The alleged “War on Christmas” that has recently infiltrated the youthful cheeriness that Christmas once had represented, is now making people second guess themselves in a time of giving.
Christian activist groups are taking action against bigger retail stores and making it known that the original idea of Christmas has been torn, crumpled up, and thrown in the garbage can; similar to the way your four year old will be plowing through the wrapping paper to get to her new Wii gaming device.
This is beyond ridiculous. Doesn’t our country have more important things to worry about during a holiday season? Perhaps the fact that there are still too many families that go hungry and cold every year wishing only for an extra blanket. Or perhaps your husband lost his job due to corporate downsizing, and he cannot afford to exchange gifts with you or his children. Doesn’t that seem more important that supporting a “war” on Christmas?
The AFA has devised a “naughty and nice” list for this years rat race to buy mass produced material products. Avoid: Banana Republic, Old Navy and Staples. God forbid you buy your daughter a warm fleece so she doesn’t freeze her ass off while waiting for the school bus, because you’ll be going straight to hell; along with the computer purchasers and the owners of tweed jackets.
War on Christmas? Every single person who deals with the burden of their finances fights a war within themselves, and their bank accounts. Do these religious representatives plan to abolish fun and smiles for the year of 2012 as well?
Retailers such as Victoria’s Secret are being attacked this joyous holiday too. But let me ask, when was Victoria’s Secret ever about “spreading the good word of Jesus Christ”? Victoria’s Secret is designed to keep your husband/boyfriend from cheating on you, not to remind you of your readings from the gospel according to Luke. That is truly a blessing.
In addition to these ridiculous epiphanies of moral compass, Texan congressman Rick Perry has the audacity to blame president Obama for the lack of “Christ-like virtue” among our nation during Christmas. Perry’s last endorsement commercial explained how gays in the military are allowed, but letting children pray in school, or celebrate Christmas is not politically correct enough. Forgive me for being simple, but can someone further explain to me the correlation between homosexuality and prayer? No one ever put a stop to children celebrating Christmas within schools, but when your celebration becomes a distraction to educating the youth of tomorrow; regulations need to be made and executed. Along with Rick Perry’s considerable amount of ignorance.
I am not stating that the original purity of Christmas hasn’t been lost and re-vamped over the years. The general populations’ list of priorities are merely different. For the majority, Christmas has become more about celebrating and gift giving, no longer about worship and religious dedication.
But what’s so bad about buying something nice for someone? Isn’t that what your lord and savior tried to preach for years and years? Honor thy neighbor? Spread the ideology of kindness and karma? All hope isn’t lost, people, but this war on Christmas is a joke. Now, all of you Christmas disclaimers, get back in line at Barnes and Noble. I’ve read they’re on the nice list. I guess they have to be if they will be going out of business soon.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
The Great (electrical) Delay
Dangerous live wires, property devastation, widespread panic and general discomfort as people plow through one another at your local Walmart's, Target's and Stop and Shops; reacting to the news providers information hours after a Nor'easter, to "make sure you have plenty of water and perishable items. This one's gonna be a doozy".
What CL and P offered was the same tired scenario that a father preparing to leave his family says to his youngest boy, "It'll be OK, everything will be fine". Thank you, Northeast Utilities, United Illuminating, General Electric, what have you, for providing our state with yet another empty promise. We all feel let down and electrically abandoned.
800,000 households, (not even people), statewide without power for more than a week, including businesses, schools, and every traffic light from the 203 to the 860. I get it, guys, you didn't get compensated properly for the "tropical storm", which was a nice way of saying heavy rains and a little wind, but don't you have families to go home to? Or at least your Irish setter? What will you do when you can't crack open a can of Budweiser and watch the Giants lose after a long day of tree cutting? Where in the world is your sense of unity and hospitality?
And on the fifth day, God made the Home Depot and Loewes who provide the good state of Connecticut with generators, pricing anywhere from $800-1000, only to be sold out instantly after the hype of Irene. You know what my community had to do for nine grueling days? Live out of our cars, the diner, and the New York Sports Club, until they started charging $15 dollars a day to use their luke warm community showers.
Next time something so severe decides to grace us with its temperate presence; make sure you have a staff in front, and behind you that has a stronger work ethic. I know, no one wants to work for free in an ever dwindling economy, but if it helps, think about what YOU or your coworkers have to go home to. Maybe it's a generator and a loving family awaiting your arrival, but more often than not, its a cold lonely one bedroom apartment, in South Meriden, with a dog that's so freaked out by the darkness, and a refrigerator full of rotten hungry man dinners. If you can't do it for you, do it for the guy in lime green working beside you.
What CL and P offered was the same tired scenario that a father preparing to leave his family says to his youngest boy, "It'll be OK, everything will be fine". Thank you, Northeast Utilities, United Illuminating, General Electric, what have you, for providing our state with yet another empty promise. We all feel let down and electrically abandoned.
800,000 households, (not even people), statewide without power for more than a week, including businesses, schools, and every traffic light from the 203 to the 860. I get it, guys, you didn't get compensated properly for the "tropical storm", which was a nice way of saying heavy rains and a little wind, but don't you have families to go home to? Or at least your Irish setter? What will you do when you can't crack open a can of Budweiser and watch the Giants lose after a long day of tree cutting? Where in the world is your sense of unity and hospitality?
And on the fifth day, God made the Home Depot and Loewes who provide the good state of Connecticut with generators, pricing anywhere from $800-1000, only to be sold out instantly after the hype of Irene. You know what my community had to do for nine grueling days? Live out of our cars, the diner, and the New York Sports Club, until they started charging $15 dollars a day to use their luke warm community showers.
Next time something so severe decides to grace us with its temperate presence; make sure you have a staff in front, and behind you that has a stronger work ethic. I know, no one wants to work for free in an ever dwindling economy, but if it helps, think about what YOU or your coworkers have to go home to. Maybe it's a generator and a loving family awaiting your arrival, but more often than not, its a cold lonely one bedroom apartment, in South Meriden, with a dog that's so freaked out by the darkness, and a refrigerator full of rotten hungry man dinners. If you can't do it for you, do it for the guy in lime green working beside you.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Pissin' All Over the World
Public urination, disorderly conduct, noise pollution. You name the class F misdemeanor and 90% of 19-22 year old's have displayed this kind of behavior. Do I agree to sloppiness and conducting yourself like a wild animal? No, but I'll be damned if I need to get involved upon your potential arrest outside of campus.
I have more than enough faith that all of these students displaying ill behavior know should know how to monitor themselves. If you think it's a good idea to pee all over downtown New Haven, be prepared to suffer the consequences. If you could get into this university in the first place, you should know the difference between right and wrong.
As far as off campus residents running into trouble with the Hamden community; this situation is not our responsibility. If you are going to throw a kegger on a Wednesday night in your residential town house, and the cops show up due to your bass thumping all the way down Dixwell avenue, you are going have to deal with the famifications of your actions, and the school administrative offices will have nothing to do with it.
Hamden and New Haven police can figure this out without our faculty there to defend you.
I have more than enough faith that all of these students displaying ill behavior know should know how to monitor themselves. If you think it's a good idea to pee all over downtown New Haven, be prepared to suffer the consequences. If you could get into this university in the first place, you should know the difference between right and wrong.
As far as off campus residents running into trouble with the Hamden community; this situation is not our responsibility. If you are going to throw a kegger on a Wednesday night in your residential town house, and the cops show up due to your bass thumping all the way down Dixwell avenue, you are going have to deal with the famifications of your actions, and the school administrative offices will have nothing to do with it.
Hamden and New Haven police can figure this out without our faculty there to defend you.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Bad Boy Barnicle
Way to let me down, Barnicle.
Seriously? Countless acts of blatant plagiarism and you still get to keep your job as a decorated journalist; even after being forced to resign from the Boston Globe?
Now you're a televised journalist making twice as much money to have people listen to your cruel dishonesty. And really, fabricating cancer? How shockingly uncool that article was. Terminal Illness is still taboo, you heartless fossil.
I remember reading it, thinking to myself as I almost filled with tears, the same way the less fortunate mother did when she opened a check for $10,000 dollars, sent from the family who's son had survived. Getting that warm fuzzy feeling you feel when you read a nice birthday card from your grandmother; all for it to be destroyed as quickly as my brain absorbed it. I'm a sucker.
How dare you make millions off the fabrication of falsehoods in your stories. How dare you do your fan base and our society a disservice by omitting the truth in your articles. And lastly, how dare you take credit for the comedic genius of George Carlin. Have you any unique thoughts of your own? Probably not considering you have produced countless anti-facts in the course of your literary career.
When I become a famous, well recognized, published writer, I will broadcast to the world, across the world and the world wide web, how you, Mike Barnicle, master of journalistic disguise, have disappointed me.
You can't even stand up and admit to your written thievery. Can't say 'I'm sorry, America, I have lied to you the same way all your great leaders have. You know what Barnicle? I am more of a man than you'll ever be; able to call you out without blinking, thinking and hardly proofreading. How you like me now?
Seriously? Countless acts of blatant plagiarism and you still get to keep your job as a decorated journalist; even after being forced to resign from the Boston Globe?
Now you're a televised journalist making twice as much money to have people listen to your cruel dishonesty. And really, fabricating cancer? How shockingly uncool that article was. Terminal Illness is still taboo, you heartless fossil.
I remember reading it, thinking to myself as I almost filled with tears, the same way the less fortunate mother did when she opened a check for $10,000 dollars, sent from the family who's son had survived. Getting that warm fuzzy feeling you feel when you read a nice birthday card from your grandmother; all for it to be destroyed as quickly as my brain absorbed it. I'm a sucker.
How dare you make millions off the fabrication of falsehoods in your stories. How dare you do your fan base and our society a disservice by omitting the truth in your articles. And lastly, how dare you take credit for the comedic genius of George Carlin. Have you any unique thoughts of your own? Probably not considering you have produced countless anti-facts in the course of your literary career.
When I become a famous, well recognized, published writer, I will broadcast to the world, across the world and the world wide web, how you, Mike Barnicle, master of journalistic disguise, have disappointed me.
You can't even stand up and admit to your written thievery. Can't say 'I'm sorry, America, I have lied to you the same way all your great leaders have. You know what Barnicle? I am more of a man than you'll ever be; able to call you out without blinking, thinking and hardly proofreading. How you like me now?
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Stoopid vs. Google
Is Google making us stupid? Answer: No. In fact, this search engine give us the opportunity to search infinitely for information regarding anything, with just a few simple clicks of a keyboard.
Is Google making us lazy and giving us ADD? Answer: yes. For example, you turn on your computer, open a web browser for Google. You have a song stuck in your head that you simply cannot remember the name of. “The lyrics are something like, “Not one more word tonight”… and then you can’t remember the rest. The melody is echoing through your ears and you have this unquenchable thirst for knowing what song has been invading your brain space all morning. You type in the lyrics and instantly are connected with the tune that has been hiding inside you. The name of the song, Sink Florida Sink, by the band: Against Me. Hundreds of web pages open at your fingertips and you begin searching, reading, listening and before you have the ability to listen to the second verse of the song you have already purchased two albums, bought concert tickets and downloaded three different versions of Sink Florida Sink on your iPod. I sure hope you don’t regret your recent purchases.
People joke about our generations’ lack of attention span, but it’s true. The second we see something shiny, our attention shifts from one thing to another in a spectrum of polar opposites. You’re sitting at your computer, reading an article for class. It could be something your passionate about. Say your reading about a new pilot for a cop drama due out sometime this winter on NBC. You love the cast, the dramatics, and the controversial topics that are going to be part of this program. You are reading this article and you cannot help yourself from thinking about something totally different. Read a paragraph, close the window, open your face book account, make some stupid status update about how “bored to death” you are on a Saturday afternoon. Suddenly three hours have past and you’ve forgotten the measly paragraph in the article you were so eager to read.
