Never has popular culture been more prevalent than in the sports teams of today. Players are hyped for their on field and off field activities. They are built up to be gods and goddesses of their sports and as such deserve to be paid millions for what they may be able to do. This scenario has never been truer than given the current situation concerning rookie Michael Crabtree of the San Francisco 49ers.
According to Dan Wetzel of yahoo sports, Micahael Crabtree is threatening to sit out his rookie season if he is not paid more money. “Crabtree has decided that he shouldn’t have to be paid less because – based on all the made-up, predicted drafts – Al Davis made a mistake.” (Wetzel, 2009) According to the pre draft hype over this young man from Texas Tech, he should be making more money than what he is for what he might do as a pro.
Modern society has built a culture of entitlement. We have been raised and continue to raise our children to believe they can do anything they want too and they can be anything they want to be. We have also raised them to believe that they are valuable and should be compensated for their value. Given the success of some sports players, it makes since that they should be paid millions for their god given gifts. After all, “a disturbing percentage leave the game as near-cripples dealing with neurological problems.” (Wetzel, 2009) However, the players who have the experience and talent to be considered pros should be the ones making this money. Not the rookies who are being given a chance to prove their prowess in this sport. It will serve society and popular culture well to not give in to the demands of the inexperienced and reserve their best pay for those who have the most to offer.
Popular culture has as much to contribute to the delinquency of entitlement as the rest of society. We pay people millions for their potential and tell them all along that they are worth it. We build individuals into icons that are longed for and even desired until their public worth outdrives their professional worth. We as a culture need to take a long hard look at the message we are sending to our children of today, less they pay for our wrongdoings.
Bibliography
Wetzel, D. (2009, August 06). Yahoo Sports. Retrieved August 07, 2009, from http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=dw-michaelcrabtree080609&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
Friday, August 7, 2009
Friday, July 31, 2009
Assignment5-1: Weekly Post of Popular Culture
The times are changing. Consumers are growing ever more wary about what they put into their bodies, and society is trying to keep up. The new trends of the health conscious consumer can be seen in just about any supermarket. As you look around you will see free range this and antibiotic free that but in the end what their selling is food without foreign intervention in the process. A recent article published on the Buzz Log, and written by Mike Krumboltz has accurately illustrated the far reaching fad of organic farming.
Organic farming in summation is the growing of produce without the use of organic fertilizers or pesticides. In order for produce to be considered organic in nature, it has to be grown in soil that has been free from the use of synthetic chemicals for a length of time often in excess of three years. These synthetic chemicals range from fertilizers, pesticides, antibiotics, food additives and sewage sludge.
Michelle Obama recently discovered that her desire to feed her family organically grown vegetables from the White House garden would not be possible. Is seems that when the Clintons were living in the White House, they utilized sewage sludge for fertilizer. This matter was not fully realized until an “icky goo” (Krumboltz, 2009) was found in the garden and it would not go away. “The national park service tested the soil in the vegetable patch and found highly elevated levels of lead due to sewage used as fertilizer.” (Krumboltz, 2009)
While the use of sewage sludge may sound like a taboo practice, not to mention a particularly disgusting thing to use on food plants, it is fairly common practice. Whether it is the use of cow manure or human waste, we have been fertilizing our fields with this compost for decades, it not even centuries. The bi-products of human and animal consumption contain potassium, phosphorus and other organic materials, including lead, which plants readily need to grow and thrive. The only thing now is to eat your vegetables without thinking about what was on it before you bought it.
Bibliography
Krumboltz, M. (2009, July 31). The Buzz Log. Retrieved July 31, 2009, from http://buzz.yahoo.com/buzzlog/92869?fp=1
Organic farming in summation is the growing of produce without the use of organic fertilizers or pesticides. In order for produce to be considered organic in nature, it has to be grown in soil that has been free from the use of synthetic chemicals for a length of time often in excess of three years. These synthetic chemicals range from fertilizers, pesticides, antibiotics, food additives and sewage sludge.
Michelle Obama recently discovered that her desire to feed her family organically grown vegetables from the White House garden would not be possible. Is seems that when the Clintons were living in the White House, they utilized sewage sludge for fertilizer. This matter was not fully realized until an “icky goo” (Krumboltz, 2009) was found in the garden and it would not go away. “The national park service tested the soil in the vegetable patch and found highly elevated levels of lead due to sewage used as fertilizer.” (Krumboltz, 2009)
While the use of sewage sludge may sound like a taboo practice, not to mention a particularly disgusting thing to use on food plants, it is fairly common practice. Whether it is the use of cow manure or human waste, we have been fertilizing our fields with this compost for decades, it not even centuries. The bi-products of human and animal consumption contain potassium, phosphorus and other organic materials, including lead, which plants readily need to grow and thrive. The only thing now is to eat your vegetables without thinking about what was on it before you bought it.
