Lazy Afternoon

                             My adorable cat Sig napping on the floor in a sunbeam. So sweet!

College Class

MythBusters

http://dsc.discovery.com/tv/mythbusters/

§  What are the stated mission, values and goals of the organization?  (These might be stated directly in the organization's materials or you may have to determine this for yourself.)

The mission and goal of Mythbusters is to prove that popular myths are fact or fiction, using scientific methods as research and experimentation.

§  What kind of claims or ideas does the organization investigate?

Mythbusters investigates popular urban myths such as the reality of blowing up a propane tank with pistol shots like James Bond has done . As well as if it is possible to walk in a straight line while blindfolded and if a fender bender will set off explosives. One thing to take into consideration is that Mythbusters is a scientific methods based organization. They do not attempt to prove any type of supernatural or paranormal myths.

§  Is there a standardize approach to investigating claims that the group follows?  Or is each problem tackled in a different way?

The approach is unique in the fact that the differences in the team’s personalities lead them to look at the challenge in different ways.  Overall each team uses a healthy amount of critical thinking to plan out the best way to implement the strategy that they have chosen. When using critical thinking there are often times when each member or teammate may not agree one hundred percent or prefer a different method of approach. I think that the Mythbuster teams work together well in order to systematically test their theories. By asking series of questions and even testing the theory twice in some cases or adding more variables to the mix to prove the theory in even greater detail. The innovation of the team is a huge factor when implementing their strategies

§  How does the organization present and promote critical thinking?

By investigating myths that the general public may not even think to question, Mythbusters is using critical thinking by questioning these issues. They are then taking the steps needed to investigate and when possible recreate the situation. By taking these steps Mythbusters is not only implementing critical thinking they are backing it up with facts. Mythbusters use critical thinking to question the myths they want to test, then by researching and planning, followed by strong critical thinking when it comes to actually implementing the testing. The teams on Mythbuster demonstrate their critical thinking by walking the audience through the steps they are taking during the testing process. They don’t simply say we did this and it proved that. They back up their actions with facts and prove it through their actions. By giving the reasons and facts they are making their theory more credible and believable.

§  Does the fact that information is presented via an element of popular culture affect the questions being asked, the investigation or the results?  In other words, is rigorous critical thinking being compromised by the needs to appeal to a large audience?

Mythbusters is a popular TV program that is viewed by many people interested to know if popular myths can be proven right or proven wrong. TV shows are produced to meet the wants and expectations of the audience, so I do feel that there is some added drama to appeal to the viewers. The relationship between the team has a certain dynamic that serves as a type of backdrop to the overall mission of the show. By allowing the audience to be drawn in to the team’s relationship it creates a more interesting show, and allows views to feel a connection to the team.

I was able to find an interesting interview with co hosts Jaime Hyneman and Adam Savage. http://www.hulu.com/watch/155053/foratv-culture-mythbusters-jaime-hyneman-and-adam-savage

In the interview they discuss what actually happens on set behind the scenes. It was interesting to learn from the interview that the scenes are for the most part genuine depictions of what is really happening at the time. While the research and planning can take years, the actual filming takes place in about a week’s time. The creative camera work, such as the high speed shots, cater to the audiences, and create a wow factor when watching the show. Editing is expected in a TV show, especially when there are action type scenes. Based on the type of testing they do, and the facts they give to lead up to their tests, it would seem as though the integrity of the tests and the critical thinking abilities are kept intact. The fact that Mythbusters are willing to prove a myth right or wrong, even if the time and research shows that the myth is fictional, proves that critical thinking is taking place. 

My Tweeps

Since I am pursuing my degree in business management I chose to follow Stephen Covey. As an internationally respected leadership authority, organizational consultant, and author, his advice has given insight to millions and to me. He has written several books, the most popular being the 7 habits of highly effective people. His education at Harvard backs up his accreditation.  I think he is a great example of a leader and gives straight forward advice that is usable. Stephan Covey has dedicated his life to demonstrating how every person can truly control their destiny with profound, yet straightforward guidance. I’ve had the chance to watch some of his presentations on video and discuss some of his techniques and theories in several of my business classes and was impressed at the content. I also respect the fact that Mr. Covey is willing to implement his strategies in schools and during his speaking conferences. I would consider Mr. Covey an influential man in the business world. His knowledge has been instrumental in helping many business leaders, from managers to CEO’s. In addition to this Stephan Covey is also the vice president of Franklin Covey. This organization focuses on training and developing leadership within companies through workshops and specialized training. With Franklin Covey there is also an opportunity to become a trainer and become certified by Franklin Covey. I noticed that Stephan Covey has many wonderful quotes on twitter that I find interesting and thought provoking. I hope to keep learning from Stephan Covey. I have included links to Stephan Coveys websites and also an interview link that I found interesting. 
http://www.franklincovey.com/
https://www.stephencovey.com/