Is Google making us stupid? No. We do more reading on a daily basis now than our society has ever before. Is what we are reading deep? Full of composure? Meaningful? No, mostly it’s a series of text messages all pertaining to what we’re doing this weekend and who is driving. So when you try to blame technology for our ever growing ADD and stupidity, step back, take a long look in the mirror, and thank yourself for paying more attention to reality television than America’s deficit.
Is Google making us lazy and giving us ADD? Answer: yes. For example, you turn on your computer, open a web browser for Google. You have a song stuck in your head that you simply cannot remember the name of. “The lyrics are something like, “Not one more word tonight”… and then you can’t remember the rest. The melody is echoing through your ears and you have this unquenchable thirst for knowing what song has been invading your brain space all morning. You type in the lyrics and instantly are connected with the tune that has been hiding inside you. The name of the song, Sink Florida Sink, by the band: Against Me. Hundreds of web pages open at your fingertips and you begin searching, reading, listening and before you have the ability to listen to the second verse of the song you have already purchased two albums, bought concert tickets and downloaded three different versions of Sink Florida Sink on your iPod. I sure hope you don’t regret your recent purchases.
People joke about our generations’ lack of attention span, but it’s true. The second we see something shiny, our attention shifts from one thing to another in a spectrum of polar opposites. You’re sitting at your computer, reading an article for class. It could be something your passionate about. Say your reading about a new pilot for a cop drama due out sometime this winter on NBC. You love the cast, the dramatics, and the controversial topics that are going to be part of this program. You are reading this article and you cannot help yourself from thinking about something totally different. Read a paragraph, close the window, open your face book account, make some stupid status update about how “bored to death” you are on a Saturday afternoon. Suddenly three hours have past and you’ve forgotten the measly paragraph in the article you were so eager to read.
Is Google making us stupid? No. We do more reading on a daily basis now than our society has ever before. Is what we are reading deep? Full of composure? Meaningful? No, mostly it’s a series of text messages all pertaining to what we’re doing this weekend and who is driving. So when you try to blame technology for our ever growing ADD and stupidity, step back, take a long look in the mirror, and thank yourself for paying more attention to reality television than America’s deficit.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Mary J.. Yay or Nay?
Marijuana has been given a negative reputation for decades as nothing more than a "gateway" drug; impairing your motor skills or resulting in laziness. This substance needs to be given a new header.
Consider this your coming out party, pot.
People do not pay enough attention to the danger in consuming alcohol, or the distribution of medicinal narctoics. These legal proucts have been proven hazardous, addictive, and damaging to the people who use them; whether it be recreationally or doctor perscribed. The reality of the situation is, there are more deaths per year from the use of these controlled substances than there have EVER been from smoking a joint with your friends.
This is an all natural plant that is used with the intention to relax you, create feelings of ease and zen. Not to impair your ability to reason, or cause you to black out like hitting the bottle does. Nor is marijuana designed to cause an instant addiction such as some of the ingridients found in OxyCodon.
People need to stop taking the recreational use of Marijuana so seriously. It's a "drug" that people will never stop using for various reasons. The more you tell us to do something, the easier it is for us to want to do it, and where there's a will, unfortunately, there is a way.
As humans we have the ability to do things in moderation, to tell ourselves when enough is enough, but when did we lose such faith in our choice to "say no". If you don't want to get high, don't get high. If you do, the penalties resulting in your ability to hit the bowl are beyond unreasonable. Jail time, community service, mandatory rehabilitation classes. Harsh reality, huh?
Get over it, America. It's just pot. Reach out to your inner frat boy and indugle.
Consider this your coming out party, pot.
People do not pay enough attention to the danger in consuming alcohol, or the distribution of medicinal narctoics. These legal proucts have been proven hazardous, addictive, and damaging to the people who use them; whether it be recreationally or doctor perscribed. The reality of the situation is, there are more deaths per year from the use of these controlled substances than there have EVER been from smoking a joint with your friends.
This is an all natural plant that is used with the intention to relax you, create feelings of ease and zen. Not to impair your ability to reason, or cause you to black out like hitting the bottle does. Nor is marijuana designed to cause an instant addiction such as some of the ingridients found in OxyCodon.
People need to stop taking the recreational use of Marijuana so seriously. It's a "drug" that people will never stop using for various reasons. The more you tell us to do something, the easier it is for us to want to do it, and where there's a will, unfortunately, there is a way.
As humans we have the ability to do things in moderation, to tell ourselves when enough is enough, but when did we lose such faith in our choice to "say no". If you don't want to get high, don't get high. If you do, the penalties resulting in your ability to hit the bowl are beyond unreasonable. Jail time, community service, mandatory rehabilitation classes. Harsh reality, huh?
Get over it, America. It's just pot. Reach out to your inner frat boy and indugle.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Bon Voyage, Entourage
For eight fulfilling seasons, HBO’s Entourage has not only held the attention of millions of viewers, but has maintained a die hard fan base since the beginning. From a plethora of celebrity guests, relatable, real life situations and witty uncensored banter; this show has been compared to Sex and the City…for dudes.
The show is loosely based on executive producer Mark Wahlberg’s life as a struggling actor, trying to break out of his good vibrations and sagging pants, and have main stream media take him a little more seriously; as a respected actor and not just the leader of the funky bunch. After seven years and numerous Emmy nominations, the show has come to an end, and rumors of a feature film are in the works.
These episodes open with their theme song; a catchy, low-fi enhanced Janes Addiction tune (superhero) that is just as engaging as it is fitting for the opener. Flashing Hollywood lights, rolling credits and the four protagonists driving through LA in a classic American Muscle car sets the scene and emulates their “too cool” attitudes.
The show centers around A-list celebrity Vincent Chase, who is publicly known as not only a talented young actor, but a modern day playboy with an addiction for women and sex. The ongoing joke for eight seasons is that his three friends, who are in Hollywood with him for “moral support” have been riding on his coat tails and basically taking advantage of his newly achieved fame.
Vinny Chase’s brother, dubbed Johnny Drama for his arrogant attitude and instigating behavior is a D-list celebrity, trying like hell to be as critically acclaimed and smooth as his brother. Then, there is Turtle, slightly overweight and a real New York swagger to him, smokes a lot of pot and was given the job of “personal chauffeur” to Vincent Chase. Directly translating to driving Vinny around because this Queens kid didn’t have a drivers license.
Lastly, there is Eric, “E”. The best friend, the right hand man, and the voice of reason. Essentially, the glue who holds everyone together in these times of struggle. Within every show there is some high stress situation involving the careers of Vincent Chase and how he can continue to flourish as a young actor. Which brings us to the most entertaining character of this comedy series; agency director Ari Gold (Jeremy Piven).
Ari’s blood pressure is visibly through the roof, he is racially degrading, sexually explicit, always sweating and downright nasty through majority of the show. In retrospect, without Ari Gold, the show would have an un-fillable void, devout of 75% of the comedic value.
Four single, relatively successful men, living in a big city without any real sense of direction. The main focus’s being money, sex, and popularity in Hollywood. No wonder the Sex and the City comparisons are not few and far between.
However vile, and offensive some of the language and “adult” situations are throughout this show; the demographic targets an equal array of people. Its’ comedic value is abundantly clear, as well as its minimum two celebrity guest star appearances per episode, outstanding catchy and underground soundtrack and its new endorsement deals with Nike. Pat yourselves on the back!
As of September 19, only days after the season finale of the show, The producers divulged that the Entourage movie, will in fact be happening sooner than later. The series ended on a truly positive note as all the characters got back what they had been struggling for. Mended marriages, new jobs, new money and a whole lot of new potential drama is more than enough material to get through two hours of film.
Right now there has only been talk of the Entourage movie, but Wahlberg expresses to IMDB that the wheels are turning and “it better happen”.
Over the course of eight seasons, Entourage has had roughly 25 Emmy nominations, not only for acting but for writing and directing, and Jeremy Piven and Kevin Dillon won awards for their outstanding comedic performances. The show has been critically acclaimed for its realism and character development over the years, displaying relatable situations and personalities.
These are the four kids from Queens you knew growing up in your neighborhood. The kids who have been close since kinder garden; who you played kick ball with in the middle of the street over the summer. The kids whose mothers on Sunday dinner expected you there, sitting at the table with them. The sense of unity and values that is displayed within these four boys is not only refreshing; but its like watching how you and your friends act together.. Only your sitting at home paying $60 a month for HBO, while your fake friends are multi millionaires.
Well done, gentlemen.
The show is loosely based on executive producer Mark Wahlberg’s life as a struggling actor, trying to break out of his good vibrations and sagging pants, and have main stream media take him a little more seriously; as a respected actor and not just the leader of the funky bunch. After seven years and numerous Emmy nominations, the show has come to an end, and rumors of a feature film are in the works.
These episodes open with their theme song; a catchy, low-fi enhanced Janes Addiction tune (superhero) that is just as engaging as it is fitting for the opener. Flashing Hollywood lights, rolling credits and the four protagonists driving through LA in a classic American Muscle car sets the scene and emulates their “too cool” attitudes.
The show centers around A-list celebrity Vincent Chase, who is publicly known as not only a talented young actor, but a modern day playboy with an addiction for women and sex. The ongoing joke for eight seasons is that his three friends, who are in Hollywood with him for “moral support” have been riding on his coat tails and basically taking advantage of his newly achieved fame.
Vinny Chase’s brother, dubbed Johnny Drama for his arrogant attitude and instigating behavior is a D-list celebrity, trying like hell to be as critically acclaimed and smooth as his brother. Then, there is Turtle, slightly overweight and a real New York swagger to him, smokes a lot of pot and was given the job of “personal chauffeur” to Vincent Chase. Directly translating to driving Vinny around because this Queens kid didn’t have a drivers license.
Lastly, there is Eric, “E”. The best friend, the right hand man, and the voice of reason. Essentially, the glue who holds everyone together in these times of struggle. Within every show there is some high stress situation involving the careers of Vincent Chase and how he can continue to flourish as a young actor. Which brings us to the most entertaining character of this comedy series; agency director Ari Gold (Jeremy Piven).
Ari’s blood pressure is visibly through the roof, he is racially degrading, sexually explicit, always sweating and downright nasty through majority of the show. In retrospect, without Ari Gold, the show would have an un-fillable void, devout of 75% of the comedic value.
Four single, relatively successful men, living in a big city without any real sense of direction. The main focus’s being money, sex, and popularity in Hollywood. No wonder the Sex and the City comparisons are not few and far between.
However vile, and offensive some of the language and “adult” situations are throughout this show; the demographic targets an equal array of people. Its’ comedic value is abundantly clear, as well as its minimum two celebrity guest star appearances per episode, outstanding catchy and underground soundtrack and its new endorsement deals with Nike. Pat yourselves on the back!
As of September 19, only days after the season finale of the show, The producers divulged that the Entourage movie, will in fact be happening sooner than later. The series ended on a truly positive note as all the characters got back what they had been struggling for. Mended marriages, new jobs, new money and a whole lot of new potential drama is more than enough material to get through two hours of film.
Right now there has only been talk of the Entourage movie, but Wahlberg expresses to IMDB that the wheels are turning and “it better happen”.
Over the course of eight seasons, Entourage has had roughly 25 Emmy nominations, not only for acting but for writing and directing, and Jeremy Piven and Kevin Dillon won awards for their outstanding comedic performances. The show has been critically acclaimed for its realism and character development over the years, displaying relatable situations and personalities.
