Example Papers Posted

Many of you were interested in being able to view an example of what a strong final paper looks like. Per your request I have included links to three strong final papers for the MEDC 5310 Media and Culture class on the right hand side of the blog. Hopefully this will help you when determining what method of analysis you will use in your final paper. If you have any questions, as always, feel free to contact me.

-Tyann Cherry
Webster University

I was Watching CSI on SPIKE the other day when this commercial came on.



I'm not going to lie, at first i laughed! but after going to YouTube to watch it again i put on my media literacy hat.

-What message does this send about the treatment of animals? its sad that these people see these animals as just another way to attract hot girls. what happens to the puppies? where did they come from?

- the tag line "men don't change. Neither do we." That message elicited a little bit of annoyance, it sends the message that men have only and will only care about getting girl. it says sex and attractiveness is everything. use what ever means necessary to get the dumb emotional girls to fall for you!

- I had a hard time recalling what the product was, I found no connection between the commercial and the product!

ANY THOUGHTS?

All work and no play...

I wanted to share this clip with everyone of the "happy" version of The Shining. It's interesting to see that effects that narration and music can have on an extremely terrifying movie. (I still get the heebee jeebees when walking down long hotel hallways!) It looks like your typical Tom Hanks, Sleepless in Seattle type trailer. But if you have seen The Shining, you know that this is NOT a happy movie. By having an upbeat voiceover that puts a different spin on what the movie is about and playing Peter Gabriel, you get the impression that this is the feel-good movie of the year!

These simple post production changes definitely altered how the movie is perceived.

Here is a link to the real trailer for The Shining: CLICK HERE

Here is the parody/"happy" version:

Did anybody else want to be a Goonie as bad as I did growing up?

Here is a link to a scene from my favorite movie for tomorrow's class. My brother and I watched it every day one summer when I was 8 years old. I probably know 98% of this movie by heart.

The Goonies - Wishing Well

MY FAVORITE MOVIE AS A CHILD!!!

These are just a few of the "Funny Scenes" from Drop Dead Fred, it was my favorite movie when i was younger. IT was the first thing that came to my mind when we were asked to bring in a favorite piece of media. Has anyone else seen it?

Apple Ipad Unvelied

It's official. The Apple "Ipad" Tablet is here. Drool mops not included.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/26/technology/http://video.nytimes.comhttp://video.nytimes.com/

Where I go to get inspiration

http://www.dezeen.com/

This is one of my favorite design sites. I go there when I need inspiration or just to look at new technology or interesting design. The site brings together the best architecture, design and interiors projects from around the world. Enjoy.

TThomas Favorite Media

Linked below is my favorite piece of media. My favorite show Sex In The City
Scene: The Post-It Breakup
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhjCh6iZ1lI

Spatial Inferences: Family Matters/Who's the Boss

Has anyone ever looked at a television program and thought that the show was actually being filmed in that exact location? Well if if you were like me before becoming a Communication major and paying close attention that wasthe case. I watch much tv and I notice that the outside that we see is just a shot to get connected with the program you are watching. Nowadays I pay attention and notice in some shows they have the exact same things in the shot. For instance the same car or the same man walking by. Now that I notice it is pretty funny, but this type of intference I think is what connects the audience with the program. All I can say is with the right outside shot and the connected interior setting, you'll never know any different. I didn't until we start analyzing things. Listed are a couple of my old time favorites that had spatial intferences, in which I think helped the shows rating. So do you think the spatial intference has an effect on how well a show does?
Family Matters -http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYvNiKwWvhk
Who's The Boss -http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9PqZkVCUAs

Who was Conan O’Brien Really Targeting?

“The 18-to-34 group is so difficult to attract and the lower half, 18 to 25, is the hardest of all,” said Jack MacKenzie, the president of the millennial strategy program for the research firm Frank N. Magid Associates.

Compounding the problem, said a senior research executive for another company, was the fact that Mr. O’Brien was especially appealing to young men. “And that group doesn’t watch television very regularly,” said the executive, who asked not to be named because his business competes with NBC.

Instead of watching Mr. O’Brien most nights, Mr. MacKenzie said, those young viewers have been watching everything from similar shows like “The Colbert Report” on Comedy Central, to cartoons on the “Adult Swim” franchise on the Cartoon Network, and the ever-present array of sports and sports news on ESPN and its sister channels.

In comparison with the 719,000 viewers in the 18-to-34 group that Mr. O’Brien had been averaging, Stephen Colbert on his “Colbert Report,” in the same six- month period in 2009, averaged 746,000 viewers ages 18 to 34. The cartoons on “Adult Swim” — mostly “Family Guy” and “Robot Chicken” — averaged 619,000 of those viewers. ESPN from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m., with varied programs that included both live sports events and editions of the highlights show “Sports Center,” averaged 614,000 viewers in that group.

