My Top Commercials

Normally I don't often watch TV, but for this entry I personally sat down and watched hours upon hours of television and claimed it for research purposes. (I wish every class was like this). Besides the point, here are some of my favorite commercials from the first time I turned on the TV, to present day April 19th.

1. Old Spice (Terry Crews)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6cYpgm1omg&feature=fvst

AHHHHHH

The Terry Crews commercials are my favorite because of their lack of basic intelligence and pure amusement, mixed with some truthful facts about the product itself. I want to buy Old Spice because I love the smell and the commercials are funny enough for me to check out the product, but I still don't believe my biceps, or wild animals for that matter, will respond to me well.

2. AXE (Clean your balls campaign)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPwhMoQBg_8

Is there relief for this man with dirty (soccer) balls?

This series of AXE commercials is no doubt perverse, and ensues my personal hilarity due to the nature of the ad in promoting body wash. Anyone watching obviously gets the innuendo placed by the commercial, as well as the sexual background of the product itself, which promises the opposite sex in exchange for buying their products. The fact of the matter is, this commercial makes me laugh beyond belief because it's such an uncomfortable ad to watch with a parent sitting right next to me, or any kids that I'm babysitting.

3. Windows 7
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfQPLxgcGw8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPGJK622Y0c&feature=relmfu
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9ZesvwuE2g&feature=relmfu

There were a series of commercials based on "my idea" Windows 7 commercials. I found them humorous, and I did see the point of saying it was "My idea," because as consumers we were the ones who sent them the information and features that we wanted to see when it came time to upgrading our operating systems. Plus, I always giggle at the obvious differences of characters in the reenactments and those explaining how Windows 7 was their idea.

4. Taco Bell (Lounge Singer)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekHca_fm1P4

This commercial I enjoyed more on a personal level, because I kept imagining it happening if I was at a restaurant such as that, and they gave me a portion of food too small for a chiuaha, but it came with a bill longer than Gene Simmons Tongue. Then again, I always think of improbable things during slow, "less-exciting" moments. I once was bored enough to believe I had the powers to make books move while I sat motionless in the library, but that's a completely different story.

5.  Budweiser (Swear Jar)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJJL5dxgVaM

I can't begin to explain how funny I thought this was. The unnecessary swearing had me giggling like a child whenever I heard someone use an actual swear word.

6. Bud Light (Will Ferrell)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ej9wCko6dR4&feature=related

Now, a lot of people are not Will Ferrell fans, but I like the incredible bluntness of the ads, basically saying what most beer ads try and get across, but do it more subtly.

7. Speed Stick (Don't sweat it)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=jO3M0zRPZ38

A speed stick ad which shows a man, scared for his life on the inside, picking up a possibly venomous tarantula to seem strong and manly in front of his two female companions. It made me laugh because he didn't think it through and grabbed it solely to seem like a man, when in reality, he would've probably been poisoned. Ahh, classic stereotypes of the male persuasion...I would've done the same thing in his position..

8. Febreeze Fabric Refresher
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=dHkWWnDlGLc

One of the most disgusting rooms and couches I've ever seen. That smell like flowers because of a few sprays of Febreeze. Although I'm not really buying it, I enjoy the reactions, even if staged, of the people when they realize what they're sitting on may have just given them a disease.

9. Evian Babies
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=341rybZ42vA#t=12s

I've always bought Evian, the commercials didn't convince me to drink more, but I found it utterly adorable. But it also scared me to no end with the thoughts that these strange looking creatures had the motor control to find a way into my room as I slept. And not many movies, let alone commercials, have the ability to make me feel that.

10. Panda Cheese Compilation (ARAB)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6iHCFiSqIw

Thought not American, I believed this to be worthy of the top commercials because of its humorous way of advertising its product. Especially by using an animal thought to be innocent with its big ol' eyes and soft fur. Though many people forget Pandas are still bears, no matter how cute they are.

Biliography;
http://www.jamesdlivingston.net/images/Fig_1_1-330.jpg
http://www.adweek.com/files/imagecache/node-blog/blogs/old-spice-terry-crews-brain-explodes.jpg
http://food-for-thought.tv/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/balls.jpg
http://windows7vswindows8.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/windows-7-vs-windows-816.jpg
http://www.couponlovingchicks.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/febreze-logo.jpg
http://images.wikia.com/logopedia/images/b/bd/Speed_Stick_logo.gif

My Favorite Online/Print Ads

Old Spice; Before & After

The Old Spice before and after ads featuring LL Cool J and Brian Urlacher are one of my favorite print ads. Of course there are accompanying videos to go along with these ads, I've laughed at each video  accordingly. I like these ads because, just like Axe, the ads for Old Spice body spray are ridiculous, and it's that ridiculousness that's so attractive about the ads. I find Old Spice ads hilarious and their ad appeal gives me enough motivation to walk over to Duane Reade to pick up a can for whatever ridiculous adventures the cologne has prepared me for.

