energy drinks

I was looking through articles in the New York Times and I came across one on Red Bulls and how they won't be selling them anywhere any longer. I love Red Bulls, but I haven't had one in a couple years because of hearing how unhealthy they are. The article was basically saying that athletes, children and college students tend to drink them, and other energy drinks, often and there is no evidence of the drinks have positive or negative long-term effects. After testing, it was found that girls and boys have different body temperature increases, heart rate increases, etc. It was said that althletes should not drink the caffeinated drinks for energy because it actually dehydrates them, and 1/4 of the drink is sugar.

I thought it was interesting for them to say that there are no proven facts as to whether the energy drinks cause issues, yet they're permanently taking Red Bulls off the shelves. Why wouldn't they take all energy drinks out of stores? Why Red Bulls in particular? They didn't really mention why...

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/12/08/phys-ed-do-energy-drinks-improve-athletic-performance/

last class 12.1.10

Last class was fun. We had a guest speaker, Robert Curry, come in who wrote The Last Great Ride screenplay with Paul. I thought it was so interesting learning more about how to write screenplays, and the challenges the writers undergo. I thought it was interesting how the play was completely different from the movie. I still don't understand why people need/want to change the screenplay. Wouldn't it make the movie making part easier? (well, unless there are not enough funds--which is why so many changes possibly occurred while making the movie). Anyways, overall, I thought it was great to read a real screenplay from someone we knew, and to actually hear their strategies and ideas/intentions behind the writing. The challenge for the writers was the mystery part of the movie; I remember reading the screenplay and feeling like the mystery part began and ended to quickly. The entire reading was sweet and simple. I liked it. It was nice to read a new type of medium.

Now the challenge is writing my own. I wrote my treatment and rewrote it, and I felt it was difficult because I tend to add in lots of details. I think the idea is alright; it's organizing my thoughts and summarizing it that makes it so much harder.

last class 11.17.10

During the last class session, we all watched each others' performances/films of the political satires. I thought it was interesting watching them because everyone seemed to enjoy the topics they came up with. Only question I have about the satire my group did, with Obama wanting longer school years, is how would longer school years make a greater quality education for kids when issues outside of school seem to make an enormous impact? It seems to me that our culture is what prevents kids from gaining a quality education.

Since Black Friday is tomorrow, I wanted to find an article on it. I found one in the New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/26/business/26retail.html?_r=1&ref=us. The article gave statistics on how much money was spent last year during the end of the year vs this year so far. It turns out that people are actually spending more this year, which I find interesting because of people seeming to have a hard time with money. Stores are giving out more sales and free money than in the past. They want people to buy, buy, buy. Walmart is competing tremendously by announcing that they will match the costs of Best Buy's or other stores products, just by having people bring in the ad. I did notice last week that I got free $10 to use at JC Penney. I've only seen that promotion at Kohl's, which I love very much, and it does get me to come back and shop some more. It's amazing how companies use the same business methods as others' to get people in their stores. The only places that are not offering big sales are luxury stores, yet they are also increasing in profit in comparison with last year. Only question I have is why/how this is happening? How are people able to spend more this year than last year? And how would luxury stores make more money this year than last year when they aren't coaxing people to visit their stores?

cell phone epidemic

In the New York Times in the Health section, an article on cell phones caught my attention because I was just talking with my husband about the possible damage that cell phones can cause. The article basically gave differing viewpoints from people looking into the affects of cell phone radiation on people. It can possibly lead to brain cancer, especially among the people between the ages of 20 and 29. Kids are way more vulnerable to brain damage than adults because their skulls are not completely thickened. Epidemiologist, Devra Davis, has written a book, Disconnect, on the possible health dangers of cell phone use. She still has not found the answer as to the actual side affects from cell phone use, but she strongly recommends keeping cell phones away from our bodies and head. Our brand new cell phones come in a package with warnings and measurements of the distance to keep the phones from our ears, but most people have never seen it because the instruction books are thrown away or never read.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/14/business/14digi.html?_r=1&ref=health

I heard a nurse speak last year about patient (in his early twenties?) who was in the hospital with cancer of his genitals and they closely associated the cause from his cell phone use because he always kept his phone in the pockets of his pants, and as he drove, he kept his phone between his legs or on his lap. There definitely could be another reason for him having cancer down there, but the doctors believe the cell phone radiation may have been the cause. The question as to whether cell phones cause damage is still being studied and researched by many. I think it is worth it to be looked into.

found negatives--worth $200 million?

