Are we really all that influenced by the media?

There is no doubt that the Media is our main source of information. Its when we turn on the news in the morning, drive by a billboard or read the newspaper. Recently, a lot of my teachers have been warning us about the Media and its negative affects. I'd like to look at the other side of it as well.

How much do we even trust the media? As time goes by we seem to realize how slanted and subtlety opinionated all media is. It is extremely difficult to look at things from an objective point of view. Those that can truly do it have an exponential amount of willpower and self-control. If we see a picture of a girl on a magazine where her bones are sticking out most of us know that is not healthy and that girl needs help. We might even find it repulsive. If someone very liberal is bashing someone very conservative or vice versa we know its not the most reliable resource.

My second argument is that people hear what they want to hear. We see what we want to see. For example, an unpleasant threat being ignored. A hardcore republican that refusing to watch anything but Fox news. The media doesn't influence us because we only pay attention to the things we want to anyway.

OK, so maybe these are a bit extreme. In reality nothing is this clear cut. I actually believe that while the media does influence us greatly it does not control our lives. The important thing is you hear both sides before forming a strong opinion.

Click here to read another view on this topic. It is by Mats and its quite interesting.

Thanks for reading!

Now Taking Requests

Some of my friends and followers have interesting new ideas for me to write a blog post on. My next few posts will be in response to your requests :) If you have an idea post it in the comment section. I'd love to hear from you!

A nobel effort at peace prize.

Hey you guys! As you mostly likely know, Barack Obama has received the Nobel Peace Prize. Didn't see that one coming! Don't get me wrong Obama has done his share. He's off to a respectable start. That being said, has there really been a specific even that warrants him for this prize? It's one thing to give someone recognition for starting something with good intentions and a possibility for growth. It is another thing to bestow such an honor upon someone who hasn't "gotten their feet wet" yet.(Compared to other winners)There has to have been another nominee that deserved it more. In my opinion this has little to do with Obama. It's more of a snub at the the Bush Administration.

Any thoughts, ideas, opinions, comments etc? Post em here :)

The Reality of Reality T.V

This isn't a post saying how reality TV isn't real at all. On the contrary I'm saying it is real.

-Reality T.V show contestants often have an idealistic or even unrealistic appearance. The summer TV show More to Love talked about how the average female reality contestant were a size 2 and that's certainly not reality.

It is however, common for the media to have a warped view on reality and put the most attractive and or compelling people on television. That's the true reality of it all. Why should Reality T.V be any different? The only difference is the show doesn't start out completely with scripted action. There is somewhat of an unpredictability factor here.


-Parts of these shows are predetermined and contestants are even given scripts. The real parts are edited out if they are even there at all.

Isn't it true that companies, schools and families retain from sharing information that will make them look terrible? Reality television is the same way. In fact, that just makes it more realistic. The only way to know what is really happening would be to be there yourself. If a contestant said something dreadful about a show that revealed something secret of course the producers will not air it.

-Reality T.V promotes easy success with little work.

In life a select few will always get a lucky break. It may be unfair but it just is.

If you have anything to say about reality TV I'd love to hear it and will offer an alternate point of view if applicable :) Thanks for reading!

Passion for Poetry?

In today's restless world do you feel poetry is becoming obsolete? How many people really stop for awhile, pick up a poetry book and read? I know I love to but I fear I'm the only one. I mean willingly, not for some school project or acting class. There are more types of poetry than the stereotypical "vibrant red roses glistened in the sun light on a bright, cheerful day" If your reading this and going ick!(lol)or screaming get to the point already( ;) ) Know that there is poetry that is more meaningful and confessional I swear! Its really just a matter of finding what you like. If you hate it all why not write some yourself? Anything goes!

Insane, genius or an insane genius.

Hey everyone! Sorry I haven't posted in awhile its been so hectic! Instead of posting a daily blog its going to be whenever I get an idea for a new post. Sometimes it will be more than once a day and sometimes only a few times a week. A special thanks to all of my followers old and new :)



Seneca:
There is no great genius without some touch of madness.