Diesel (and their stupidity)

Diesel is a clothing and accessory brand, and they've made noise in the quiet neighborhood of today's advertising with their Stupid Campaign which I absolutely love. It seems original enough and although some of the ads can be viewed as wildly inappropriate, others are just funny and reckless. Usually I'm not convinced in products solely because of ads, but these ads (in addition to Old Spice) had me thinking that 2 miles was only a couple blocks and I walked over to the Diesel store and bought a pair of jeans and some cologne.

 This Diesel ad depicts someone who seemingly adopted a bear,which has the proper motor skills to reach into the fridge and get something to eat or drink. This is a great example of stupid, and a greater example of what to spend my next few paychecks on.

This ad depicts, well, I honestly don't know what it depicts, but I'm interested enough to find out, and stupid enough to try it; and that's the point of the ad isn't it?

This ad is almost self-explanatory, it's the poor man's version of a motorcycle, where instead of 60-MPG, it runs at an amazing 0 MPG, helping the environment and running solely on imagination and an inability to disregard the concerned looks of passerby's. It's an upgrade from the box my fridge came in and a few sharpies.

This ad doesn't seem too stupid to me, in fact I think it's pretty cool, not too sanitary though. I've taken pictures like this before, but I never prepared by bringing my own bench and trash can, I usually just went parallel to the floor and struck a pose. I've also never looked as stylish when doing this, but since these ads I've changed my ways.

I don't believe all these ads depict something "stupid" but rather as the ad states, something "brilliant." Although it isn't too smart to get in a body of water with a leather jacket on, that is the only complaint I have about the sanity of the person, if this were to be a real scenario. Besides that, how will he enjoy that champagne when there is no flat ground to put it on?






This is actually the only three-part ad I've seen. It details the stupidity of playing with wild animals, elephants specifically. It seems to be going well, but it's obvious to see what happens at the end of the story. It's a good warning, because one of the things on my bucket list was to hug a grizzly bear, and elephants don't even have the soft fur I look for when playing with deadly animals. 

Bibliography; http://blessedmotherteresa.typepad.com/.a/6a015435c0c412970c015393aca47b970b-pihttp://www.creativeadawards.com/diesel-be-stupid-advertising-campaign/

Top Prime Time Shows from 1997-Now

This is a series of Prime Time Series which debuted between 1997 and now. Under each show is a brief description provided by IMDB. 

Survivor (2000) (CBS) (23 Seasons)
A reality show where a group of contestants are stranded in a remote location with little more than the clothes on their back. The lone survivor of this contest takes home a million dollars.
The Amazing Race (2001) (CBS) (19 Seasons)
Multiple teams race around the globe for $1,000,000 to 'amazing' locations.
The Bachelor (2002) (ABC) (16 Seasons)
Millions of viewers shared the heartbreak of Ben Flajnik when his soulful and heartfelt proposal was rejected by Ashley Hebert in the emotional finale of last season's "The Bachelorette." Now Ben is ready to put all the disappointment and hurt behind him in order to move on with his life, his phenomenal success as a businessman and his search for the right woman to be his wife and to start a family with. Written by ABC Publicity
The Bachelorette (2003) (ABC) (8 Seasons) 
Ashley Hebert couldn't admit she was in love with "Bachelor" Brad Womack - and it might have cost her the final rose - but that's all in the past. The energetic and vivacious Hebert, is ready to start a new life with a soul mate she might soon meet in the seventh edition of "The Bachelorette." Written by ABC Publicity
South Park (1997) (Comedy Central) (16 Seasons)
Follows the misadventures of four irreverent grade-schoolers in the quiet, dysfunctional town of South Park, Colorado.
Dancing with the Stars (2005) (ABC) (14 Seasons)
U.S. reality show based on the British series "Strictly Come Dancing," where celebrities partner up with professional dancers and compete against each other in weekly elimination rounds to determine a winner.
Big Brother (2000) (CBS) (13 Seasons)
Contestants must compete against each other for a chance to win $500,000 in a house wired with cameras and microphones, capturing their every move for a TV and Internet audience.
King of the Hill (1997) (2009) (13 Seasons)
Show about a rigid redneckish propane salesman with a good heart and wacky friends and family.
Real World/Road Rules Challenge (1997) (MTV) (13 Seasons)
Past members of "The Real World", "Road Rules", and first time cast members called "Fresh Meat", compete against each other for the chance to win a cash prize.
Law and Order: Special Victims Unit (1999) (NBC) 13 Seasons)
This show introduces the Special Victims Unit, a new elite squad of NYPD detectives who investigate sexually related crimes.
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000) (CBS) (12 Seasons)
An elite team of police forensic evidence investigation experts work their cases in Las Vegas.
Antiques Roadshow (PBS) (1997) (11 Seasons)
Appraisers of antiques travel with the show to various cities. Area citizens bring articles for appraisal and often relate the histories of these items. The appraisers then expand on what is known about the treasures, sometimes exposing them as fakes, and they estimate the pieces' financial value. The show also includes tips for aspiring collectors of a wide range of items. Written by Carl J. Youngdahl <zomno@casbah.acns.nwu.edu>
American Idol (2002) (Fox) (11 Seasons)

