HUMN 341_Hudgins_Mod 5.1

Pop Icon

Hannah Montana

In the early 2000's, America was introduced to two teen sensations, Brittney Spears and Christina Aguilera. Those two pop stars were able to generate sold out concerts and blockbuster songs. They both had a huge following of teenage fans. Their music has developed into music that is for a different age group now and that leaves room for another amazing star to capture the attention of teenagers and younger children alike.

Hannah Montana, aka Miley Cyus, has broken through and now has become the hottest ticket out there. Montana is a star of a Disney hit sitcom who places her as a school student who lives a double life as a secret music star. She is also a chart topping pop idol who's concerts have sold out within minutes, and tickets being very hard to come by. According to St. Clair (2007) "floor tickets to Saturday's Allstate Arena are going for as much as $4500". Alot of people are paying that much to get their kids in to see one of the hottest shows in the country.

Miley Cyrus, is the daughter of country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, who is known for his hit song "Achy Breaky Heart". Billy Ray Cyrus also acts in his daughter's television show. He must be very proud of his daughters accomplishments and popularity.

I have never watched the show or heard any of the music, but I hear of the star alot on the news and from my younger family members who are very much into the show and her music. Hannah Montana is a star and a pop icon for the younger generation. It will only be a mater of time when she is replaced by someone new but until then she can enjoy being the newest pop star and Disney can enjoy the profits she is making for them. I just hope she stays on the right track unlike a once "has been" pop star, if you know who I mean.

References

St. Clair, S. (2007). Parents scramble for Hannah Montana tickets. Chicago Tribune. Retrieved

December 8, 2007, from http://www.chicagotribune.com.

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Journal Article Analysis
There are many television talk shows on the air these days. Every single day the topic changes on each show, we meet new people like all of us. Then the question arises: do these shows do any good for the people on it, and society in general? They do, in fact, seem as of the show helps to an extent, but there is and underlying truth to the talk shows.
An average person might not notice the simple effects of talk shows. But as Abt, and Seesholtz (1994) point out:
To experience the virtual realities of television talk shows is to confront a crisis in the
social construction of reality. Television talk shows create audiences by breaking cultural
rules, by managed shocks, by shifting our conceptions of what is acceptable, by
transforming our ideas about what is possible, by undermining the bases for cultural
judgment, by redefining deviance, and appropriate reactions to it, by eroding social
barriers, inhibitions and cultural distinctions. (p. 171)
This article that was analyzed was written to discuss the hidden facts behind talk shows, shows that America loves to watch. It is shocking to realize that many people enjoy these shows based on watching people reveal secrets about their personal life. Television talk shows just cannot talk about issues with the country, problems facing the world, or stories about celebrities. The talk shows are aimed at breaking down any type of social barrier and pry into personal lives. As noted by Abt and Seesholtz (1994), “The focus on family values also ignored the less obvious dangers of television talk shows with their incessant focus on personal stories of deviance and transformation of persons into spectacles” (p. 172).
This article explains that all television talk shows are much like real soap operas. The people that go on these shows are asked to reveal deep personal secrets in front of a live audience and, of course, in front of the entire nation. As Abt and Seesholtz (1994) point out, “Everything that is private becomes public, and everything that is public gets reduced to private stories; ordinary life rhythms and routines are ignored” (p. 177). This look into people’s personal lives keeps the audience watching and the show interesting. The hosts of the show and the producers do not care that much what or how much personal secrets people reveal on the show, just as long as it is good enough to make the show profitable and fun for the audience.
The hosts of the show use psychological questioning to get the answers they need. “Traditional boundaries between very private matters and public discussions are continuously breached” (Abt & Seesholtz, 1994, p. 178). The hosts of the talk show may not have the proper credentials to give advice to the persons on the stage, but they do it very well. The hosts of the show also do a very good job keeping the show running smooth. They sometimes stand in the audience to get thoughts on the situation, or they sit right next to the person on the stage and try to console them with positive words, such as: everything will be alright, or we will help you get the help you need. However as Abt and Seesholtz (1994) point out, “In real life someone might also question the sincerity of the host’s exaggerated concern for guests as he or she encourages the breaking down of prophylactic barriers that protect us from incriminating displays” (p. 182).
This article was interesting to read. It explained how television talk shows are damaging our culture. They bring things into the spotlight that should be kept in private. Unfortunately, some people decide to go on the show for a promise of help, which they sometimes get, but they do not truly understand that they are victims of the television world’s rating games. The better and darker the secrets, the more people will watch the show and higher ratings will be obtained for the show.

