Weekly Analysis 5-Assignment 5-1

So lately it has been all over the news that cell phones can somehow be linked to cancer because of the radiation that they give off. Cell phone use has been put in the same “carcinogenic hazard” as engine exhaust, chloroform, and lead. The radiation that is coming off cell phones is like that of a microwave oven. No health issues have been linked to this yet, considering it is too early and takes a long time to find that type of thing out. Some phones, such as the iPhone and Blackberry, give a warning in the user’s manual to keep the phone at least 15 millimeters away from the body. In my opinion, I don’t think that, even though cell phones are labeled as possible carcinogens, people will stop using them. They are the fastest was to communicate with people. I feel that people should be aware, but it won’t stop them from using a cell phone.

Assignment 1-3 Article Summary

            One of my favorite shows as a kid was Spongebob Squarepants. This show is aimed at kids age two to eleven and it is the most popular kids show on network television. Although this show is aimed at a younger age group, it seems that adults ages eighteen to forty-nine are also interested. The show often plays late at night, which obviously is for an older viewing group. Not only is Spongebob a show, but it is a market of products. Toys, dolls, bedding, clothing, party décor, and many other products all have the Spongebob face. There are also computer games made of the show. The question, though, is how can this show targeted at younger children have such a broad audience? This could be because of the influence children shows have on kids while they are growing up and that can shape their interest in television when they are older.

            This show is something that everyone can laugh at and doesn’t use everyday pop culture like many other shows. This show is one where people can laugh at the characters just acting silly. Everyone can laugh at how Sandy is a squirrel that lives under the sea. Even though the characters are all different creatures, they are all relateable to everyone. That is why the show is broadcast in over ten different languages. Spongebob relates to humans. He goes through hard times and insecurities, just like everyone else. When people watch this show, they think about the carefree world that Spongebob lives in, and not the scary world that we live in. That may be why the show appeals to all ages, not just kids age two to eleven. This article made me see Spongebob Squarepants in a different light. I still enjoy watching the show when I just want to get away from my worries and insecurities for a half hour.

Weekly Analysis 4-Assignment 4-1

So everyone knows that texting is obviously dangerous while driving. But driving isn't the only time when texting can be a problem. Whenever you go to a movie, there is always something that comes up on the screen asking people to turn off their cellphones. Most people ignore this message and just turn their phone on silent so that it doesn't make any noise and normally that is fine, as long as you aren't actually using it. Movie theaters threaten to kick people out for using their cellphones, but they rarely ever do. But recently, a movie theater in Texas followed through on their threat. A woman was given two warnings before she was kicked out of the Alamo Drafthouse theater. Instead of accepting that what she did was wrong and leaving the issue alone, the woman called the theater and left and angry voicemail, which I have posted below for all of you to listen to. Texting in the theater can be very annoying, not just because of the sound, but because of the glow that the cell phone gives off. If you are a texter in the movies, maybe next time when you are at a theater you will follow the "turn off all cellphones" rule.

*WARNING* This video is uncensored and uses explicit language.

 

The theater will be showing this video before every showing of an R-rated movie this week.

The Evolution of MTV-TRL-Weekly Analysis 3

TRL, or Total Request Live, was a show on MTV that started back in 1997. The show featured a daily countdown of the most requested music videos of the day. The videos were picked by viewers by going online and voting for their favorite video. The video that made number one the most amount of times was "Baby, One More Time" by Britney Spears. The show was hosted by Carson Daly all the way up to 2002, when he decided to step down and a rotation of other VJs hosted the show. It was shown every Monday through Thursday. TRL is that longest running live show on MTV, and the third longest running show of all time on MTV. This show kept music on the air, after reality shows had started taking over a bit. In November 2008, TRL aired its last episode, which lasted 3 hours. Throughout the episode, the set was being torn down. The very last video shown on the show was Britney Spears' "Baby, One More Time" and at the end of the show, the VJs, Damien and Lindsey, shut down the lights. This was a very iconic moment in MTV history, and I remember watching the final show. It was sad for me, after watching it everyday after school for years.