Week 9 Sound Recording, Music and Radio

Topic 1: Music's Influence 

1. As long as I can remember I have always had an interest for unique types of music and artists, for example, when I was 9 everyone my age was listening to Spice girls and Backstreet Boys, while I was listening to KK Project "I Like to Move it Move it" and all of the Daft Punk tracks, I loved it! Since then I have grown to love electronic dance music, as a pre- teen I would pretend to be the family's DJ and make mixtapes of dance songs and play them at our birthday parties, my young siblings thought I was the coolest, but my friends did not. They would constantly poke fun at my choice of music and becoming a DJ, it wasn't until a few years back that EDM became well known due to shows such as, Jersey Shore, and any other reality tv show that incorporated fist pumping. So when this happened a few of my friends would ask me "Hey have you heard this new cool song it is awesome" and in an irritated tone I would respond with "Yes, it came out last year it's not new". But it wasn't until a few years back when I stumbled upon a video called "I Fink U Freeky" by Die Antwoord, that I actually got a few judgemental eyebrow raises especially from my parents who have always encouraged my weirdness, but this was a little too weird for their taste.

• At nine years old my music interest was :https://youtu.be/7exajMfNiFQ
• At thirteen years old my music interest was:https://youtu.be/I1CNMehM6Jw  
• At twenty years old my music interest was:https://youtu.be/8Uee_mcxvrw
• Currently my music interest is:https://youtu.be/uiyUOrr5Ieo?list=RDEMaYDnWhHgHSChlgM_uAoOsQ  and https://youtu.be/E5kJDWQSBUk

2. In high school when my friends were extremely judgmental of my music choices it would bother me but soon after I began college I couldn't care less. But a few years back when I shared the "I Fink U Freeky" video with my parents, I felt like a complete weirdo especially after their raised eyebrows and judgmental expressions alongside their "that's too weird and creepy, is that even music?" remark. So I did what I knew best and read the comments to see how many weirdos their where that enjoyed the video as much as I did and to my surprise there was allot, so that made me feel better.

3. My favorite music genre is EDM, some of my favorite artists include; Martin Garrix, Swedish House Mafia, Deorro, Dimitri Vegas, and Major Lazer.


Topic 2: Campus Radio 

1. I believe it is a great idea, a campus radio would be an amazing opportunity for those who are interested in music and radio to begin advancing in their potential career path while attending LBCC. It would also be great for everyone to listen in on what students are listening to and maybe find a common ground with different crows of individuals, and keep in touch with daily activities going on at the campus because not everyone checks their school email every day or reads the posters posted on the halls.

2. The two platforms the campus radio should adapt are; online podcast, and a phone app. The online podcast would be able to be accessed through phone or laptop, and the app would be available for your phone which would be easily accessible. The online podcast would be specific to LBCC community of students with pictures and comments next to recommended songs and artists. The phone app would not only provide a range of songs and artist students recommend but also their ratings within the LBCC community. In the app it would also notify students of upcoming events and weekly personal surveys on artists and songs.

3. The campus radio should be funded by the phone app sales, advertisements included on the app, and monthly student fundraising and music awareness gatherings. For example, the committee putting this app together should search for local companies who are willing to pay them for the advertisement of their company. In addition, monthly music performances, such as DJs, bands, instrument players and singers, can put on a monthly show in a popular location and charge for entry, while the venue benefits from the purchases made by the students, the campus radio benefits from ticket sales.  

Magazines, Books and the Power of Print

Topic 1: Banned Books and Your Bookshelf 

1. A few of the books that I have read and are listed in the ALA list are; Of Mice and Men, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, and To Kill a Mockingbird. I read Of Mice and Men in the eighth grade, as I reflect upon my memories of the book I don't believe it was vulgar or violent for a class of 13-14 year olds, as if pre-teens haven't heard of offensive language, racial slurs and violence. I liked the book, it had a very sad and realistic ending which reflected the Great Depression. I also read I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and To Kill a Mockingbird in high school, that's when I started to read more of Maya Angelou's books as well. I also remember having my mom sign a permission slip in order for me to read these books, and of course she signed it. My parents never believed in banning books they actually encouraged me to read more of them ,saying that in order for our minds to grow we need to enlighten our imagination with new ideas and different ways of thinking, and so I did.