These are the four kids from Queens you knew growing up in your neighborhood. The kids who have been close since kinder garden; who you played kick ball with in the middle of the street over the summer. The kids whose mothers on Sunday dinner expected you there, sitting at the table with them. The sense of unity and values that is displayed within these four boys is not only refreshing; but its like watching how you and your friends act together.. Only your sitting at home paying $60 a month for HBO, while your fake friends are multi millionaires.
Well done, gentlemen.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Take That, Wall Street
My generation might be salvagable; twenty somethings are not only protesting corporate greed..but they are passionately picketing and will not budge.
Occupy Wall Street is something that is effecting everything and everyone. The sheer fact that people are trying to take away our right to freedom of expression and protest violates not only the first ammendment but what our nation stands for: liberty.
Finally, our attention is being torn away from celebrity gossip and our energy is focused on an issue that truly matters. There is a picture of a seven year old girl on the Washington Post online site. She is holding a sign that says, "There is a 99% chance that you are one of us, even if you don't know it yet". I'm sure that she has no idea what she is holding in her hand, picketing in a park for countless hours with her parents and thousands of strangers. But she, in fact is one of those who is affected.
Don't take away our right to protest, assemble, and obtain knowledge about the truth. This is only making us stronger, aware and unified.
Occupy Wall Street is something that is effecting everything and everyone. The sheer fact that people are trying to take away our right to freedom of expression and protest violates not only the first ammendment but what our nation stands for: liberty.
Finally, our attention is being torn away from celebrity gossip and our energy is focused on an issue that truly matters. There is a picture of a seven year old girl on the Washington Post online site. She is holding a sign that says, "There is a 99% chance that you are one of us, even if you don't know it yet". I'm sure that she has no idea what she is holding in her hand, picketing in a park for countless hours with her parents and thousands of strangers. But she, in fact is one of those who is affected.
Don't take away our right to protest, assemble, and obtain knowledge about the truth. This is only making us stronger, aware and unified.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Talk Nerdy To Me
First of all, meeting a "respectable" suitor in my age demographic is not only virtually impossible; but it is exhausting. Here are some tips I have gathered from friends, family members, and personal experience dealing with the drunken, 25 year old male.
Meeting someone in a bar is threatening. Single people go to bars to hook up; get loose, silly. Not to have meaningful conversation over a bud light. A friend once told me she met her fiance at a whole foods. They grabbed the same bag of dried lentils. I nearly gagged on the mental image.
Girls always know when you're staring at our "lady parts", so please, in the seven minutes it will take you to ask for my number and a variety of other interview questions; make eye contact. Pay attention. That's the only way we are going to answer your text message is if you at least pretend you're truly interested.
It doesn't matter how much a girl may seem to be "one of the guys". We are all sensitive, scared little rabbits who would rather be worshiped than made fun of. So if you are still into the kinder garden style of flirting (you know, you tease the one you have a crush on), get over it, it is not getting you anywhere. Women would rather be called pretty than "dude".
I could probably go on for pages ranting about the things man children do to try to coerce women into the sick world of dating, but these are just a few that stick out on a regular basis.
Chances are, if you are honest and upfront from the beginning, the possibilities of a first date are more than you started with.
Meeting someone in a bar is threatening. Single people go to bars to hook up; get loose, silly. Not to have meaningful conversation over a bud light. A friend once told me she met her fiance at a whole foods. They grabbed the same bag of dried lentils. I nearly gagged on the mental image.
Girls always know when you're staring at our "lady parts", so please, in the seven minutes it will take you to ask for my number and a variety of other interview questions; make eye contact. Pay attention. That's the only way we are going to answer your text message is if you at least pretend you're truly interested.
It doesn't matter how much a girl may seem to be "one of the guys". We are all sensitive, scared little rabbits who would rather be worshiped than made fun of. So if you are still into the kinder garden style of flirting (you know, you tease the one you have a crush on), get over it, it is not getting you anywhere. Women would rather be called pretty than "dude".
I could probably go on for pages ranting about the things man children do to try to coerce women into the sick world of dating, but these are just a few that stick out on a regular basis.
Chances are, if you are honest and upfront from the beginning, the possibilities of a first date are more than you started with.
Hip Hop is Dead
I feel something is horribly wrong when a convicted felon with diamond teeth and a fourth grade education declares himself "best rapper alive".
Yes, Lil' Wayne, again I am calling you out.
No matter how many times, and how many interviews you stress that it simply "ain't about the money, fame, or the bitches" (by the way, we love that, really), your lyrics and over all presence say nothing more, or less.
What happened to hip hop?
By 1988 there was a new wave of musical expression. It was angry, violent, racist and above all; passionate. I feel rap music today has become effortless and lazy. There is a whole new different set of priorities and its all about product placement and money.
Groups like NWA and Public Enemy raised the bar for hip hop. They gave everyone a reason to be angry and to disrespect authority. It was punk rock for black kids.
Now? You have stale, monotonous "rap mogul's" such as Drake; who continue to stress how hardcore and tough they are, when, forgive me, Drake was on the Teen Nickolodeon sitcom Degrassi, where he played a handicapped high school football player for about three seasons.
Your street cred just plummeted below ground level my friend.
How do people forget Mos Def? Not only is the man multi talented and educated but he does everything with purpose and motivation. He was one of the main spokesmen for hurricane Katrina, has written and published spoken word poetry for the last ten years, acted in various roles from Broadway to HBO, yet he, god forbid is someone who MTV keeps under the radar.
We can congradulate Mos Def all we want, but he is not selling out arenas, stirring up controversy or going to jail for drugs and weapon possession, so mainstream media wants nothing to do with him.
Essentially, hip hop with purpose is costing us money.
Yes, Lil' Wayne, again I am calling you out.
No matter how many times, and how many interviews you stress that it simply "ain't about the money, fame, or the bitches" (by the way, we love that, really), your lyrics and over all presence say nothing more, or less.
What happened to hip hop?
By 1988 there was a new wave of musical expression. It was angry, violent, racist and above all; passionate. I feel rap music today has become effortless and lazy. There is a whole new different set of priorities and its all about product placement and money.
Groups like NWA and Public Enemy raised the bar for hip hop. They gave everyone a reason to be angry and to disrespect authority. It was punk rock for black kids.
Now? You have stale, monotonous "rap mogul's" such as Drake; who continue to stress how hardcore and tough they are, when, forgive me, Drake was on the Teen Nickolodeon sitcom Degrassi, where he played a handicapped high school football player for about three seasons.
Your street cred just plummeted below ground level my friend.
How do people forget Mos Def? Not only is the man multi talented and educated but he does everything with purpose and motivation. He was one of the main spokesmen for hurricane Katrina, has written and published spoken word poetry for the last ten years, acted in various roles from Broadway to HBO, yet he, god forbid is someone who MTV keeps under the radar.
We can congradulate Mos Def all we want, but he is not selling out arenas, stirring up controversy or going to jail for drugs and weapon possession, so mainstream media wants nothing to do with him.
Essentially, hip hop with purpose is costing us money.
Yale University vs. The Rest of the World
Whether you have been a resident of New Haven, visited the area, or have frequented the parking authority for various traffic violations; you know the level of class separation that New Haven obtains.
In roughly a twelve mile vicinity you have beautiful Victorian homes, lush public parks, a city like metropolis, a variety of ghettos and public housing, and in the center of this trifecta; Yale University.
Founded in 1701, Yale originally wanted to be separate from the New Haven area, with aspirations of creating its' own private community; where royalty could live on the other side of the gates, while meaningless peasants of SCSU and Albertus Magnus fight $20 parking tickets and steal food from the dining hall to fill our apartments.
I am clearly, not bitter.
Yale students, faculty, and even their janitorial staff possess a certain sense of entitlement; an elitist attitude presented to the rest of the community.
There is a bar between college street and the west end of the campus called Gipsci. It is a beautiful stone building in the center of downtown New Haven, with no windows and literally, a secret door. It is a private club and only for Yale students.
Over the summer they would have live music three nights a week, two dollar Pabst Blue Ribbon cans and three dollar Jameson shots. We all pretended to go to Yale for three months.
I guess the burning question still arises from time to time.. Why are they better than us? What makes these students and residents of "Yale, New Haven" stand out more than the rest?
Aside from the hundred thousand dollar education, being significantly smarter, and mostof the governmental and business leaders of America being direct alumni of this great school...I really can't think of anything else.
I surrender Yale, you win..proceed.
In roughly a twelve mile vicinity you have beautiful Victorian homes, lush public parks, a city like metropolis, a variety of ghettos and public housing, and in the center of this trifecta; Yale University.
Founded in 1701, Yale originally wanted to be separate from the New Haven area, with aspirations of creating its' own private community; where royalty could live on the other side of the gates, while meaningless peasants of SCSU and Albertus Magnus fight $20 parking tickets and steal food from the dining hall to fill our apartments.
I am clearly, not bitter.
Yale students, faculty, and even their janitorial staff possess a certain sense of entitlement; an elitist attitude presented to the rest of the community.
There is a bar between college street and the west end of the campus called Gipsci. It is a beautiful stone building in the center of downtown New Haven, with no windows and literally, a secret door. It is a private club and only for Yale students.
Over the summer they would have live music three nights a week, two dollar Pabst Blue Ribbon cans and three dollar Jameson shots. We all pretended to go to Yale for three months.
I guess the burning question still arises from time to time.. Why are they better than us? What makes these students and residents of "Yale, New Haven" stand out more than the rest?
Aside from the hundred thousand dollar education, being significantly smarter, and mostof the governmental and business leaders of America being direct alumni of this great school...I really can't think of anything else.
I surrender Yale, you win..proceed.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Leave Lady Gaga Alone
Hermaphrodite, man, drug addict, alien, fake. All terms used to describe Lady Gaga's reign over the pop industry for the past four years.
She has been accused of "stealing" Madonna's style; not only vocally, but physically and fashionably as well. Accused of taking pieces of Michael Jackson and Prince to create a wave of musical shock value that hasn't had this much attention since the 80's.
Back off, people. Take a moment to accept the fact that this may just be what we are all not used to; originality and pure genius.
This woman is Julliard-trained, has had consecutive number one singles, three albums that have gone platinum during the first week of record sales, and is intelligent.
Accusations of theft regarding previous artists styles and visions are merely emulation for Lady Gaga. She has openly expressed her love and admiration for Madonna and Michael Jackson, but is clearly much different. She has a voice of epic proportions; something Madonna does not possess. The only similarity between these talented acts is the level of shock value they have provided.
Call her what you want. The reign of Gaga is just at its peak, and nowhere near over.
She has been accused of "stealing" Madonna's style; not only vocally, but physically and fashionably as well. Accused of taking pieces of Michael Jackson and Prince to create a wave of musical shock value that hasn't had this much attention since the 80's.
Back off, people. Take a moment to accept the fact that this may just be what we are all not used to; originality and pure genius.
This woman is Julliard-trained, has had consecutive number one singles, three albums that have gone platinum during the first week of record sales, and is intelligent.
Accusations of theft regarding previous artists styles and visions are merely emulation for Lady Gaga. She has openly expressed her love and admiration for Madonna and Michael Jackson, but is clearly much different. She has a voice of epic proportions; something Madonna does not possess. The only similarity between these talented acts is the level of shock value they have provided.
Call her what you want. The reign of Gaga is just at its peak, and nowhere near over.
Hollywood Has Officially Run out of Ideas
As you may, or may not have seen; the 1980's classic musical, Footloose is being remade and set to release sometime before Halloween.
You mean to tell me the multi billion dollar film corporation couldn't find a group of writers with a unique thought? Instead they have to re make and rip off a classic that is older than the demographic its' targeting?
