Future Vision/ Improving Media and Society Class

After watching the "Future Vision" I was most impressed by the technology that the little girl possessed. She had access to a multitude of media within minutes such as (math) books, recipes,and phone access. This technology would be very beneficial for her generation because she has access to everything just from her phone. This technology would improve her ability to educate herself about  numerous subjects in one central located device. She has access to world in the palm of her hands. This technology will definitely create a more efficient and productive world by saving people time and money. This specific technology could make books obsolete such educational books (math books, cook books, and magazines) and strengthen the internet by giving people instant accessibility to information through the use of one small device. The technology will impact our future in many ways from our jobs to how we educate our children. 

In media and society class I enjoyed the aspect of watching numerous videos because I am a visual learner. I didn't find the weekly blog entries as helpful because writing is not one of my strengths. I could have gotten a lot more out of this class if there was more lectures rather than an open forum. I am individual that needs structure to excel in a class setting.

Citizen Four- Extra Credit

I watched "Citizen Four" on November 29, 2014 at the new Bijou Arts Cinema located in Eugene, Oregon. In a nutshell this movie was about how "Citizen Four" aka Edward Snowden leaked highly confidential information about NSA programs that violates Americans privacy through the Patriot Act. He leaked this information to the public by contacting numerous reporters through unscripted emails (such as the one located in the photo) which lead to his interview and the documentary of the release of his story. This documentary was realistic because it showed every step (process by process) of what he went through to expose the NSA wrongdoings and the ramifications he faced by leaking that information.

The first thing that stood out to me was the real sense of paranoia that both the reporters and Snowden displayed throughout the film. Ed Snowden stated early in his interview what techniques the NSA would employ to track and monitor the reporters and him self.Once the NSA found out that someone was leaking information about them, they arrived at Snowden's girlfriends house and started asking questions and monitoring their house. The NSA even stopped Snowden's house payments that were direct deposited from his personal bank account. They even threatened his family for information about Snowden whereabouts. Snowden said he expected people he cared about to be harrassed by the government, but when he first heard that it began you could sense the fear taking over. 

The second thing that stood out which I was surprised to learn was that our government's intelligence community has the ability to operate our laptops, i pads, cell phones, and even bank accounts remotely through specific programs (a multitude of programs,which was released by Snowden to the reporters) made by the NSA. These programs record all of our communications such as through mobile devises without our approval.

"Citizen Four" was packed with information that would not only shock the average American citizen, but anyone who believes in the principles of free speech and the right to privacy. Snowden authenticated concerns people have had for years regarding government exploration into our private lives. I would recommend this movie to all Americans, so they can be informed about what our government is actually doing that we are not aware of. Big Brother is watching, So watch out!

Blog post 9/ NSA

I feel that the actions of Edward Snowden are positive because US citizens have the right to know what policies and programs our elected government are implementing. People have had suspicions that our government has been involved with unconstitutional behaviors for years, and thanks to Edward Snowden we now have Proof of these miss doings. I recall watching a movie called "Enemy of the State" which was all about what Snowden later exposed to real practices of our government.


         I feel Americans had lost their Freedom of Speech a long time ago. Throughout our countries history there has been a multitude of examples of government retaliation towards its' citizens who have conflicting views. "Cointelpro" it came out that the FBI had a program during the 60's that harassed activists whom spoke out against the governments policies.  Ultimately the FBI disclosed six official counterintelligence programs: Communist Party-USA (1956-71); "Groups Seeking Independence for Puerto Rico" (1960-71); Socialist Workers Party (1961-71); "White Hate Groups" (1964-71); "Black Nationalist Hate Groups" (1967-71); and "New Left" (1968- 71). The later operations hit anti-war, student, and feminist groups. The "Black Nationalist" caption actually encompassed Martin Luther King and most of the civil rights and Black Power movements.

http://whatreallyhappened.com/RANCHO/POLITICS/COINTELPRO/cointelpro-methods.html

Week 8 Topic : Music Influence/ Campus Radio

My first memory of media having the Parental Advisory warning of Explicit Lyric's was in the late 80's- to early 90's. I recall that Wal-Mart only carried edited versions of albums. For that particular reason I boycotted that company when I bought music. No one (big companies or politicians) needed to control my taste in music. I am fully capable of making my own decisions, when it comes to listen to music and their lyrics. For example I choose not to listen to "GG Allin" songs such as: Eat my F*#$ because of his controversial lyrics, stage presences, and beliefs systems. But I did enjoy listening to Marylin Mason and NIN (Nine inch Nails) because of their unique music style.
   
I am not bias when is comes to listen to music, but I do not enjoy listening to Christian and some Country (Dolly Parton, Roy Roger are okay, but not new country). I enjoy listening music from all eras such as 60's- to present such as "The Rolling Stones (Blues/Rock n' Roll) was one the best concerts that attended, Bob Marley (Reggae), " The Fugees" ( Hip-Hop), "Nirvana" ( Garage Rock), and "Katy Perry (Pop).


I think that having a campus radio station would be a great idea because there is a need in the community for a college radio. This idea would be feasible because it would get lots of support from the local community and college students. The format that the college radio could provide would be music such as from local musicians (a wide variety of artists), local Hip-Hop (underground music), limited commercials breaks,offering current events affecting the community directly, and local activists sharing opinions/ thoughts about worldly issues. How to fund this radio station would be by promotions through selling T-Shirts with cool logos (such as THC- the hip-hop connection), fundraisers done on air, having local night clubs hold shows hosted by the radio station, having an open-mic night, and famous stars do radio spots on the show. 