2. Individuals have the right to pick and choose what books they personally don't agree with and refrain from reading them, but to ban and challenge books based on individuals beliefs is erroneous, because by doing so whe are preventing the authors of these banned and challenged books from freely expressing themselves and instead restricting the content that can be published based solemnly  on beliefs and not the actual meaning of the content produced within the book. Access to any kind of book should never be limited, these books that are being banned and challenged don't oppose any kind of threat to an adolescent or adult mind. They are not intended to influence spouts of violence, rape or foul language, because movies, video games and social media already does a really good job in influencing individuals. Books are gateways into another person's imagination or reality, and I see nothing wrong with having these books available to the general public without any kind of limitation.

3. The majority of books that fill my bookshelf are anatomy books, biology books because I am pursuing a career in the medical field and instead of re-selling my books I keep them for future references. Alongside my school books I have I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou, The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg,  and The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. Although these three books are completely different from one another they tell the same. These books tell stories of personal achievement survival and the will to succeed and move forward in life while adapting to new changes.  What these books tell about me is that I am intrigued by books that enlighten me about other ways people have lived their lives and no matter what they have been faced with they still stand., and although these books are fictional their is some portrayed parallelism between the author and main character.

Topic 2: Magazines

1. The three magazines I enjoy reading are; National Geographic, Time and Women's Health.  I enjoy reading these magazines because they provide me with interesting, factual information and are not loaded with junk with titles such as, "Who Wore it Better" "The Latest Pink Hair Styles You Need this Summer". I enjoy reading magazines that able me to utilize at least two pieces of useful information. What I look for in these magazines are; global crisis topics, personal stories especially those of success,topics that relate to health, well being, and diseases.  Topics and examples that interest me are; poaching of elephants for ivory, the spread of disease around the world, and genetic predispositions due to unhealthy genetically modified food.
 http://www.nationalgeographic.com/tracking-ivory/

http://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/frankenfish



2. The majority of advertisement in the National Geographic consist of donation ads for specific organizations such as the ASPCA. In magazines such as Women's Health advertisements range from womans hygiene and vitamins to laser treatment. Ad publications such as those of the Women's Health magazine try to influence a woman's mind as to what female products to buy next and implement that waxing is old and laser treatment  is better and of course let's not forget Latisse for longer lashes.

Media Product Review Blog Project #2

Wonder Woman 2017

I choose to review Wonder Woman the movie because it  is one of the first lead female superhero movies of our time. Sure there have been female superheroes in the past but none of them have had a chance to be lead characters yet. Growing up I was infatuated with Wonder Woman and Xena the Warrior Princess, I loved to watch those shows because these woman kicked butt and saved the day. Men and boys have a variety of choices; Batman, Superman, Spiderman, Flash, Captain America Thor and many more. Women and girls on the other hand have; Wonder Woman, Super Woman, Catwoman (who actually was a mischievous thief, not a hero), the pink and yellow Power Rangers, Black Widow and Elektra, I am sure there are plenty more female superheroes in the comic books but the ones who have been featured as lead characters in movies are very few  compared to the male superhero movies released each year. The only lead female superheroes who have had their own movies thus far are, Elektra and Wonder Woman. That is why I had to watch it twice, it was that good.

Describe

Wonder Woman was directed by Patty Jenkins. Jenkins began her career as a painter in NYC then transitioned to filmmaking working as a first assistant camera person/focus puller for 8 years. Jenkins then attended AFI in Los Angeles before writing and directing the movie Monster. Jenkins won numerous awards and nominations including best first feature at the 2004 Independent Spirit Awards according to www.imbd.com.

Wonder Woman's lead actress was played by Gal Gadot. Gadot was born in Israel, she served 2 years in the Israeli military, and won Miss Israel is 2004, in addition is also a mother to two young girls. Gadot has acted in many movies such as, Fast and Furious franchise, Date Night, Meet the Joneses, Batman vs Superman Dawn of Justice and Wonder Woman. To prepare for her part as Wonder Woman, Gadot trained in, Kung Fu kickboxing, Capoeira, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and swordsmanship. Her performance as Wonder Woman was recognized as one of the best performances out of the highly anticipated Dawn of Justice 2016 movie.