The Lion King has been "re-released", in 3D, Fame has been re made and re done (with a sexier cast and soundtrack and was originally supposed to be rated R for its' pervasive content). Next, the Ten Commandments will be on IMAX starring Zac Effron as Moses.
These are the movies that are not only selling out the box office, but in 20 years from now, my children (god forbid) are going to consider these abominations classics, and forget the originals even existed.
Come on Hollywood, you are smarter and deeper (I hope) than this! Where is the next Big Chill?
You mean to tell me the multi billion dollar film corporation couldn't find a group of writers with a unique thought? Instead they have to re make and rip off a classic that is older than the demographic its' targeting?
The Lion King has been "re-released", in 3D, Fame has been re made and re done (with a sexier cast and soundtrack and was originally supposed to be rated R for its' pervasive content). Next, the Ten Commandments will be on IMAX starring Zac Effron as Moses.
These are the movies that are not only selling out the box office, but in 20 years from now, my children (god forbid) are going to consider these abominations classics, and forget the originals even existed.
Come on Hollywood, you are smarter and deeper (I hope) than this! Where is the next Big Chill?
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Choking on Political Correctness
Martha Warren, please stop crying.
So, in the election for senate in Brown vs Warren, it was leaked that Scott Brown posed nude in a centerfold in Cosmopolitan magazine, thirty years ago, to pay his college tuition. Warren made a funny yet "off handed comment" about keeping her clothes on, and the comical quips went back and forth for a bit.
Guess who got mad? Women. All the activist, feminist, still protesting for womens' rights, women. Forgive me for being brash, but WHEN are you going to stop complaining, or rather, searching for something to label as sexist and inappropriate? We've had women in the White House for god's sakes!
This country is going to suffocate based on our levels of censorship if people don't start "getting over it". God forbid a politician have a sense of humor and crack wise. Don't you remember your drunken college days? I'm certain previous leaders of our great nation took a stand, and in fact, did a keg stand; got rowdy at a strip club, or heaven forbid, got arrested for throwing a frat party.
Scott Brown gives a relatable display for the more humble folk of our society, defending himself and basically saying, "hey man, I needed to pay for school".
Dry your eyes, Martha. Pick your battles.
So, in the election for senate in Brown vs Warren, it was leaked that Scott Brown posed nude in a centerfold in Cosmopolitan magazine, thirty years ago, to pay his college tuition. Warren made a funny yet "off handed comment" about keeping her clothes on, and the comical quips went back and forth for a bit.
Guess who got mad? Women. All the activist, feminist, still protesting for womens' rights, women. Forgive me for being brash, but WHEN are you going to stop complaining, or rather, searching for something to label as sexist and inappropriate? We've had women in the White House for god's sakes!
This country is going to suffocate based on our levels of censorship if people don't start "getting over it". God forbid a politician have a sense of humor and crack wise. Don't you remember your drunken college days? I'm certain previous leaders of our great nation took a stand, and in fact, did a keg stand; got rowdy at a strip club, or heaven forbid, got arrested for throwing a frat party.
Scott Brown gives a relatable display for the more humble folk of our society, defending himself and basically saying, "hey man, I needed to pay for school".
Dry your eyes, Martha. Pick your battles.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Break The Bank
Remember the pink ceramic piggy bank your mother gave you when you were about 10? The one you put your weekly allowance in, the one that tried to teach you the value of "saving money for a rainy day"?
Well it hasn't stopped raining in fifteen years; allowance hasn't been earned since pre adolescence, and the only people still making money in a drought are celebrities and political officials.
If you are a student between the ages of 18-26 you know exactly what it's like to eat three boxes of ramen noodles a day, only have a quarter tank of gas, and always pay your rent on the twelfth of every month. What is a continuous question among us though, is in a society that places such outrageous demands on receiving a level of higher education, why make it virtually unattainable?
I decided to go back to school a year after I got my undergrad, because I felt under qualified and inexperienced for what I was going for. I have limited structure or grammatical knowledge (good thing I was an English major, right?), but good god I have a voice! Now, I pay $7,000 a semester for two classes in an effort to get a tiny piece of paper that says "congratulations, you will still be behind a bar for the next five years". Well I'll be dammed.
In addition to the over-pricing of education, and the social hierarchy breathing down your neck to in fact, go to college, prepare yourself for insurmountable debt for the next 20 years. I spoke to one of my previous classmates over the weekend about this. Josh DeLucca is 23, getting his masters at UNH, has nearly $38,000 in student loans and is a waiter. "I should have just gone to a technical school. A two year program where I could be making close to $30 grand a year sitting at a desk. With benefits".
It's hard to disagree with this statement. This is obviously the more rational, and smarter way to obtain a career, but do you sacrifice your happiness and deplete yourself of the passion and motivation that drove you to schlep chicken parm dinners back and forth through a dining room in an effort to live your dream? No, that is why Josh is still a waiter, that is why Josh will feel complete fulfillment when his dream becomes a reality.
Did you know brick layers earn over $42,000 a year? Isn't that roughly how much Quinnipiac's yearly tuition for undergrad is?
A few warnings and guidelines to consider while spending your time receiving higher education from a university: Depending on your major, be careful what you sign. Beware the hefty course load you tackle, because with bio chemical engineering classes, comes a lot of school supplies. Make sure you always read the fine print on any kind of contract that may hold you responsible to shell out even more money than you already have. Journalism students beware of the video equipment room, the production department, and pretty much the entire technical area of the lender school of business, unless, paying $500 in late fees and fines sounds like your idea of fun.
Andrew Kufta and I had a broadcast journalism class last semester, in which, weekly we would rent video equipment to formulate our news casts. Andrew had a streak of bad luck with one of the cameras and ended up having to buy a new video camera for the department. His Quinnipiac account was put on a hold until he replaced the camera that was already insufficient when he got it the first time. Needless to say to only person who lucked out in this situation was the financial tech at best buy who made about $100 off the commission.
It’s like all students are masochists- glutens for punishment. We know the inevitable outcome of going to a university rather than community college, or not going at all. We understand the price we will be paying off until we are well into our thirties. But what other choice do we have? Society places a high demand on our pre requisites in preparation for the job market, and nothing is free.
Prepare yourself for a bit of stress, weight gain, miller high life, and a neglected piggy bank for the next four years, and remember, there will always be a place for you in the food service industry.
Well it hasn't stopped raining in fifteen years; allowance hasn't been earned since pre adolescence, and the only people still making money in a drought are celebrities and political officials.
If you are a student between the ages of 18-26 you know exactly what it's like to eat three boxes of ramen noodles a day, only have a quarter tank of gas, and always pay your rent on the twelfth of every month. What is a continuous question among us though, is in a society that places such outrageous demands on receiving a level of higher education, why make it virtually unattainable?
I decided to go back to school a year after I got my undergrad, because I felt under qualified and inexperienced for what I was going for. I have limited structure or grammatical knowledge (good thing I was an English major, right?), but good god I have a voice! Now, I pay $7,000 a semester for two classes in an effort to get a tiny piece of paper that says "congratulations, you will still be behind a bar for the next five years". Well I'll be dammed.
In addition to the over-pricing of education, and the social hierarchy breathing down your neck to in fact, go to college, prepare yourself for insurmountable debt for the next 20 years. I spoke to one of my previous classmates over the weekend about this. Josh DeLucca is 23, getting his masters at UNH, has nearly $38,000 in student loans and is a waiter. "I should have just gone to a technical school. A two year program where I could be making close to $30 grand a year sitting at a desk. With benefits".
It's hard to disagree with this statement. This is obviously the more rational, and smarter way to obtain a career, but do you sacrifice your happiness and deplete yourself of the passion and motivation that drove you to schlep chicken parm dinners back and forth through a dining room in an effort to live your dream? No, that is why Josh is still a waiter, that is why Josh will feel complete fulfillment when his dream becomes a reality.
Did you know brick layers earn over $42,000 a year? Isn't that roughly how much Quinnipiac's yearly tuition for undergrad is?
A few warnings and guidelines to consider while spending your time receiving higher education from a university: Depending on your major, be careful what you sign. Beware the hefty course load you tackle, because with bio chemical engineering classes, comes a lot of school supplies. Make sure you always read the fine print on any kind of contract that may hold you responsible to shell out even more money than you already have. Journalism students beware of the video equipment room, the production department, and pretty much the entire technical area of the lender school of business, unless, paying $500 in late fees and fines sounds like your idea of fun.
Andrew Kufta and I had a broadcast journalism class last semester, in which, weekly we would rent video equipment to formulate our news casts. Andrew had a streak of bad luck with one of the cameras and ended up having to buy a new video camera for the department. His Quinnipiac account was put on a hold until he replaced the camera that was already insufficient when he got it the first time. Needless to say to only person who lucked out in this situation was the financial tech at best buy who made about $100 off the commission.
It’s like all students are masochists- glutens for punishment. We know the inevitable outcome of going to a university rather than community college, or not going at all. We understand the price we will be paying off until we are well into our thirties. But what other choice do we have? Society places a high demand on our pre requisites in preparation for the job market, and nothing is free.
Prepare yourself for a bit of stress, weight gain, miller high life, and a neglected piggy bank for the next four years, and remember, there will always be a place for you in the food service industry.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
The Wild Card..
"There isn't enough alcohol in this"
"What's the cheapest thing you have?"
"Are there free refills?"
These glorious words are something you never want to hear spoken from potenial customers if you work in the food and beverage industry. You might as well take out your wallet, let me examine the cob webs that line the leather rather than cold hard cash, and ask for a cold glass of free water.
Up until recently these were the only things I would hear while working behind a bar in New Haven. Demanding over privelaged brats; leaving me the change from their $4.25 corona.
Look, I know you have a hundred thousand dollar education, and your parents bought you that brand new M5 that you've been showing off to your friends named Brock and Trent, but us peasants behind the bar- who drive a geo prizm and reside across the street from a halfway house, need to keep their electricty on. So, reach back into that new Marc Jacobs wallet of yours, and quietly thank mommy and daddy for supplying you with an account to support your blatant alcoholism.
I'm not trying to pass judgement on these pretentious, un-unique children of privelage, but don't come up to me in a bar on a Friday night- wearing a white jean blazer, and the first words that escape your freshly carmex-ed lips are "what college do you go to? I go to Yale, obviously". What's even more pathetic is that you think you're getting somewhere with comments like this. That picking up women is effortless enough for you because you are a man who continues to buy his way to the top.
If you offered to buy me a drink, in addition to that pompous statement, I'd probably entertain your dullness for longer than an instant. Who knows, that could have been the Friday night that my judgements went beyond compromisable and I'd let you buy my second drink.
Well, I just went way off topic there; back to important matters. For nearly two years I worked at a "brewery" (I use quotations around the word brewery because this Connecticut based, chain restaurant brewed its' own malty substance which consistently embodied the same bland and unremarkable taste- feet). The bar was directly in the center of about four colleges, ergo- we were a college bar, ergo- $350 remained in my checking account.
On a nightly basis, tipsy 21 year old college girls would saunter in, order shots of SoCo and lime and be exasperated at not only the price, but that there wasn't some devistatingly handsome juice pumped dude behind the bar telling them "it was on the house".
Here is something that I am more than certain your parents didn't teach you while growing up in Red Bank, New Jersey; tipping, although still technically not a requirement among patrons of the service industry is always expected. If you have the audacity to ask how expensive something is, you better be able to back it up with 20% or more. I'm not demanding and I am certainly not unrealistic. I understand our country has been experiencing an economic recession and financial trouble, but people will always have money to drink. The more unhappy you are, the more time you are going to spend at your local watering hole. So, Jenny, Britney, Courtney, whatever your name is, next time you decide to grace one of us less fortunates with your presence, make sure you have enough on your debit card to take care of me the way I have continuously taken care of you.
<3 you.