Bibliography
Krumboltz, M. (2009, July 31). The Buzz Log. Retrieved July 31, 2009, from http://buzz.yahoo.com/buzzlog/92869?fp=1
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Is Community College Teaching the Road to Nowhere? Assignment 1-3
Popular culture is not just a passing phrase; it is a means to understanding the past, the present and the future. From the works of Shakespeare to the making of the movie matrix, there are depictions of popular culture all around us. It is only with proper instruction from the dedicated professors in our various colleges that make us truly appreciate its value. Their sacrifice is our fortune.
In a recently reviewed article entitled “Is Community College Teaching the Road to Nowhere” (Bartholome, 2006), Lynn Bartholome discusses the struggles and rewards of teaching popular culture in a community college. The article is written about the struggles in teaching to such a diverse age range and cultural background that is often encountered in community colleges. The article is written to the professional audience, not just collegiate student audience but also the faculty. This article serves to enlighten us with new teaching methods to engage students and inform us of the benefits of community colleges and a job well done.
Professor Bartholome states that when she decided to leave her tenured status at her college to pursue teaching at a local community college, her colleagues thought she was “committing professional suicide.” (Bartholome, 2006) They advised her that she would never be able to come back and that “A community college teaching job is the road to nowhere.” (Bartholome, 2006)
Ms Bartholome brings to the forefront some of the many benefits of working for and teaching at community colleges. She points out that community colleges are less costly than traditional four year colleges and they have a diverse student base. Ms. Bartholome also expresses her opinion and that community colleges are a great alternative to at least the first couple of years of a college students endeavors, not only because of the substantial cost savings but also because the cost savings come without the sacrifice of quality.
When teaching at a community college professors are faced with a large student base. The base is as diverse as it is large and you can have wide sweeping cultural deviations as well as large age ranges. One of the toughest components then is how to make popular culture interesting and interactive to everyone so they can learn and recognize the values of learning about their environment. One way in which this challenge is faced by Professor Bartholome is by utilizing everyday items that a large segment of her classes already interact with, mostly without even thinking of it in a popular cultural context. An example of this approach she uses is the watching of the Jerry Springer show. At the end of the show, it is analyzed for its contextual aspects. One of the most important aspects of the show that is analyzed is the closing of the show when “Jerry sits on a stool and preaches his “Moral” to the home audience.” (Bartholome, 2006) The point of this analysis is to point out the impacts that media and cultural history have had on modern entertainment. This helps to tie the old and the new of popular culture together and bring home the global aspects of its impact. Professor Bartholome comments that “learners who become savvy about mass media develop an equivalent understanding of information-based economy.” (Bartholome, 2006) She pushes forward with her pursuit of educating her students by presenting them with an encompassing approach that interacts with all of their senses to learn as much as they can about the popular culture of today and yesterday.
This article presents some very good points. More often than not, too much emphasis is placed on where we obtain our educations. Employers may look more favorable on a college graduate from Ohio State as opposed to one from Columbus Community. This is the same type of stereotypical prejudice that we have all seen time and time again with famous people who are only famous because of their name, i.e. Paris Hilton. Whether you obtain your education at a four year college or a two year college, the desires, struggles and successful outcomes are the same. However the cost is much different. For those who have the true desire to teach, there is no road to nowhere.
Bibliography
Bartholome, L. (2006). Guest Editorial: Is Community College Teaching the Road to Nowhere? The Journal of Popular Culture , 39 (1), 5-9.
In a recently reviewed article entitled “Is Community College Teaching the Road to Nowhere” (Bartholome, 2006), Lynn Bartholome discusses the struggles and rewards of teaching popular culture in a community college. The article is written about the struggles in teaching to such a diverse age range and cultural background that is often encountered in community colleges. The article is written to the professional audience, not just collegiate student audience but also the faculty. This article serves to enlighten us with new teaching methods to engage students and inform us of the benefits of community colleges and a job well done.
Professor Bartholome states that when she decided to leave her tenured status at her college to pursue teaching at a local community college, her colleagues thought she was “committing professional suicide.” (Bartholome, 2006) They advised her that she would never be able to come back and that “A community college teaching job is the road to nowhere.” (Bartholome, 2006)
Ms Bartholome brings to the forefront some of the many benefits of working for and teaching at community colleges. She points out that community colleges are less costly than traditional four year colleges and they have a diverse student base. Ms. Bartholome also expresses her opinion and that community colleges are a great alternative to at least the first couple of years of a college students endeavors, not only because of the substantial cost savings but also because the cost savings come without the sacrifice of quality.