I found an interesting article in the New York Times under the Art and Design section. A man living in California, bought $45 worth of black and white negatives, which he claims are lost negatives of Ansel Adams. He was told by an art dealer that they would be worth about $200 million, but after much controversy as to whether they really are Adams', more doubt is arising toward that idea. An unfamous photographer, Earl Brooks is believed to be the photographer, for his niece discovered some prints in her home that are quite similar to the sheet of negatives found at the garage sale. Investigation is still being done on the issue, for Mr. Norsigian strongly believes the one who created the images is Ansel Adams. A question I have is why would someone push the idea that the pictures belong to a famous photographer when they match closely to the works of someone else??

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/10/arts/design/10adams.html?ref=design

last class 11.10.10

In class, we got in our groups to discuss how we would present our political satires. My group decided who we will cast in our short acted out scene in class. We then watched advertisements for the rest of class, and I thought it was interesting how ads really do seem to focus more on the name than the product. The add about Old Spice really made me laugh and I thought it was very creative. I liked how the actor spoke to the viewer the entire time and spoke so fast that we had to pay attention to what he was saying. The ad I wanted to show was shown by someone else. And I don't want TV, so it was hard for me to think of a backup advertisement. I did think of one while driving home after class. It is the Dove advertisement with the woman's face being edited in Photoshop. It's so amazing to watch. I wish I would have thought of it when I was in class. Here is the link!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hibyAJOSW8U

I love the ad because it proves how women are percieved in the media. People see beauty in a certain way, and it is not even reality. Like the line shown at the end of the commercial, our perception of beauty is distorted. I believe that could be a reason why girls are wearing such skimpy Halloween outfits (to answer what was brought up last class). With the media constantly throwing the "perfect woman" at every magazine stand and on all television screens, computer screens, etc., a lot of woman feel they have to look similar (by downgrading themselves) in order to receieve attention from the world because, after all, people don't know what a true, beautiful woman looks like anyways. I'm sure there may be other reasons why women/girls dress the way they do, but I know the media has a huge impact.

Back to the Dove advertisement, I really like the ads they show in magazines with woman of all sizes and skin colors. They all look content with themselves and this is true beauty--happy, healthy, natural. If the world displayed more of these kinds of women, I often wonder about the positive impact it would make on people. And I have always wondered why the media presents the fake women to us--when/why did this even begin?

free contraception

I read an article from Yahoo News on health care providing free contraception. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101031/ap_on_he_me/us_birth_control It was said that, "There is clear and incontrovertible evidence that family planning saves lives and improves health," said obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. David Grimes, an international family planning expert who teaches medicine at the University of North Carolina. "Contraception rivals immunization in dollars saved for every dollar invested. Spacing out children allows for optimal pregnancies and optimal child rearing. Contraception is a prototype of preventive medicine." The cost of birth control is expensive and should not be put on the backs of tax payers when instead there should be a focus on teaching children about not having sex until marriage. Because if you're having sex, you should be responsible enough to consider the possibility of becomming a parent in nine months. The article also declared that, "The Contraceptive CHOICE Project is providing free birth control to as many as 10,000 women, tracking their decisions and the results. About 70 percent have chosen long-acting contraceptives such as IUDs (intrauterine devices) or implants, which are reversible and have a much lower failure rate than pills or condoms." After researching a bit on the intrauterine device, the cons outweighed the pros. Free contraception through health care is expensive, dangerous, and a way to control the population. Three negatives that don't make a positive.