Twelve finalists and/or future singers (six men and six women) who were selected from America, compete in a talent contest in which they were asked to sing any song they like on this "Star Search" clone. After each song that was sung, the judges, Abdul, Jackson and Cowell, then critique that finalist's chosen song. After each show's ending, America must vote for a finalist to whom they really think their performance is good using this AT&T (now Cingular Wireless) or any other cellular phone to cast votes with. Once the votes are locked in, the judges and America decides who has the most and the least amount of votes, and the contestant with the least amount of votes is eliminated, and it goes on each week's show until the winner is crowned as "American Idol," where he/she wins a recording contract worth up to $1,000,000. The rest of the other finalists to whom they have been voted off before (the runner-up) also get recording contracts, too. Written byGary Richard Collins II (gcollinsii@aol.com)
Stargate SG-1 (1997-2002) (Showtime) (10 Seasons)
A secret military team, SG-1, is formed to explore the recently discovered StarGates.
Smallville (2001-2006 [WB])  (2006-2011[CW]) (10 Seasons)
A young Clark Kent struggles to find his place in the world as he learns to harness his alien powers for good and deals with the typical troubles of teenage life in Smallville.
Law and Order: Criminal Intent (2001) (NBC) (10 Seasons)
The third "Law and Order" series involves the criminal justice system from the criminal's point of view.
Family Guy (1999) (Fox) (10 Seasons)
In a wacky Rhode Island town, a dysfunctional family strive to cope with everyday life as they are thrown from one crazy scenario to another.
Grey's Anatomy (2005) (ABC) (8 Seasons)
A drama centered on the personal and professional lives of five surgical interns and their supervisors.
Castle (2009) (ABC) (4 Seasons)
After a serial killer imitates the plots of his novels, successful mystery novelist Richard "Rick" Castle gets permission from the Mayor of New York City to tag along with an NYPD homicide investigation team for research purposes.
Last Man Standing (2011) (ABC) (1 Season)
A married father of three tries to maintain his manliness in a world increasingly dominated by women.
Body of Proof (2011) ABC (2 Seasons)
Medical examiner Megan Hunt's unique approach to solving crimes puts her at odds with her superiors.
Suburgatory (2011) (ABC) (1 Season)
A teenage girl moves from the city to the suburbs.
Revenge (2011) (ABC) (1 Season)
Centers on a young woman who is welcomed into a community filled with people who don't know she's only there to exact revenge on those who had destroyed her family.
The Middle (2009) (ABC) (3 Seasons)
The daily mishaps of a married woman and her semi-dysfunctional family and their attempts to survive life in general in the city of Orson, Indiana.
Modern Family (2009) (ABC) (3 Seasons)
A satirical look at three different families and the trials they face in each of their own uniquely comedic ways.
Happy Endings (2011) (ABC) (2 Seasons)
An altar-bound couple break up on their wedding day, forcing their friends to choose which side to take after the split.
Private Practice (2007) (ABC) (5 Seasons)