When teaching at a community college professors are faced with a large student base. The base is as diverse as it is large and you can have wide sweeping cultural deviations as well as large age ranges. One of the toughest components then is how to make popular culture interesting and interactive to everyone so they can learn and recognize the values of learning about their environment. One way in which this challenge is faced by Professor Bartholome is by utilizing everyday items that a large segment of her classes already interact with, mostly without even thinking of it in a popular cultural context. An example of this approach she uses is the watching of the Jerry Springer show. At the end of the show, it is analyzed for its contextual aspects. One of the most important aspects of the show that is analyzed is the closing of the show when “Jerry sits on a stool and preaches his “Moral” to the home audience.” (Bartholome, 2006) The point of this analysis is to point out the impacts that media and cultural history have had on modern entertainment. This helps to tie the old and the new of popular culture together and bring home the global aspects of its impact. Professor Bartholome comments that “learners who become savvy about mass media develop an equivalent understanding of information-based economy.” (Bartholome, 2006) She pushes forward with her pursuit of educating her students by presenting them with an encompassing approach that interacts with all of their senses to learn as much as they can about the popular culture of today and yesterday.
This article presents some very good points. More often than not, too much emphasis is placed on where we obtain our educations. Employers may look more favorable on a college graduate from Ohio State as opposed to one from Columbus Community. This is the same type of stereotypical prejudice that we have all seen time and time again with famous people who are only famous because of their name, i.e. Paris Hilton. Whether you obtain your education at a four year college or a two year college, the desires, struggles and successful outcomes are the same. However the cost is much different. For those who have the true desire to teach, there is no road to nowhere.
Bibliography
Bartholome, L. (2006). Guest Editorial: Is Community College Teaching the Road to Nowhere? The Journal of Popular Culture , 39 (1), 5-9.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Who will save us this time
Jobs are disappearing, schools are struggling and millions of homes are being foreclosed upon by lenders. These are just a few of the struggles that are affecting our current society and our popular culture in general. The effects of these changes will have a long lasting effect that we will outlive and so too may our children.
The unemployment rate recently his 9.5%, and there shows little if any sign of slowing. Employers continue to have to shed jobs as consumers purchase less and less of their goods. The increased unemployment rate is variable across the country but the results can be felt globally.
One of the primary driving forces in American business is the investments from investors outside of the United States. The U.S. has always been viewed as a stable economy with a strong workforce. That is not true of today’s economics in America. Foreign investors are contracting at an alarming rate. This has a twofold effect. There is less money fueling our economy to grow and there are less goods being produced for consumption. This decline in production and consumption again results in higher unemployment rates.
With the erosion of the labor market, there is little speculation to what is driving the elevated foreclosure rates. Homes have lost value. Many homeowners now owe more on their homes than they are worth. This fact is unraveling the threads of our historical cultural envisionment that family and home ownership is the core of our society and a great investment for our future. Who will save us?
This constant belief of a superhero, savior if you will, is a core belief in our society. Historic culture has taught us that when we are in time of need someone will save us all. A savior will come in on a white horse and rescue us from the bad guy. So who will rescue us this time? In comes the President Candidate, Obama. Promises of change in politics of the past that have brought us to the current economical crisis we are witnessing. Promises of changes to the financial institutions that have preyed on the weak, changes to the health care industry that has eroded our families and their financial stability.
Since the presidents inauguration, I am left to ask, is there really a different in the politics of the past or are we just willing to be manipulated in a different direction. Our deficit has skyrocketed, our unemployment has increased and the stimulus package that was to be the golden lining of our economic cloud is mostly stuck in beaurocratic red tape. Now all we are hearing is the need to raise taxes and overhaul the health care industry. I must ask, is what we are witnessing really a difference in the politics of the past or did the superhero of the day just utilize the desires and beliefs of the current culture to perpetuate himself into the presidential white house. We will all endure this economic rollercoaster without the savior of our historical superheroes and without the silver lining of our fleece. The end will be what it will be and our culture will never be the same. May we never forget to dream about the heroes and never forget that we are all accountable for our own actions and will answer for our own deeds. According to Walter Cronkite, “And that’s the way it is.”
Bibliography
Mullens, L. (2009, July 20). Yahoo Real Estate. Retrieved July 20, 2009, from Why Do Home Foreclosures Keep Rising? 6 Things You Need To Know: http://realestate.yahoo.com/promo/why-do-home-foreclosures-keep-rising-6-things-you-need-to-know.html;_ylc=X3oDMTFyMXEzdnBmBF9TAzI3MTYxNDkEX3MDOTc2MjA0NjUEc2VjA2ZwLXRvZGF5BHNsawNmb3JlY2xvc3VyZXMtcmlzaW5n
Walter Cronkite. (n.d.). Retrieved July 20, 2009, from Famous Texans: http://www.famoustexans.com/waltercronkite.htm
The unemployment rate recently his 9.5%, and there shows little if any sign of slowing. Employers continue to have to shed jobs as consumers purchase less and less of their goods. The increased unemployment rate is variable across the country but the results can be felt globally.