References
Abt, V. & Seesholtz, M. (1994). The shameless world of Phil, Sally and Oprah: Television talk
shows and the deconstruction of society. Journal of Popular Culture, 28, 171-191.

HUMN 341_Hudgins_Mod 4.1

The Ultimate Gaming Experience

Does anyone remember the Atari, or Sega Genesis, or even Nintendo? I have, and what a difference technology has made with the different types of gaming systems. There has been significant changes in the visual graphics, audio, and a few extras. One of the latest systems to hit the market is the Sony PlayStation 3, also known as the PS3. According to Sony, "the player was launched on November 17, 2006, and was highly anticipated by gamers across the country". Ever since its release date Sony has done quite well with the system but has faced strong competition from other systems such as: Nintendo Wii, and the Microsoft XBox 360.

Ever since the release of the PS3, I have eagerly been waiting for the prices to fall before I bought one. The prices have fallen slightly so I have just recently purchased one from WalMart. The player is great. The unit boasts a Blue Ray Disc drive and provides a true 1080P high definition picture, which makes the graphics on games unbelievable. The unit can also play Blue Ray movies, excellent picture and sound as well. The system also has blue tooth capabilities so that I can connect to my home's wireless network. It has a removable 40gig hard drive. I also got a wireless controller and a Blue Ray movie, Spiderman 3. I can also fill out a rebate to receive 5 more Blue Ray movies for free. You can also store pictures and music on the system.

The Sony PlayStation is a awesome gaming system for anyone that likes to play video games, and for those who want to watch movies in true hi-def. I would not think in a thousand years I would spend that much money on a gaming system, but if you look at it as if you were buying a Blue Ray player and a gaming system it is worth the money. The games and movies are a little pricey but well worth it. You might also find some on sale for a cheaper price. I have enjoyed this system so far, and from alot of people I have spoken to, they have enjoyed it as well. The Sony PlayStation 3 is the ultimate gaming system and in the future the system will only get better.

References

Sony. (2006, November 17). Playstation 3 launches next generation of entertainment in

North America. Retrieved December 1, 2007, from

http://www.us.playstation.com/news/pressreleases.com

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GPS-Mapping out the Holiday's

Every year, around the beginning of the holiday shopping season, all major retailers look to set the standard of what will be the popular items. They take into consideration, what the consumer will spend and most importantly, what the consumer would buy. This year, is the year of electronics and most specifically the GPS navigation systems.
GPS, known as Global Positioning System, is a system of satellites that can locate where you are and have the ability of giving you accurate directions if you need to go somewhere. GPS navigation system does come standard in some makes and models of vehicles, but there are plenty of other vehicles in which it does not. In that case, people have been searching for the best deal for a GPS system.
In the most recent advertisements, most of the large retailers are posting GPS ads on the front cover to highlight the sale price. Most of the prices that I have seen have a deduction in price of $150. Last year, if I can remember correctly, the prices ranged from $250-$450. This year the prices are considerably lower. Here is a listing of some of the sale prices of the GPS systems: hhGregg, $99.97; B&B Appliance, $199.00; Circuit City, $99.99; Linen-n-Things, $99.99; Radio Shack, $129.99; Kmart, $129.99; Walmart, $128.88; Staples, $124.99; Target, $139.00; Best Buy, $119.99; Sears, $139.99; and Sam's Club, $146.78.
Though prices vary on different models, each system basically does the same thing, which lets you know where you are, and tells you where to turn. GPS systems are a very popular item, and the they are slowly taking away the need for maps. The system is, or can be considered easier than a map since it precisely gives you turn by turn instructions. These systems will eventually become more prevalent in every vehicle in America.

References

Black friday sale ads. (2007, November 22). The Cleveland Plain Dealer.