A spin-off of the medical drama "Grey's Anatomy" centering on the life of neonatal surgeon Addison Montgomery.
Once Upon a Time (2011) (ABC) (2 Seasons)
Centers on a woman with a troubled past who is drawn into a small town in Maine where the magic and mystery of Fairy Tales just may be real.
Pan Am (2011) (ABC) (1 Season)
Period drama about the pilots and flight attendants who once made Pan Am the most glamorous way to fly.
Extreme Makeover (2002-2005) ABC 4 Seasons
Three people are chosen to receive the makeover of a lifetime which includes: plastic surgery, lasik surgery, cosmetic dentistry, hair, makeup and fitness.
Extreme Makeover Home Edition 2003 ABC 9 Seasons
A family that has faced hardship has their dilapidated house completely rebuilt while they are away on vacation for a week.
Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition 2011 ABC 3 Seasons
ABC's Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition is a new weight loss show for anyone who has 200 pounds or more to shed. In this trans-formative new experience, we bring the tools and tips to change your life straight to you! Each week, follow along with each of the 8 participants as our expert trainer, Chris Powell, shows up in their home and at their work to provide invaluable lessons in safe weight loss and healthy living. After 12 months of intensive guidance, their progress will be revealed and at the conclusion of each journey lives will be forever changed from the inside out. Super trainer, Chris Powell is taking on the challenge with motivation and grace -- and he's got the chops. Written by Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition
Desperate Housewives 2004 ABC 8 Seasons
Secrets and truths unfold through the lives of female friends in one suburban neighborhood, after the mysterious suicide of a neighbor.
2 Broke Girls 2011 CBS 2 Seasons
- Sassy, streetwise Max (Kat Dennings) works two jobs just to get by, one of which is waiting tables during the night shift at the retro-hip Williamsburg Diner. Sophisticated Caroline (Beth Behrs) is an uptown trust fund princess who's having a run of bad luck that forces her to reluctantly give waitressing a shot. At first, Max sees Caroline as yet another in a long line of inept servers she must cover for, but she's surprised to find that Caroline has as much substance as she does style. When Caroline discovers Max's knack for baking amazing cupcakes, she sees a lucrative future for them, but they first need to raise the start-up money. Written by CBS
How I Met Your Mother 2005 (CBS) 7 Seasons
Ted searches for the woman of his dreams in New York City with the help of his four best friends.
The Big Bang Theory 2007 CBS 5 Seasons

A woman who moves into an apartment next door to two brilliant but socially awkward physicists shows them how little they know about life outside of the laboratory.
















The Mentalist 2008 CBS 4 Seasons

A well-known psychic becomes a consultant for the California Bureau of Investigation to help solve crimes and to find "Red John," the madman who killed his wife and daughter.

Chuck 2007 NBC 5 Seasons

When a twenty-something computer geek inadvertently downloads critical government secrets into his brain, CIA and NSA assign two agents to protect him and exploit such knowledge, turning his life upside down.




Bibliography:
http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTgwMzM2MTk5N15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNzU4MTAwNA@@._V1._SY317_CR27,0,214,317_.jpg
http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTQ5OTgzOTczM15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMDM2OTY4MQ@@._V1._SY317_CR12,0,214,317_.jpg
http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTI5MTYyNDU3NF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTYwNjU1MzM5._V1._SY317_CR13,0,214,317_.jpg
http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTc5MDQ4NDU1NF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMjM3ODgwNA@@._V1._SY317_CR1,0,214,317_.jpg
http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMjA4OTg5OTUyM15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMjczNjY5Ng@@._V1._SY317_CR19,0,214,317_.jpg
http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BODI1NzEzNTMxM15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwODc2NTk4Mg@@._V1._SY317_CR12,0,214,317_.jpg
http://sharetv.org/images/american_idol-show.jpg

5 Points on Television

Episodic television dramas (Page 180)

Spartacus is an example of episodic television dramas

The creation of these dramas allowed writers to experiment with different types of storytelling. This was one of the big "game-changers" when it came to television and new shows. I, personally, think it was very important due to the fact that these dramas can escalate to movies, book-adaptations, and can bring in much revenue through merchandising. These shows are mesmerizing because of their ability to draw in viewers with an intellectual drive that loves to be challenged.

Jersey Shore; one of the more popular reality shows

Reality (Page 185-186)

Reality TV was an advancement in television because it formed a new genre which allowed television companies to produce shows, that people would watch, for a lower budget than the sitcoms and dramas already on their networks. I believe it was an important advancement in television because it's cheap and draws in large audiences, who doesn't love drama every now and then?





Cable Television (Page 186)


Cable television was a huge advancement. with cable, stations were able to broadcast films, series and documentaries which addressed controversial issues; basically things that couldn't be shown on public television. I believe this was important because this gives people another way to learn more about world issues, as well as political policies and the inner workings of the government. I've seen more than enough political documentaries as well as documentaries on cable that I wouldn't normally see on public television, like something relating to heavy drug use/abuse for example.