One of the primary driving forces in American business is the investments from investors outside of the United States. The U.S. has always been viewed as a stable economy with a strong workforce. That is not true of today’s economics in America. Foreign investors are contracting at an alarming rate. This has a twofold effect. There is less money fueling our economy to grow and there are less goods being produced for consumption. This decline in production and consumption again results in higher unemployment rates.
With the erosion of the labor market, there is little speculation to what is driving the elevated foreclosure rates. Homes have lost value. Many homeowners now owe more on their homes than they are worth. This fact is unraveling the threads of our historical cultural envisionment that family and home ownership is the core of our society and a great investment for our future. Who will save us?
This constant belief of a superhero, savior if you will, is a core belief in our society. Historic culture has taught us that when we are in time of need someone will save us all. A savior will come in on a white horse and rescue us from the bad guy. So who will rescue us this time? In comes the President Candidate, Obama. Promises of change in politics of the past that have brought us to the current economical crisis we are witnessing. Promises of changes to the financial institutions that have preyed on the weak, changes to the health care industry that has eroded our families and their financial stability.
Since the presidents inauguration, I am left to ask, is there really a different in the politics of the past or are we just willing to be manipulated in a different direction. Our deficit has skyrocketed, our unemployment has increased and the stimulus package that was to be the golden lining of our economic cloud is mostly stuck in beaurocratic red tape. Now all we are hearing is the need to raise taxes and overhaul the health care industry. I must ask, is what we are witnessing really a difference in the politics of the past or did the superhero of the day just utilize the desires and beliefs of the current culture to perpetuate himself into the presidential white house. We will all endure this economic rollercoaster without the savior of our historical superheroes and without the silver lining of our fleece. The end will be what it will be and our culture will never be the same. May we never forget to dream about the heroes and never forget that we are all accountable for our own actions and will answer for our own deeds. According to Walter Cronkite, “And that’s the way it is.”
Bibliography
Mullens, L. (2009, July 20). Yahoo Real Estate. Retrieved July 20, 2009, from Why Do Home Foreclosures Keep Rising? 6 Things You Need To Know: http://realestate.yahoo.com/promo/why-do-home-foreclosures-keep-rising-6-things-you-need-to-know.html;_ylc=X3oDMTFyMXEzdnBmBF9TAzI3MTYxNDkEX3MDOTc2MjA0NjUEc2VjA2ZwLXRvZGF5BHNsawNmb3JlY2xvc3VyZXMtcmlzaW5n
Walter Cronkite. (n.d.). Retrieved July 20, 2009, from Famous Texans: http://www.famoustexans.com/waltercronkite.htm
Friday, July 17, 2009
Popular Culture; Turning back the hands of time
Popular culture takes many forms in our society. It can range from the long standing impacts of professional musicians such as Michael Jackson to the invention of the new i-phone. However, one cannot truly evaluate the impacts of culture shifts in today’s periods without considering the impacts of current economic times and its impacts on popular culture.
Now you may ask yourself what today’s economic troubles have to do with popular culture, and I am about to tell you. Most of us under the age of 80 have no idea what it was like to live during the great depression. During those times families lived off of their home grown gardens, their hunted venison and many other homemade items. The economically troubled times had a wide impact on just about everyone. Businesses closed, consumer spending shrank, taxes increased and millions were without jobs. Sounding familiar. It should because it is exactly what we are seeing today.
According to Mortimer Zuckermen, in his recent article Nine Reasons the Economy is Not Getting Better, we are seeing wide spread economic retractions. This has a direct impact on the popular cultures of today. We are once again seeing families planting gardens, learning to can, preserve items and hunt for food for their families to eat. We are also seeing consumer spending on unnecessary items decrease. All of these changes will have a pronounced shift on the popular culture of today’s society.
Families will once again visit the local amusement parks as opposed to going on that cruise or taking the family on a weeklong beach vacation. We will see families staying at home and watching rented videos from Blockbuster instead of going out to the more expensive movie theaters, and we may not see as many families spending lavishly on items such as the new i-phone when they can buy the more utilitarian phone for much less money. Either way, today’s economics have a profound effect on popular culture.