The distance between insanity and genius is measured only by success. -Henry Ward

Oscar Levant:
Insanity is often the logic of an accurate mind over tasked.


Have you ever heard someone speak and thought they were insane? I certainly have, and more often than I should. I had an art teacher once that was crazy. No one ever gave her the time of day. Now she has her pieces displayed in art museums all around the country. Her artwork was simply amazing and truly inspiring. My point here is to give even the most seemingly odd people a chance. Hey, you never know ;)

Global Warming/Climate Change

What are your thoughts on global warming? Do you think its better or worse than we are being told. In my opinion its much worse. As for the people who don't think its exists at this point I don't even know what to tell you. Have you noticed its already cool where you live?(If its going to be fall soon where you live) That may be because the melting icecaps are bringing cold water to your area. My science teacher last year always used to remind us how we are actually causing the next ice age.What do you think our next source of action should be? Clearly more thought has to be put into an alternative energy source. Yes its expensive and time consuming but we don't have much of a choice. I highly recommend The inconvenient truth with Al Gore! There is a ton of material online too. That's your daily dose of reality. Thanks for reading!

Bogus Buys

Hey everyone! Today's topic is the world's current obsession with plaid. Plaid is taking the world by storm. Its everywhere from on the runway to in your bedroom. Personally, I loved the plaid craze at first. Then it slowly took over. It's fashionable and practical but overdone. It gets annoying when young girls are wearing truck driver-like plaid flannel shirts. They end up looking like large dresses.
Are you looking for a plaid alternative? Why not try paisley :)












What do you think about plaid?

Nothing going on today

Have you ever had one of those days where your busy yet nothing gets done? Its was slow going for me today. Kind of blah. Instead of writing an elaborate post today I am going to encourage you to look at the blogs I'm following right now. They have some amazing and compelling content. I'm so behind in blog reading! Want to promote someone else's fantasic blog? Post it here!

Come back tommorow to hear my thoughts on popular products that I believe are useless :)

Thanks for reading!

Today's goals

Its been a few weeks since I started this blog and I would love some feedback! I'm open to all requests and suggestions.



Today's post is about goals. Long term, short term it doesn't matter. All that matters is that you get your idea out there. I find that writing something down makes it more meaningful for me. I have a list of goals that I'm working towards meeting.

Short Term
Survive first month of Sophomore year.
Clean out my bookshelf(I still have old Amelia Bedilia books!)
Focus my blog a bit more.(Right now its sort of general.)
Find new members for a club I love
Master a ludicrously difficult piece on the piano.

Long Term
Get into a respectable college
Find a cause I really enjoy helping in the "real world" , not school and do it!
Learn how to knit and sew properly.(I've been doing it wrong for years. Losing stitches, making a knotted mess etc.)


What are your goals?

The ipod game!

Anyone here want to play an ipod game?
First post your favorite song right now or of all time. If you can't think of one take the most played from your ipod.
Then listen to the song listed in the comment above yours :)
You can go more than once.

I'll start!

Shiny Happy People- R.E.M

Negative into Positive

I hate to see people beating themselves up over something. Most of the time its unnecessary. I believe there is something good in everything, every cloud has its sliver lining, *insert cliche here*. A lot of bad things are just good things in disguise. A failure at one thing can lead to success at another, or at least an opportunity to learn from your mistakes. It can also inspire you to work harder toward your goals. My dance studio used to have a quote on the wall. It was some thing along the lines of "Practice won't make you perfect... but it will make you close."It works with your personality too. My best and worst quality is being stubborn. My point here is to not take every setback or mistake so seriously. It will save everyone a lot of stress in the end. That's your daily dose of reality. Thanks for reading!

You mean there are two?!?!