Comedy (Page 183)

The Big Bang Theory is one of my favorite shows and a good example of comedies

Comedy shows/sitcoms were a great advancement in television. With the entrance of comedy to the scene companies were able to address social issues. Through comedy, men and women can laugh and inadvertently learn because the information is shrouded by jokes. The book gives the example of M*A*S*H, which addressed the closing of the Vietnam war. I find comedy important because its the perfect mechanism for almost everything, these sitcoms will make you laugh, cry and feel a series of emotions. I have learned my fair share of social and economic issues through comedy shows.



Four big TV networks (Page 182)

The big four television networks were NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX. These four companies offered a large range of television shows, ranging from news to sports. The four big networks were important because they helped the advancement of television through the evolution of new programs and genres. I find this important because these large companies have grown to a size where more opportunities than usual have risen because of all the sub-companies and interests within them.


Bibliography;

http://yochascience.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/spartacus.jpg

http://www.jerseyshoreshow.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/jersey_shore_show.jpg

http://onesmac.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/The-Big-Bang-Theory.jpg

5 Points on Film

Hybrid Films

The old generation of killer car movies shouldn't have existed in the first place; the only thing scary about this movie is the gas mileage

When I speak about Hybrid films I mean Hybrid Films, not the film, Hybrid, (which is utterly stupid in my opinion.)


Hybrid films are films that tell a story, but in an unconventional way. Such as the Lion King (1994)! A combination of music and animation, which isn't too rare by today's standards, but was one of the first of the Hybrid film generation that I feel will never end. Hybrid films do well in the box office, usually, because of their ability to attract at least 2 different types of audiences. As a child, I loved cartoons, and I still do! But musicals, and random bits in movies and shows where the characters would burst into song, and yet it would still be normal, were my most despised enemy besides my vegetables. But by combining both animation and musical tendencies, Disney had the ability to introduce a generation of children and young adults into the "musical world." (Of which, for me, did not work).


Cross-Genre Films

Cross-Genre films are usually what I end up watching when I flip to FX or any sub-channel of HBO. Cross-genre films are easily defined by a few examples, such as "Romantic Comedies" or "Horror-Thriller," etc. Basically a film that can be categorized more than once! Once again, I find  that movies like this have the ability to reach multiple target audiences at once. Say your girlfriend wants to watch "The Notebook," and you want to watch, oh I don't know, "Bad Teacher?" There's a possibility of you both just settling on a Romantic Comedy, like "Forgetting Sarah Marshall," or "I Love You, Man." (I suggested those two because I tried to think of Romantic Comedies I like, it's completely unrelated that Jason Segel stars in 3 of my 4 suggestions....Well not completely unrelated, he's hilarious). Regardless, these cross-genre films are what I always watch, I can never watch a movie that's specifically one genre, (well I could, but honestly I can't even  find those anymore).






Blockbusters

Well, this is exactly how it sounds, and I'm not talking about the video chain that was seemingly extinct during the past 4 years as Netflix rose from the trenches to steal it's spot. Blockbusters are giant productions, with giant budgets. I'm sure whether or not you've seen it, you've heard of Avatar and it's incredible budget. (Spoiler alert: it was an estimated 237 Million dollars) But these blockbusters are expected to do well, very well. Avatar was a good example of that, making approximately $2,782,275,172 (Worldwide). Now if you ask me, that sounds pretty successful. But although financiers sink in huge amounts of money for these films, they don't always turn out as well as Avatar did. The newest Disney movie out, John Carter, didn't do too well. I mean it did, but not well enough. With an estimated production value of $250 Million and a $30 Million opening the first week, it's not starting out too well, and unless everyone's been hiding under a rock since March 11th, it most likely won't make any more than the $30 Million opening week. There's two examples of blockbusters, one failed, one successful, and hopefully you'll be able to see why blockbusters are so important in film. It's basically a huge gamble but, in this case, you can't stop when you're ahead.


Kaiju and Samurai Cinema

I know what you're thinking, it sounds like a type of sushi (Kaiju actually is a type of Sushi), but it refers to Asian monster/strange creature flicks. I would hope you've heard of Godzilla before? If not, Godzilla's a large, fire/laser-breathing dragon/dinosaur/very large reptile that puts almost any other sci-fi/fantasy creatures to shame. There is also Samurai Cinema, warrior films which put your lack of Judo knowledge to shame. I mention these two types of movies because they, no doubt, inspired many American films we have today, and numerous films which are still in production. These films were beneficial in spreading Asian culture through and around America.


