Media wants me

My age group is wanted by every marketing firm in the country. We supposedly have alot of income to play with and we always know whats "cool". (If they wanted to know cool they should just look at me) In my opinion, news sites are trying to attractive younger readers because they know we are not reading newspapers. In fact, the newspaper is dying quicker than a goldfish you win at the county fair. They are trying to attract us by adding lots of interactivity. Video, blogs, polls, games and pictures are just a few ways. The young generation does not like to look at boring words all day long. We like flashing lights and moving images. We all suffer from a little bit of ADD. News sites know this so they are constantly trying to find new ways to entertain our wondering minds.

If technology was not a limitation I would have media web pages that were 3-D. You would fire up the computer and the reader would be completely submersed in the world of the website. I think that would attract plenty of readers. PS This is the last blog post for JEM 222. Its been real and I hope they have entertained you Staci and Peggy. If not entertain at least make you crack a smile.

I am always wired

I like books. I actually enjoy sitting and reading a great book in my spare time. Key word being spare which leads me to never actually getting to read, but nonetheless I enjoy it. I know exactly why books are not very popular among young people. I see their downfall. Its the lack of interactivity. When you read a book it is up to you to make the images in your mind. All you can do is sit and read the words. The Internet used to be the same way. That was known as Web 1.0 or "suckiness". The interactivity was non-existent. And now look where we are. Youtube is a cultural phenomenon. Everyone can be famous. All you have to do is record yourself dancing. Think about blogs. Blogs actually influence presidential elections. Some fat guy sitting at home on his Mac can actually cause people to vote a certain way. Now that is connection. Cell phones are complete computers that send text messages. They even have some phones with full Internet browsers. You can always check your email on the way to Kroger. The web is always looking for ways to be more interactive. Site designers work not stop to bring more people in. Life will never be the same now that the whole world is getting connected. Trust me, you get addicted and have withdrawals like Lindsay Lohan in rehab.

There is a place called Sardis, Tennessee that only has dial-up Internet! How do I know you ask? That is where I call home and visit on school holidays. I can barely check my email without losing my mind. You absolutely feel lost with the world after being there only a few days. That shows the importance of Web 2.0.

Event in history

America celebrates a milestone

The United States of America is turning 200. This Fourth of July celebration is special because it is the bicentennial. July 4th, 1976, marks the all important milestone for the red white and blue. People across the nation will come together to honor their country with special ceremonies and celebrations. The celebration is underway with special events to honor the event. he United States Treasury is issuing bicentennial coinage and a special $2 bill. Television networks are having historical programming about the nation's history. The fireworks and barbecue will have even more meaning this year.

Proposed media:

• Video footage of celebrations at nation's capitol
• Interactive timeline of America's history
• Pictures of people with captions of what America means to them
• Video footage of firework celebrations
• Links to recipes for a good Fourth of July meal
• Polls of what is the best thing about America
• Trivia game to test knowledge of America

Video about UT

Proposed Story Idea

This story would be extremely interesting to the audience of Sports Illustrated. Obviously, since it is a sports magazine the readers would like to know about this important sporting event. However, this game even transcends the normal sports fan. The fact that both teams are undefeated the game takes on historical importance.

Game of the decade

The New England Patriots travel to Indianapolis to take on the Colts. both teams are undefeated and clearly the class of the NFL.

Video and Audio clips from the players talking about the game.

Highlights from the previous games this year.

Bios for all the key players and coaches involved.

I would have a poll asking who the people think would win.

Have another poll to see what would decide the game.
Link to experts predicting the games.

Social networking

I guess there was a time in history when everyone did not know what everyone else was doing immediately after deciding to do it. I really guess there was such a time. Like a time before cell phones when you had to tell your friend to meet you at the movies at nine and they had to be there or else you were watching Top Gun by yourself. Or what about before Facebook when you had to put up fliers for a party. Or everyone did not know you loved Boy Meets World because you could not join the group on Facebook. It must have been a more simple time. Alas, would anyone want to live in that time again? I for one would not.

Sure social networking sites have become tad bit pervasive. Facebook, the choice for most college students, has status updates so you can let everyone know exactly how you are feeling. It's like look at April she is "worried about her pregnancy test" or look at Mike he is "so drunk he should not have driven home". These are things most of us probably did not want to know. So that is a problem I have with Facebook. (just changed status Tim is "really hating all these 222 assignments and is a hypocrite clearly by changing his status") Twitter took the status to a whole new level. That site is insane! The site is basically one big status update. Talk about crazy.

Myspace, or as I like to call it stalker space, is a way for losers to think they have way more friends than they think they do. Look at me I am friends with this hot chick in New York City. Well guess what, she is actually a he from Dothan, Alabama. I am not a fan of that site. Plus, it has turned into a walking advertisement for movies and music.