class 10.27.10

In class, we all shared our political satire ideas and gave feedback to each other/asked questions. We then got in groups and narrowed the list of satires down to two. We discussed which idea would be easiest to perform/shoot. My group decided between Jen's on the mid-term election and mine on Obama wanting longer school years. As of right now, we are all emailing and deciding which idea would work best and improving it. Only question I have is why the satires have to be like other ones that have been created. Or was it that the satires need to be based off the news and what has already happened with what the satire is about? I feel like too many people are focused on Sarah Palin and Hillary Clinton.

hormone creams: they harm pets and kids

While reading articles from the New York Times, I came across a very interesting one about how kids and pets can be affected by hormone creams. http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/10/25/when-hormone-creams-expose-others-to-risks/?ref=health The article mentioned the creams are used by women during meno-pause. They apply it on their arms and legs, and when their pets rub against them or lick the cream off their skin, they undergo the symptoms of being in heat--even after they've been spayed. The owners had been bringing the dogs and cats to the vet, in hopes of figuring out the issue. When asked by the doctors if the dogs/cats had been exposed to any sort of estrogen product, the owners said no without realizing that their hormone cream could have been the culprit. After finally realizing that theor creams had been affecting their pets, the vets were able to fix the issue by telling the owner to get rid of the product or make sure it is used properly on the skin and hidden underneath clothing. An estrogen spray was said to increase the hormonal changes in young girls, causing them to hit puberty prematurely and have enlarged breasts. People were given a warning over the summmer about the hormone creams/gels/sprays and how they have affected people.

class 10.20.10

Last class, we spent about an hour in a female vs male debate. I thought it was interesting hearing everyone's perspectives on whether females should change their last names in marriage, whether women or men are typically seen as hard-headed, and hearing comments thrown out from both guys and girls when they did not agree on statements made about males and females. One thing I did not like about the debate was how one of the female teachers reacted to a lot that was said. She basically said that girls are ridiculous if they take their husband's last name or if they submit to their husband. She was all about women power, and I don't agree with it...maybe that's a reason why many marriages fail--because of women wanting to overpower their husbands.

Why do women see it as a bad thing to take their husband's last name?

Anyways, after listening to the debate, we got in groups and read our political satires outloud. I got better feedback than I thought I'd get, but now I need to add in a bit extra that will possibly make it better. Once back in class, I heard students say that they cared about politics and think it is important, yet they don't care to learn about it. Or others straight out said they're not interested in politics. I never used to be interested in politics up until about two years ago. My family never ever talked about politics while I grew up. When I took government as a senior in high school, I began to understand more on how the government works and I found it to be interesting. I was actually excited about it. But it wasn't until a few years later when I hung out with my husband's family for a couple years. They are very into politics and I have learned a lot from them. I want to keep learning about our country and political issues. I think it is surprising/scary to see that students don't care about politics. I'm glad that I've grown an interest in it, and I have a ton to learn.

the centenarians

I just found an amazing article/documentary from the New York Times website under the health category: http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/10/19/health/20101018-centenarians-voices-photos.html?ref=health It brought me to photos of 8 elderly people between the ages 98-103. The major thing that captivated me was the photos. Clicking through the photos of each person really pulled me in and made me want to learn about each person. So I listened to each person's recording and I really enjoyed what I heard. Each of them had a different outlook on themselves and toward life. One woman, Travilla Deming, was one of my favorites because she had such a positive attitude toward life and being old. She said she never let the negative parts of life bring her down; she decided she would move past the bad times. She also said she had such a happy marriage and that she and her husband grew together with little money and wore designer clothing from thrift stores. She and her husband were real excited about finding clothing, for less money, that everyone else was wearing. I was so touched listening to her and the other seven people. They had advice on how to stay old--genetics play a big part; eating healthy; taking care of your body; being happy. One man said how he suddenly was beginning to talk to people more and he enjoys it since he grew up as an introvert. Another woman said that she feels she is in the world for no reason because she is so old and cannot do anything for anyone else. I disagree with her on that since God has us here for a reason. I thought, overall, it was just so amazing to take time and listen to people who have lived even through the depression and have seen the times change right before their eyes over such a vast period of time and hear their perspectives on life and what it is like to be old. Only one woman sounded like she was having a hard time speaking. She was 103, but looked much younger. Another woman said she is shocked to find people so surprised when they hear her speak; she said it seems as though they expect her to not have a voice just because she is so old. I thought that was interesting because most of them sounded no different than a 60 or 70 year-old. And they all looked so stylish and ready for the cameras. I'm impressed with people like that. It reminds me of my grandma (80) and step-grandfather (90). They're getting up there, too. This was such a great documentary to see/hear!