See the rest of the article here: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/25/business/media/25conan.html?ref=television

Upcomming Free Event @ Webster University

FYI - The Success to Significance Dean's Speaker Series is presenting Robert Lachky, retired Chief Creative Office of Advertising at AB. You can find a recent article on Lachky in the St. Louis Business Journal: Scottrade taps Lachky for TV ads

When: Monday, February 1, 2010, 12:00pm*
Where: Sunnen Lounge, University Center

*lunch will be served

You can RSVP to the event here.

If you are an Advertising and Marketing major or are just interested in hearing from someone who played a key role in these ad campaigns (someone actually brought up 'Real Men of Genius' in class) then I strongly encourage you to check out this event.

-Tyann Cherry
Webster University

Supreme Court ruling on Campaign Advertising

Although we haven't directly covered this area yet, I think it's important in the realm of media and culture. The Supreme Court made a new ruling last week on how corporations can contribute to political campaigns. This article from Ad Age denotes how the ruling will affect campaign advertising in the future.

http://adage.com/article?article_id=141633

FCC Tells Wireless Mics to Get off 700MHz Spectrum Band

Related to the discussion about the FCC from the last class.
FCC Tells Wireless Mics to Get off 700MHz Spectrum Band

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission will prohibit hundreds of existing wireless microphone models from being used in the U.S. in five months because they operate in the 700MHz spectrum band, which was auctioned off to mobile voice and broadband carriers in 2008.

The FCC prohibited electronics makers from selling existing devices that operate in the 700MHz spectrum as of Friday in an order issued the same day. Any existing devices broadcasting in the 700MHz band will have to stop operating by June 12, the FCC said.

The main products affected by the ban will be wireless microphones, which have operated without FCC licenses in television spectrum for years. While many wireless microphones operate in lower spectrum bands, and will be able to continue there, the FCC has listedmore than 300 models of wireless microphone and related components from 12 major manufacturers that will no longer be allowed to operate in the 700MHz band after June 12.

To read more click the link at the top.
Posted using ShareThis

Saudi US secret relationship

The house of Saud, is one of the greatest documentaries that I have ever seen about Saudi Arabia, and it relationship with the United States. What makes this documentary interesting is that the secret relationship with the US shaped the Saudi culture in an unbelievable way. I am saying this for a Saudi prospective and my words will not articulate enough, thus view the links below. You will not believe it tell you see it.

1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBh31nSWYfo

2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fo4DbMlSQgs&feature=related

3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BegnkgvuRvw&feature=related

4. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWHgIlLPb4k&feature=related

5. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwxSh5s4Jjk&feature=related

6. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wkg4hd-X59M&feature=related

7. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axZAo_aTC5A&feature=related

8. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yTX6bxSv3M&feature=related

9. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBTPc5lXMUI&feature=related

10. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnTs_4HsoE4&feature=related

11. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czZhZj0OU9I&feature=related

12. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I27ZgkkLvXI&feature=related

13. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oV_ZAePD0lk&feature=related

14. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXG0BaxHDVo&feature=related

Wall-Mart

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/walmart/view/?utm_campaign=viewpage&utm_medium=grid&utm_source=grid

This link is about a documentary called: “Is Wall-Mart good for America”. What makes this documentary related to our course is that it illustrates in some points how dose Wall-Mart affects the American way of life.

Sincerely,

Aziz Al-Wosifer

2010 Census Commercials

How great are these new commercials for the 2010 Census?!
Ad Age also had an article written on it. Click Here

"The Internet and digital technology create new possibilities for the development of cultures, education, communities and knowledge"

This video touches on the idea of digital exclusion. A concept I have never thought about. We spend a lot of time talking about how the media effects people, yet there are those who discuss how the lack of media usage effects people. i was interested to hear him discuss media literacy as part of general education.

It is an interesting video that got me thinking.

I would love to hear other opinions.

http://vimeo.com/5491293

No laugh track??...cancel it.

I was watching a rerun of Arrested Development Sunday night and I started to think about the show and how brilliant it is. And why every sitcom that is not the traditional formulaic sitcom style ends up as a "cult favorite". Which usually translates to...cancelled.

Why tends to happen to shows that I REALLY like...maybe it's me.

The shows that fit into the cookie cutter mold for a formulaic sitcom are popular, yes. Networks are less likely to take risks on television shows that are a little "different." So how are we ever going to break this mainstream sitcom cycle? Or are we?