 THC: the hip-hop connection, @iring only on LBCC radio

Gone Girl- 2014 Media Blog Post 2

                                                                       

"Gone Girl" a film by David Fincher based on the novel by Gillian Flynn. Actors/ Actresses included:Ben Affleck, Rosamunk Pike, Tyler Perry, Neil Patrick Harris, Carrie Coon, and Kim Dickens to name a few.

  I decided to review "Gone Girl" after I saw its movie trailer during the previews of another film. I saw this film with my boyfriend and some family members. It was their second viewing of this film.

  “Gone Girl” caught my attention because I have enjoyed previous films directed by David Fincher. It sounded like a good plot and I was interested to learn that it was based on a novel by Gillian Flynn.
  Gillian Flynn is an American author and former writer/ TV critic for the Entertainment Weekly. She has published a total of three books including “Gone Girl”. She has also wrote scripts for “Utopia” (a prior blog posting of mine earlier this semester) and is currently working David Fincher (again) on HBO series. 

  “Se7en”,"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" (neo-noir genre) were both movies I enjoyed watching, so I was curious to see how this film would compare.David Fincher is a not only a director and visual artist, but he also regularly directs films based on books. Such Fincher films based on books include "Se7en", "Fight Club", "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button", and "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo". Previous to that Fincher had directed music videos. Also, Ben Affleck has been successful as a director in his own right with "Gone, Baby, Gone", "The Town" and "Argo". 

  Although I wasn't aware of any big press coverage in the news, except for Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails front man) concerning his composing of the film score in the Eugene Weekly, I felt it would be worth watching.

Reznor is an important element in creating the signature dirty, gritty, grimy, feel in many of the stories Fincher chooses to make.

  "Gone Girl" explores a couple's marriage after they suffered the effects of the recent "Great Recession". The film begins with how the couple meet, how their marriage progresses, evolves, and how it eventually decays. Rosamund Pike's character, Amy, goes missing and all fingers point to Ben Affleck's character as their prime suspect.

  The film begins with Affleck standing at the edge of his driveway, in his Missouri suburban American Dream neighborhood. Many of the homes have "For Sale" signs, giving us a time frame. This is not too long after the "Great Recession" which we learn in back story presented by the characters. This "Great Recession" is a theme that penetrates throughout the story.
  The film is good at keeping you at the edge of your seat. It's a good movie that held my interest from start to finish. Just when you think you know something another element is revealed and causes you to consider another side of something still unknown. The weaknesses of the story could be that some people might find the film offensive and unbelievable. There were themes in this movie that touched on a vibe that is prevalent in American today. Some offensive messages are subtle touching on the inequality between the homeless and overly rich, by falsely accusing someone of rape or murder based on their social status. 

  "Gone Girl" is similar to other Fincher films in that there are often elements of damaged characters in a depressing, seemingly hopeless world. The characters struggle to find peace and often suffer tragic endings. For example, in "Se7en", the film ends in utter tragedy when a detective learns that the psychopath he's been searching for has decapitated his wife. 

  It's a little different from much of Fincher's other work in that it's a little lighter than his other stuff, like "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo", which is largely tragic and dark. Compared to those two films, "Gone Girl" feels like it has quite a bit more comedy (dark humor) and is much less violent-- well, except for one scene. 

    What I find important about "Gone Girl" is that it's a reflection on marriage. It's a story with themes of trust, love, and what it takes to keep a relationship alive, (perhaps by killing someone), and what it means to be committed. All this reins true in the current American culture. Tolerance of cheating, which seems like the norm in today’s society, if people take responsibility, or if they apologize on TV, then it’s OK. People are also guilty until proven innocent on TV (like on Nancy Grace). No different from the Salem Witch Trials.

  The target audience can be young people who are just starting to experience relationships and more advanced couples who might have been married for numerous years. It's an over-the-top story about relationships.

 Stereo types could be that the men are always accused of violence on women or the perpetrator. Media always has an influence on people's opinion of the guilt or innocence of someone accused of a crime.

  I don't think this is the best film that David Fincher has made. Both "Fight Club" and "Se7en" were better in my opinion. They were more edgy and realistic featuring the stuff that cult classics are made of. It doesn't fall below his usual standards, but it's a little tamer compared to his other work, given its subject matter of marriage.I know it’s a memorable movie because I heard people saying that they would watch this flick numerous times, like my family members did. Plus it's a highly successful novel that is a best seller, which will attract loyal followers.

After seeing this film, I would actually go out and buy this book and see how it compares. I liked the storyline and would be curious to see the similarities between the film and book.

Rated A: by fellow worker at Entertainment Weekly- Chris Nashawaty

http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20483133_20843746,00.html 

 

David Fincher tackles a marriage made in hell in the hot-button take on Gillian Flynn's Bestseller thriller-Peter Travers http://www.rollingstone.com/movies/reviews/gone-girl-20140923#ixzz3F5hW3Fk9

David Fincher's Portrait on a Marriage - Richard Brody

http://www.newyorker.com/culture/richard-brody/david-finchers-portrait-marriage   

"Gone Girl" tops box office for second time.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20141012/us--box-office/

I learned that a review can really encourage a person to think of all the different elements and themes of a story. It tells of current events in American culture to social influences, artistic choices, and its cultural impact.

 It was interesting to review "Gone Girl" particularly because this story was a collaboration between an author and director. Often time’s novels either don't easily translate to film or there is some conflict between the director and author in terms of artistic direction. But I found that this film seemed to get it right, perhaps due to two artists working so closely together, where they compromise,( Flynn wrote both the novel and screen play) much like what it takes to make a marriage work. 

 “Gone Girl” had great acting was well directed and the concept was good. It was fun to see this kind of relationship story.
 

  The first sentence. Ends with the first sentence. The first sentence in a novel is often claimed to be the most important sentence in the book. How well do we really know someone? How close can you really get to the closest person you will know in your life?