At one time in many of our lives, we may have bared witness to the chiding remarks of many about the poor, decrepit, mediocre ways of our forefathers and how we are a much more advanced society. I have only this to ask, are we really that advanced. Sure we may have knowledgeable scientist, astronomers and physicist but without the money to fund the research and studies of these professionals all progress will cease. Life will once again take on the utilitarian aspects of mere survival, and the luxuries of today shrink as industries find themselves unable to survive without the surplus spending of today’s citizens. The current contractures, much the same as previous contractures will undoubtedly result in further consumer withdraws and a return to the popular cultures of yesteryear, hunting, fishing, and gardening as opposed to vegetarianism and shop hopping. The popular culture is seeing a shift; return even, to the cultures of yesterday. I say so be it….It was the life of excess and loss of values that propelled this country into the current position it is in. May we all survive this crisis and may we as well as our children learn from our mistakes and never look at popular culture the same again.
Bibliography
Yahoo Finance. (2009, July 15). Retrieved July 16, 2009, from U.S. News a World Report: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Nine-Reasons-the-Economy-is-usnews-1021116601.html?x=0&.v=1
Now you may ask yourself what today’s economic troubles have to do with popular culture, and I am about to tell you. Most of us under the age of 80 have no idea what it was like to live during the great depression. During those times families lived off of their home grown gardens, their hunted venison and many other homemade items. The economically troubled times had a wide impact on just about everyone. Businesses closed, consumer spending shrank, taxes increased and millions were without jobs. Sounding familiar. It should because it is exactly what we are seeing today.
According to Mortimer Zuckermen, in his recent article Nine Reasons the Economy is Not Getting Better, we are seeing wide spread economic retractions. This has a direct impact on the popular cultures of today. We are once again seeing families planting gardens, learning to can, preserve items and hunt for food for their families to eat. We are also seeing consumer spending on unnecessary items decrease. All of these changes will have a pronounced shift on the popular culture of today’s society.
Families will once again visit the local amusement parks as opposed to going on that cruise or taking the family on a weeklong beach vacation. We will see families staying at home and watching rented videos from Blockbuster instead of going out to the more expensive movie theaters, and we may not see as many families spending lavishly on items such as the new i-phone when they can buy the more utilitarian phone for much less money. Either way, today’s economics have a profound effect on popular culture.
At one time in many of our lives, we may have bared witness to the chiding remarks of many about the poor, decrepit, mediocre ways of our forefathers and how we are a much more advanced society. I have only this to ask, are we really that advanced. Sure we may have knowledgeable scientist, astronomers and physicist but without the money to fund the research and studies of these professionals all progress will cease. Life will once again take on the utilitarian aspects of mere survival, and the luxuries of today shrink as industries find themselves unable to survive without the surplus spending of today’s citizens. The current contractures, much the same as previous contractures will undoubtedly result in further consumer withdraws and a return to the popular cultures of yesteryear, hunting, fishing, and gardening as opposed to vegetarianism and shop hopping. The popular culture is seeing a shift; return even, to the cultures of yesterday. I say so be it….It was the life of excess and loss of values that propelled this country into the current position it is in. May we all survive this crisis and may we as well as our children learn from our mistakes and never look at popular culture the same again.
Bibliography
Yahoo Finance. (2009, July 15). Retrieved July 16, 2009, from U.S. News a World Report: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Nine-Reasons-the-Economy-is-usnews-1021116601.html?x=0&.v=1
Thursday, July 9, 2009
All that glitters is not gold
Remove the Trans fatty acids from the French fries. Take away the egg yolks because they have too much cholesterol. Stop eating meat because of the potential for elevated triglyceride levels, and now drink water from a bottle because it is pure and healthy. These are just a few of the changes witnessed in today’s green and healthy communities. So, with all this focus on healthy living, why are all consumable goods not judged equally?
Bottled water has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past couple of decades. We have had it presented as healthy, pure and the only way to go for portability. It is of considerable wonder why this industry is regulated differently than that of our own municipal water supplies. “Municipal water providers are regulated by Environmental Protection Agency and the bottled water industry is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.” (Fredrix, 2009)
The two different regulatory bodies for seemingly similar products creates a double set of standards that is potentially confusing for consumers. “Community water systems must distribute annual reports about their water's source, contaminants and possible health concerns.” (Fredrix, 2009) “Bottled water is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and required to show nutrition information and ingredients on its labels.” (Fredrix, 2009) It does not have to list where it is from, possible contaminants or health concerns. Again, I ask, as a consumable product shouldn’t there be only one regulatory body for this product?