"What's the cheapest thing you have?"
"Are there free refills?"
These glorious words are something you never want to hear spoken from potenial customers if you work in the food and beverage industry. You might as well take out your wallet, let me examine the cob webs that line the leather rather than cold hard cash, and ask for a cold glass of free water.
Up until recently these were the only things I would hear while working behind a bar in New Haven. Demanding over privelaged brats; leaving me the change from their $4.25 corona.
Look, I know you have a hundred thousand dollar education, and your parents bought you that brand new M5 that you've been showing off to your friends named Brock and Trent, but us peasants behind the bar- who drive a geo prizm and reside across the street from a halfway house, need to keep their electricty on. So, reach back into that new Marc Jacobs wallet of yours, and quietly thank mommy and daddy for supplying you with an account to support your blatant alcoholism.
I'm not trying to pass judgement on these pretentious, un-unique children of privelage, but don't come up to me in a bar on a Friday night- wearing a white jean blazer, and the first words that escape your freshly carmex-ed lips are "what college do you go to? I go to Yale, obviously". What's even more pathetic is that you think you're getting somewhere with comments like this. That picking up women is effortless enough for you because you are a man who continues to buy his way to the top.
If you offered to buy me a drink, in addition to that pompous statement, I'd probably entertain your dullness for longer than an instant. Who knows, that could have been the Friday night that my judgements went beyond compromisable and I'd let you buy my second drink.
Well, I just went way off topic there; back to important matters. For nearly two years I worked at a "brewery" (I use quotations around the word brewery because this Connecticut based, chain restaurant brewed its' own malty substance which consistently embodied the same bland and unremarkable taste- feet). The bar was directly in the center of about four colleges, ergo- we were a college bar, ergo- $350 remained in my checking account.
On a nightly basis, tipsy 21 year old college girls would saunter in, order shots of SoCo and lime and be exasperated at not only the price, but that there wasn't some devistatingly handsome juice pumped dude behind the bar telling them "it was on the house".
Here is something that I am more than certain your parents didn't teach you while growing up in Red Bank, New Jersey; tipping, although still technically not a requirement among patrons of the service industry is always expected. If you have the audacity to ask how expensive something is, you better be able to back it up with 20% or more. I'm not demanding and I am certainly not unrealistic. I understand our country has been experiencing an economic recession and financial trouble, but people will always have money to drink. The more unhappy you are, the more time you are going to spend at your local watering hole. So, Jenny, Britney, Courtney, whatever your name is, next time you decide to grace one of us less fortunates with your presence, make sure you have enough on your debit card to take care of me the way I have continuously taken care of you.
<3 you.
The Human Target
It's hunting season.
Apparently there is a governmental hierarchy with a sniper rifle pointed directly on the middle east, awaiting its' next target in an effort to wipe out Al Queda.
Earlier it is was made known that terrorist affiliate, Anwar Al-Walki was killed about 40 miles outside Saudi Arabia by U.S. troops, under the direct order of president Obama.
The government has concrete evidence that this American (yes American) born citizen was not only directly involved with Al Queda, but part of the terrorist attacks of 9/11 as well.
Forgive me, but the fact that Al-Walki was an American born citizen, New Mexico to be exact, opens up a whole new can of constitutional worms.
This American citizen was never awarded due process, a trial, or had the opportunity to wave his Miranda rights and admit to his unspeakable wrong doings; but simply gunned down in his native religious land marking a "milestone" for old glory.
It is understandable that our country feels the need to take action against those who pose as threatening (and have proved to be so), but this is getting mildly out of hand.
There are video game arcades that provide a hunting system called "Buck Hunter", in which the player, uses a plastic hunting rifle to shoot deer one by one gaining a certain number of points per animal killed. I wonder how many points we get for publicly killing an American citizen, and then broadcasting how we are patting ourselves on the back, nationwide.
Game over.
Apparently there is a governmental hierarchy with a sniper rifle pointed directly on the middle east, awaiting its' next target in an effort to wipe out Al Queda.
Earlier it is was made known that terrorist affiliate, Anwar Al-Walki was killed about 40 miles outside Saudi Arabia by U.S. troops, under the direct order of president Obama.
The government has concrete evidence that this American (yes American) born citizen was not only directly involved with Al Queda, but part of the terrorist attacks of 9/11 as well.
Forgive me, but the fact that Al-Walki was an American born citizen, New Mexico to be exact, opens up a whole new can of constitutional worms.
This American citizen was never awarded due process, a trial, or had the opportunity to wave his Miranda rights and admit to his unspeakable wrong doings; but simply gunned down in his native religious land marking a "milestone" for old glory.
It is understandable that our country feels the need to take action against those who pose as threatening (and have proved to be so), but this is getting mildly out of hand.
There are video game arcades that provide a hunting system called "Buck Hunter", in which the player, uses a plastic hunting rifle to shoot deer one by one gaining a certain number of points per animal killed. I wonder how many points we get for publicly killing an American citizen, and then broadcasting how we are patting ourselves on the back, nationwide.
Game over.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
oh em gee.
Salutations!
I decided to take the summer off..
That's a nice way of putting the fact that I was too busy (getting even tanner) to update my blog, once used strictly for my broadcast class, now for my opinion journalism class, and also, for pure enjoyment.
I have decided every week I will post a new "article" in my fake column that I hope to some day have, titled, "My Personal Beef". This will be a weekly rant bursting with witty, snide, and insensitive comments. The first two postings were assignments from my opinion class. Enjoy.
9/19
My Personal Beef With Rolling Stone
To Whom it May Concern:
For over thirty years, Rolling Stone has provided its readers with a fresh, honest and at times ruthless view on American pop culture, while providing history and purpose about its products who grace the cover every issue. However, when did this publication undergo such musical castration? When did it become relevant to put Snooki on the cover, turning my beloved magazine a ghastly shade of orange? And with condensing the size of it in Jann Wenner’s effort to “go green” did you also lose sight of the fact that there is hip hop beyond Lil Wayne, who, may I remind you, is a convicted felon, and refers to himself as a rock star, because he bought a guitar and wears it for show. Excuse me, Dwayne Carter, but you can’t buy rock and roll, you have to be deserving of it. The first Rolling Stone issue I ever picked up and read cover to cover was in 1996, I was in fifth grade. The debut album of Courtney Love’s band, Hole had been released and beaten its way to the front of the rock and roll band wagon for grunge complete with blood, sweat and tears. Not only was I infatuated with the writing style and use of detail that the journalist provided, but the use of imagery created a feeling of closeness for me. From every ripped lace fringe of Love’s baby doll nighty, to the chain smoking and foul language that made the interview seem that much more real. It wasn’t falling at the feet of the celebrities, worshiping them and patting them on the back for the “great job” they’ve done in American media. Courtney Love was no role model, no pillar of the community, and she had no problem expressing that. As an avid reader, I have continuously noticed the “fear” that is apparent in the publication now. Journalists like Hunter S. Thompson, and Lester Bangs created an aura of journalistic mercilessness, with only passion to drive them. They were unafraid of the press, the outcome, or which drunken rock star they would offend because they wrote for themselves and provided fans a sense honesty about the inspirations we love and admire. I miss that. I miss feeling an adrenaline rush while reading an article, I miss hearing what someone like Elliot Smith had to say and feeling personally connected to his words; not that Kim Karsashian in fact does NOT have ass implants. How is that in any way significant or related to music news? I guess, most importantly, I miss the bravery this magazine used to possess. They say once you spay a dog he is never quite the same, loses his luster and alpha-ness. There is still hope for you, Rolling Stone, you just need your mojo back.
10/3
My Personal Beef with the U.S of Laziness
In That Used To Be Us, Tom Friedman writes, “America is in denial, unwilling to accept that it’s been living beyond its means and getting, well, a little lazy”. In America, during a time of economic recession compared to the financial troubles our country endured over 70 years ago, do we feel it is absolutely necessary to spend billions of dollars annually. Whether the spending be on political campaigning, construction, or property tax, Friedman is right, America is living beyond its means. It is as though all we do is complain and create the “woe is me” argument about our monetary troubles, yet who is fighting back? Who is getting up and screaming “America is still the land of opportunity!”
The term “lazy American” is something that is no longer considered taboo, or used sparingly. We live in a generation where importance is placed solely on income and financial standing; as if we are still living in a renaissance era where class separation divides the peasants from royalty. I am 25 years old, have lived on my own for eight years and been 100 percent self sufficient. I have never worked less than 40 hours a week and I try to teach myself the value of our American dollar. However, due to somewhat of a financial cul-de-sac and issues with the New Haven housing department, I have recently moved home, and back in with my mother. I work in a restaurant, in a primarily white, and white collar area of Newtown, where housewives in Ralph Lauren sip cucumber martinis in an effort to escape their seemingly comatose lifestyle. I also, work with a group of people, roughly in my age demographic who simply have their job because “my parents want me to do something”. Tell me, how is that supposed to motivate my generation to provide decent work ethic? Supposedly these are the future leaders of my beautiful country. Lip gloss and cosmopolitans hold more of an importance to these people than the fact that America has had a steady decline of registered voters in my age demographic. It’s not only depressing, but terrifying. I suppose you could place the blame on my generations’ parents. But since when did being a “product of your environment” provide a scapegoat and an excuse to sheer laziness? Just because you come from a wealthy family; where your nanny helped you with your math homework, and your weekly maid cleaned your room and made up your bed, does not justify continuous coddling nationwide. Our expectations for greatness have become less and less.
Tom Friedman refers to himself as a “frustrated optimist” in his efforts to explain how it all went horribly wrong. He takes a more sensible, calmer approach to how our value system and priorities are in shambles. How did America become so in debt, how did we create an enemy within ourselves? Now we have to pay Egypt $2 billion a year just to remain on our side, while everywhere else would rather toss their hands in the air and say “no way man”. Basically, how did we lose sight of the American dream and how did the idea of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, become money, sex, and the pursuit of maserati’s. When did America stop caring about what is really important here? The state and well being of our nation?
There is optimism in here, there is faith. Friedman still is confident in the well being and economic growth of this country, it just needs to re evaluate what is truly important, and motivate itself to get out of this economic slump. Friedman wrote an article discussing the shift in value systems in our country versus China right after 9/11. He had come home and noticed that the steps in front of a political building in D.C had been “under construction” for nearly three months, compromising the walkway and making it virtually impossible to enter the building without a struggle. China undergoes construction on a daily basis, and a similar problem like the one in D.C wouldn’t take longer than eight days to fix. You mean to tell me that because of the lack of values and teamwork within our society, that people would rather “milk the clock” than do a good job in an effort to remain unified? It’s every man for himself, survival of the fittest. Maybe if our country could work together, establish better leadership and swallow our pride, things would be accomplished in not only a timely fashion, but in a united one. If this could happen, our society would become less bitter; less negative and we would be motivated in getting our feet back on the ground.
Before football games, high schools have pep rally’s in an effort to motivate the team. People chant, come together for the same support, and naturally rev the engines of one another. Maybe that’s what Friedman is talking about; have a nationwide pep rally to motivate our once hungry and fearless group of people. Hard is not impossible, we just need a swift kick in the right direction, and we can overcome our complacence.
I decided to take the summer off..
That's a nice way of putting the fact that I was too busy (getting even tanner) to update my blog, once used strictly for my broadcast class, now for my opinion journalism class, and also, for pure enjoyment.
I have decided every week I will post a new "article" in my fake column that I hope to some day have, titled, "My Personal Beef". This will be a weekly rant bursting with witty, snide, and insensitive comments. The first two postings were assignments from my opinion class. Enjoy.