Where I live there are so many similar stores right next to each other! There are 3 Mexican places in the same area. A phone store is on every corner. We don't have any shoe stores besides the ones in the mall or in other stores. When I went to Lake George last summer there were about 5 mini golf courses, 2 haunted houses and a gazillion ice cream stores(more or less) How can these places thrive with all of the competition nearby? I know that those haunted houses in Lake George give you a deal. If you go to both places you get a discount. The others don't seem to do as well. I would love to know if the people who make these decisions didn't research well enough, don't care they won't make a suitable profit, or just don't have common sense. Aren't there laws against this too many of the same thing in one area? If your buying a space for your business check it out and preferably before you buy it ;)

How many of the stores in your area are too similar?

"Witch Hunts" of Society

Has anyone noticed that when someone is accused of something they have a hard time getting out of the situation. For example, a while ago I was accused of cheating on an elementry school spelling test.(I actually just dropped a bracelet or something. It was one of those snap bracelets and I went to retrieve it lol.) The teacher kept saying your in trouble if you don't admit it. I would be in trouble if I admited it as well. Keep in mind that a person should be innocent until proven gulity. That's your daily dose of reality. Thanks for reading!


Have you ever had a situation like this?

The unexposed

How many of you listen to pop music? Have you heard other genres? It saddens me to see how many of my classmates have never heard of The Who :( If you swear by Britney Spears and Fergie it may be time to at least give another genre a chance. While I am no music guru and I don't expect anyone else to be its good to branch out. Are you a rocker? Why not try late 60s alternative music(I'm totally serious)I finally set aside sometime to listen to some 50s music and I LOVE IT!!!. GO DORIS DAY!. Give it a chance and you may just swipe the new Serena Gomez CD for Master of Puppets ;)!(OK maybe that change is a bit much)That's your daily dose of reality! Thanks for reading!

Oh and if your one of those pop haters(I know your out there) Skip the top 40 and give 80s pop a chance :)

Discussion Question
What type of music do you like best?

Not so Terrible School Books

I'm talking about Catcher in the Rye, To Kill a Mockingbird, Romeo and Juliet etc. How many of them have you read and not despised with every fiber of your being? I have actually enjoyed quite a few. My favorites so far(both those assigned to me and ones that were not) are Animal Farm, Our Town, Hamlet and 1984. I'm a huge fan of George Orwell :) I certainly recommend him. If your still in school and you have to read these books give them a chance. You might even find yourself liking them.
That's your daily dose of reality. Thanks for reading!

Discussion Question
What school books did you like the most?

How to Choose the Perfect Pet

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Anyone who has owned a great pet knows that they become part of the family. A new dog or cat will most likely be with you for over a decade. My cat recently turned ten and he's the best! Here are some things to consider

-What type of animal do you want? Cat, dog, bird, snake, etc. Make sure it suits your life style. If you live by yourself and have a full time job it might be best to go with a cat. They can take care of themselves and won't get too destructive. At the same time who says cats are independent? My cat and other cats I know are needy and love to be pet. On their own terms of course ;)
-What breed do you want(or not want?) This is applies mostly to dogs. If you have small children or other pets don't get a dog known to be aggressive. Dogs such as the golden retriever are known to be gentle and caring. Knowing what breed you are getting helps you predict the disposition of a puppy ahead of time. You also know the health problems common with that particular breed.
-Where will I get my new pet? If you go to a breeder make sure they know what they are doing. A quick back round check won't hurt. I am not really a fan of pet stores. They seem to take care of pets when the store is open and leave them all alone when its closing. I find there are many pets to choose from when I go to a store. As for places that kill the unwanted animals I don't know what to say. It gets me very upset thinking about it. Not buying a pet will leave some animals to die. Buying a pet will save one animal but fund the place so they can put more animals at risk. In the end I guess they should be avoided. Ads are an often overlooked option. There is no telling what you can find. Lastly, my personal favorite, shelters. Shelters are a great place to give an animal a home. There aren't many pure breeds. The animals are typically free but its good to make a donation.