class 10.13.10

In class, we watched videos showing political satire and talked about what political satire is and how people can respond to it differently. I find it to be funny when I understand the topic, but most of the time, I don't quite see the satire because I am not into politics and I have a hard time even taking in all of the political vocabulary. Some people in class believe political satire is delightful entertainment; others believe it can have negative affects on those who do not know much about politics and cause them to base their political views on the sarcasm and making-fun-of-others they see in the media. For me, being one who is not into politics at all, if I see political satire and don't laugh or respond to it in any way, I become curious as to why I'm not "getting it", and then I want to research and learn about it. Because once I learn about the issue, I decide how I feel about it and then naturally feel a certain way about the satire.

How are politicians impacted by political satire?

We were told in class that the media leaves out important issues that are going on around us. I thought about how I go on the internet and I am constantly showed headlines for articles on celebrities, million-dollar homes, and gossip, so I totally find that to be true.

political satire

http://www.apoliticus.com/2010/04/congress-hires-illegal-immigrants-to-write-immigration-bill/

graphene

I read an interesting article from the New York Times on two England physicists who won a Nobel Prize in physics for discovering graphene. The author of the article said, "Graphene is a form of carbon in which the atoms are arranged in a flat hexagon lattice like microscopic chicken wire, a single atom thick. It is not only the thinnest material in the world, but also one of the strongest and hardest" (Overbye). The pysicists used scotch tape to pull off layers of pencil lead graphite until they got the flakes of graphene down to the size of an atom. It was said that graphene is incredibly strong; if a layer of graphene were the width of plastic wrap, and then placed over a cup, a truck's weight would be supported if it were on top of it. Also it was said that graphene will be able to conduct electricity and heat better than anything that has ever been used before. It will improve other products, too--computer chips and television screens being a couple. I think it is so incredible when new discoveries are made in the world. I thought it was funny that the English men used scotch tape--such a simple, everyday object--to help discover the quality within pencil lead. I'm intersted to see how graphene will make a difference in the future; hopefully it won't take too long before they start making use out of it.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/06/science/06nobel.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=graphene&st=cse

gap's new logo

I can't believe Gap's new logo. http://www.gap.com/ I noticed an article from yahoo news and I went to Gap's website and I couldn't believe it! Ugh! Why they would get a new logo is a mystery to me...why they would create a logo that looks like clipart from microsoft word is more of a mystery...the blue gradient and placement of the square is odd. The gradient itself is questionable. Just why?? The font does not bother me so much...although their original one made them stand out as the clothing store. I don't shop at Gap; I never have. But their previous logo had nothing wrong with it. You saw it and knew it was a clothing store. It was so universal. Everyone knew what it was. Now it looks like someone hacked onto their website and threw some ugly logo on there. Actually, I'd rather that happen because then that'd mean it's not for real.

class 10.6.10

During last class, we got in groups and read each other our treatments. I believe it has helped me to realize where my writing/ideas are weak. It was helpful to see that the organization of my treatment would have made the storyline make more sense. My group members were too distracted by the disorganization. To me it made sense of course but that's only because I could see the movie playing in my head. They couldn't, so it was good to hear their comments on how I could improve the writing composition. The only thing hard about meeting in groups is having others read your paper. They tend not to read it clearly or they skip over words and I don't feel it helps me very much. But maybe that's just me...In the writing center, they have you read your own paper and it has helped me more doing it that way.

hmmm

During last class, we watched some past senior films. I definitely saw improvement. They became more interesting each year. I felt as though I had a better idea of how to revise my first draft, but it's still hard for me to create a narrative for the senior movie without using interviews like the other films had. I know there's a way, but the question I've had is how am I supposed to create a narrative that uses characters that represent all of the Carthage seniors?