9/19
My Personal Beef With Rolling Stone
To Whom it May Concern:
For over thirty years, Rolling Stone has provided its readers with a fresh, honest and at times ruthless view on American pop culture, while providing history and purpose about its products who grace the cover every issue. However, when did this publication undergo such musical castration? When did it become relevant to put Snooki on the cover, turning my beloved magazine a ghastly shade of orange? And with condensing the size of it in Jann Wenner’s effort to “go green” did you also lose sight of the fact that there is hip hop beyond Lil Wayne, who, may I remind you, is a convicted felon, and refers to himself as a rock star, because he bought a guitar and wears it for show. Excuse me, Dwayne Carter, but you can’t buy rock and roll, you have to be deserving of it. The first Rolling Stone issue I ever picked up and read cover to cover was in 1996, I was in fifth grade. The debut album of Courtney Love’s band, Hole had been released and beaten its way to the front of the rock and roll band wagon for grunge complete with blood, sweat and tears. Not only was I infatuated with the writing style and use of detail that the journalist provided, but the use of imagery created a feeling of closeness for me. From every ripped lace fringe of Love’s baby doll nighty, to the chain smoking and foul language that made the interview seem that much more real. It wasn’t falling at the feet of the celebrities, worshiping them and patting them on the back for the “great job” they’ve done in American media. Courtney Love was no role model, no pillar of the community, and she had no problem expressing that. As an avid reader, I have continuously noticed the “fear” that is apparent in the publication now. Journalists like Hunter S. Thompson, and Lester Bangs created an aura of journalistic mercilessness, with only passion to drive them. They were unafraid of the press, the outcome, or which drunken rock star they would offend because they wrote for themselves and provided fans a sense honesty about the inspirations we love and admire. I miss that. I miss feeling an adrenaline rush while reading an article, I miss hearing what someone like Elliot Smith had to say and feeling personally connected to his words; not that Kim Karsashian in fact does NOT have ass implants. How is that in any way significant or related to music news? I guess, most importantly, I miss the bravery this magazine used to possess. They say once you spay a dog he is never quite the same, loses his luster and alpha-ness. There is still hope for you, Rolling Stone, you just need your mojo back.
10/3
My Personal Beef with the U.S of Laziness
In That Used To Be Us, Tom Friedman writes, “America is in denial, unwilling to accept that it’s been living beyond its means and getting, well, a little lazy”. In America, during a time of economic recession compared to the financial troubles our country endured over 70 years ago, do we feel it is absolutely necessary to spend billions of dollars annually. Whether the spending be on political campaigning, construction, or property tax, Friedman is right, America is living beyond its means. It is as though all we do is complain and create the “woe is me” argument about our monetary troubles, yet who is fighting back? Who is getting up and screaming “America is still the land of opportunity!”
The term “lazy American” is something that is no longer considered taboo, or used sparingly. We live in a generation where importance is placed solely on income and financial standing; as if we are still living in a renaissance era where class separation divides the peasants from royalty. I am 25 years old, have lived on my own for eight years and been 100 percent self sufficient. I have never worked less than 40 hours a week and I try to teach myself the value of our American dollar. However, due to somewhat of a financial cul-de-sac and issues with the New Haven housing department, I have recently moved home, and back in with my mother. I work in a restaurant, in a primarily white, and white collar area of Newtown, where housewives in Ralph Lauren sip cucumber martinis in an effort to escape their seemingly comatose lifestyle. I also, work with a group of people, roughly in my age demographic who simply have their job because “my parents want me to do something”. Tell me, how is that supposed to motivate my generation to provide decent work ethic? Supposedly these are the future leaders of my beautiful country. Lip gloss and cosmopolitans hold more of an importance to these people than the fact that America has had a steady decline of registered voters in my age demographic. It’s not only depressing, but terrifying. I suppose you could place the blame on my generations’ parents. But since when did being a “product of your environment” provide a scapegoat and an excuse to sheer laziness? Just because you come from a wealthy family; where your nanny helped you with your math homework, and your weekly maid cleaned your room and made up your bed, does not justify continuous coddling nationwide. Our expectations for greatness have become less and less.
Tom Friedman refers to himself as a “frustrated optimist” in his efforts to explain how it all went horribly wrong. He takes a more sensible, calmer approach to how our value system and priorities are in shambles. How did America become so in debt, how did we create an enemy within ourselves? Now we have to pay Egypt $2 billion a year just to remain on our side, while everywhere else would rather toss their hands in the air and say “no way man”. Basically, how did we lose sight of the American dream and how did the idea of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, become money, sex, and the pursuit of maserati’s. When did America stop caring about what is really important here? The state and well being of our nation?
There is optimism in here, there is faith. Friedman still is confident in the well being and economic growth of this country, it just needs to re evaluate what is truly important, and motivate itself to get out of this economic slump. Friedman wrote an article discussing the shift in value systems in our country versus China right after 9/11. He had come home and noticed that the steps in front of a political building in D.C had been “under construction” for nearly three months, compromising the walkway and making it virtually impossible to enter the building without a struggle. China undergoes construction on a daily basis, and a similar problem like the one in D.C wouldn’t take longer than eight days to fix. You mean to tell me that because of the lack of values and teamwork within our society, that people would rather “milk the clock” than do a good job in an effort to remain unified? It’s every man for himself, survival of the fittest. Maybe if our country could work together, establish better leadership and swallow our pride, things would be accomplished in not only a timely fashion, but in a united one. If this could happen, our society would become less bitter; less negative and we would be motivated in getting our feet back on the ground.
Before football games, high schools have pep rally’s in an effort to motivate the team. People chant, come together for the same support, and naturally rev the engines of one another. Maybe that’s what Friedman is talking about; have a nationwide pep rally to motivate our once hungry and fearless group of people. Hard is not impossible, we just need a swift kick in the right direction, and we can overcome our complacence.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
attention: I successfully avoided spontaneous combustion!
After a three day extension (thank you Jen, for being so totally awesome), I re-did my entire news package...well I shot new b-roll and conducted a new interview and put everything together with only asking for help three or twelve times.
I really enjoyed writing this package. It is something that my generation thinks about constantly. "What do we do now?" It's funny, I watched Reality Bites yesterday, and the premise of the movie, and the documentary being made within the film is all about post-grad life. What happens next? How do we save the world one person at a time without succumbing to the concrete jungles of shopping plaza's and blue tooths? Answer: we have to sell our souls in order to get ahead.
My interviewee. Chris Cortis told me after the interview that he will probably work in the restaurant for the rest of his life because he has seen too many people struggle with finding employment within their majors. "Unless you want to be a teacher or work in healthcare, would you like fries with that pretty much applies to you". As negative and cynical as this sounds, the kid has a point, employment is scarce and paychecks are virtually non existent.
On the other hand, if you are dedicated and passionate about your work, that amount of drive should fuel the fire within you to keep going regardless. I sound like a Nike ad.
Anyway, thankfully, with an extension, I have completed my final news package!
I really enjoyed writing this package. It is something that my generation thinks about constantly. "What do we do now?" It's funny, I watched Reality Bites yesterday, and the premise of the movie, and the documentary being made within the film is all about post-grad life. What happens next? How do we save the world one person at a time without succumbing to the concrete jungles of shopping plaza's and blue tooths? Answer: we have to sell our souls in order to get ahead.
My interviewee. Chris Cortis told me after the interview that he will probably work in the restaurant for the rest of his life because he has seen too many people struggle with finding employment within their majors. "Unless you want to be a teacher or work in healthcare, would you like fries with that pretty much applies to you". As negative and cynical as this sounds, the kid has a point, employment is scarce and paychecks are virtually non existent.
On the other hand, if you are dedicated and passionate about your work, that amount of drive should fuel the fire within you to keep going regardless. I sound like a Nike ad.
Anyway, thankfully, with an extension, I have completed my final news package!
Friday, May 6, 2011
Anchor Intro, NewsPakFinal/ News Package
{ANCHOR INTRO}
Your college graduation is a day where you can take a deep breath and say, "what an accomplishment". A sense of freedom and hunger to begin the path to adulthood consumes you. But most graduates find themselves asking one another, "what's next?" Tessa Davis' Quinnipiac News has more on the story.
{PKG}
{IMAGE: SCSU CAMPUS, MAIN SIGN, CRESCENT STREET}
{SOT: CHRIS CORTIS}
I am a physics and English double major here at Southern Connecticut State University. I'm in my fourth year of study, I just declared a major in English as well because I wanted to have more things to boost up my resume.
{TRACK}
State colleges representing strengths in areas such as teaching and nursing, do not cover a wide range for students with a more liberal perspective.
{IMAGE: STUDENT CENTER, FITCH STREET ENTRANCE}
{SOT: CHRIS CORTIS}
I used to be in the military, in the NAVY, and that was a good experience for me although I didn't enjoy it, it told me what I didn't want to do in life, and now I'm back in the world of academia, and studying both physics and English. Which I think is making me a vey well-rounded individual, which hopefully will get me ahead in the job market.
{TRACK}
With the steady economic decline surrounding us, students find themselves feeling like the lost generation, when we were once looked at as the future leaders of society.
{IMAGE: FITCH STREET. ENGLEMAN HALL ENTRANCE, ACROSS FROM LIBRARY}
{SOT: CHRIS CORTIS}
One of my friends who I was originally in school with before i joined the military, was a history major, and he actually graduated, but then i got him a job as a mechanic, and it just seems like a lot of people aren't even using their degrees, something that you're going to school for, something you enjoy.
{TRACK]
Graduates are turning to jobs that have nothing to do with their degrees and the urgency for employment skyrockets.
{SOT: CHRIS CORTIS}
One of the main reasons that I'm doing a double major in both physics and English is because they're both subjects that I'm very passionate about. I love to write, and I love science. I can't really decide what I wanna do, I can't sit back and say, "I want a career in English or I want a career in science". I kinda wanna blend them all together.
{ANCHOR OUTRO}
Although the job market leaves little to be desired at this point, one thing students are displaying is a healthy appetite for success. Having a degree is an achievement in itself, but the effort in following your goals is a continues dedication in the right direction. Tessa Davis, Quinnipiac News
Your college graduation is a day where you can take a deep breath and say, "what an accomplishment". A sense of freedom and hunger to begin the path to adulthood consumes you. But most graduates find themselves asking one another, "what's next?" Tessa Davis' Quinnipiac News has more on the story.
{PKG}
{IMAGE: SCSU CAMPUS, MAIN SIGN, CRESCENT STREET}
{SOT: CHRIS CORTIS}
I am a physics and English double major here at Southern Connecticut State University. I'm in my fourth year of study, I just declared a major in English as well because I wanted to have more things to boost up my resume.
{TRACK}
State colleges representing strengths in areas such as teaching and nursing, do not cover a wide range for students with a more liberal perspective.
{IMAGE: STUDENT CENTER, FITCH STREET ENTRANCE}
{SOT: CHRIS CORTIS}
I used to be in the military, in the NAVY, and that was a good experience for me although I didn't enjoy it, it told me what I didn't want to do in life, and now I'm back in the world of academia, and studying both physics and English. Which I think is making me a vey well-rounded individual, which hopefully will get me ahead in the job market.
{TRACK}
With the steady economic decline surrounding us, students find themselves feeling like the lost generation, when we were once looked at as the future leaders of society.
{IMAGE: FITCH STREET. ENGLEMAN HALL ENTRANCE, ACROSS FROM LIBRARY}
{SOT: CHRIS CORTIS}
One of my friends who I was originally in school with before i joined the military, was a history major, and he actually graduated, but then i got him a job as a mechanic, and it just seems like a lot of people aren't even using their degrees, something that you're going to school for, something you enjoy.
{TRACK]
Graduates are turning to jobs that have nothing to do with their degrees and the urgency for employment skyrockets.