Things to remember

-Pets can be very expensive. Don't take one on if you don't think your ready.
-Animals are time consuming. If you don't have enough time to devote to a new pet stick with fish.
-Get your new pet vet checked ASAP. If they have any medical problems they need to be dealt with right away.
-Owning a pet is a truly rewarding experience. All you have to do is find the right match.

That's your daily dose of reality, thanks for reading!

Dissuasion questions
Have you ever owned a pet? If so what kind :)

Who's looking for a new blog?

Hey everyone! I thought I'd make a post where people can share there blogs in the comment section. I'm always looking for new blogs to follow! Enjoy you guys.

Obama so far

How do you think Barack Obama is doing so far as President? The general American response to him has been positive. There has been a lot of talk about his health care plan. Numerous speculations have been made about whether it would work. So far I like him better than Bush. None of his actions have had me in front of my TV screaming or pulling my hair out. That's always nice. His transition into office was practically seamless and he took action right away. Today I have a few Discussion topics.

Overall, do you support Obama?

What do you think his main priorities should be?

What do you think of the health care plan?

Has he done something you can't stand?

Do you like Biden?

Most importantly.......

Who thinks the Sarah Palin SNL was the most humorous think ever?(See my What an Idiot! post because this moment certainly applies for Palin.)

Thanks for reading!

Favorite Online Stores

On the Internet there are so many places you can buy from. When in doubt we can always go on to the online department stores but there is nothing truly unique about them. I know of a website called 'thinkgeek.com'. Don't worry you don't have to be a geek to enjoy it. It has a myriad of cool items for your computer. It also has games, books, clothes and all sorts of odd gadgets. If you love to be unique this site is for you. The site focuses a lot on electronics so things can get pricey. There is a spectacular clearance section to make up for it. Check it out! That's your daily dose of reality. Thanks for reading!

Discussion Question:
Where do you like to shop online?

What an Idiot!

How many times has someone said something that makes you go ugh what an idiot!?!? For me it's when someone asks if Venezuela is a country(true story!) or Kevin James reacts to a question from Chris Mathews(click title,it never gets old)Maybe its when someone disagrees with your personal views or opinions. It can be a Sarah Palin interview! Whatever the reason let's try to be patient and open. You don't have to be a genius to be sweet, caring, or lovable. That's your daily dose of reality. Thanks for reading!

How to Survive Speaking in Public

Hey guys. Thanks for all of your help so far with this blog. One little comment goes a long way :) It has been a bit tough getting started but its worth the effort! This is my last day of summer vacation. Tomorrow I'm heading back to school. I'm bummed the summer is over but I'm anxious to start the school year. It has me thinking about school last year. The high points and the times that could have been better. Most of my friends lost a lot of sleep over public speaking. It never really bothered me. I thought it could even be fun if I liked what I was talking about. Every one will have to endure public speaking at some point in their lives so I'm making a list of pointers.


Tips~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

-Present your speech with confidence. Dogs can smell fear. An audience can too. Know the facts by heart ahead of time. People will think you know what your talking about.
-If you do make a mistake keep going. No one will notice a mistake unless you make a big deal out of it.
- If your using notes make sure to look up from the paper. Be sure to look up at your audience. Your voice can get muffled while looking down.
-Project your voice. Everyone needs to hear what your saying. Even the people in the back.
-Relax. It will all be over soon enough. In the grand scheme of things the one little speech doesn't matter.
-DO NOT picture the audience in their underwear. I've never tried this one but it doesn't seem like a smart idea.

These and a bit of practice should have you speaking like a pro in no time!

Still scared? Don't worry! A speech will not make you or break you. You might even find yourself enjoying it. That's your daily dose of reality. Thanks for reading!