Wonder Woman takes place in a hidden island called Themyscira away from men and inhabited by the Amazonian race which is made of fierce female warriors who have trained to be fighters their entire life. Diana (Wonder Woman) was sent by Zeus as a weapon to kill Ares (Zeus disobedient and war loving son). Diana's mother Queen Hippolyta forbid Diana from training, until the day came where she believed it was necessary,becoming one of the best warriors in the island. As Diana is trying to figure out her identity and purpose, a plane comes crashing down into the waters of Themyscira, carrying an American Pilot called Steve Trevor, the island was then invaded by the a German ship in search of Steve Trevor. A battle then breaks out and the Amazons fight until all the German militants are dead with the only one surviving being Steve Trevor. Diana then becomes convinced that Ares is alive and thriving on the other side, so she arms herself with the Godkiller sword, her lasso, and suit of armor then heads out to attempt to save the world alongside Steve Trevor.

According to boxofficemojo.com, as of August 9th Wonder Woman has made a total of $400,488, 018, with a production budget of $149 million. During opening week  Wonder Woman ranked # 6 among other highly profitable DC comic movies making $100,505,000.
http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?page=daily&id=wonderwoman.htm

Analyze
Gal Gadot portrayal of Wonder Woman was head on, she was strong, determined and most of all passionate to help humankind. If we compare Gadot's work in Wonder woman to another action packed filmed such as Fast and Furious we are able to see the similarities between the two characters she plays. For example, in the Fast and Furious franchise her character was portrayed as a strong, fearless woman who ultimately gave her life up to save her love interest and crew. In addition, In Wonder Woman Gadot again portrays a strong, fearless, warrior who is willing to give up her life for the greater good. On the other hand, Gadot's character in Meet the Joneses was an undercover spy who is trying to fit in a traditional American town and uses her sexuality as a weapon to lure in her prey. Compared to Wonder Woman, Gadot's character although dressed in flamboyant clothing she does not lure in her prey by using her sexuality instead she fights and amongst what her crew of 4 men are telling her that she can't do it she she still does it.

Wonder Woman is different from other DC comic movie genres because its main character is female and her ultimate purpose is to save humankind just like all other lead male superheroes of her time. I believe their needs to be more female superhero movies, females need to be equally portrayed as heroes instead of damsels in distress, love interests, or assistants such as the female character in Iron Man and Thor. Hopefully this will encourage more female superhero movies to be released eventually balancing male and  female ratio of heroes.

 









Interpretation
Wonder Woman matters because it is revolutionary, it is one of the first films to portray a female lead superhero without the feature of other male superheroes. There is no question as to what the target audience was and my answer is--female.This is also a great eye opener so society can take notice and realize that strong dominant female roles are lacking especially in the comic movie genre. Just as young boys and men enjoy watching male heroes woman and girls do too. What makes this industry think that girls and women wouldn't enjoy watching a female hero save the day? Hopefully with the release of this movie it will lead the way to many more future female superhero movies who will inspire woman and girls to fight for equality and their right to be heard.

In this movie their are no stereotypes or offencive messages, on the contrary I believe this movie is inspiring and there should be more like it. Hopefully it will kick start and end the equality battle women have been fighting for their entire lives.



Evaluation
The strengths in the Wonder Woman movie where, the realistic battle scenes, and the portrayal of her innocence at the beginning of the movie. The weaknesses where, not enough film time portraying the Amazonians, and the lack of further information about Diana further contacting her mother in the island of Themyscira. The realistic and action impacted battle scenes were dark, evil, and full of action they were portrayed perfectly. Seeing Diana's transformation into wonder woman at the end of the movie was a key factor in this movie because at the beginning she doesn't know about war and what it does and how evil the human race actually is, but throughout the movie she begins to understand the concept and is still willing to fight for humankind.The only weakness was that their wasn't enough movie time portraying the Amazonians I wish they would have fought another battle because their fighting strategies were outdated because of their remoteness, regardless they were still extremely strong, fierce, and powerful women. I also wish that it would have shown Diana somehow talking or having closure with her mother in the island, because that part was unclear I wasn't sure if she wasn't allowed back on the island or if she simply choose to never go back and check on them.  