{SOT: CHRIS CORTIS}
One of the main reasons that I'm doing a double major in both physics and English is because they're both subjects that I'm very passionate about. I love to write, and I love science. I can't really decide what I wanna do, I can't sit back and say, "I want a career in English or I want a career in science". I kinda wanna blend them all together.
{ANCHOR OUTRO}
Although the job market leaves little to be desired at this point, one thing students are displaying is a healthy appetite for success. Having a degree is an achievement in itself, but the effort in following your goals is a continues dedication in the right direction. Tessa Davis, Quinnipiac News
God, would you please ind moving me two inches to the left, out from beneath your magnifying glass, which is located under direct sunlight
This week was grueling.
Between the epic saving failure, my interview being erased, half my b roll gone, copious amounts nervous breakdowns and video equipment fines that will take me 65 hours of bar tending to pay off....I finished?
Originally my news package was going to be kind of a "man on the street" piece, talking, specifically to students at SCSU who are nearing graduation. I spoke to Chris Cortis, a double major in physics and English about the rough road he will face ahead as soon as he is handed a diploma.
While I was writing this, in an effort to make room on my usb drive, I deleted my stand up. My stand up is evident in the news package, and Andrew helped me video tape it.
Between the epic saving failure, my interview being erased, half my b roll gone, copious amounts nervous breakdowns and video equipment fines that will take me 65 hours of bar tending to pay off....I finished?
Originally my news package was going to be kind of a "man on the street" piece, talking, specifically to students at SCSU who are nearing graduation. I spoke to Chris Cortis, a double major in physics and English about the rough road he will face ahead as soon as he is handed a diploma.
While I was writing this, in an effort to make room on my usb drive, I deleted my stand up. My stand up is evident in the news package, and Andrew helped me video tape it.
Friday, April 22, 2011
News Package Lottery Jam
{ANCHOR INTRO}
Winning the lottery is something everyone thinks about on a daily basis
{PKG}
{NAT SOUND: MOTORCYCLE}
{IMAGE: OUTSIDE 7-11}
{SOT: CHARLES TAYLOR}
I’d pay off my student loans first and foremost
{SOT: SARA TROUT}
That’s not fun
{IMAGE: MEGAMILLIONS AND POWERBALL TICKETS}
{TRACK}
With a 56 million dollar power ball, it will leave you plenty of money to spend however you like.
{SOT: CHARLES TAYLOR}
I’d also hire someone to play theme music for me wherever I went
{IMAGE: PRINGLES AND PLANTERS PEANUTS}
{TRACK}
Charlie bears a striking resemblance to both planters and Pringles logos.
{SOT: SARA TROUT}
Charlie needs a library where he can go be a creepy old man because he’s a creepy old man.
{IMAGE: GASOLINE PRICES}
{TRACK}
Nationally recognized problems such as the increase in gas prices do not seem to affect these two.
{SOT: SARA TROUT}
So and then I would buy a house. I would buy a house in New Haven, a house in Memphis Tennessee, and then I would make Charlie marry me.
{IMAGE: 7-11 STORE CLERK AND CUSTOMER PURCHASE}
{TRACK}
My coworker, on the other hand, had a much simpler idea for spending.
{SOT: CHRISTIAN DELMORE}
I really feel like I would buy a new race, a new wardrobe, maybe a house for my mom
{TRACK}
During an economic recession, more and more people are buying lottery tickets, which decreases your chances of winning. However, there’s a reason why people have developed the phrase, “you cant win if you don’t play”. I think about that every time I buy a scratch off ticket. Tessa Davis, Quinnipiac News.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Allow me to introduce you to my other half: Sara Trout
Well, you said "have fun with this project", so I did.
I live with an eclectic array of characters in the glorious Elm City.
Sara, my room mate and best friend of seven years, has visibly been hitting the bottle. However, it made her more relaxed in front of the camera, and more creative with her answers as to "what if you won the lottery". I originally had about six and a half minutes of her cackling into the camera about buying her mother 10,000 yorkies and hiring someone to take care of them. I love her dearly.
Charlie, Saras boyfriend of forever and a day, hated the camera and I have about three minutes of him telling me how much he hated the camera. Thankfully, I remembered to cut out his sailor-like swearing and blind hatred for the paparazzi. You can also hear the cat meowing in the background which I refused to edit out, although I was requested to. I think it gives this step up from garbage a little something extra.
7-11 was not very pleased with me lugging around a tripod and camera at 7:30 in the morning, during their busiest time. A car bumped me out of the way because I was in front of the air pump. Really, this happened. Christian originally spoke for nearly a half an hour about the kinds of sneakers he would be purchasing if awarded a sum of 56 million. I stopped recording after the first 30 seconds and fell asleep behind my sunglasses.
He doesn't follow my blog, he won't be upset.
Editing came much easier to me, although I wish I had actual footage of people purchasing lottery tickets. I didn't want to use anything from the internet for fear that it would be blatantly obvious that I, in fact, do not know P.Diddy.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Hereeeee is my "newscast" and apology letter to final cut pro.
Dear FinalCutPro,
I swear on my life I will never think I have "too much" footage. You were right, please forgive me.
Love always,
Tessa Davis
In my feeble experience with this equipment and "fieldwork", shooting the video and talking to people is always the best and most interesting experience. This assignment, people were especially patient with me. It was raining, I was frazzled, often in the middle of the street, and frequently shaking my fist in the air while being smited. I was like watching an episode of the three stooges while embodying all three characters.
Tippy was lovely to talk to and clearly unhappy about her store closing, as she expressed her dedication to the establishment for over two years. Linda, was exasperated to be on camera, but did end up speaking without breath or hesitation for nearly four minutes. You loved it, Linda.
On the other hand, the video editing. Oh, the horror!
Jen was right, I didn't give myself enough time; I was cocky and thought I could easily create some masterpiece because I had such an excellent idea and people who were really passionate about our country's financial well being.
Nope. Six hours of talking myself out of hysteria resulted in shaky camera angles, washed out stand ups, and some jumpy, breaks in interviews. However, as behind as I was, working under the pressure of a deadline put some fire under my seat. Thank you youtube, I have 129 minutes of uploading remaining.
Christ.
News Package 2
{ANCHOR INTRO}
It’s no surprise that our society is suffering through a time of economic despair. The price of food and gas are at an all time high, the abundance of unemployment leaves citizens without job security, and small businesses are experiencing a bit of desperation to make ends meet. A well respected book and toy company in Hamden, CT advertises up to 60% off all merchandise in their store closing and going out of business sale.
{PKG}
{NAT SOUND: CARS DRIVING FROM OUTSIDE STORE}
{IMAGE: STORE SIGN, STORE FRONT}
{IMAGE: INSIDE STORE, BOOKS}
{SOT: TIPPY, STORE MANAGER}
Well, we have been open for two and a half years. Basically we are closing because the economy cannot support our store. We are not making enough sales to pay for all the overheads. Since we are owned by ACES, which is a variation of cooperative educational services, many of their businesses are not self sustained so they have to cut them loose. Without making much of a profit in two and a half years, they’ve decided they cannot fund it anymore. Technically they would be taking money away from their schools. So, we’re going out of business, we have to be out by the end of May and we have everything at 60% off and we’re going to keep that for a couple of weeks, see what our stock situation is, and raise the amount if need be.
{TRACK}
Working with such a generous organization such as ACES, and a store completely stocked with positive learning tools, what will happen if the “everything must go” sale, doesn’t sell?
{SOT: TIPPY, STORE MANAGER}
Everything not sold will be donated to the ACES schools in the area.
{IMAGE: CUSTOMERS, TOYS}
{TRACK}
With Sleeping Giant Book and Toy Company home to a plethora of both quality books and educational toys, Tippy is confident in knowing these products will not go to waste, no matter what.
{IMAGE: INSIDE BOOKS & CO.}
{TRACK}
At the other end of the recessive spectrum, Books & Company at the other end of Whitney Avenue, experiences similar problems, but with a more positive outcome.
{SOT: LINDA MOSER, STORE OWNER}
Hi, I’m Linda Moser, this is my store, Books & Company, used bookstore café in Hamden, we’ve been here for 16 years although we’ve been in this location for only 11, we were at a smaller location down the street for the first five years. It’s not an easy thing to do, run a small retail business, neighborhood kind of place, it gets harder and harder but we’re pretty committed to keeping it going as long as we can. Used books have a little different economic base than new books so it makes it work a little better in terms of not having as much cash tied up in a business but over the years I found that I diversify more and more. I have a greeting card selection that is pretty unusual, most places do not bother to order from nearly 50 different companies, and small companies at that and we are supporting small artists.
{TRACK}
Linda has made it abundantly clear, tat her store truly offers something for everyone.
{SOT: LINDA MOSER, STORE OWNER}
We have gifts that are usually somewhat keeping with our themes. Some of those themes are books to reading to journaling, to kids. Our kinds room which is books for kids is really important to us because we give an extra discount to teachers when they buy for their classrooms and in the last few years I’ve been doing a certain amount of jewelry making here. The beading I do myself, I do it at home, and I bring it in and it’s another significant part of what goes on here. We have a bead meeting twice a month, changing art shows, we have photographers local pictures up on the wall right now, and now Pair Art School is doing one later this month. We’re really dedicated to community.
{TRACK}
As if jewelry, unusual gifts and rare finds were enough, Books & Company pushes the envelope a little bit further.
{SOT: LINDA MOSER, STORE OWNER}
As of last November, I sublet out my café to some other people who were really passionate about coffee and weren’t stretched quite as thin as I am. So now we have the energy of Legal Grounds, founded at Best Video right up the street about four years ago by two lawyers who love coffee. Our businesses just work in tandem with one another and we’re in the same space. When the deli next door is open we have an interior door that opens between us so that customers can wander between us, the idea is to get more and more. This is a wonderful little neighborhood we’re part of and we’re very committed to staying here, to doing as much as we can, as much community building as we can. We’ve got lectures coming up for a number of luminaries that live in the neighborhood. We had one last week on bayou tapestries, and it had 44 people in attendance. That was really quite wonderful. We have book groups, we let other groups use the space, on Friday nights we have an astrology group that meets here, and a writing group that meets here. There’s plenty of room for everybody. We do an art festival in the summer, the first Saturday of every month outside so that people can sell their wares and see what’s being made in the neighborhood. So lots and lots always happening, but it is a hard thing to keep going in this economy, it’s been the worst winter on record, and I’m sure a lot of other businesses are saying the same thing. We’re very hopeful about Spring and new energy and more people finding us.
{NAT SOUND: MUSIC PLAYING, PEOPLE CHATTING}
{TRACK}
There is a pattern of consistent struggle and uncertainty between these two similar, but very different establishments. Recession and financial woes are a common battle for both Linda and Tippy, but Linda seems to bringing a strong sense of variety to her shop that truly offers, something for everyone. Tessa Davis, Quinnipiac News.
Jay-Z: The Only Person Still Makin' Money in a Drought.
This assignment has been informative, nerve racking and for the most part, panic stricken. Over the past few years we have all come accustomed to the fact that our economy is in financial despair. The price of products continues to rise as we, hard working Americans continue to receive less and less. In this time of monetary turmoil; businesses close, houses are foreclosed on, and our society feels a frantic pressure to make, and keep stability.
There's a bookstore on Whitney Avenue called Sleeping Giant Book and Toy Company that is preparing for their grand closing in over a month. I spoke to Tippy, the store manager to gain a little knowledge as to why the going out of business sale. Just as I suspected, their business is 'unsustainable' because of the lack of sales on books and toys, and that more money is being pumped into this establishment to keep it open, rather than selling to create a profit.