Special Effects

Now, I don't know how much of special effects I'll have to explain, and I wouldn't think the average person wouldn't know why special effects are important and how they've advanced cinema as we see it today, but I'll go ahead and explain anyway. Special effects, sometimes just referred to as FX (like the station), are what make men in costumes into 60 story monsters, and in the case of Honey, I Shrunk the Kids,(Microkids! in Japan) make men and women smaller than ants. Special effects make movies cooler, there's no doubt about it, but they also help depict accuracy in situations that cannot be recreated physically. For example, in a war movie, I don't care how accurate the director wants to be, actually shooting your actors is masochistic and is no doubt illegal, but using special effects, that same character can get blown up, shot, stabbed, cut up, and reappear in the next scene, granted those four examples don't specifically advertise the accurate depictions I started off describing, but a couple actual examples of accurate depictions are Saving Private Ryan and The Day After Tomorrow. Both can not be recreated, only, physically, they require the assistance of computer generation.




Bibliography;

http://filmsponge.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/SUPER-HYBRID-Movie-Poster-Film-Sponge.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/7/7c/Forgetting_sarah_marshall_ver2.jpg/220px-Forgetting_sarah_marshall_ver2.jpg

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-04lF8KVeDdE/TeLOxQw_aWI/AAAAAAAARFM/XVUYltF_pQw/s1600/king+kong+vs+godzilla+min+info.jpg

http://content7.flixster.com/movie/10/91/12/10911201_det.jpg

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitUTIAwCEyJKdKtAkYqnVCRJBBHmMLBNxqZ57XkL9h9voiPR2NX1D5sNi5al9QRypWIIgrQ991IIKhlLiOND84cnUJp5lrnSjt0XKUucnpQqWtgpbj2N3pNz5z0IG-KFMMyZ7C32q27NM/s1600/The_Day_After_Tomorrow_090006.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/46/Blockbuster_logo.svg

My 10 Favorite Films

Silent Hill 

"SHARKBEAR"

Silent Hill is a movie based on a series of games by Konami entertainment. Though the movie didn't stack up quite as well to the series, I find it one of my favorite movies of ALL TIME. It didn't overdo any gore like most horror movies do, and I like CGI creatures, (so you must know I was ecstatic seeing video footage of Sharkbear) But Silent Hill, the movie, was a great film adaptation, which isn't seen that often anymore. Most movies based on a game or a comic book eventually destroy the franchise because of its terrible or inaccurate adaptation. Sort of how Peter Parker's boss would keep making Spiderman look like the villian, but in this hypothetical and metaphorical situation, Spiderman actually does become the villian. (Sorry if that's confusing, I wrote it while singing along to this episode of Spongebob)

Dead Silence

Dead Silence may be one of my favorite films specifically because I always feared that every puppet or doll that surrounded me was alive and secretly watching me, almost like a murderous Toy Story. This movie isn't so much a murderous Toy Story though, as all the puppets are the toys of a ventriloquist by the name of Mary Shaw. Cast out by the town she lived in after a child heckler at her show went missing, Mary Shaw haunts the old town and makes it known her death was just a brief intermission. 

Besides the plot, a memorable part of the movie is the nursery rhyme themed song you occasionally hear throughout the movie.

"Beware the stare of Mary Shaw

She had no children, only dolls
And if you see her in your dreams

Be sure you never, ever scream "

Insidious (Motion Picture)

Insidious was one of those possession movies that has become all the rage with today's movie scene. But I feel that this movie has bragging rights, due to its unusual nature of the out-of-body experience that they flaunted in this plot.

Resident Evil; Apocalypse

The second movie in the Resident Evil, videogame/movie, franchise. It details Alice, the main character, and her continuation to try and take down the Umbrella Corporation. The Umbrella Corporation was creating viral weapons and created a new strain of viruses which formed a whole new, "zombie revolution."

Resident Evil; Afterlife

Some would call it a problem that I like so many movies based off of videogames, but there's a certain sensation when the character you played as is featured on the big screen. Afterlife left me hanging on for more, especially because the next installment won't be on the silver screen until later this year...much later. Without any spoilers, Alice(s) modified the game of life portrayed by the movie and the main villian, Wesker. 