Television Recycling

In today's blog I'd like to hear all of your opinions on television today in relation to show from decades ago. Most of my favorite television shows aren't the teen favorites of today. I have never seen Gossip Girl(although I have read one of the books) or One Tree Hill. My favorites are the oldies. Mary Tyler Moore Show, One Day at a Time, I Love Lucy, Bewitched etc. If your a teenager and you are reading this why not check some older shows out? They really are great. The more recent ones I like are ,Family Ties, Saved by the Bell and especially Gilmore Girls.

I was watching Mary Tyler Moore and in one episode Phyllis is hitting Mary's table with a chain. They needed it look like an antique. Mary couldn't do it she just kept laughing. OK nothing special there but it sure was funny. I went downstairs and saw my younger brother watching icarly. It was so weird! The main character Carly and her older brother Spencer were hitting something or another with a chain. I had seen the exact same thing 30 minutes ago. That got me thinking about the similarities between the two shows. Mary and her best friend Rhoda reminded me a lot of Carly and her tough friend Sam. Carly and Mary both have a huge conscience. They are sweet and even naive at times. In the end of the icarly theme song Carly does the classic blue hat toss we see in Mary Tyler Moore. It got me thinking that icarly is a modernized, kids version of Mary Tyler Moore.

The second similarity I noticed was that of Wizards of Waverly Place and Bewitched. A mortal married to a wizard/witch. Both families do their best to fit in with everyone else. They try to stay true to their roots while keeping up with school and such at the same time. There is a Larry Tate in Wizards of Waverly Place too ;)

It is common knowledge that television shows often use ideas from from other shows. Its expected. The Partridge Family and Ruby and the Rockets?(They even both have David Cassidy:) The Brady Bunch and Full House? All those medical shows? I just thought I'd get this idea out there. A lot of people don't see the similarities. After all how many people watch both icarly and Mary Tyler Moore. Perhaps a parent would. Or a teen who just really likes old television like me. That brand new show you starting watching may have gotten inspiration from someplace else. Not to say the new ones can't be great in their own right. That's your daily dose of reality. Thanks for reading!

Discussion Questions
What television shows seem similar to you? Share your opinions.

Personality Quizzes

Have you ever taken a personality quiz? If so, why? Is it for reassurance and feedback or just curiosity? Last week a friend and I were taking a quiz. When we were done she didn't like her results so she retook the quiz with different answers. Needless to say that defeats the purpose. I said that these quizzes were just for fun and she should relax. Most of them aren't even accurate. In fact my mom and I were taking a What' s your real age? test and I scored 7 years older than her. There are a few tests that have a valid assessment though. I sent a test that was fairly accurate about me to the people on my buddy list and it was spot on for them too.

You Should Rule Mercury

Close to sun, Mercury has very long days - and is rarely visible to the rest of the solar system. You are perfect to rule Mercury, because you live for the present - and can truly enjoy a day that goes on forever. Like Mercury, you are quick and elusive. Your wit is outstanding, and you can win any verbal sparring match. Some people see you as superficial, but in truth, you just play many roles and have many interests. A great manipulator, you usually get what you want from people. And they're happy to give it to you.

What Planet Should You Rule?

I am apparently Mercury :)

Just remember it doesn't matter what planet you are. Whatever your results are it does not change you in any way. If your a sweetheart and you get results that say your evil, ignore them. That's your daily dose of reality. Thanks for reading!

Discussion Questions:
What planet are you?

When taking a personality quiz do you answer honestly?

Top 10 Things to do When Your Bored

Have you ever found yourself at a complete loss on what to do? If you answered yes this list is for you.


10. Watch old DVDs or videos- Look around the house for the tapes you forgot you had. It can be entertaining and bring back memories. Funny YouTube videos should do the trick as well.
Bonus- If you stumble upon a homemade video you've found something priceless.

9. Call up a friend and make plans- Even if you can not see each other it won't hurt to say hello.
Bonus-This can prevent boredom in the future.

