Vidette?

Technology changes daily, therefore the internet and what is offered through or on the internet changes just as quickly! Similar to the internet and computers, gaming and video games is a continuously growing field. The new Play Station 3 is to be released soon, and is currently running on Ebay for thousands of dollars. Not only do gamers want these products, they want them quick!!

In association with the internet, games like World of Warcraft have virtually transformed gaming into a social network as well. While there are other games of the same concept, gamers have an addiction to this game of World of Warcraft also referred to as WOW.
Players are battling friends, of which they may have never physically met, and now have the option of selecting “one player” but not challenging the computer, and rather challenging others through the internet! It really is a great concept.

It is amazing what video games have become. Nintendo is releasing the Nintendo Wii on November 19. It has already gone on presale, and you could drive by any local EB Games, and see gamers camping out for the pre sale. Anyways, the Nintendo Wii has motion censored controls. With these controls rather than pressing a button to jump, you can hold the controller in one hand, jump, and the game character will jump. I personally enjoy videogames, but their advancements are almost overwhelming, at least on my wallet!!

Who's Crazy?!

There are many aspects of the internet that have caused many to go kind of crazy on many different levels. There are two main types of this “crazy.” The first type of crazy is the type that is completely hooked to the internet. The only form of communication with others is either through an Instant Messaging system, or through their online networking game such as World of Warcraft. They are most commonly found with dark circles weighing down on their eyes. Their coloring may be quite pale, maybe from lack of sunlight, I’m not quite sure. While these are definite exaggerations, a majority of our population completely relies on the internet, which brings me to the next “crazy.”

There is another large population that declares the internet as an evil. These people may or may not have a computer. They also use the internet, but many times just do not know enough about it, and rather than learning they point out a decent list describing why the internet has either corrupted society or controls our society. While they may bring up many valid points, they too will soon become a part of the world in the world wide web!

Who Said T.V. is Only Entertainment?!

Unfortunately, and almost sadly, it took me a quite a while to figure out the three shows that I find most important, but I think I’ve got it. I believe that Dr Phil, The Simpson’s, and Queer as Folk are three important television programs.

As cheesy as it may sound, I truly believe that Dr. Phil is an important television program. Dr. Phil was one of the first shows that made people desire to, and find entertainment out of seeking personal advice. There are many embarrassing, emotional, and real topics that are discussed on this program. The program allows others to see that either others have similar, or worse problems and asking for advice is ok.

As goofy as it may seem, The Simpson’s was and is also an important show. The Simpson’s allowed a younger crowd as well as adults to enjoy a sometimes outrageous cartoon with hidden meaning. Most of the Simpson shows do offer a historic, political, or controversial topic through all of the dry and sometimes vulgar humor. This is a cartoon that has been ongoing season after season, and it is because adults can enjoy the more mature humor and meaning, and a younger crowd can still watch the cartoon. It really is clever how they find ways to make it a history lesson.

As unrealistic as many of these shows seem, shows such as Queer as Folk and The L Word are also important. These shows have give the queer community a voice. While sometimes the nightly partying and random hook ups seem a little out there, people find connections with the characters, and the GLBTQ community is connected to. These shows cross all boundaries, and cover a wide range of topics including hate crimes, death, sickness, single sex marriage and adoption, and more.

Stirring up talk!

There are typically three apparent viewpoints among Howard Stern followers. The first standpoint on Howard Stern is that he is appalling, and anyone in his or her right mind should also be appalled by his work. The second standpoint of Stern is that he is crude and far too explicit but secretly he or she believes Stern is a radio and comic God. These followers are most commonly found listening to Stern through a headset or alone in their car nervous of how loudly they are playing the radio show. Then there are followers, such as my mom, that view Stern as an innovative, dirty, hilarious, talk show Mozart.

As for my standpoint, I view Howard Stern as an innovative radio spokesperson. Howard Stern was one of the first radio celebrities to get people talking on the radio, and was able to grasp them. There were many aspects of the show such as Street Jeopardy in which Stern would address a significant issue (the ignorance and stupidity of our nations commoners), but bring it forth in an entertaining way. Stern was offensive, and because of this either initiated conversation, or simply entertained. There is no doubt that Stern crossed lines of race, sexuality, religion, socio-economic status, and far more, but people reacted to it, and in that sense he was successful in making the radio a communication medium.

One Simple Device

In the past many weeks, we have discussed many forms of media including books, magazines, newspapers, music, and more. Within this time we have also found that the same type of media can be found in various forms. However, what if I told you that almost every form of media could be found in one simple device, and that you probably already own it!

It is amazing to me how the modern day cell phone encompasses so many forms of media. One of the first types of media in our history was the newspaper, and now we can get news feeds through our phone. The next major form of media was the radio, and yes, there are many cell phones of which the plug of a headset will tune you into your favorite radio station. Cell phones can contain your favorite music files so you can dispose of your walk man! Don’t have a way to check your email? Use your cell phone!

On a different level, the advertising that goes along with cell phone distributors is also amazing! Why does everybody have a Motorola Razor? There are still many cell phone companies that are working to gain customers so there are still clever campaigning, and new deals. There still is not necessarily book access or magazine access outside of that of which you can research online. It is amazing however, how much media we receive through such a small device.