I don't wanna sound like I hate being connected. In fact, I take all the bad with these advancements and relish in the good. Like being able to stay friends with people from back home. Or being able to show off my hot girlfriend. Overall, these sites are just a natural progression of human nature to have friends. And who doesn't want that.

Beware of taking this teacher....NOT

I remember how surprising it was to hear an ominous voice loom over the classroom without seeing the speaker. Was it the Wizard of Oz? Was it the voice of a higher being? It was neither of these but something even better. It was the voice of Peggy Collins. Okay so maybe she is not better than pulling a Joan of Arc and hearing the voice of God, but when it comes to knowledge of journalism it is a close race. Peggy has provided great information that backs up everything that our teacher says in class. She is working in the "real world" and provides information about our field that we haven't yet experienced. As for the phone meeting, it was a very unique experience. Usually when a number calls my cell phone that I don't recognize it is a stalker. This time it was Peggy calling to check on the progress of our class. We had a good conversation about where the class has been and where it is going. I felt that she really listened to what I had to say. Plus she praised me and that felt really good. Let's just say that teachers usually scold me instead of bestow praise. Overall, I think Peggy provides a great addition to the class. Now if she can just help me get a job I would nominate her for teacher of the year.

I believe that during the semester I have developed a new found respect for online journalism. The work that it takes to make online work enjoyable is substantial. I learned that online journalism is not for me, but I do not hate the field. I am just to good looking not to be on TV and have to good of a voice not to be on radio. However, with my amazing wit and fantastic blogging I could see myself always having a blog to entertain the masses. Or at least my mom.

Phoenix, Wahlberg own the screen

Movies have always examined how deep the loyalty runs between family when tested by outside forces. Sometimes loyalty is tested by the love for the same woman. Sometimes it is tested by past events that caused a traumatic divide. Often, loyalty is tested by differing personal beliefs. The famous scene in Godfather when Michael Corleone lets his father know he is with him both physically and spiritually shows how a person can abandon their own beliefs to join their family. In the movie We Own The Night loyalty to family is the major theme. Two brothers, one living his own life in the glamorous world of night clubs and the other following their father and working as a police officer, must overcome their conflict to achieve a goal. Joaquin Phoenix plays the black sheep of the family and Mark Wahlberg plays the "good" son. Robert Duvall is the stern police captain who has the respect of seemingly the entire NYPD. The movie takes place in the late 70's/early 80's in a drug plagued New York City. Phoenix is running a successful nightclub that is overrun with illegal drugs. When his brother, Wahlberg, starts running an anti-drug unit they are destined to collide. The movie does a great job of giving a grim, dirty look to the drug era while still showing the side that is appealing to the club goers. Phoenix enjoys the fast paced life he lives and is thriving until a drug post gets him arrested. Obviously, this breaks his father's heart and disappoints his brother. The turning point for Phoenix is an attempt on his brother's life. Now the realities of his profession hit home. He must decide what is more important his profession or his family. The movie does an excellent job of showing the complicated relationship that is between the family. Phonenix and Wahlberg, who in my opinion should be considered a top actor because of his role in The Departed, are mesmerizing as two brothers with differing ideals. Although, most of the plot twists are predictable the superior acting makes up for the lack of surprise. The plot actually became secondary to the relationship between two brothers and their father. I give this movie an A, four out of five stars, and a thumbs up. That should cover all the bases.

A real life news production

Upon entering the Knoxville News Sentinel my first reaction was, "Wow, this looks like a museum and not a place of work." After walking through the newsroom where all the reporters were, well, reporting I thought it looked like a scene out of Office Space. Then, we met with the online reporters and producers. I then came to realize that online journalism is not for me. Not because I don't enjoy it or think its cool. It is because I would not be very successful. Thankfully for Scripps their employees are better than I would be. The producers talked of how multimedia friendly the website has become. I could not agree more. I found this story which really interested me. I had not even heard about it anywhere else. The video just tied the whole thing together. Another amazing feature is the coverage of traffic on the website. Now that is a feature that can be used. Overall, I thought the trip was well worth it. I know our teacher did because it backed up everything she has been saying.

People perfect the news

Days of mindlessly reading the newspaper without really concentrating on the material is long gone. Back in the day a news consumer just read what was offered to them and took it for face value. No deep thinking was involved because the reader had no way to share their own thoughts or experiences without maybe writing a letter to the editor. Welcome to the new age of news and news consumption. The rise of online news sources has provided news consumers new ways to add the the news. Most news sites have discussion boards at the end of stories where users can post comments. Some news sites allow users to add multimedia content. I believe that is great. Sometimes reporters do not get the best video. A random guy on the street may catch the best video. The more people get involved the better the news becomes. Besides no one is reading the newspaper anyway.