What are your thoughts on formuaic sitcoms? Do you like your shows the way they are? Or would you rather see something less predictable?


This is what wiki says about Arrested Development's unique presentation:
Arrested Development uses several elements that are rare for American live-action sitcoms. It was shot with hand-held cameras^[6]. Like a documentary, it often cuts away abruptly from scenes in order to supplement the narrative with material such as security camera footage, Bluth family photos, website screenshots, and archive films. Flashbacks are also extensively used to show the Bluth family members in various stages of their lives. The show does not employ a laugh track, allowing for uninterrupted back-and-forth dialogue and permitting more time for plot development and jokes. An omniscient third-person narrator (producer Ron Howard, uncredited) ties together the multiple plot threads running through each episode, and provides tongue-in-cheek commentary. Wordplay is abundant for humor and plot; a character may misinterpret an ambiguous phrase with embarrassing or disastrous results. Before cutting to a commercial, the show flashes a white screen instead of the usual black screen.

I found this article from an anonymous critic, which could be just some guy in his underwear that happens to have a blog and is slightly pretentious. But nonetheless... Brilliant But Cancelled

I Love Lucy: Evolution of Genre

Most of my favorite television shows were made before the digital era. I enjoyed shows made in the 1950's thru 1970's. One show in particular was a prime example of evolution of genre. One of my favorites, I Love Lucy. This comedy was based on how the culture was reflected in the 1950's. Although it had a formulaic setting, with the home being the primary setting, I decided to focus on how this show was a funtion of the evolution of genre. This shows primary function of entertaining showed that although Lucy didn't want to be a housewife, her place was at home. With all the mishaps that Lucy got into it was clear that the genre of women's role was to be remain at home, and by the end of an episode they made sure that Lucy knew her role and the audience. Today thats not the case, because the culture has changed there are now women working and in some cases the man stays home. But this comedy was so funny that even when Lucy stayed home she still got into all kinds of trouble. So do you think back then that women were represented equally? I think not but the shows were and still are entertaining especially with the comparisons of genres that followed the popular I Love Lucy. Take a look at this hilarious clip below:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScLNAVwmjgQ&feature=PlayList&p=C0B141992D65C691&index=6

Rushes Sequences - Doug Rushkoff interview

Doug Rushkoff is an author, teacher, columnist and media theorist. He met with the programme three ream to discuss the realities of 'free' content and services on the web. 





Digital Revolution (now titled virtual revolution) is an 'open source' documentary being produced by the BBC looking at how the internet is changing the world. Its creators are opening up the production process for interaction with the public. You can view the video above or read the transcript of it here. You can also check out other interviews here.

Life Lessons from an Ad Man and how to add intangible value without change

This is a witty 15 minute presentation on the "Life Lessons from an Ad Man." Particularly, at the 12:00 minute mark is a great example of how to add intangible added value without changing a product. Basically, finding new ways to reinvent the same mundane thing. There is a commercial for the product along with a customer feedback clip.

http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/rory_sutherland_life_lessons_from_an_ad_man.html

CES 2010: Ford unveils Tweeting car

Alan Mulally, Ford’s chief executive, said the company will produce a range of vehicles which can read motorist's twitter messages to them as they drive down the street.

Drivers may even be able to Tweet replies as the cars will feature voice recognition technology. But composing Tweets will not be possible on the first models, due out in the US later this year, because of safety fears.

However, Doug VanDagens, Ford's global director of connected services, said people currently read Twitter feeds while they are driving anyway, and the new system would increase road safety by enabling motorists to keep both hands on the wheel.US Road safety group the AAA warned that the new technology could put lives at risk. "The more things that are going on in a vehicle, the more things can distract a driver," a spokeswoman said. "You only have so much attention to give, and we really want everyone to keep their attention on the roadway for safety reasons."

"We take what people do – they talk on the phone, they fumble with mp3 players, they look at maps. We take these activities and make them safer," he said.

The tweeter function is part of Ford’s plan to connect cars to the internet. Ford said drivers will also be able to stream music live from Panadora, a website similar to Last.fm.

The technology, developed in partnership with Microsoft, works by connecting an on-board computer to a mobile phone with 3G internet browsing capabilities.

In a speech at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas said the technology, called Sync, is designed to allow drivers to attend to their social lives, "all while keeping their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel."

*The story above appears on telegraph.co.uk and can be found here.

Jack in the Box targets different audiences

Recently announcing a new company logo and website and updating progress on other corporate initiatives, Jack in the box has created a new TV campaign that speaks to different demographics.