As if the reporting differences between the two methods of delivery were not enough of a quagmire, there are other concerns about bottled water to ponder. With bottled water, there is the container. It is plastic recyclable not biodegradable. The recycling movement still has not completely caught on and as such this results in millions of bottles being sent to landfills. Also, just as with the recent reports of chemicals leaking from baby bottles being potentially harmful to our infants, there are concerns not publicized about chemicals leaching into the water from the bottled water containers. One of the primary chemicals of concern that is regulated by the EPA and not the FDA is that of DEHP. According to “a report released by the FDA in 2001, and publicized to health care providers this past July, FDA concluded that newborn male infants and pre-pubertal boys with prolonged exposure to DEHP may be at risk for testicular abnormalities.” (Traynor, 2008) Again, I ask, shouldn’t there be one agency regulating our water consumption.
The most current recommendations from the FDA and other regulatory bodies is that the water from our taps is just as safe as that which can be purchased commercially. They suggest that if we have any concerns about taste or quality to just filter the water through a commercially available water filter. This practice will decrease the amount of plastic bottles being sent to landfills, and will work to eliminate unnecessary exposure to manmade chemicals with potential lifelong problems. Not to mention that water from the tap cost far less than the normal $1.00 per bottle we normally pay at the store. To this end I say, drink the water from the tap, filter the wells and always know what you are putting into your body. Until one agency regulates this consumable product we all must be diligent when being marketed.
Bibliography
Fredrix, E. (2009, July 8). Stricter labeling urged for bottled water. Retrieved July 8, 2009, from Yahoo News: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/ap_on_bi_ge/us_bottled_water_vs_tap
Traynor, K. (2008, September 15). ASHP. Retrieved July 8, 2009, from FDA report identified DEHP exposure risk: http://www.ashp.org/import/News/HealthSystemPharmacyNews/newsarticle.aspx?id=1060
Bottled water has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past couple of decades. We have had it presented as healthy, pure and the only way to go for portability. It is of considerable wonder why this industry is regulated differently than that of our own municipal water supplies. “Municipal water providers are regulated by Environmental Protection Agency and the bottled water industry is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.” (Fredrix, 2009)
The two different regulatory bodies for seemingly similar products creates a double set of standards that is potentially confusing for consumers. “Community water systems must distribute annual reports about their water's source, contaminants and possible health concerns.” (Fredrix, 2009) “Bottled water is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and required to show nutrition information and ingredients on its labels.” (Fredrix, 2009) It does not have to list where it is from, possible contaminants or health concerns. Again, I ask, as a consumable product shouldn’t there be only one regulatory body for this product?
As if the reporting differences between the two methods of delivery were not enough of a quagmire, there are other concerns about bottled water to ponder. With bottled water, there is the container. It is plastic recyclable not biodegradable. The recycling movement still has not completely caught on and as such this results in millions of bottles being sent to landfills. Also, just as with the recent reports of chemicals leaking from baby bottles being potentially harmful to our infants, there are concerns not publicized about chemicals leaching into the water from the bottled water containers. One of the primary chemicals of concern that is regulated by the EPA and not the FDA is that of DEHP. According to “a report released by the FDA in 2001, and publicized to health care providers this past July, FDA concluded that newborn male infants and pre-pubertal boys with prolonged exposure to DEHP may be at risk for testicular abnormalities.” (Traynor, 2008) Again, I ask, shouldn’t there be one agency regulating our water consumption.
The most current recommendations from the FDA and other regulatory bodies is that the water from our taps is just as safe as that which can be purchased commercially. They suggest that if we have any concerns about taste or quality to just filter the water through a commercially available water filter. This practice will decrease the amount of plastic bottles being sent to landfills, and will work to eliminate unnecessary exposure to manmade chemicals with potential lifelong problems. Not to mention that water from the tap cost far less than the normal $1.00 per bottle we normally pay at the store. To this end I say, drink the water from the tap, filter the wells and always know what you are putting into your body. Until one agency regulates this consumable product we all must be diligent when being marketed.
Bibliography
Fredrix, E. (2009, July 8). Stricter labeling urged for bottled water. Retrieved July 8, 2009, from Yahoo News: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/ap_on_bi_ge/us_bottled_water_vs_tap
Traynor, K. (2008, September 15). ASHP. Retrieved July 8, 2009, from FDA report identified DEHP exposure risk: http://www.ashp.org/import/News/HealthSystemPharmacyNews/newsarticle.aspx?id=1060
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Icons of the Ages
The first of my iconic choosing is that of Mickey Mouse. Mickey Mouse was the beginning brainchild of Walt Disney that launched a global enterprise that has transcended ages, cultures and socioeconomical boundaries. He has made memories and dreams for many adults and children throughout the years. My second choice of icons is the Stanley cup. It is not much different that my first choice in that it too is an easily recognized icon throughout the world. The cup is sought after from teams in the United States and Canada and fans of the sport are scattered everywhere. The cup is dreamed about by young children just learning to play hockey and it is dreamed about by pros who are in pursuit of the trophy of excellence. Fans come from miles away to cheer on their favorite teams as they chase this icon. My final choice of icons is The White House…The White House is the American dream. It is an embodiment of the American belief that you can do anything you want to, even becoming president. The White House serves as that white house on the hill, fenced yard and the symbol of achievement and power. The opportunity to live in this mansion and to live in the country in which this house is a reflection upon has been envisioned by many around the world.
