Fat Family

Wife Swap has been well known for quite a few years on national television. It is a television show where the wives of two very different families exchange places for a week. This one special episode deals with a very unhealthy family and a food conscious family. The video focuses on the unhealthy families lifestyle and the son, Curtis, reaction to the health conscious wife.
The video begins with “King Curtis”, as he prefers to be called, lounging on a chair telling how much he loves chicken nuggets and anything fried. The father even expresses his desire for a salad to be fried. When asked what Curtis would like for breakfast, Curtis tells his mother he would like chicken nuggets for breakfast and she returns to the kitchen to make them. The father explains how physical fitness is not an important aspect to their family’s lifestyle. He says, “our biggest exercise is from the plate to the mouth.” The father also speaks of discipline and says “strictness equals resentment”.
The wife who replaces the unhealthy wife attempts to throw out all the junk food in the Holland household. “King Curtis” does not react well to this and goes on a rampage saying how all he wants to eat is chicken nuggets and refuses to let the “new” mother, Joy, to throw out his bacon. He claims “bacon is good for me”. After the new wife throws out his bacon, Curtis decides to pack his bags and leave. He spend the rest of the evening at his grandparents house eating chicken nuggets and returns home ready for a fight. He tells Joy he will not be on her team, but will be on his team of “having fun”.
Joy tries to introduce the family to exercise by making them go through a boot camp. It doesn’t exactly work out as planned and both Curtis and Mr. Holland storm off in rage when Joy tries to make the family demolish their junk food.

Ark Music Factory: A Creditable Music Company?

If you have not heard the painful new single, Friday, by Rebecca Black, please take the time to log on to YouTube and listen. I cannot express how ridiculous this song is. I can not fathom a company producing such a horrendous work of “art”, although I do not know how you could call it that. When I saw the other productions of Ark Music Factory, I was completely distraught.
Ark Music Factory is filled with young girls around the age of thirteen, hoping to gain popularity by singing these songs that make no sense. As I sit hear actually listening to the lyrics, I cannot believe an actual producer could come up with something so terrible. Not only is it repetitive, but it does not even rhyme. Rhyming is probably the most simple way to create a tune, yet that is not even accomplished in these singles. Not only are the lyrics terrible, but the young girls are completely tone deaf. I know their voices have been enhanced but isn’t technology a little more advanced that this? It is honestly painful to hear this music. In every one of these videos, there is a black man about the age of thirty that insists on rapping in each of these thirteen year old girls videos. Hmm…that is slightly odd and makes me feel very uncomfortable. Why is he in these videos? Someone should seriously look into this. It seems very out of place to me. Also, these girls are dressed rather seductively and singing about boys and partying. At such a young age, that really shouldn’t be the case.
This is something that young girls will see and want to be like. They will think they need to dress this way and act this way. These girls are too young to be exposed to this. I believe Ark Music Factory is a scam that involves parents spending lots of money for their children to have a video on YouTube and then hopefully get famous. We all know that there is no talent involved, so that is out of the question.

Whose Wedding? What Revolution?

So im confused, I thought we did away with the English monarchy in 1776 and then again in 1812, why are they on my TV? For the past few months the broadcasting systems of the United States have been captivated over the up coming wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton. No matter what time it is, day or night, if you turn your television on to a news provider you will hear countless hours of debate and gossip revolving around the Royal Wedding. This catastrophic distraction seems to have come just in time in order to avert American attention away from our three wars in the Middle East, yes three, we're at war with Libya too. Currently one of the most pivotal geographic locations in the world is in turmoil and I'm watching some English bloke make jelly molds of Buckingham palace? Really?