This movie is definitely memorable because it is a first of its kind and empowers all women across the world, and I believe it is some of the best work done by both the director and actress. Here are a few reviews that share my same thought on the movie and its message being send to females across the world.
According to a review from the Chicago Reader,"Jenkins  tries not only to include men on Wonder Woman's side but also to make male viewers feel better about a woman saving them"(Pickett).
According to a review from the New York Observer, "Wonder Woman embraces issues of female power and the need to turn from hate to love, war to peace in a mainstream delivery system. And the female lead is not solely a mother, sister, girlfriend or hooker, however gold her heart: wonder of wonders!"(Adams).
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/wonder_woman_2017/

Engage 
The first time I watched Wonder Woman I was hooked I loved it, and shortly after I convinced my whole family to watch with me again they couldn't agree more, this was an amazing film. The cast of this film couldn't have been better. Gal Gadot did an amazing job portraying wonder woman, she has had many other fighting roles in her previous movies but this is by far her best. The first thing I did was google the main actress and found out that she has two daughters and is Israele, she is also a fitness fanatic. But as far as doing a social media search and youtube search i did not.

Summary
By far Wonder Woman has been the best movie I have seen this year, it is filled with action, female power. I hope this movie sets the tone for more female superhero movies to be released.



 












   

Newspapers and Modern Journalism

Newspapers and Modern Journalism

Topic 1: Newspapers

I usually get my local  news from KPTV FOX 12 and KOIN 6 news online. I would like to believe the news I  am receiving by the stations listed above is credible. I haven't had a problem with the local news being fake, with weather being an exception, I definitely don't trust the weather portion of the news because the meteorologists are just as accurate as my phone , which is not accurate most of the time. Moreover, I definitely trust that the local news I have been receiving is correct, at times I wish certain  news segments would go more into depth, but as far as second guessing if my local news is correct I haven't had the necessity to do so thus far.

I do not subscribe to any online news sources, because the news I receive from KPTV FOX 12 and KOIN 6 is sufficient, and if I need to further educate myself on a specific news topic I look it up online for free. I am not willing to pay because all news information can be found online for free.

At this exact moment I feel like I am at a 3 out of 5. I am definitely more informed in movies, sports, and general public information as opposed to pending legislation and actions by elected representatives. It is quite important to me to be well informed, but lately I have been discouraged to read anything that is related to our government because it has just become such a big disappointment. I believe we as a country have been moving backward instead of forward as if every time we take a step forward we end up taking three steps back, and in a Country as progressive as ours that is just unacceptable. So instead I inform myself on local information, and catch up on movies and sports since I am not a big reality tv junkie. Now is this a healthy and necessary habit for intellectual growth? No, I hope that soon I will feel the need re-engage myself.  For example; the stigma on marijuana is changing for the better, then out of left field all transgender military personnel can't serve in the military. This is an example of our Country taking one step forward and three steps back.

Topic 2: Fake News

I believe the problem with Trump is that he is only identifying "fake news" with news reports that only pertain  to him. He has been singling out news segments that he disagrees with because they are not portraying him how he wants to be portrayed therefore it is"fake news". I don't agree with Trump because according to him everything he dislikes is labeled as  "fake news". In addition according to Chicago Tribune, Trump has been declaring that news stations such as CNN, CBS, ABC, NBC are untrustworthy. Is the news actually fake? no, if news stations continuously broadcasted fake news, they would lose their credibility, and loose their general public population which is bad for business.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/huppke/ct-trump-fake-news-cnn-huppke-20170628-story.html

I would have to agree, I believe Trump is damaging the right of free press especially since he keeps on referring to it as "fake news". I believe he wants the American people to see the press as a nuisance just as he does because it keeps on getting in his way and preventing him from moving forward with his plans.

I believe it is slowly becoming weakened by the Trump administration because they refrain from accepting any information that does not empower Trump, and begin labeling it as false.
https://www.brookings.edu/blog/up-front/2017/02/21/trumps-troubling-relationship-with-the-press/