Superbad

Superbad is the stereotypical teen movie, which isn't as stereotypical as thought, mainly because I still like it. Superbad portrays a couple of teens trying to lose their virginity and stars Jonah Hill and Micheal Cera. The casting was seemingly perfect. Micheal Cera is always perfect for the role of awkward teenager, because he has such an awkward aura about him. And Jonah Hill gives off the aura of desperation, in his stilted conversations with women and awkward and rude encounters with anyone who isn't Micheal Cera. 

Paul 

A movie about an alien who crash landed to earth, turned comical by the British minds of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. It had an even amount of sadness in the love you felt for the bonds the characters had, balanced with the comedy, in which jokes stemmed from references and fart jokes. 

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl

The first in the series, which made me fall in love, was Curse of the Black Pearl. Detailing the curse that plagued the crew members of the Black Pearl. The movie inspires the inner pirate in me. Not the swordplay, that could kill me, but the rum and singing in brothels is something I could get used to. Scurvy not so much.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest

Dead Man's Chest, movie number 2, describes Jack Sparrow's debt to Davy Jones, which he deviously sends Will Turner to pay. As ransom until he can get the heart to control Davy Jones, Will works on the Flying Dutchman, while Jack gathers 99 souls to pay his debt to Jones. I love the graphics and the introduction of a new character that they made seem as realistic as an octopus-man can. 

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End

The third movie in the series describes the trials and tribulations of Captain Jack Sparrow and Will Turner and Elizabeth Swan. In this movie, Davy Jones is finally taken down, after he is controlled by an English general who has control of his heart. By the end of the movie, Will Turner is decreed the new captain of the Flying Dutchman. This leads to the most current movie, which I loved, possibly even more. 

Bibliography; 

http://notesonanapkin.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/sharkbear.jpg

http://www.universalstudiosentertainment.com/uploads/deadsilence_1_1024x768.jpg

http://download-movie-soundtracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/insidious-unofficial-soundtrack.jpg

http://www.legendsofhorror.org/images/umbrella/umbrella.jpg

http://cdn.screenrant.com/wp-content/uploads/Resident-Evil-Afterlife-3D-Reviews.jpg

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgsGLO5mY7QbAt40RAnPXFGWFSZTLYXChCLOJWLyF9d3D60zK1LlwWoKBLO6tZLqsGU0sPV2D0CdRw8R7TkJFjTsrxiS7rmpnTcuyD9XoZb3gChCKAe2Dg4ZXiFw-On9PvDIJmBHvYfVE/s1600/superbad.jpg

http://www.ravigadu.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/paul.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/2d/Pirates_of_the_caribbean_2_poster_b.jpg

Uses of Radio and it's importance

Communication

Radio communication has been one of the most important parts of the invention of radio. From being able to radio your fellow soldiers, to just messing around on the HAM radio and making new friends, Radio communications were used worldwide and created a whole new world; that I believe, paved the way for the expression used in the creation and manipulation of the internet.

Navigation

Lately, radio transmissions have been used widely in navigation. Navigation is widely used for personal uses, I believe, because there are more people with navigation apps on their phone, with, of course, much less security and thoroughness as a government source. Navigation is perfect for locating the bad guy, whether he’s a block away or a state. And by now, most people have GPS systems in their car, to take them on brand new adventures.


I personally know how helpful it is, considering the maps application on my phone basically guides me through whatever path in life I need to take…that isn’t philosophical. Navigation is something everybody needs, it doesn’t matter how experienced of a traveler you are, and you can always take the wrong turn.

Radar

Radio waves were also used in the creation of the Radar. It isn’t just that cool green and black blinking circle you see in war movies, but they are used widely on commercial boats and aircrafts. Fishermen don’t always have that green thumb, or in this case, blue thumb (?), regardless, radar’s help in finding things such as fish or enemy ships.

 But the only thing I’ve used radar for is for when I lose my phone, which more often than not, happens on a weekly basis. It is, however, one of the most important inventions in both wartime and commercial use.

Commercial Radio

One of the most important parts about radio, what most people know about it, is the fact that they play the tunes that everyone just can’t get out of their heads! But besides that, they spread a less, than usual, bias than most television stations. I, personally, love to start off my day with NPR.

It’s a news station, based in every city I believe, that speaks mostly about local news, as well as arts and music, and occasionally plays music, both current and classical. Commercial radio has benefits of “enlightenment” and musical enjoyment that you can blast through your windows while you ride past your old high school bragging about the fact that you don’t drive your parents station wagon anymore.

