Mass Media: Reality TV

What surprised me:
What surprised me was the fact that someone could actually think they are the star of a Tv show mentally. Also, how when he took off his blind fold and he was in Korea.

What I agree on:
I agree with the fact that some people do or say outrageous things just to become famous. Now a days It seems as if their aren't as many people that get famous because of their talent anymore(The Kardashians.)

What I disagree with:
People starving themselves or doing very abnormal things for the media.

Something I'll Remember:
I'll remember how crazy this phenomenon is. I just can't believe that this actually happened.


Article:

NPR Reality Code Of Ethics:

Main Idea: How reality TV can be damaging 
Quote: "If you want to watch some of this stuff, you have to live with the fact that it exploits emotionally charged situations and could easily cause psychological harm to people."

Reality TV Debate:
Main Idea: Two people debating on " that commission form of municipal goverment is an improvement of the present system and how reality TV effects viewer time.
Quote:"Mr. Laing began, arguing that reality television saps ad dollars and viewer time that could be used more nobly; that these shows are bad for the people who go on them."

Why Do Americans Love Reality TV:
Main Argument: How hard it is becoming to avoid getting sucked into reality television. As well as why people seem to love reality TV that much. 
Quote:"Others believe that the show's secret to ratings success may be as simple and harmless as the desire to seem part of the in crowd."

Media and Politics: Wellstone

Wellstone Post Questions:
1. The humor in his quick commercials helped gain his money and his popularity.
2. Without the media, without the two minute commercial begging to have a debate. I think that if he never made that commercial, there wouldn't have been the debate and Wellstone wouldn't have won.
3. I thought it really showed his personality. I also think that a lot of people respected him.

Monday Media Report

With the Wild 3.4 seconds away from being 20 minutes away from the second round of the playoffs and another postseason trip to Chicago. Almost surprisingly for a team that often loves to do things the hard way, the win circumvented what would have been two very long off days in the Twin Cities waiting for another road Game 7. The Wild now gets four or five days of rest before the second round begins in Chicago later this week. The NHL hasn’t announced the schedule.
I thought this was very interesting because The Wild haven't been this good in a while. The fact that the Wild are on a winning streak is amazing and very good for Minnesota! 

Media and Politics

1.  Main Argument: The argument is talking about how much America focuses on more of the advertisement and media coverage they get rather than the politics itself.
Qoute: "Modern American media covers politics extensively, and the news media relies on politics to fill much of it's broadcast time."

2. Main Argument: This article states how a successful journalist must not tie itself to closely to any politician or idea in order to convey the truth-the best, most important form of media
Quote: "The true journalist seeks the truth. "

3. Main Argument: This article is discussing how important it is to be the first politician to campaign and be fully involved in the media about it.
Quote: “ J.F.K. was the first president to understand television, and Howard Dean saw the value of the Web for raising money,” 
Facts:
1. All of the Obama supporters who traded their personal information for a ticket can now be mass e-mailed at a cost of close to zero.
2. The people will continue to expect a conversation

4. Main Argument: This article more closely discusses on how the constitution and laws allows the government to function around the media.

Quote: "The absence of interference from the state in the freedom of communication and expression is a mandatory aspect of democracy. The government may protect information from its public disclosure by classifying it as sensitive, classified or secret." 
Facts:
1. In the new media environment, the general public is no longer an observer.

Monday Media Report: Weather

The Midwest and Northeast have been stuck in a pattern of below-average temperatures this year, however, this past week above-average temperatures settled in. Temperatures climbed into the 60's and 70's from Minneapolis to Chicago. Even Michigan saw highs in the 60's almost every day this past week through Friday. I thought this was interesting because lately we have had very nice weather. However, today temperature dropped to the 50's. I personally like it when its above 70 degrees but I guess thats what you get when you live in Minnesota. 

Weekly Blog Post

Being gay in High School is a very tough thing in our society today. This year is no different. A Mississippi county school board banned 18 year old Constance McMillan,who wanted to wear a tux and bring her girlfriend. As well as a story of a gay senior in Miami who was crowned prom queen, however,was disowned by her family. Lesbian,bisexual and gay students face extremely cruel struggles in High School. Some are harassed and bullied, while others are accepted and nurtured. At this point,some of them create clubs, however, most remain closeted. I thought this article connected to what we were learning in class this week. It talks about how most lesbians, gays, bisexuals are bullied but what we say back to that is that "it gets better." I believe that we need to attack this issue now, other wise it will never change. 

Monday Media Report: Beard-A-Thon

In the Last six seasons, Thousands of fans have participated in the Hockey related Beard-A-Thon. This charity rasies over $3 million for hockey related charities. However, this year the goal is to raise an additional $1 million through the participation of hockey fans across North America. In order to participate in the Beard-A-Thon, fans can register at www.beardathon.com. This is where fans can choose their favorite NHL team and invite family and friends to pledge their playoff beards. By receiving pledges, participants have to promise that they will not shave until their team wins the Stanley Cup or is eliminates from the playoffs. I thought this article was very interesting because they are raising money for a good cause while doing it in a fun, and creative way.