8. Get a new hobby- Planting, skiing, surfing, scrap booking, photography,etc. You have so many choices.
Bonus- You can find something you'll appreciate for the rest of your life!

7. Go on Facebook/Myspace- You can chat with friends, join a group, play games and more.(If you don't have a facebook or myspace this would be the perfect time to make one!)
Bonus- "Five minutes on facebook can often turn into two hours." Before long you'll forget your boredom!

6. Make a resolution- It doesn't have to be New Years to make a goal. It can be anything from deciding on buying a necessity to bettering yourself.
Bonus- If you keep your resolution you have made an improvement and have something to be proud of!

5. Get a new look- Tired of your old look? Maybe its time to mix up your makeup routine or buy a new pair of jeans. In today's economy you don't even have to spend to mix things up. Go window shopping for ideas and bring along some old business cards. When you enter the perfume section of a store spray some on the card!
Bonus- This can be both enjoyable and rewarding!

4. Get ahead- Do you have anything to do for work or school? This can be the perfect time to get ahead on it. Are you an athlete? Practice at improving your skills.
Bonus- You will be thankful you got it done while you had the chance.

3. Volunteer- Spend your free time helping others. Volunteer at a soup kitchen or clean up at a local park. It is a sense of fulfillment you can't get anywhere else. Remember your bored anyway so time is certainly no objection ;)
Bonus- This one should speak for itself.

2. Have a garage sale- A great way to clean out your unwanted stuff. It can get frantic so you won't even have time to be bored.
Bonus-You can treat yourself with the extra cash

1. Make some lists- Write down your favorite actors, books, sports, shampoos, etc. Record places you want to go or things you want to do. Get your family or friends to help out!
Bonus- The possibilities are truly endless so this one can last for hours.

That's your daily dose of reality. Thanks for reading!



Discussion Topics:
What do you do when you have extra free time?

Back to School Schedules

Ah Schedules. Love em, hate em? How many of you have had a mistake in your schedule? I know I have. Once I had two free periods in a row and no electives at all. I didn't get the classes I wanted and I was really upset. I know a guy who ended up without a foreign language, a science or a math. We all know the drill. Then we go with our parents to the school to try to get it fixed or complain on the phone a little. We look at these schedules like the key to our future. We try to peer through the key hole to see what the year will be like. This class will be a piece of cake or AP chemistry will be the death of me. We compare schedules with all of our friends praying that we won't have to deal with P.E alone. Years of this and seeing others go through this has taught me one thing. Patience is key. Instead of waiting by the phone all day to get an update why not go play soccer with your friends or go to the mall? Waiting for my schedule used to drive me crazy. This year in particular it was delayed a few times. When I'm starting to feel fed up I take my cellphone(just in case their is news about it) and run. I just go. It makes me feel better 95% of the time. It will save you, your parent and your guidance counselors a lot of stress. That's your daily dose of reality. Thanks for reading!

Discussion Topics:

Have there ever been mistakes in your school schedule?

What do you do when your stressed out?

Guilty Pleasures

In this first post I would like to address guilty pleasures. My question? Why are they so guilty? Everyone has a time when they indulge in guilty pleasures because they are upset or bored to tears. Then we might get embarrassed or more sad. It just makes falling into a downward spiral easier than it should be. These things seem comforting to us but a bit pathetic at the same time. Whether it be old reality television reruns or 90s boy bands we should be able to have or own tastes without being put down. Together we can start taking the guilt out of guilty pleasures. Remember though, it works both ways. If you see someone eating a little bit of junk food let them be. Your best friend forever who just dedicated an entire wall to Johnny Depp? Give her the chance to get through it herself instead of forcing her through it. It's OK if your having a tough go of it right now. You can reach for that cookie dough ice cream. Its all part of the healing process and your not alone. That being said there is also a time when you have to pull yourself together and leave the guilt(and the old ice cream) in the trash. That's your daily dose of reality. Thanks so much for reading!

Discussion Topic:

What are your guilty pleasures?