New Semester/ Summer Media Events

In the past few years, the summer movie season has really performed poorly. Yet, this year, spearheaded by The Dark Knight, revenues are up. Past research has shown that even in economic downturns people usually do not stop spending money on entertainment. Also showing that this was a change from recent years, the Beijing Olympics pulled in record ratings this summer.

So what is up with this summer? Any ideas why movie and television viewing is up. Is it because it's a cheaper form of entertainment relative to other summertime entertainment (amusement parks, vacation trips, etc.)

Also what was your favorite media event this summer. Was it a movie, a television show or series, a political event covered by the media, new book released, new album released, saw a concert, etc. Tell me what it was and why you enjoyed it so much.

Answer all these questions in two paragraphs please.

The Simpsons (and other Stuff)

There was a time when the Simpsons, the Fox animated show, was considered vulgar. Perhaps it still is, but it seems to me that the American public is more accepting of it now...almost to the point where we consider it an American institution. Something about it seems inherently "American." Well, the show was recently pulled from airing in the morning on Venezuelan television because it was considered inappropriate for that time slot (when kids are watching). The Simpsons was rescheduled to air at night. What was put in to replace The Simpsons in the morning time slot, "Baywatch: Hawaii." So what is worse in your eyes, The Simpsons or Baywatch? And do you think that the Simpsons have toned down their act or have we become more accepting of its type of humor?

Also...and i swear i didn't post this video....the whole talk of Oprah as a cult leader escalated this week upon the release of this video. I wonder what you think of it. Take note that at the end there is a sales pitch for the author's book.

The Queen of All Media

Oprah Winfrey seems to have the midas touch, everything she touches turns to gold. Let me count the ways. She has her TV show, her magazine, her book club, her own satellite radio channel, her production studio, her own broadway musical, and she just partenered with the Discovery channel to begin her own cable channel the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN). Needless to say she also appoints people to celebrity status, such as Dr. Phil. By the way see this video to see what hot water Dr. Phil has himself in now.

When Oprah promotes a product it sells unbelievably. She pitches self-help gurus, sex therapists, financial advisors, and all other sorts of personalities. She started her school in Ghana for poor African girls.

Here's my question. Do you think Oprah has become a cult figure? She tells you how to live a better life, what books to read, what to listen to, and what to purchase. What's the difference between Oprah and other past cult figures? If she told people to drink the koolaid and get ready for the mothership, do you think women would listen? Of course, part of me is joking about this, but........

At least two paragraphs please.

Every Generation's Voice

Every decade has a voice. Sometimes we can associate a celebrity with that voice. In the 60's Bob Dylan was a fresh-faced voice for youth. Recently, Dylan was honored with a pulitzer prize. Read the article by clicking here. Other names come to mind when thinking about musicians whose voices are important to society. I recall John Lennon's fight for peace. I think about rap's early days with Public Enemy and with Boogie Down Production's KRS-One. I think about Bob Marley.

So....who are today's voices. Notice i mentioned musicians in my thoughts above. Let's keep it in the same vein. Which musicians performing today do you think should be honored as trying to help society and why are they important? Do you feel some musicians of past have been overlooked? If you don't agree with someone's selections, give reasons why that musician is not worthy. Remember try to give me two paragraphs.

An often overlooked media

Hey gang,
Well i'm back. i am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. My workload will lighten up for a few weeks. Whewww!!! One of the things i did this weekend was buy a new cellphone/pda. My new Blackberry will help me stay organized. I've been playing with it for a few days now and i am in love with it. But this makes me think of an often overlooked communication media: the cellphone.

How has the cellphone changed our life. Do you view the cellphone as a positive technology or negative. Give reasons for both: why the cellphone is good and bad for society. Also, where do you think the cellphone is heading. What will the cellphone technology hold for us in the future? Remember two paragraphs.

P.S. - I'm looking into how to update this blog on my Blackberry. How Cool is that!!

Hey gang,
I realize i am late in posting this week. that's because i am totally swamped from now until April 1st. So let's chalk this one up to a freebie.

Everyone gets 4 points this week. but look for me to be back in gear next week.

Kevin

The Church

I was struggling a bit with what to post this week. Of course, the big news is what Obama's preacher Jeremiah Wright said regarding Hillary Clinton. This brought about past statements Reverend Wright made which smell of racism and anger. I've heard a few black sermons in my short life. Tell you the truth, i like the black church. But looking at Reverend Wright the first thing that caught my eye was not the color of his skin or the anger in his voice but rather his clothes. They were flashy, bright, and a little too boisterous for me.

That got me thinking about televangelists in general and how they ride the fine line (and blur it most often) between selflessness and selfishness. I can think of some past losers such as Jim Baker and Jimmy Swaggert, but then i can think of some that people seem to love such as Joel Osteen and Jesse Duplantis. All of these preachers teach in Mega-Churches and all use the airwaves as part of their ministries. So here's my question to you. Are these televangelists doing the work of God as they say they are. You don't necessarily have to be a Christian to have an answer on this. Please give reasons for your answer. Remember, two paragraphs.