Running for St. Jude

Just letting everyone know that my dad is running the St. Jude Marathon in Memphis. He is raising money to benefit St. Jude hospital. Anyone who would like to contribute follow can click here. Thanks for the support and pass the word along.

Capitalism is about making money

In America we value making as much money as possible. To make money companies will look for every possible advantage that is available to them. Websites have been inventing ways to make more money since the beginning of the Internet. We all know how annoying those pop up ads have been. Therefore, no one should be surprised that websites promote themselves by using devices such as the website Digg. The job of companies is to make money. What better way than to direct people to your own website. Why should anyone be outraged? However, if you use Digg to take advantage beware of backlash. Businesses are not the only people trying to make money through this source. Private people try and make money off this service. I will never blame companies or people for trying to make money. As long as the method is legal I believe the use of all available sources is the American way.

I am a news junkie

News is a huge part of my life. I could not imagine not being able to see or read what is going on in the world around me. When I wake up in the morning I turn on the news to watch while I get dressed. Then, I read all of my favorite news web sites after I check my email. News I really like to follow is national headlines, political stories, sports news, celebrity gossip, entertainment news, and the occasional weather report. I always have to know what is happening. When I am separated from types of news I simply go crazy. I worry that I have missed something. In a way, I feel that it is my responsibility to keep up with the news. To be an informed citizen, I must keep up with the news. Basically, if you take away the news I could not survive. After all, who does not need to be able to read what Britney Spears said about her children, while checking the stock market. Everyone needs to know these things.

All about me

Journalism is a rewarding but challenging endeavor that brings out the best in people who try and make a career out of it. Currently, I am studying journalism at the University of Tennessee which is giving me the best opportunity to learn about journalism. I hope to pursue a career covering sports. I am taking classes that will allow me to work at newspapers, radio, television, and online outlets. The broader my horizons are the more job opportunities I hope to get. The greatest asset I have is that I am willing to learn from whoever has experience. Journalism is an art that I hope to perfect over a long and fulfilling career.

I remember living in America when...

I remember living in America when...

• People were allowed to drive SUV's and sports cars without feeling guilty
• McDonald's was allowed to have Super Sized fries
• Kids could play tag at recess
• Success and winning was a good thing
• The amount of toilet paper to be used was a personal decision
• "Paper or plastic?" was not a moral choice
• A moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance began every school day
• Nancy Pelosi was just screwing up the state of California and not the whole country
• Hilary Clinton was just the sloppy seconds of fat interns and not a potential president
• Country music singers came from the good ole' USA and not Australia
• Basketball at the Olympics was a guaranteed gold medal
• "In God We Trust" was not found offensive
• Fighting global terrorism was supported by both sides of the isle (at least for a year or so)
• Going to a wedding meant you would see a bride and a groom with different genitalia
• Americans were proud to say, "I live in the greatest damn country in the world."

Just think, I am only 20 years old...

Its hard out here for a conservative

Racist. Bigot. Neo-con. These are just a few of the hateful ways that people describe people of my belief. No, I am not a Nazi. I am simply a conservative person. I happen to love America and believe that it is the greatest country in the world. I happen to love capitalism. I want a strong military to defend our nation. I believe in peace through strength not strength through peace. I am hurt, saddened, and deeply troubled by how people view me. In today's political climate it can be hard to be conservative. People automatically assume the worse about you. Like most problems I blame ignorance for these feelings. People are simply not basing their opinions on fact. Stupid cliches decide how people feel. For example, if you are against affirmative action you are racist. That is a common belief. Nothing could be further from the truth. Affirmative action is discrimination at its best. Deciding who should get a job should be based solely on qualifications and nothing else. It should not matter if you are black, white, male, female, fat, thin, old or young. You should simply consider the candidate for what he or she has done. If you support the war in Iraq you might as well hide in a bunker. People do not understand that success in Iraq is vital to success in the war on terror. If we leave Iraq and show that we have no resolve, the enemy will notice. I can appreciate the fact that Liberals are against war. Everyone should be against war. However, where they falter is that war is necessary. Instead of waiting for the enemy to attack us, we are bringing the fight to them. Instead of making deals with countries such as North Korea (thank you Mr. Clinton) we are making them meet our demands. Conservatives simply know how the world really is. Sometimes you gotta fight to do what has to be done. Just because I support the war does not mean that I enjoy war. I simply know what has to be done. So, stop saying that I am a neo-con bastard who enjoys seeing people suffer. Take another issue such as global warming. If you even causally question that it is a "scientific fact" people will say you hate the Earth. Oh yeah, I hate the planet that sustains human life. There is no proof that global warming is man caused. In fact, a huge number of scientists question the validity of Al Gore's love child. In fact, many say that the Earth goes through natural weather patterns and has been since the beginning of time. Maybe God knew what he was doing when he created the Earth and we are going to be okay. But that would mean that I believe in God. And don't even get the liberals started on that....