http://www.impactfactory.com/p/leadership_skills_training_development/friends_1550-1106-61373.html

I also chose to follow the Humane Society. While it is an organization, not a person I do feel that the Humane Society is an expert at rescuing animals and adopting them into their forever homes.  I currently volunteer at the Yavapai Humane Society and I have been very impressed with the organization.  When I first started volunteering I was unsure what to expect. I only knew the basics about the organization, after volunteering I started learning more about the mission of the Humane Society. They are one of the largest animal rescue organizations in the U.S and they are backed by over 11 million supporters.

There has been some negative media about the HSUS. Such as the euthanasia rate and how that conflicts with the mission of the organization. I have personally meet people who are against the HSUS because of the fact that they do any euthanasia at all. I used to be one of those people until I started volunteering. My love for animals compelled me to volunteer just to spend time with the animals. I learned that the Yavapai Humane Society is in the top five in the state with highest no kill rate. I have included the link to the Yavapai Humane Society website, you will notice on the home page they have listed the no kill percent is at 95%. They average about 50 adoptions per week, which is impressive for the population in the tri-city area. The volunteers and staff have such a passion and love for the animals and adopting them to their forever homes. I am proud to be a part of the Humane Society and am excited to learn more about them by following them on twitter. http://www.yavapaihumane.org/

Advertising Map

The first link is for the picture
https://www.yc.edu/v4content/college-honors-program/docs/CHPFlyerOpenings_3.pdf


The second link is for the Google map 
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=216611531538915549201.0004b0d7b3755305d04c0&msa=0&ll=34.547534,-112.453147&spn=0.004083,0.009645

Subculture Fashion

                                                          Harley Davidson

The biker brand is an extremely popular aspect of our culture and is very present in our society. At any given time you can see a Harley Davidson bike zooming down the streets with the rider’s proudly displaying their Harley Davidson gear. If you check out the Harley Davidson website http://www.harleydavidson.com/en_US/Content/Pages/home.html?locale=en_US&bmLocale=en_US you can see the wide variety of merchandise that is available for purchase. From leather vests to jewelry, and gifts, there is no lack of options. As you can see from my glog there is a wide variety of styles available. From men, woman, children and even pets, the brand reaches far.

The fashion of the Harley Davidson gear is a good representation of what the brand stands for. Ask anyone what they think of when you say Harley rider, and they will most likely say, leather, tattoos, and tough. Although this stereotype doesn’t fit every single Harley rider on the roads, it is an accurate description of the brand.

Popular culture tells us that Harley Davidson is a cool, tough image that people are willing to dive into. A motorcycle, leather and some tattoos qualify someone as part of an exclusive group or club. There is a brotherhood to the culture. This can be signified through vest patches or group names.

Many Harley Davidson riders are Harley Davidson riders for life. The following link has information about the market trends for Harley Davidson. You will notice that the information confirms the popularity of the brand as well as the forecast of increased sales in both the U.S as well as international sales.

http://seekingalpha.com/article/281976-harley-davidson-riding-on-international-growth-and-new-riders

I have also created a glog that expresses the different aspects of the subculture and how they are represented
http://rebekah101.edu.glogster.com/harley-davidson-/

Magazine Audience's

Magazine Audience's

                   

http://www.allure.com/

I choose Allure for my magazine. The primary focus of the magazine is beauty and fashion.  The cover of the April edition magazine features current pop star Nicki Minaj. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicki_Minaj the cover of the magazine also features several captions for article in the magazine, such as Anti-Aging Surprises, Good-Mood manicures, Drop 5 years in 5 Minutes, and lush hair. The magazine is very colorful, from the cover page to the contents. I would say the magazine is targeted towards 20's and 30's age range. While flipping through the magazine I was met with a variety of topics. I admit almost all were based on beauty products or fashion. I did however find some interesting articles that were about self-improvement.

