Books, Newspapers, Games...

Since the beginning of the semester, my media consumption has changed dramatically. I began the semester, transferring into the department from science majors. Needless to say, the only media I was really a part of involved textbooks and journals. I have always been a gamer, but only when time permitted, which was not very often.

Now being in the MCom department, I find it both necessary, and more interesting to be a stronger, more aware media consumer. I have primarily increased my media consumption through reading more magazines and using the internet more often for both entertainment, and as an informational resource. I actually regularly now check the mercury news online more often than I pick up the newspaper. I hate admitting that one, but I have a laptop now, so it is just as convenient as picking up the paper, well…more convenient.

I have also begun my video game playing a little more, because of the Nintendo Wii release, and have enjoyed it very much! Similarly, I have continued to increase my interest and knowledge in music, studying more on the industry, and not just listening to music. I think the recent closing of Tower Records upset me, and really got me thinking.

As for blogging, I have made a definite transformation. I definitely still have work to do to become more aware in the entire blog world, and I have decided to continue with my blog. With more time on my hands during winter break, I look forward to understanding everything even further. Blogging is something I would have never expected to get into recreationally, and I look forward to other great exposures that will only further my learning in the MCom Department.

I Pod or No Pod?!

When students leave the classroom they can most commonly be seen on their cell phone, or strapping on their I Pod to hear some tunes between classes. It actually took me quite a bit of time to buy an I Pod, one because of the outrageous prices, and two because I am always worried that as soon as I buy one, they will release a smaller and better one. This past year I finally got the Nano for my birthday, but recently I have noticed myself leaving my I Pod at home, and sticking to the music that can be stored on my phone. With the technology of phones increasing, I am interested to see not if, but how quickly Macintosh’s I Pods will become obsolete.

It is obvious that Macintosh has picked up on this issue considering the new release of the I Pod shuffle that can clip onto your belt or pocket. The only two things Macintosh has to offer are size, and memory. If they continue to make it easier to put videos on the I Pod, they may keep selling product.

However, now phones aren’t the only competition. The Zune has now been released. Many relate it to a Macintosh vs. PC. This Zune is fully equipped with FM radio, and has a 3 inch screen, while the I Pod Video has a 2.5 inch screen. The Zune also allows the sharing of music. One can share music with another Zune wirelessly within thirty feet. Not only does it allow this sharing, but it erases the shared music after three days or three listenings, attempting to control illegal sharing of music. If that does not satisfy your music needs, they also offer a monthly $15 unlimited music downloading service. It is comparable in price, and is also stylish.

It is obvious to say, that if the Macintosh team wants to see the I Pod continue they are going to need innovation!!

Image Fading Away...Get Your Own Perfume!

Recently, with holiday shopping at its highest nothing has stood out more to me than commercials and programs involving gift giving. However, while Oprah is promoting GAP’s Red line, and other daytime hosts are offering tips on toys, all I have been able to notice is the flood of commercials promoting colognes and perfumes. Why is it the next big thing for falling celebrities to put out their own line of perfume? They are everywhere!!

This past Monday, I was watching a one hour program, and I began counting the mass amounts of commercials for colognes made by celebrities such as Antonio Banderas, Britney Spears, and Hilary Duff. While these are the commercials that were shown during my program other celebrities with perfumes and colognes include Michael Jordan, Jennifer Lopez, Paris Hilton, Sarah Jessica Parker, and the list has become endless!

Not only do celebrities release these items, but where has Antonio Banderas been? Other than Puss in Boots from Shrek, this cologne is the first I have seen from him in a while!! I firmly believe that putting out colognes is a big red flag for, I am fading away as a celebrity…so please buy my product?! So this holiday season…do you want to smell like Britney, or Paris?!

Why I Appreciate Alarm Clocks!

I think this blog calls for my sometimes disliking of technology. While technology makes our lives go far faster and more efficiently, we are far too reliant on the resource, and I am a prime example of this!! As a 21 year old college student, I use my cell phone for just about everything. I email on it, text message, listen to music, and even use it as an alarm clock. This morning I had a meeting at 9:00, and for a college student, yes, this is far earlier than I would like to wake up. As I arrived to the conference room I noticed the campus seemed emptier, but shrugged my shoulders and viewed it as college students burnt out the week before finals. I then arrived at the conference room, and thought interesting, they are always early to meetings! It was only a matter of minutes until my eyes were glued to the clock on the wall reading 8:10. I glanced at my phone, 9:10, the clock on the nearby coffee pot, 8:10. Sure enough my phone is incorrect, and I have an hour to lounge around and write about my upset tired eyes that desperately wanted that extra hour of sleep. I apologize if this blog seems substance free, but it actually has a great point…no technology can beat a good old alarm clock. Another way to look at the situation…at least satellites didn’t have it going an hour late!!