Amateur radio also falls in this category, where local “heroes” can protest their “terrible” community; small community usually, because most people need a license to broadcast, and most people do it out of their garage, not their studio apartment.

HOT

One lesser known use of radio waves is heat, though its not as important as some people would think, I personally believe it was one of the most important uses possible for radio. Especially because with my hectic schedule I usually need to use radio waves to heat up my food, cup o’ noodles doesn’t fix itself. 






Bibliography;

http://mediamemo.allthingsd.com/files/2010/03/npr.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/82/US_Navy_020627-N-7871M-001_SPA-25G_radar_operations_aboard_ship.jpg

http://www.universetoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/microwave.jpg

http://www.dickwhitney.net/DadHamRadio.jpg

Music and it's Ultimate Benefits (MassCom)

Make Believe Ballroom

1934 was the time period when radio started playing music. Also known as the "Make believe ballroom," but trust me when I say this was much more important than your sister's "Make believe ballroom" with Reginald Teddy Bear the Fourth. 

My terrible editing job, but then again who edits something like this?

This was influential because it spread those cool tunes farther and more often. if it wasn't for the music revolution of radio, artists wouldn't be as widespread, as quickly, around the nation, except through touring. Also if it wasn't for the creation of the Make Believe Ballroom I would be more musically stunted than a caveman in a fishbowl. Why a caveman in a fishbowl? Why not?












Music Recording and Ability to Playback

My prime example of this low-tech P2P Sharing is That 70's Show

The new ways of listening to music started from the record, which had diminished sound every time the needle hit it, to tapes, which lost their groove slower, but just as sure. The major companies of 1947, Columbia, Victor, Decca, Capitol, MGM, and Mercury were ecstatic with the sales of their records. But soon realized that with recorded music comes peer-to-peer sharing. Though low-tech at the time, telling your friend you got this sweet new record and hanging out in your basement to listen to it took away from record sales. As your basement became the usual hangout spot for your group of friends, so did your peer-to-peer sharing of records, leaving you only to buy a record every blue moon. I personally still do this in my apartment to date, we just hook up our computers to speakers and blast music to the critical ears of whoever's sitting around. 






Dance Crazes 

Shuffling on the other hand requires more work

Though strange, dance crazes fuel the music industry. From the doo-wop to the Dougie, to Cranking That and Shuffling, dance crazes influence record sales worldwide. I can't tell you how many times I've watched Shakira's music video to try and learn to shake my hips like that (Although for masculinity sake I should say 0). Various dance crazes could determine the genre of music that becomes popular during any given week, month or year. I never learnt how to Dougie, but I taught myself how to Crank That Superman relatively easy. I love dance crazes, it gives me a reason to dance in public. Although when do  I ever need a reason to dance in public?

Sound Effects

An example of Hollywood voice-editing

Now when I say sound effects I don't mean the cliche laughing track on every sitcom from the 80s and 90s, or that *WHAP* sound when someone in a movie gets punched, I'm talking about engineering music, and altering it to have a certain sound, or effect. Artists like the Beatles or Jimi Hendrix were popular with their "psychadelic" sounds. And more often than not, tracks today are being altered heavily in order to sound "better," (if that's what you want to call it). The House music, techno, and electronica/dance genre relies heavily on these sound alterations. As well as certain singers and bands who use voice altering software to make their voice crispy clear and faker than a Hollywood movie set. I love house and techno music, but at some point T-Pains overexaggerated autotune gets on my nerves.

Culture

The emotions of a child and his cereal

The last, but most important part of music is culture. Music has always been a shared experience between groups of people, and has ventured out into a melting pot that is, today, our world. Music can express feelings about anything, whether it be the sadness you feel that your roommate ate the last of your cereal or because you just got dumped. The few great singers left today belt out songs about a sadness that we can relate to, or a happiness that we love to feel. I personally love Andy Grammar's upbeat Pop that makes me do a little dance in between every step I take until the next song comes on. After that I just Party Rock to LMFAO till I get to class. 

Bibliography;

http://nummynims.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/fishbowl-russian-dolls.jpg

http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowlla/files/original/geico2.jpg

http://www.dvdizzy.com/images/t/that70sshow1-31.jpg

http://thehypefactor.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/LMFAO-Sexy_and_I_Know_It-music_video.jpg

http://cdn1.ticketsinventory.com/images/last_photos/concert/K/kesha/kesha-cedar-park-tickets_13045935832167.png

http://mimsies.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/damen-cereal.jpg