Target 1:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FoyOvc4wS4&feature=related

Related:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7NgfXurnOA&feature=related

Target 2:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1aSkd1HZiI

Indian Politician Narayan Dutt Tiwari

Last week the a scandal involving 86 year old Indian politician Narayan Dutt Tiwari broke. You can listen to a version of the story that aired on NPR's morning Edition here: 86-Year-Old At Heart of Indian Political Sex Scandal

Another version of the story in The London Times: Narayan Dutt Tiwari, 86, resigns after 'cavorting with three young women'.

While in America it is common practice to air the sexual lives of our public figures (Tiger Woods, David Letterman) and even our public officials (Bill Clinton, Mark Sanford) this is not standard practice in India.

As India continues to grow and develop as a nation it's media systems are intricately tied to this process. Some critics have indicated that broadcast of a scandal of this type, designed to humiliate the politician, are a sign of the extremely competitive market that Indian news and television media find themselves working in.

Possible discussion points:

How do you view the Indian news media for it's coverage of this scandal? Do you feel they were remiss in not exposing the sexual exploits of their politicians sooner? Was their news industry in a better position to inform the public by not breaking scandals such as this?

How does this compare to the media system in the U.S? If you grew up outside of the United States or lived outside of the United States for a period of time how does this compare to that other news market and media system? Are breaking scandals such as this common? Are politicians more scandalized by stories tied to direct government corruption (taking bribes, spending government money on political favors, etc)?

Your own discussion points.

NBC & Leno - what is the point of towing the line?

Ever since NBC made the decision to move Leno to prime time the world of media professionals has been waiting with bated breath to see what the experiment would yield.

New York Times 12/08 - Where is Leno Going? To Prime Time on NBC
Advertising Age 09/09 - Whatever the Ratings, Leno's Show is the Future of Broadcast.
(note that in order to access the Advertising Age article you will need to sign in to the University Library Article Database using your 7 digit student ID)

While The Jay Leno Show was significantly cheaper to produce than an hour long drama that would typically air in the same time slot, it's doesn't appear to be very clear to anyone outside NBC why they would continue to ride such low ratings for such a long period.
Jay Leno in primetime review: newyorker.com

CBS has publicly recognized that they and other networks have reaped the viewership that NBC hemorrhaged during this experiment: CBS Chief: Failed Leno/NBC experiment boosted CBS.

Advertising Age's John Rash offers some reasons as to why Leno was not working at his new time slot and what a blank canvas might mean: The Rash Report Peacock Network Appears to Call and Audible on Day of Big Game.

With a failed experiment on their hands that, according to the LA Times, some TV veterans estimate to be close to a $200 million dollar mistake. How Zucker's Leno quick fix got NBC into a quagmire - latimes.com

Possible discussion points:

What long term and short term effects to you see this having on NBC and its' affiliate stations?

Did the failure of Leno's show negatively impact NBC's affiliate stations? How large of an impact do you think this ultimately had on O'Brien in The Tonight Show seat? Be sure to support your opinion.

Is this a sign that "reality television" programming (which is often much less expensive to produce) will be unable to replace the scripted show? Or was this experiment just a bad example? What adjustments could have been made?

Why does NBC continue to maintain that this has not been a failure?

How do you see this relating to GM's recent sale of NBC to Comcast?

Your own discussion topics / questions.

Posting of additional resources

I am going to be posting a series of links that will connect you with articles, videos, podcasts, etc that you may find interesting or will aid you in contributing to classroom discussion.

While you do not need to check this blog everyday, it will offer information to help you prepare for class. By reviewing posts of topics that are of particular interest to you it will allow you to connect with classmates with these same interests. You will be able to work with one another via the comment portion of this blog, offering different insights and perspectives on the same topics.

Remember that additional insight or even disagreement offers us the opportunity for positive interaction. Constant agreement is boring - so feel encouraged to offer different perspectives in a respectful and constructive manner. Maybe you found another source that you would like your classmates to review when considering the post, maybe you read an article that is in direct opposition to the one posted here and would like to address some of those points.

Once I invite each of you to act as contributing authors to the blog you will be able to publish your own posts for evaluation, review and discussion.

If you have any questions please let me know!

-Tyann Cherry
cherry@webster.edu

OUR ROOM HAS MOVED - CLASS IN SVER 254

Hi All,

Our room number has changed for the Spring I session. Instead of meeting in Webster Hall we will be meeting in Sverdrup 254. You can find Sverdrup (Building number 8) on the campus map here: http://www.webster.edu/campusmap/

See you Thursday!

-Tyann Cherry