Further down the road towards New Haven is a smaller bookstore and cafe called Books and Company. I spoke to Linda, the store owner about the struggles of maintaining a business during economic downfall. Linda has expanded her store to a cafe, art gallery and unique gift boutique as well, to appeal to all members of her community. Linda's creation of diversity has kept her business steady for well over ten years. However, the element of struggle is still abundantly clear.
Anyway, per usual I experienced technical difficulties because in light of the fact that it is 2011, Tessa still struggles with simplistic materials. The idea of an ipod still pisses me off, by the way.
It was a beautifully dreary, cold and rainy morning when I decided, "hey what a great day for filming". Everyone on this newscast looks a healthy shade of grey though. I felt it really complimented the theme of the story, "the great depression: part deux".
Here we go...
{ANCHRO INTRO}
There's a bookstore on Whitney Avenue called Sleeping Giant Book and Toy Company that is preparing for their grand closing in over a month. I spoke to Tippy, the store manager to gain a little knowledge as to why the going out of business sale. Just as I suspected, their business is 'unsustainable' because of the lack of sales on books and toys, and that more money is being pumped into this establishment to keep it open, rather than selling to create a profit.
Further down the road towards New Haven is a smaller bookstore and cafe called Books and Company. I spoke to Linda, the store owner about the struggles of maintaining a business during economic downfall. Linda has expanded her store to a cafe, art gallery and unique gift boutique as well, to appeal to all members of her community. Linda's creation of diversity has kept her business steady for well over ten years. However, the element of struggle is still abundantly clear.
Anyway, per usual I experienced technical difficulties because in light of the fact that it is 2011, Tessa still struggles with simplistic materials. The idea of an ipod still pisses me off, by the way.
It was a beautifully dreary, cold and rainy morning when I decided, "hey what a great day for filming". Everyone on this newscast looks a healthy shade of grey though. I felt it really complimented the theme of the story, "the great depression: part deux".
Here we go...
{ANCHRO INTRO}
It’s no surprise that our society is suffering through a time of economic despair. The price of food and gas are at an all time high, the abundance of unemployment leaves citizens without job security, and small businesses are experiencing a bit of desperation to make ends meet. A well respected book and toy company in Hamden, CT advertises up to 60% off all merchandise in their store closing and going out of business sale.
Friday, March 11, 2011
One day I'll be tech savvy... but not today
Over the past week Julie and I worked together and separately to develop a news package, create an actual broadcast, and then have mild aneurisms trying to put the pieces together with final cut pro. Alas, after hours of communicating back and forth, system crashes, and maybe a few tears, we put together what we consider to be some solid footage.
I'm not too proud to beg. I asked for help left and right to try and continue to familiarize myself with this system and I still need work. Definitely. Good thing this is one of the purposes of this class!
Things did however, go smoothly and I enjoyed hearing different peoples perspectives about the possibility of liquor availability.
The audio recording was the easiest for me by far. I had read our script so many times over and practiced my annunciation, that when it actually came down to recording, it felt like second nature.
...As you can tell I am a little loud in my tracks though! Next time I'll try not to eat the microphone.
I'm not too proud to beg. I asked for help left and right to try and continue to familiarize myself with this system and I still need work. Definitely. Good thing this is one of the purposes of this class!
Things did however, go smoothly and I enjoyed hearing different peoples perspectives about the possibility of liquor availability.
The audio recording was the easiest for me by far. I had read our script so many times over and practiced my annunciation, that when it actually came down to recording, it felt like second nature.
...As you can tell I am a little loud in my tracks though! Next time I'll try not to eat the microphone.
Tessa Davis NewsPackage1
For quite some time it has been a Connecticut state law that the sale of alcohol is prohibited on Sundays. Recently, officials have been trying to rectify this situation and make liquor be available seven days a week. QU News' Tessa Davis and Julie Chung gained perspective from bigger businesses versus smaller ones, to find out what the pro's and con's of this possible law are.
Friday, March 4, 2011
I swear it's just a social thing...
This past week has been interesting for lack of a better term.
Well, now that my three posts have been based on my dedication to the weekend, filming the inside of a bar while low grade stoner music emphasizes the atmosphere, and my current news package speaks of the possibility of alcohol being sold on a Sunday, will you, my one reader, believe me if I tell you I don't have a drinking problem?
I hope the suspense is killing you. Anyway, this week, Julie and I decided to work together on our news package because in mathematical equations two negatives equal a positive integer! Just kidding. We came up with some decent ideas here and there and landed on something that we felt a lot of people would have opinions on: modern day "prohibition". It is a CT state law that you are not allowed to sell liquor on Sundays, or after nine during the week. In the state's defense, this benefits me because I am a bartender, and if I could buy a bottle of wine at 10 p.m. on a Sunday I would have no use to sit at the Anchor, and my pockets would remain full.
Julie and I attempted to speak to the general manager of Stop and Shop, but alas, larger corporations kick you to the curb unless you have a letter from the hierarchy, or an appointment. Across the street was Hometown Wine and Liquors, right next to Walmart. We took some shots (figuratively, not literally) of the interior and exterior and also got some opinions from customers and employees about whether this possible law is positive thing, or negative.
Next we went to a smaller, very fine wine shop on Whitney Ave. near school. Eric Seggreman, the store owner was pretty reluctant to speak to us, but after thirty seconds of Julie's charm and my badgering, he gave in.
Furthermore, it was good to hear people's different opinions on the situation.
And no, I did not receive any free samples.
Well, now that my three posts have been based on my dedication to the weekend, filming the inside of a bar while low grade stoner music emphasizes the atmosphere, and my current news package speaks of the possibility of alcohol being sold on a Sunday, will you, my one reader, believe me if I tell you I don't have a drinking problem?
I hope the suspense is killing you. Anyway, this week, Julie and I decided to work together on our news package because in mathematical equations two negatives equal a positive integer! Just kidding. We came up with some decent ideas here and there and landed on something that we felt a lot of people would have opinions on: modern day "prohibition". It is a CT state law that you are not allowed to sell liquor on Sundays, or after nine during the week. In the state's defense, this benefits me because I am a bartender, and if I could buy a bottle of wine at 10 p.m. on a Sunday I would have no use to sit at the Anchor, and my pockets would remain full.
Julie and I attempted to speak to the general manager of Stop and Shop, but alas, larger corporations kick you to the curb unless you have a letter from the hierarchy, or an appointment. Across the street was Hometown Wine and Liquors, right next to Walmart. We took some shots (figuratively, not literally) of the interior and exterior and also got some opinions from customers and employees about whether this possible law is positive thing, or negative.
Next we went to a smaller, very fine wine shop on Whitney Ave. near school. Eric Seggreman, the store owner was pretty reluctant to speak to us, but after thirty seconds of Julie's charm and my badgering, he gave in.
Furthermore, it was good to hear people's different opinions on the situation.
And no, I did not receive any free samples.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
How I've managed to remain five feet under, as opposed to six
So,
I haven't blogged about anything in almost three years There was a time, long ago, when myspace.com overruled the wave of facebook; where it was just "a place for friends", rather than a free, and more invasive version of eharmoney. And through using myspace, I would fill my "blog space" with random rants about city drivers, general education requirements in college, insufficient funds, what have you. However, now that I am in graduate school and attempting to take my upcoming career as serious as possible, I feel it is time for me to enter the 21st century, and blog the hell out of everything I can.
A little background:
Not to sound redundant (most of my classmates are in my wednesday night class as well), but here it goes.
I was born and raised in Danbury, CT, where I moved out of my house at 17 and to New Haven. I attended SCSU for a tragic five and a half years. Did you know that Southern will literally not allow you to graduate if you do not complete college gym? This was mildly shocking when I went to go buy a cap and gown, and the woman at the bookstore informed me that my 60,000$ education is useless if I do not complete "fit for life".
Anyway. I majored in creative writing with a minor focusing on electronic music. This translates to, "I never want a job". During my time at Southern, I began to intern at the New Haven Register for a small publication called PLAY.
PLAY was the editorial equivalent to Syberia. The magazine was a once a week arts and entertainment guide that consisted of four writers. After ten days, I was promoted to a staff writer. PLAY was the best job I've ever had though. I had responsibilities, deadlines, and the advantage of it being a small publication, gave me the opportunity to conduct interviews, both in studio and out. However glitzy and radical rock and roll journalism seems to be, my job lasted no more than a year due to the lack of funds and lack of print media in general.
Ideally, I eventually want to travel and write for a major publication. Magazines like Vanity Fair and Interview remain completely unscathed by this alleged "recession", and honestly, it gives me some glimmer of hope for my future.
To be honest, I know nothing about formula or format. I am technologically handicapped, and I am scared to death of graduate school. With that being said, I am passionate. My desire to achieve and obtain a career in journalism has no longer become something I want, but something I need. I feel as though the motivation I possess will help me overcome my fears throughout this program.
After I lost my job at PLAY, I was surprised at how difficult it was for me to find employment in general. I've worked in the restaurant business for eight years and it is something I have always kept because of the consistency and cash flow. Bartending is something that has become second nature to me.
I currently work for a more "corporate" establishment. A restaurant that is also a brewery where I have been for over a year.
When I was first hired at SBC, I had bright purple hair and three piercings in my face. Being the corporate, straight laced, right wing conservative environment that it is, I had to alter my entire physical appearance because I was deemed "offensive". Damn the man, right?
I haven't blogged about anything in almost three years There was a time, long ago, when myspace.com overruled the wave of facebook; where it was just "a place for friends", rather than a free, and more invasive version of eharmoney. And through using myspace, I would fill my "blog space" with random rants about city drivers, general education requirements in college, insufficient funds, what have you. However, now that I am in graduate school and attempting to take my upcoming career as serious as possible, I feel it is time for me to enter the 21st century, and blog the hell out of everything I can.
A little background:
Not to sound redundant (most of my classmates are in my wednesday night class as well), but here it goes.
I was born and raised in Danbury, CT, where I moved out of my house at 17 and to New Haven. I attended SCSU for a tragic five and a half years. Did you know that Southern will literally not allow you to graduate if you do not complete college gym? This was mildly shocking when I went to go buy a cap and gown, and the woman at the bookstore informed me that my 60,000$ education is useless if I do not complete "fit for life".
Anyway. I majored in creative writing with a minor focusing on electronic music. This translates to, "I never want a job". During my time at Southern, I began to intern at the New Haven Register for a small publication called PLAY.
PLAY was the editorial equivalent to Syberia. The magazine was a once a week arts and entertainment guide that consisted of four writers. After ten days, I was promoted to a staff writer. PLAY was the best job I've ever had though. I had responsibilities, deadlines, and the advantage of it being a small publication, gave me the opportunity to conduct interviews, both in studio and out. However glitzy and radical rock and roll journalism seems to be, my job lasted no more than a year due to the lack of funds and lack of print media in general.
Ideally, I eventually want to travel and write for a major publication. Magazines like Vanity Fair and Interview remain completely unscathed by this alleged "recession", and honestly, it gives me some glimmer of hope for my future.
To be honest, I know nothing about formula or format. I am technologically handicapped, and I am scared to death of graduate school. With that being said, I am passionate. My desire to achieve and obtain a career in journalism has no longer become something I want, but something I need. I feel as though the motivation I possess will help me overcome my fears throughout this program.
After I lost my job at PLAY, I was surprised at how difficult it was for me to find employment in general. I've worked in the restaurant business for eight years and it is something I have always kept because of the consistency and cash flow. Bartending is something that has become second nature to me.
I currently work for a more "corporate" establishment. A restaurant that is also a brewery where I have been for over a year.
When I was first hired at SBC, I had bright purple hair and three piercings in my face. Being the corporate, straight laced, right wing conservative environment that it is, I had to alter my entire physical appearance because I was deemed "offensive". Damn the man, right?
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