One of the most important political transformations in years is occurring, our generation in Syria, Egypt, Bahrain, Libya and the U.A.E has spoken and is currently fighting and dying for political freedom. Although I do not believe that all of our media's attention should be placed on these uprisings, and of course a little distraction can be good at sometimes, I feel that not enough people have come to terms with what is happening in the Middle East. Since the end of World War II many Middle Eastern nations have been dominated by military rule. Dictators such as Muammar Gaddafi in Libya have ruled over their people with an iron fist for generations, preventing political freedom as well as economic growth in their nations. For the first time in over 50 years it seems that a break through might occur throughout these nations. With the help of NATO troops as well as the United Nations, Libyan rebel forces have been able to mount a quasi organized military campaign against Gaddafi and if successful will finally be able to over throw the dictator. In the nation of Syria, hundreds of students and citizens have taken to the streets to protest the regime of President Bashar al Assad. Over the past few weeks these protesters have been met with growing violence by the Syrian Military. Even though thousands of un armed citizens fill the Syrian streets, President Assad has not hesitated to order his troops to fire upon the rallies. These horrible acts of violence have been condemned by President Barack Obama but what is the correct action to take? Do we intervene in a sovereign nations affairs just as we have done in Libya? Or do we sit back and watch? This is a very tricky line to walk. We are constantly bombarded through our many sources of media by the atrocities being committed in nations such as Syria, however, we can not be quick to jump the gun. Though many say we should use our military force as the worlds great super power to end the violence, what do we do once we've won? There is no organized political group willing to take power in many of these nations, perfectly displayed in the recent Egyptian revolution. Though we might be able to easily depose many of these dictators such as Assad, we have no out, no way to end the conflict. Once the governments are disposed we will be unable to simply leave the future of these nations to the un organized masses. Many of these revolutions have no figure head leader, no George Washington to lead them through reconstruction once the war is won. Due to this we as a nation have much to think about. We find our selves in a limbo of wanting to help our fellow man but also not wanting to create a political disaster in the Middle East. Short term might say save the men and women being killed in the protests but what will the long term consequences of our actions be? Food for thought.

Over all I hope that throughout the next few weeks, more of our generation will begin to focus on the political struggle which is occurring in the Middle East. Finally shifting our attention away from media side shows such as the Royal Wedding. I say this because, one day, the problems our parents faces today will be ours and ours alone.

-Timmy Out

The Best Day

In just less than 32 hours, the 2011 NFL Draft will be underway. It’s more exciting than Christmas and creates more drama than Jersey Shore. Ever since the college football season ended in January, over 300 players have been training nonstop for this very day. All aspects of the players have been carefully scrutinized by hundreds of scouts: from the height, weight, and speed of the players to the concern over a missed tackle during their high school years. These scouts are assigned the duty of dissecting every player in attempts of determining which athlete would fit best with a certain team. The draft is a time where NFL teams could select that one player who helps lead the organization to the Super Bowl, or it’s a moment where a player could be selected and paid millions only to never produce and live up to expectations, thus being labeled a “bust”. The excitement for me comes all throughout the draft. For so many players, their NFL careers begin on draft day and many of their lives change as well. There are no guarantees on draft day – Most organizations keep their draft information strictly confidential and the “draft plans” typically do not leave the coaches offices. The media and big-time fans try their own hand at “mock drafts”, but none have ever been close to correct. Predicting the first round of the draft correctly is like correctly predicting the entire March Madness tournament bracket. There are many aspects that make it impossible to predict the first round. One reason is that there are many trades that occur in the first round. Team’s move in and out of draft spots in order to trade up for a player, or trade down if they feel a player is not worthy. Another aspect is that there are many players’ scouts have graded higher or lower than the average fan. Many issues can lower a player’s stock such as medical, legal, or personal problems. This entire process is what makes the draft so exciting: the uncertainty that lies ahead. You can never be sure what is going to happen or what is about to happen; all you can do is simply watch and enjoy this exhilarating event.

