Assigned Entry #6 "Blogging"; Like It or Dislike it?

I have come to the realization that I like blogging! No, I mean I REALLY like it. I started this blog as a part of a class assignment, but now my blog is my baby. I enjoy coming here and having the ability to free the thoughts from my mind, openly, freely. I decided to take the blogging exercise serious. I wanted to find myself, my voice and personality through these words. I believe I have done just that!

This blogging exercise really helped out alot with getting to know rhetoric. As with anything else in life the more you do it the better you get. Having this exercise in class was incredible. I think it was very valuable because in teaching us how to find our voice (when writing) we have the freedom of expression. How many of us get to freely express ourselves in class, I mean REALLY express ourselves? Well I can tell you that I've had that freedom to express myself, and I love it! Blogging is my newest hobby now. This is an exercise that should stay around FOREVER!! 

"Boston Bombing"

I want to take this time to send my thoughts and prayers to the people who were injured, lost lives, and loved ones in Boston on Monday April 16th. It almost seem inevitable that hateful acts like this will take place. As a nation we need to put more emphasis on the security at these big events. Why would a person want to hurt innocent people? I will never understand. I am saddened by what happened and honestly I am at a lost of words.

 

In this picture there is a young man who planned to propose to his fiance once she crossed the finish line, but that wont happen now because unfortunately she was one of the few that didn't survive the blast.

 

I ask that as you read my blog, you take a few seconds and pray for a speedy recovery for those who are on the road of recovery, and that you pray for our brothers and sister who lost their lives.

Assigned Entry #5 "The Power of Media"

Lately we have been taking a closer look at media and the power it has. I for one am blown away by the power that media have and the way it affects our daily lives without us knowing. When some people hear "Media" they instantly think of the news. Don't get me wrong the news is definitely media but did you know that the internet, books, videos, blogs, and a number of other sources are considered media. I truly believe that the internet is the most powerful source of media. I say this because I live in an era where people would rather watch a YouTube video than read a book. People would rather keep in touch with their friends and family on Facebook than to write a letter. I have to be honest I too am one of the people who fall into this category. Actual books and things of that nature is becoming 

extinct.

"IMAGES"

You may notice that I entitled this blog "Images". Now the first thing that will pop in to most people heads are photographs. When I say "Images" I don't mean photographs people. I am talking about the images that we give people as a reflection of self. My entire page is an over-all music blog so there will be a lot of celebrities in the music business that will make it to my blog. Today I would like to focus on "Images" and the way celebrities portray themselves when the cameras are rolling. 

BEFORE

Here we have Miley Cyrus the Nickelodeon super star whom every young girl around America wants/wanted to be. Do you remember how sweet and innocent she was? First keep in mind that Hannah Montana (Cyrus) have a lot of younger fans who absolutely adore her. There is nothing wrong with growing up. I am not saying that at all but keep in mind who you have watching you is all I am saying. Are you ready for the before and after pics?

AFTER

AFTER

Am I the only one who find this inappropriate? I can totally understand growing up and transforming into the woman, or man we want to be but as a celebrity you make the choice to have the world in your business 24/7. When you come out as a teen star and the majority of your fans are under age you should be considerate to the image you are putting out. Ms. Cyrus just recently made a video on YouTube twerking (booty dancing) in a unicorn outfit. This is the image little girls are seeing and it's not a good one.

Assigned Entry #4 "Capitalism", A Love Story

Capitalism A Love Story! I can't explain how compelling this film is. If you have not yet seen it, I recommend that you do. In Eng. 102 we have been discussing rhetoric quite a bit. This film shines the spotlight dead on how when used properly you can really get your point across, and in a humorous way. It wasn't until watching this film that I actually payed attention to the things that are going on around us daily.

Mr. Michael Moore, in my opinion, is a pure genius for coming up with this film, having these concepts, and taking this approach. In the rhetorical triangle you have ethos, pathos, and logos. This film is BIG on pathos (again, in my opinion). What better way to get the world's attention and maybe a few firm believers than to do it in a humorous way. We Americans love humor, we eat it up! After watching this film I can honestly say that I am shocked and a tad bit disgusted at the same time. Thanks Mr. Moore for opening my eyes!

"Celebrities and Drugs"

I find it rather disgusting the way celebrities publicly partake in drugs and expose the children in our communities to it. Most small children and teenagers watch a good bit of TV through out the day. Every time I'm watching TV I find myself shaking my head. There are so many reality shows that one could watch with drugs being used like it's the new "cool" thing to do. Actors, actresses, and music moguls are very aware of the effect they have on their fans and the public and yet and still they carry on in ways that I can no longer stand to tolerate. Take rapper "Lil Wayne" for example who was recently checked into a hospital and put in a drug induced coma due to his obsession with "Molly and "Lean". I'm not even sure what those drugs are.  

Assigned Entry #3 "ASU New Courses"

I read an article in the Arizona Republic on ASU planning to add more courses . With these courses students could finish a semester in seven and a half weeks as opposed to the traditional 15 weeks. Not everyone thinks it is a good idea. I, however, believe that it is a brilliant idea. We all learn at different levels and different speeds. For someone like me this is ideal. 

Can you imagine finishing a four year program in just three years? Well I can and the sound of it has me on the edge of my chair! The thought of how much more free time I'd have to work and do the things that I enjoy would be enough for me to sign on today. Sure some people think it would be crammed and too fast paced to keep up or actually take in what it is your learning in the course, but not me. I see it as an all around better way for students of age to keep up with school and maintain their households. And did I forget to mention financially it would save students money each semester. I'm sold!!!