Mickey Mouse, The Stanley Cup and The White House are the icons of my choosing for various reasons. For the most part, they are chosen because they represent different parts of my personality and upbringing and I remember their symbolistic qualities from my childhood. Mickey Mouse represents the dreamer in me, and my favorite is that of Fantasia Mickey. Always looking toward the sky and dreaming of what could be. Not to mention using all the ingenuity possible to find the easiest way possible to get the most mundane jobs done. I also choose this icon of Disney because it is known worldwide and easily recognized. The Stanley Cup was chosen as it is representative of my current sport enjoyments. I grew up playing football and dreaming of playing pro, and didn’t see my first hockey game until I was 25. “Go Blue Jackets”. When I realized I wouldn’t be playing pro, I began a lifelong love of aggressive sports. This trophy is to me the equivalent of the super bowl trophy. The cup is fought for with sportsmanship and by physical confrontation. The sport is fast paced, rough and full of the blood and guts that take me back to my younger years. The truly iconic reason for choosing this item is that is so easily recognized by hockey fans around the world. Lastly, the final icon of my choosing was that of the White House. This icon is known around the world but here in the United States, it is most notably known as a symbol of power, diplomacy and freedom. The White House is truly the American icon….or is the best icon for America the Masons Pentagram. “Thank you grandpa.”
Mickey Mouse, The Stanley Cup and The White House are the icons of my choosing for various reasons. For the most part, they are chosen because they represent different parts of my personality and upbringing and I remember their symbolistic qualities from my childhood. Mickey Mouse represents the dreamer in me, and my favorite is that of Fantasia Mickey. Always looking toward the sky and dreaming of what could be. Not to mention using all the ingenuity possible to find the easiest way possible to get the most mundane jobs done. I also choose this icon of Disney because it is known worldwide and easily recognized. The Stanley Cup was chosen as it is representative of my current sport enjoyments. I grew up playing football and dreaming of playing pro, and didn’t see my first hockey game until I was 25. “Go Blue Jackets”. When I realized I wouldn’t be playing pro, I began a lifelong love of aggressive sports. This trophy is to me the equivalent of the super bowl trophy. The cup is fought for with sportsmanship and by physical confrontation. The sport is fast paced, rough and full of the blood and guts that take me back to my younger years. The truly iconic reason for choosing this item is that is so easily recognized by hockey fans around the world. Lastly, the final icon of my choosing was that of the White House. This icon is known around the world but here in the United States, it is most notably known as a symbol of power, diplomacy and freedom. The White House is truly the American icon….or is the best icon for America the Masons Pentagram. “Thank you grandpa.”
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Who says gaming is a waste of time
Video Games and gaming, the brain food of the future and past. I remember as a child playing Atari, Nintendo and at later years Sega. I also remember by mother yelling at me repeatedly to “stop playing those darn games and go outside to play”, not to mention the old adage of “when we were kids we didn’t have video games to play, we had to use our imagination and creativity to have a good time.” Well, the science and truth has come home to roost that gaming has increased brain power.
According to Ben Silverman’s article Is gaming good for the mind, “science has proved that gaming increases cortical firing and makes us better thinkers.” (Silverman, 2009) Researchers for North Carolina University and the Georgia Institute of Technology are now studying the effects of gaming in the elderly.
The study of gaming effects on the elderly is being led by Dr. Anne McLaughlin assistant professor of psychology with North Carolina University. Current results indicate the best games for the elderly “contain three fundamental brain strengthening qualities – attentional demand, novelty and social interaction.” (Silverman, 2009) The current best game fitting this quality according to Dr. McLaughlin is the Wii Boom Box games.
When reflecting upon my childhood experiences playing games, throwing the controller in frustration and doing the “happy dance” when I had achieved my goals, I can truly appreciate the life lessons I gained. Today’s gaming experiences are changing from the days of the Nintendo and Sega days, not to mention the Atari days, and they are showing progressive traits for not only the current children of the day but for the children of yesterday. A lot of our focus as we age is channeled away from ourselves. We are forced to take on the challenges of raising children and taking care of aging parents. With the current trends for increasing interactivity and the current research showing occupational and life benefits to gaming, there is no doubt games are such a large part of our life. The Army uses gaming as a recruiting tool, crane operators work on hand eye co-ordination simulators and doctors are now working remotely with robotics. These abilities and experiences of today are influenced and improved by the popular cultural icons of our childhood and these iconic inventions show no signs of distinction.