Fifa World Cup

Every 4 years something spectacular happens. No, there isn’t an eclipse and no, the sky does not fall. Something much greater, and exciting happens. The Fifa World Cup. 640 players, 32 teams, 8 groups, 4 rounds, 1 champ. Every 4 years the entire world stops what they are doing to sit down and watch a soccer ball move from side to side on a beautifully groomed pitch. Other than the Olympics, the World Cup is where countries drop their world issues, and play the beautiful game of futbol. Although we all probably haven’t played soccer ourselves, I assure you watching the World Cup couldn’t be more gripping. Across the globe, 32 teams are assembled consisting of around 20 players on the roster. Coaches are expected to select the most prestigious players to create an elite team ready to face the world. As long as the player is a citizen of the country, they are permitted to step on the pitch and wear their country’s colors. No matter how “bad” your country is at soccer, you will never turn down an offer to play. It is considered to be one of the biggest privileges to be asked to play soccer representing your country. Everyone takes pride in their nation and never thinks twice about putting on their country’s jerseys. There are 11 players on both teams on the pitch at a time. That includes the goalie, defense, midfield, and forwards. The player with a different color arm band on his bicep is the captain of the team and is regarded as the best leader within that country. Because of the long matches (90 min), each team is allowed 3 substitutions. Most teams sub out a player towards the end of the game to add a spark in their attack. There is much strategy to using substitutions. Because there are only 32 teams allowed into the World Cup, the teams must go through a qualification process. Every country that has put together a team will play a round-robin tournament. The top 32 teams are then permitted to play in the World Cup. Deciding where the Fifa World Cup is going to be held is a very extensive process. Each country must select a representative or representatives to travel to a universally easy location. It is usually held somewhere in Europe. The placement of the World Cup is said to have alternated from the Americas and Europe. There is a bidding process that all contending countries go through. A certified Fifa member then proceeds to inspect the host country to make sure it fits the criteria needed to becoming the host. Fifa executive committee then takes a vote on it and decides where to hold the World Cup. The fans across the world are what make this tournament so intense. Fans flee their home countries to go across the entire globe to cheer their country on. Painting their bodies, wearing flags, playing drums. Each country’s fans take everything personal and will do anything to prove their country is better than another one.

Zip Your Lips

I was watching a movie two nights ago and something was brought to my attention. The mood is tense. Clinging my hands to my face I am petrified at what is going to happen next. The demon girl from the Ring is crawling out of the screen towards an innocent man. My legs were shaking; my teeth chattering; my eyes watering up… All of the sudden two girls in the room start talking and giggling. I immediately went from being the most scared person in the room to wanting to rip my ears off. I realized right then and there talking during movies is by far my biggest pet peeve. I absolutely cannot handle it when people are selfish enough to ruin everyone’s movie experience to talk about something funny they just thought about. Nobody cares what you had for breakfast that morning at that moment! Someone in the movie is about to die! Nobody wants to hear why you think the main character is hot right then! Save it for after the movie. Or save it when there is literally nothing else to talk about. But for God’s sake, don’t ruin the movie for everyone else by talking.

Any sort of noise during a movie is unbelievably frustrating. We all laugh at the commercial before our feature presentation when there is that fake baby crying in the theater and the man with the deep voice comes on and says “Don’t spoil the movie for others”. It’s true. Silence that baby of yours and let us all get back to the movie. There is absolutely no reason for a baby to be in a 007 movie anyways! Or when people yell out “Oh yousa gonner!” It’s like dude sit down and shut up. You officially killed my movie experience. Nobody thinks your hot stuff now that you said that. Nobody is going to offer you a job or ask you out or give you their number because of that comment. Sit down, shut your mouth and think about all the people in the room whose movie you just ruined. Whispering during films is just as bad as screaming and talking. I cannot handle it when people are whispering and you hear all these “s” noises. There could not be a more discretely distracting sound. I respect them for trying to be quiet but it can wait. We came there to sit and watch. Not talk about who Suzie is dating now. Sorry, I just had to vent a little.