I found an article this week from the New York times from Tara-Parker Pope on Health that spoke on rinsing vegetables. I was interested in reading it because I buy fruits and vegetables each week and I always like to make sure I wash them I recently wondered to myself if rinsing them off with water is good enough. Interestingly, the article claimed that using tap water (rather than soap/vegetable and fruit wash) along with a small use of mild vinegar cleans the produce as the friction helps clean it. It was also said that the water temperature is not important, but actually scrubbing them will help clean them.

Another article was on the topic of Insulin and how it was first introduced in 1922. The article was also in the New York Times and it reminded me of two family members with diabetes. Insulin is one of the greatest medicines that's been used and has almost forgotten as being such an amazing life saver.

treatment ideas

Go-Carthage

They’ve almost reached the end. It’s mid-May and they’re finishing up their last task at boot camp Carthage. All of their hard work and late-night studying will finally pay off. It’s another busy day as Carthage students march to their classes along the sparkling lakeside. Seniors are preparing for their greatest moment of achievement—graduation. They remember their past semesters of training and being pushed to take full course loads. They learned to complete tasks on time, and how to seek excellence and self-discipline. They were trained to seek truth, build strength, and inspire service as a community. This year’s seniors have been prepared for their futures.

History Makers

Carthage senior, Amanda, is walking down the sidewalk on her way to class. It is mid-May; the sun is shining and the sparkling lake blows a cool breeze across the campus. As Amanda continues to walk, she looks at the few students walking toward her, and then looks over to the car driving by. She then starts to look over toward the Abraham Lincoln statue and—wait, he’s not there. Amanda looks confused but continues walking to class.

This year at Carthage, history makers and Carthage alumni have made a special visit to speak with the graduating seniors. Not only have they come to pour forth their advice and encouragement, but some will be able to share some of their own experiences they’ve had at Carthage. They’ve made their marks in history and they’re prepared to offer their support to the seniors who shall become history makers themselves. Carthage alumni are on campus and ready to meet and learn about the seniors and all they’ve experienced as college students. They hope to pour forth their wisdom and encouragement to the graduates as they are about to enter a new avenue of their lives. Also, Abraham Lincoln is available to speak with the seniors outside the Straz building.

obama wants longer school years

A few days ago, as I was logging in my email, I stumbled across an article on Yahoo news about Obama wanting longer school years because the American students are not excelling in math and science, as he compares us with other countries. "Whether jobs are created here, high-end jobs that support families and support the future of the American people, is going to depend on whether or not we can do something about these schools," he said. I definitely do not agree with longer schooling. I don't see how keeping kids in school longer would bring forth a positive impact on America. I believe the homes have a big influence on whether learning is valued. And with so many single parents out there (coming from a family like that myself), there seems to be more of a focus to make money and supply a home and food for one's children. I've seen a major difference with homeschooling, for example. I know of a family with happily married parents, and the mother stays home with her kids all day and gives them each a quality education. For fun, the kids read! They go to the library, they keep up with the news, and they visit museums. When I think of America as a whole, I see a lack of care for learning. Learning is something that should happen whether one is in school or not. In my opinion, people in general are lazy. Most are overweight. So much time is spent watching television and/or playing video games. My siblings are in high school and it is hard enough to keep them in school. I don't see how making them stay in school longer would give them a quality education. Learning should be a lifestyle.

yuck--bugs

It was mentioned in a New York Times article entitled, "Move Over, Bedubugs: Stinkbugs Have Landed," that brown Stinkbugs have been found in large masses in the Mid. Atlantic states. Crops are being damaged and homes are being taken over by the shield-back bugs. People are having a tough time trying to get rid of them because they continue to reproduce and they are not being killed naturally by any other insects/animals. It was said that much money is poured into research to try and find a solution for getting rid of the bugs for good. The stinkbugs have not been known to hurt anyone or bring about any health issues, but they are hurting crops and people will possibly need to raise their prices next year to make up for what they've lost so far.