Bibliography
Alvero Pascual-Leone, L. M. (2009, June 30). Take two video games and call me in the morning. Retrieved July 3, 2009, from Scientific America: http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=video-games-by-prescription
M. Petracca, M. S. Common Culture (Fifth ed.). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall.
Silverman, B. (2009, July 2). Yahoo Games. Retrieved July 03, 2009, from Plugged In: http://videogames.yahoo.com/events/plugged-in/is-gaming-good-for-the-mind-/1331945
According to Ben Silverman’s article Is gaming good for the mind, “science has proved that gaming increases cortical firing and makes us better thinkers.” (Silverman, 2009) Researchers for North Carolina University and the Georgia Institute of Technology are now studying the effects of gaming in the elderly.
The study of gaming effects on the elderly is being led by Dr. Anne McLaughlin assistant professor of psychology with North Carolina University. Current results indicate the best games for the elderly “contain three fundamental brain strengthening qualities – attentional demand, novelty and social interaction.” (Silverman, 2009) The current best game fitting this quality according to Dr. McLaughlin is the Wii Boom Box games.
When reflecting upon my childhood experiences playing games, throwing the controller in frustration and doing the “happy dance” when I had achieved my goals, I can truly appreciate the life lessons I gained. Today’s gaming experiences are changing from the days of the Nintendo and Sega days, not to mention the Atari days, and they are showing progressive traits for not only the current children of the day but for the children of yesterday. A lot of our focus as we age is channeled away from ourselves. We are forced to take on the challenges of raising children and taking care of aging parents. With the current trends for increasing interactivity and the current research showing occupational and life benefits to gaming, there is no doubt games are such a large part of our life. The Army uses gaming as a recruiting tool, crane operators work on hand eye co-ordination simulators and doctors are now working remotely with robotics. These abilities and experiences of today are influenced and improved by the popular cultural icons of our childhood and these iconic inventions show no signs of distinction.
Bibliography
Alvero Pascual-Leone, L. M. (2009, June 30). Take two video games and call me in the morning. Retrieved July 3, 2009, from Scientific America: http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=video-games-by-prescription
M. Petracca, M. S. Common Culture (Fifth ed.). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall.
Silverman, B. (2009, July 2). Yahoo Games. Retrieved July 03, 2009, from Plugged In: http://videogames.yahoo.com/events/plugged-in/is-gaming-good-for-the-mind-/1331945
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Popular culture…The study of what was, what is and what will be. While this definition may be somewhat confusing, it is only through a reflection of these items that popular culture can truly be understood. However popular culture is defined, it is surely different and yet the same for all of us.
For me, popular culture is the sum of all things external to self that makes us who we are. Popular culture causes us to act the way we do, speak the way we speak and live the way we live. It is influenced by superstar celebrities, homeless vagrants and all people in between.
It is of the utmost importance to fully understand the effects culture has on each of us in order to achieve the goals of our lives and the goals of the businesses in which we interact. Our culture has brought us to the point in our lives and educational careers where we are today. Popular culture will continue to influence the decisions we all make in the organizations in which we serve now and in the future.
One of the most prominent examples of a popular culture artifact for me in today’s society is that of the cell phone. The cell phone has bridged the bond between separation and togetherness. It has allowed its users to reach out to others at any time and for the user to be reached at any time. This connectivity has driven the immediacy needs of today’s citizens. The culture shift has progressed in leaps and bounds to one who has to have what they want, when they want it and will stop at nothing to get it. The cell phone has helped to satisfy people’s needs for information and has perpetuated their further needs of self gratification.
For me, popular culture is the sum of all things external to self that makes us who we are. Popular culture causes us to act the way we do, speak the way we speak and live the way we live. It is influenced by superstar celebrities, homeless vagrants and all people in between.
It is of the utmost importance to fully understand the effects culture has on each of us in order to achieve the goals of our lives and the goals of the businesses in which we interact. Our culture has brought us to the point in our lives and educational careers where we are today. Popular culture will continue to influence the decisions we all make in the organizations in which we serve now and in the future.
One of the most prominent examples of a popular culture artifact for me in today’s society is that of the cell phone. The cell phone has bridged the bond between separation and togetherness. It has allowed its users to reach out to others at any time and for the user to be reached at any time. This connectivity has driven the immediacy needs of today’s citizens. The culture shift has progressed in leaps and bounds to one who has to have what they want, when they want it and will stop at nothing to get it. The cell phone has helped to satisfy people’s needs for information and has perpetuated their further needs of self gratification.
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