July 18, 2008

One take on grad school

Considering graduate school? Well, I ran across this article on Chronicle.com. For the record, I don’t agree AT ALL. If you have to survive graduate school by doing drugs, illegal or legal, than doesn’t that suggest there’s something wrong?

May 10, 2008

Sex, violence, and the parents

Meg pointed out this article from the Buffalo News, which is definitely relevant to some class discussions we’ve had. It seems that there’s been a lot of local incidents in the news lately: school girls sending naked photos of themselves, the violent hazing incidents, need I say more? (Perhaps we’ll blame the car accident that was likely due to racing on the Speed Racer movie? Sorry, bad joke.)

Seems like a lot for our small-town/big-city, but I doubt we’re alone. Some questions for you: what agenda is the media setting by covering these issues? Does raising awareness help or hurt the effort to control such problems?

May 10, 2008

CBS and CSI

So I’m a little late in posting this, but here’s my thoughts on this week’s CSI. I didn’t hate it, but I can honestly say that I wouldn’t watch it again. The usual wit between the actors was missing. Though there were entertaining parts it just didn’t flow like a script should. Some of it felt forced. I supposed all these writers should stick with their usual shows, but I did like the idea and the fact that they were willing to go out on a limb like that.

Most disappointing I think was the lack of resolution at the end of the show. You think you know what really happened but nothing was done about it and Grissom was told to let it go. I did not like that at all. Oh and the rubber chicken? Overkill.

*****

Speaking of CBS, has anyone seen the ads for the show Swingtown? (I think that’s the right name). I’m all for the right to show whatever one wants on T.V., but to me this show is one step too far. Do we really need a show about swingers on primetime television? That’s the best we can do? Normally my classes would talk about too much violence in the media, but I think maybe the real concern should be too much sex. I’m not a prude but the idea of this show grosses me out. There’s enough about sex on TV that I don’t care for, why continue to push the bar? I personally hope the show flops.

May 5, 2008

Spin on popular shows: CBS

The writers from CSI and Two and a Half Men switched jobs for an episode. I don’t usually watch Two and a Half Men (I just don’t find it funny), but I am tonight. Helps that George Eads is making a guest appearance.

Is this a chance for the writers and actors to have fun with a difference challenge, or is it a chance for them to redeem themselves after that long strike?

Screen shots similar to CSI when they’re investigating or showing the science behind something funny, cheesy humor, so far it’s mildly entertaining.The real question will be if it gets all wrapped up in one episode.

Personally, I’m more concerned about CSI. I like the show, and Grissom has enough cheesy lines without needing comedy writers for him. I hope they don’t ruin it. More to come Thursday night.

May 3, 2008

Com 300, final

If you’re looking for the post on Diffusion of Innovation, it’s right here. The link that talks about the farmers gives you an idea of the personalities of the different types of adopters (innovators, early adopters, early majority, later majority, laggards), which is what you need to know for the test.

April 28, 2008

Killing us softly 3

Go here to watch one clip of the video (if you need a review or missed it). Along the side where it lists related videos, there are other clips of the video, so check them out too.

April 23, 2008

News, privacy, ethics and other issues

Channel 7’s issues

This bit of what would you do really bugged me. Watch the actual video footage (after the commerical).

Rights to privacy issue? You decide.

April 23, 2008

COm 398, due on Friday

Watch the following 2 videos: (and check the reading below)

“It’s hard to be transgender”
Dad reacts to transgender child.
For more on the show go here

The reading: Login to medailleone on library databases then click on CQ researcher. Once there, type in transgender and select the article called Transgender Issues. There are many sections to it, so pick one section and read it and bring in comment/question on what you thought was interesting. Same with the videos–comment/questions on those too!

**A note on tolerance:
I was very upset today to have 2 student approach me with remarks about not wanting to hear about other people’s sexuality, or asking me whether or not someone is bi. First off, it’s NEVER appropriate to ask a professor something like that. A person’s sexual orientation is their information to share, not mine.

Second of all, we are not in an evangelical, Christian school. We are also not in a bubble world. These issues are real, they are a part of our society whether you agree with them or not. The class is called Gender and Communication, therefore we talk about all aspects of gender not just about the straight people. At the end of the day, I am not expecting anyone to agree with everything that’s presented in class but I FULLY EXPECT TOLERANCE AND RESPECT. Everything that your peers do has had my prior approval, which means you should be able to find something of value from what is talked about. You are all adults.

April 22, 2008

Final Exam info for 300 and 398

April 16, 2008

Marriage bill of rights?

So there’s the Wife’s bill of rights and the Husband’s bill of rights.

Being married, I personally find many of these inapplicable and stupid. Before I bother to explain though, I’d like to hear your thoughts!