Technology: Taking Over the Way We Learn

Many years ago, there were no computers, or televisions, or cell phones that people could waste their time on. Instead, kids would play outside with other kids in the neighborhood, play board games inside and if they were bored, they could always pick up a book to read. When it came time to do homework, there were no distractions, such as Facebook or a constantly buzzing cell phone. Kids would just sit down at a desk, finish their homework, and then be free to play or relax for the rest of the night. However, in today’s day and age, distractions are all around us. Whether it be Facebook, or other websites, or television shows and movies, it is very easy to drag a 30-minute homework assignment into a 2-hour ordeal. I believe technology has not only affected how quickly assignments get done, but also the overall attention span of today’s generations.
I know for me personally, whenever I open up my laptop to start an assignment, the first thing I do is check Facebook. After I waste about 20 minutes doing that, I check my email, and then back to Facebook again. So a half an hour after I sat down, I am finally starting to do my homework. However, while I’m doing my homework, I’m also on Facebook chat catching up with my friend from home, and also texting my hall mate about dinner plans later on. Two hours after I sit down, I’m finally done with a 500-word response that should have taken an hour at most. However, with all of these distractions, it’s hard to stay focused, and it ends up taking a lot longer than an hour.
Not only has technology served as a good distraction method, but there have also been studies that prove that younger generations (the ones who grew up with all this technology) actually do have shorter attention spans. They don’t stay on the same website for more than a couple of minutes on average and they’re constantly starting up new tasks without fully completely other ones. Also, it’s gotten to the point where students actually understand the information better if it’s given to them through the computer, rather than a traditional paperback book.
With all of this reliance on I technology, I really believe generations will get dumber and dumber. If you think about it, people no longer have to go look up information in books from the library anymore; there’s Google for that. There’s no longer a need for maps; we now have GPS’s. Technology is not only enabling us to become extremely lazy, but as I mentioned before, much more A.D.D. When someone is texting 2 people, Facebook chatting another, having a conversation with someone else in the room AND trying to write a paper; there is not way their full attention is on any of those tasks and because of that, each person, or task, is cut short.
Now I realize that this shift towards technology is inevitable, and now that we’re in it there’s no turning back. But I encourage people to really try and make a conscious effort to only do one task at a time and really give it your full attention. Whether that task is finishing math homework, or skyping your mom; do only that task with your full attention and I’m willing to bet it gets done not only faster, but also with higher quality.

Just Hearing Crickets

Why are class discussions often seem quiet, disinterested, and awkward? It is one thing if the discussions on a reading and people haven’t done it, but why are discussions about people’s thoughts on a topic often just as quiet? I have been in classes where the discussions are lively and everyone participates and I’ve also been in classes where I’d rather fight a silver back gorilla than sit there when its “discussion time.” I know everyone does the same thing when they do not want to talk in a class conversation. The teacher will bring up a topic and wait for someone to chime in, but no one does. The teacher keeps waiting and thats when the awkward silence comes in. During the silence there are two go to moves, look in you own personal space like your desk or your hands or you look around the class hoping you’ll see someone throw their two cents in.

I think many people do not participate in class conversations not because they are lost on the topic but because of peer or teacher judgements. I believe one of the worst things is not being wrong in an exact answer but it is having your thoughts judged by others. I personally have listen to others speak their mind and think to myself, “How could anyone think that, thats pretty weird.” An example is when I was in an English class in high school and we were having a class discussion. The conversation dealt with Jack London’s To Build a Fire and we were talking about which would be a better companion, a man or a dog, during a survival situation. During the talk a girl argues that the dog would be better and I remember thinking to myself, “WTF, she must be ripped.” I of coarse argued her and it lead to a good talk but that thought that I had many others often have when hearing someone voice a thought that seems outlandish. This is one reason people do not speak up during class talks.

Another reason why many stay quiet during discussions is due to the inability to voice their true thoughts. This inability is caused from many different sources. A major source that causes people to not voice their true thought is because of social norms. When the topic of steroid use in sports was brought up for discussion felt I should not speak up about the topic because while everyone agreed that steroids are bad for people and sports, I personally know athletes at all levels ranging from professional to high school who use steroids. My view on them if different from most of society’s because of my interaction with users. Another inability for people to voice their opinions during discussion is because of fear that their idea might be misconstrued or that they phrase their option wrongly. If someone were to voice their opinion that they think anime uses beautiful art work and they say, “I think anime is beautiful” it could be interpreted that the person thinks anime characters are beautiful which many might think is weird.