Why I can't cheer for Peyton

What the hell is my problem? I need serious help. I do not want Peyton Manning to win the Super Bowl. I am gonna pause for everyone in Tennessee to recover from chest pains. The scary part is I have no idea why not. Peyton is the hero for the college that I attend and even more importantly he is the adopted son of my home state. He put the University of Tennessee football program back on the map. He was the perfect student athlete in college and now is the perfect role model for kids now that he is in the NFL. So, why do I want him to lose? Let's break it down one by one.
1) He is a classic choke artist. Peyton Manning never beat the Gators while playing for Tennessee. We play them every year! You mean to tell me he could not beat them once. Manning has always played terrible in the post season in the NFL. He deserved to loose against Kansas City and Baltimore this year. I respect people who up there game when it counts the most. If Tiger Woods was a quarterback do you see him sucking in big games? I think not. He would play better in the post season than any time in the regular season. He has that killer instinct of destroying his opponents. But hey, UT did win a SEC Championship with Peyton. He did lead them to the Super Bowl this year. So maybe he deserves some credit. We are still looking.
2) Those damn commercials. Its a tight race to see if we hear "This is our country" or see Peyton Manning's face the most. I think they should just put Peyton in a Chevy commercial. That would streamline the process. Peyton is not a television kind of guy. He just does not translate well to TV. He is just a boring white guy. But yet the NFL and corporate America forces him down our throats. I would rather watch a commercial with a player with charisma. Someone who can make people think, "I wanna buy what he is using". If the whole Bengals team did a commercial for a bail bonds service I would think, "Man, when I get caught with my illegal weapons I can use the same service as the Bengals!" Now that's advertising. Peyton absolutely has no promotional qualities. But hey, he is (arguably) the best quarterback in the league. So why not have the most commercials. Is that enough reason to hate a guy? Lets keep looking.
3) The Manning face. Now we are getting somewhere. The different expressions Manning makes on the field are absolutely more annoying than Carrot Top narrating a movie with Al Gore. It just isn't pretty. He is always looking either constipated, frustrated, or just plain clueless. Every bad pass he makes you can bet on seeing the face. It is so annoying. Plus, you gotta look at it through that stupid facemask. Where did he get that ugly piece of crap? I would rather him wear the one bar helmet that old kickers used to wear. But hey, should I dislike a guy for the way his face looks. I mean is that really fair? We are not there yet.
4) Everyone says I should. I think we have found the answer. Everyone says that I should like Peyton Manning. Well, I just don't. I enjoy watching him struggle when it counts. The really bad part is that I am not a hater. I don't like people who hate on everything about sports.You almost can not enjoy anything in sports without people like Jay Mariotti and Skip "Senseless" telling you why what just happened sucked or could have been better. But I guess everyone has a breaking point. And Manning is mine.
These reasons may not be good enough to hope Manning loses the Super Bowl. But now that I have laid it out I won't be to upset if he does win it all. Afterall, he did go to Tennessee. And that counts for something.

Who the hell thought this up....

The biggest scam in the history of the world does not involve lottery scratch off tickets or paying 8 bucks to see Paris Hilton in House of Wax. It is the college system in the United States of America. Obviously, being stuck dead in the middle of a seemingly endless campaign to earn a bachelor's degree (maybe I will do it in 6!) my perception may be slightly skewed. Okay maybe more skewed that the New York Time's but who's counting? I do think that despite all that I could help make some helpful changes to this screwed up system. My first and major complaint is that fact that to earn your degree you spend at least 2 years worth of time taking classes that matter none whatsoever to the field you are studying. By requiring students to "become well-rounded" Universities have the perfect excuse to charge us for classes we neither need nor want to take. Spending two years on useless crap is like Michael Jordan playing basketball his entire life then thinking "hey, what the hell why not make Space Jam and play baseball". This worked out for no one except Bugs Bunny. (disclaimer: I loved Space Jam). What's worse is that teachers that teach the useless classes are usually the most arrogant and stuck up teachers on campus. Because they know no one wants to listen the their bull. But hey that have a Ph.D. in Japanese imperialism in the 19th century so they MUST be smart. Uh no, that means they losers who have no life nor desire to ever obtain one. That's why they torture normal people who only wanna earn a degree and get the hell on with the rest of their life. (And enjoy college along the way I might add) A degree could be cut down to two years. Why do I need Biology and Economics when I just wanna write and talk about sports? I simply do not give a damn about how many cells make up the human hair. The classes that don't matter are always the ones that give you the worst grades. Therefore, leading to parental disappointment and anger. Wait a second, maybe I should just major in that.......