Now a lot of people could look at the cover of the magazine and make a snap judgment that it’s just another fashion magazine that tells you how to look and dress and how to mold yourself into a version of the latest celebrity. I admit to thinking the same thoughts. I was surprised when flipping through the magazine that there were hardly any pictures or stories about celebrities except the cover story on Nicki Minaj.  The articles consisted mostly of the lasted nail styles (black polish is back in) and the latest fashion (animal print is still in) there was a large focus on how to look younger and how to improve your skin. Perhaps it was just this issue.

To be honest this was the first time I had read the magazine. And I was refreshed. It had a rather wholesome appeal to it (I can only speak for the April issue) and wasn’t bogged down by innuendo, or celebrity media. Allure was a light easy read. The link above allows you to access the website which is in a similar format as the magazine. While looking through the magazine I asked myself the following questions:

·         What is the overall overt message(s) that the magazine conveys?  In other words, what does the magazine tell its readers directly about who they should be and what they should do and/or own?

The overall message was about beauty and fashion and how to improve in those particular areas. The focus was on hair, skin and nails

·         What values are being expressed by the elements of the magazine? In what ways are those values expressed? (For instance what does it say if all the people in the magazine illustrations are slim and beautiful?)

The value of the magazine is based on the outward appearance, basically looking younger and trendier. There was however some articles about personal growth that expounded on the benefits of discipline and how it can benefit your lifestyle.

·          Do the implied values complement or conflict with the overt message? In what ways?

The articles about personal growth complimented the overall message of beauty and fashion. It was a reflection that inner beauty is still important. However the main point of the magazine is to improve one’s appearance, the values stated by the magazine are just that. There is a straightforward message that the magazine is conveying, and there isn’t room for much confusion.

Pop Music

Eric Church 

  

http://ericchurch.com/

I've been a fan of Eric Church for a while now so I've decided to check out his website and see how it reflects who he is as an artist. The first thing I noticed when I clicked on the site was a slide show of pictures of Eric. The pictures showed Eric with his guitar as well as several pictures from his latest album and promotion for his latest tour. The pictures are very professionally taken and of good quality. They do have a fun, party, and rock vibe such as Eric yelling into a microphone. When you scroll down on the home page there is a list of all of Eric’s CDs. A list of the songs from his latest CD “Chief” is posted along with an option to buy the CD or download it form itunes. There is also a column on the right hand corner of the home page with media updates, such as special events or appearances that Eric will be doing. There is also a link that allows fans to buy VIP concert tickets and view Eric’s latest music video.  The home page serves as kind of a snap shot of the detailed information you can find on the site.  

I had a chance to see Eric Church in concert, and I can say from experience that the pictures are an accurate description of the energy Eric has on stage. His performance is very country rock and very energetic. The crowds loved his crazy energy and his music. He is a great performer as well as a talented artist.

The website also features a several tabs such as a news tab that includes information about promotional events and updates. There is also a tour tab that lets you view current tour dates and let you search for dates in your city and state. There is an “about” tab that gives details about the inspiration behind Eric’s latest cd. Another tab is listed titled “Church Choir” which is a forum for dedicated fans to blog and discuss concert dates and questions. The “media” tab features music, videos, and pictures. Last but not least, there is a “store” tab that features a variety of merchandise.

There is a sense of branding to the website. Everything revolves around Eric’s latest CD “Chief” there is even a badge emblem at the lower left hand corner that appears on every page of the website. When clicked on it takes you directly to the Eric church merchandise store, and offers deals on special bundles, such as a tee shirt and cd combination at a reasonable price. There is also a heavy advertisement to join the “Church Choir” to receive special promotions. A special tee shirt is even available exclusively to the church choir.

I feel that Eric Church’s website is an accurate description of who Eric is as an artist. There is a depth that is reflected in his lyrics and music, as well as an upbeat country feel about the website as well. He attracts a loyal fan base and keeps reeling new fans in. Ive included the link to Eric Church's website so everyone can check it out!