Weak class discussions are not often due to the class not caring and not paying attention. There are many factors that inhibit people from speaking up during class. It is very difficult to move past many social anxieties that one many have and speak up, but it will make class more interesting. If everyone were to put in their two cents then we would all prosper.

Anime Vs. Cartoon

When our class began recent discussions on Anime, I found myself loosing interest and "zoning" out rather quickly. Although I didn't have much knowledge on the subject, my first impressions and take on Anime weren't the best. The two things that came to mind were: Dragon Ball Z and Anime pornography- two things I am not/will never be a fan of. What I did not understand, though, was the importance of Anime and the effect it has on the Japanese culture.

Anime is known as animation originated from Japan and is seen in television, films, video games, computer gaming, and commercials. The success of anime is often seen throughout Japan and many other parts of the world, but it's time more people understand anime so they're not stuck with naive thoughts, like I so recently was.

Most people would describe anime as Japanese cartoons and while that technically is correct, these are some differences people should know about.

1. Storyline

--Probably the biggest difference between anime and cartoons. In the western world, cartoons typically consist of simple storylines and plots. The cartoons have self-contained episodes, meaning the plot ends and a new story begins each show. However, In anime the storylines are very complex and resemble that of actual films. Anime has a more of a "point" and the stories can last the whole season or even for multiple seasons.

2. Target Audience

---Anime has a wide target audience and has shows to fit all different people's interests. Instead of having a show for children (Spongebob and Looney Toons) and a show for young adults (Family Guy, South Park, Simpsons) Anime has different types of shows for all age groups.

3.Art

---Most people think the design of Anime looks much different from cartoons, but that is not the case. Art and design in anime comes in all different forms just like cartoons. The particular form commonly seen in anime is that in which the characters have big eyes, small mouths, and crazy colorful hair- usually the first thing that comes to mind when discussing Anime.

Hopefully more than just Mrs. Woolbright will read this post and develop a greater respect for the world of Anime. I know I have!

Globalization

Over the past few weeks we have begun to address the idea of globalization in class. Globalization as we have discussed is the spreading of ideas, culture and economy, throughout the entire globe. As portrayed by this photo the United States has lead the way in globalization or at least the spreading of its specific culture and economy through large mulitnational corporations based in the U.S. As the flag portrays these corporations have become the face of our nation. When people all over the world think of the United States, the first things that come to mind are the flag ship companies of our economy which act in many ways as the diplomates of our culture to the rest of the world. This idea is a worrisome one. When I think of the America which from a young age I've been taught to love and respect, I tend to think of the rolling hills of the south east or the beautiful plains of the Texas land scape, not golden arches. Our culture has come to a point where it is now globally represented by fast food corporations and high tech companies which do most of their work outside of the United States to begin with. The day to day interaction that people from other nations have with American culture almost only consists of eating at restaurants similar to McDonalds and watching American television such as Family Guy. Our nation is seen as a factory of pop culture which is in most cases laughed at by others. Instead of our culture being correctly portrayed as a global leader in almost every field it is seen as a mass consumer machine which is only interested in maximizing profits. It has come to a point where the Pizza Hut in down town Kabul is the only representation of the United States other than the armored Humme-V sitting out side of it. We have reached a threshold where to the world we have become a laughing joke. Not only is our culture seen as absurd but us as well. We as a people are all seen as products of Super Size Me. The international community believes the general American public is not only over weight and glutinous but also severally uneducated. We are seen as products of our own pop culture creation which I believe is a wrongful representation of our generation. Though there are many who fit the mold, most are pushing the envelope of American culture and creating a new definition which we can all be proud of. Out of this recession will come a generation which knows what it means to earn a living, a generation armed with college degrees as well as a will to do well in the work place. We have a positive generation which will make a positive change to globalization. Slowly we must make it apparent that we are more than fast food and large companies, we are a nation with a rich and growing culture, one which should be shared with the world.