After reading the article, I thought how amazing this little bug is. It is so tiny, yet it stinks like a skunk and is currently taking over people's homes and orchards. It reminds me of a plague you'd read from the Bible. It's creepy, especially since they've been found in 15 of the states already. Supposedly, they've arrived from Asia and a certian Asian wasp is known to kill their eggs and decrease their population. It'd be dangerous for researchers to bring the wasps here to get rid of these pesky bugs, so I'm interested to know how this situation will be taken care of.

9.25.10

After class on Wednesday, I felt a bit overwhelmed because of the assignment I was given on having to write a treatment for the commencement film. So I have spent the last few days just thinking about ideas throughout the day before I start to write the treatment. Sometimes I have to do that, otherwise I will stress myself out when I sit in front of a blank word document for an hour because I cannot think of anything to write about. I remember writing treatments in Digital Cinema and I always got points taken off because I added too many unnecessary details. It's hard for me to write a story that is straight to the point without adding in little details. I can't even do that when I talk.

I do know that even though this assignment will be tough, I will benefit from it in the longrun. I want to prove to myself that I can do it. The class wouldn't be worth it if it weren't a challenge.

Moving on to media in the New York Times, I have been reading several articles over the past three weeks. I just haven't been writing about them. The one's I found to be most interesting were of: Michelle Obama and her wanting the public schools to provide healthy meals for students because the obesity that's on the rise; genetically engineered salmon; and a major vehicle crash leaving 6 people dead (including a pastor and his wife of a small church).

With Michelle Obama and her idea of having healthy foods provided in public schools sounds like a great idea, but honestly I don't think it will make much of a difference if the kids aren't eating healthy at home before school, after school and on the weekends. I believe it'd make more of a difference if parents were involved with the health of their children. With the amount of single parents in our country today, just making sure they can provide food for their children can be more of a focus than worrying about whether it's healthy. More health classes provided for students from an early age might also help.

The article on the genetically engineered salmon kind of grossed me out. The article was written on the 20th and covered the debate on whether the fish should be labeled that it was gentically engineered or not. The author of the article said that it would be the "first genetically engineered animal to enter the American food supply." If God gives animals the ability to naturally grow on their own, why would I want to eat it if it had been altered by a human?

I also read an article on a group of church members who suddenly lost their lives/became critically injured on a short trip to visit another church's anniversary celebration. The pastor and his wife were two who died, leaving their small hometown church of about 50 people devistated. Another woman who died on the van was the pastor's sister--mother of the pastor of the church they were going to visit. The wheel on the 10+ year old van popped off while in motion, causing the van to flip over a few times and land on its roof. What I thought was most interesting in the article was the last sentence when someone said they did not understand why this terrible thing would happen, and that even through the shock and sadness, God had a plan.

9.16.10

This past summer, I visited rateyourprofessor.com for the first time. I searched for a professor I had last semester who I can't believe is even allowed to be a teacher. It turned out that 95% of his comments were negative--and there were more comments on him than I'd seen from the handful of the other teachers I looked up. I began to wonder if he, or any other teachers, ever go to this website and see how they are being rated. It made me wonder how the comments would make them feel. Would they be able to push past it and not let it bother them? or would they be impacted by it?

Then, some weeks later, I was wandering around Netflix and found the movie Stricken because I was curious to see if my teacher's movie made it on there. I read the feedback from several viewers and most of the comments were negative. It made me wonder if Paul Chilsen had been impacted by the negative comments he'd recieved by others who had viewed this movie. In person he seems like a cool, professional strong-minded person, but it still made me wonder if it could have effected him in any way.

I then had a long conversation with my Uncle Gary last Tuesday about critics. We switched from topic to topic, covering about 20 within three hours. Boy, that time went by so quickly. We ended up covering the topic on how critics impact directors, actors and actresses. We wondered if they would be able to brush off anything negative said about them or not? He told me to watch the movie Heckler. I haven't done so yet.

I just thought it was interesting how at three different times throughout the summer I have been wondering about the effects of criticism.