HUMN 341_Hudgins_Mod 2.1

The IPOD Revolution: A Brief History

Do you remember the days when you wanted to listen to music and not bother anyone around you? You would have to put on bulky headphones, and either hold on to or clip on a large Walkman or CD player. Times have changed and so has technology. Thanks to Apple, creators of the IPOD, we now have different ways to listen, store, watch music and videos on a small, "fits in your pocket" music player.

"On October 23, 2001, Apple introduced IPOD, a breakthrough mp3 music player that packs up to 1,000 CD quality songs into an ultra-portable, 6.5 ounce design." Since its release, IPOD has gained tremendous popularity. "On April 9, 2007, Apple announced that the 100 millionth IPOD has been sold, making the IPOD the fastest selling music player in history."

The IPOD has been through a lot of changes over the years. These changes were made to have a better impact for the consumer and to offer additional choices someone might have for their on preferences. "Apple has introduced more than 10 new IPOD models, including five generations of IPOD, two generations of IPOD nano, and two generations of IPOD shuffle."

Apple has made a huge impact on the way we all listen to music. I am a IPOD shuffle owner and my wife is a IPOD nano owner. I am considering purchasing a IPOD touch, which is the latest product that combines mp3, videos, and WIFI capabilities. Apple is continuously enhancing the IPOD line as technology changes. The IPOD has become part of our culture and will be that way for some time to come.

References

IPOD. (2007). Retrieved Friday, November 16, 2007 from http://www.wikipedia.com.

100 Million IPODS Sold. (2007). Retrieved, Friday, November 16, 2007 from http://www.apple.com/pr/library.

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The contemporary icons that I have selected are Lebron James, Tom Brady, and Hillary Clinton. Lebron James is a forward for the basketball team Cleveland Cavaliers. He was drafted by the team immediately after high school, and has led the Cavaliers to playoff appearances including the NBA Finals. Tom Brady is a quarterback for the New England Patriots. He has led the Patriots to three Super Bowls, and is currently guiding the team to an undefeated season so for this year. Hillary Clinton is a First Lady, and a potential presidential candidate. She is the wife of President Bill Clinton, and is currently trying to gain momentum to become the first woman president in the United States.
I have chosen those three icons for many factors. First, they all have shown great leadership skills. They have stood out amongst many to show that they have what it takes to be a leader. Second, they all have set an image for others to follow through their work, and what they have done for the country. Lebron James and Tom Brady are people that younger kids are looking up to; many kids would want to be like them. Hillary is proving to the women in this country the strength of a woman, that a woman can do anything.
These icons mean a lot to me. They have shown me and have given me determination. Granted, a lot of people tend to think that to reach stardom like those stated above, it might be quite impossible. However, with hard work and determination anything could be possible. My icons have proven that to me and it is something that I apply every day.

Assignment 1-4 Black Friday

Black Friday

Timothy Hudgins

HUMN 341

H1WW

Dr. Elisabeth Nixon

November 10, 2007









Black Friday
The day after Thanksgiving, which is known as Black Friday, is one of the busiest shopping days of the year. Many retailers advertise extreme low prices on certain items in their stores that attract numerous amounts of people. These people tend to show up at their desired locations before the store opens wanting to be the first one for the best buys. The culture of what people do on Black Friday has been going on for years and has not changed, it is just a way of life.
The sales that many retailers have attract so many people, that some would stand out in the rain or snow for hours before the store opens. This has been happening for many years, and it has become a way of life for many people. A lot of places have great deals on many items such as: electronics at Best Buy, tools at Sears, and clothes at Macy’s that some just cannot avoid. In addition to the fantastic buys someone would get they would have to deal with a lot of traffic, long lines at checkout, and many people in a rush to get to other places. There are some people that do not go out on Black Friday just for the fact of how busy a place would be, and to avoid the headaches associated with it.
The day, Black Friday, is an important day for retailers. They advertise heavily to get the business that they anticipate. They promote items that they feel the shoppers would go for. This particular day, the retailers know what to expect. It is the culture of people to want to save and buy items that are on sale. It is something everyone has become accustomed to.