, the youth of our nation has become emotionally disconnected. Instead of calling a friend to make small talk, a quick text will cut the extra information and get right to the point. But without the extra information, we loose a sense of the bond between friends. The extra information can sometimes allow us to become closer.
With the positives and negatives, which is better? Having technology to bring us closer? Or having a lack of technology, to bring our bond between individuals closer?
Are college students the only ones taking advantage of the free networking? My own mother has recently become an avid Facebook user, using it to connect to her old college roommate, elementary school teachers, and a long lost friend in California. Since being on Facebook, she has reconnected with a childhood friend and developed an in depth relationship with this woman.
Facebook is not the only site out there, but it lends itself as the easiest to use. Valarie DiStefano, 20, of Massapequa, says she "doesn't understand Twitter." For her, she would rather use Facebook, allowing her to upload full photo albums and write lengthy responses to friends. As for her friend Brittany Tronolone, 20, of Staten Island, she uses Twitter to "stalk celebrities." Tronolone says it's interesting to see what her favorite celebrities are doing through out the day, allowing her to feel as if she has formed a bond with these famous people.
I think the main advantage to using social networking sites would be the cost. With Twitter, MySpace, and Facebook giving free access to user accounts, connecting with one another is more affordable than ever. The only disadvantage of these sites, are the effects on the young people using them, causing them to become more disconnected, while at the same time, becoming connected. Although the world has become smaller, creating a global village, the youth of our nation has become emotionally disconnected. Instead of calling a friend to make small talk, a quick text will cut the extra information and get right to the point. But without the extra information, we loose a sense of the bond between friends. The extra information can sometimes allow us to become closer.
With the positives and negatives, which is better? Having technology to bring us closer? Or having a lack of technology, to bring our bond between individuals closer?
Friday, January 22, 2010
What would I do in Haiti?
With the recent earthquake in Haiti, relief and aid has been flooding into the small country. Along with help, news teams are amongst the chaos. Anderson Cooper of CNN is one of the many reporters giving coverage of the catastrophe. He recently has caused much debate over the issue of involving yourself, the reporter, in the story. As a young boy was almost beaten to death, Cooper intervened and saved the boy. Rushing him to safety, Cooper became the story.
The question at hand is whether or not I would have done the same. Morally, the answer is simple. In any case, I would want to help someone who is in need of help. It seems like common decency. Journalistic, it does seem to be a conflict of interest, involving yourself in the story. However, in terms of individual stardom, the move is pure genius.
Think of it this way. I am a young reporter straight out of college, working in Haiti. No one knows who I am. While covering a story, I see a boy being beaten to death. I rush in to help, save the boy, and become a hero. In terms of the story, I just created it. In terms of my own celebrity status, I just created it. Overall, it does not help the journalism field, however for selfish reasons, it helps the individual reporter, therefore, I would do the same.
Kevin Carter had this same issue back in 1993, as he snapped a photograph that would later win him the coveted Pulitzer Prize. In Sudan during it's famine, Carter found a toddler struggling to move to food. As he watched, a vulture landed behind the young girl, waiting patiently. After waiting for 20 minutes for the bird to spread it's wings, Carter took the picture and shooed the bird away. The picture captured the anguish in the famine in Sudan, however Carter caught criticism for his choice to stay out of the situation. Carter would commit suicide two months after being awarded the Pulitzer Prize. He hooked up a hose to the exhaust on his car and pulled it through to his window. He left a note.
"I'm really, really sorry," he wrote. "The pain of life overrides the joy to the point that joy does not exist."
More on Kevin Carter can be found at Time.
The question at hand is whether or not I would have done the same. Morally, the answer is simple. In any case, I would want to help someone who is in need of help. It seems like common decency. Journalistic, it does seem to be a conflict of interest, involving yourself in the story. However, in terms of individual stardom, the move is pure genius.
Think of it this way. I am a young reporter straight out of college, working in Haiti. No one knows who I am. While covering a story, I see a boy being beaten to death. I rush in to help, save the boy, and become a hero. In terms of the story, I just created it. In terms of my own celebrity status, I just created it. Overall, it does not help the journalism field, however for selfish reasons, it helps the individual reporter, therefore, I would do the same.
Kevin Carter had this same issue back in 1993, as he snapped a photograph that would later win him the coveted Pulitzer Prize. In Sudan during it's famine, Carter found a toddler struggling to move to food. As he watched, a vulture landed behind the young girl, waiting patiently. After waiting for 20 minutes for the bird to spread it's wings, Carter took the picture and shooed the bird away. The picture captured the anguish in the famine in Sudan, however Carter caught criticism for his choice to stay out of the situation. Carter would commit suicide two months after being awarded the Pulitzer Prize. He hooked up a hose to the exhaust on his car and pulled it through to his window. He left a note.
"I'm really, really sorry," he wrote. "The pain of life overrides the joy to the point that joy does not exist."
More on Kevin Carter can be found at Time.
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