Dear Readers,

       Mario Bothers and Tetris may be small time for the “Real gamer” however I think It fills that same humanistic desire that makes gaming what it is today. I think I must be getting old because now I have  to say stories like ” Well in my time when the 1st nintendo came about..” hehe. well it really wasn’t that long ago, early 90′s?  That’s the last time I really enjoyed the simplistic pleasures of gaming. Everybody had a nintendo and in that case you became more susceptable to playing; I think the entire package cost only 60.00. Last I heard the latest and greatest nintendo cost near 700.00. And to be honest I don’t even know anyone that has one. Sure sure I realize it plays DvDs and Cds and can connect to the internet.  But the original nintendo made  ”nintendo” what it is today by branding it in a way that made it a common household name across the globe.   

       I agree with Zach Whalen in his article ” Game/Genre a Critique of Generic Formulas in Video Games in the context of ‘ The Real’ that games must have more meaning behind them then just the idea of play. Gaming has become such a huge industry and continualy keeps growing to a increasing consumer demand. There must be other needs being met by the act of participating in gaming then just simply playing. Players are building relationships with other players and establish a relatively relaxing form of entertainment. T.L. Taylor in his artice “The Sapranos Meets EverQuest” argues this point suggests that friendshps of the players could be considered the actual exploit of the game.

       Because our world is so interconnected; gaming has become another way for people to communicate by relating to each other through common interests. The internet is not only a place for people to play games privately they can play with numerous members. Some games even offer comment boxes on the side which allow members to type in comments to the other players while playing. I believe gaming provides players drive to perfect ones skill in completing the task or level to recieve rewards and permission per say to enter new levels. I think gaming can promote mature cognitive thinking in individuals who desire to “out do the game”; if not in life then why not in the safe reality of the gaming world. Final Thought:  If you get killed or lose you can justpress restart; a little harder in the game of life!!

Kindest Regards,

Barb E

P.S : Curious about Split Infitives? Well read this..

A split infinitive is grammatical construction in which a word or phrase, usually an adverb or adverbial phrase, occurs between the marker to and the bare infinitive (uninflected) form of a verb. One of the most famous split infinitives occurs in the opening sequence of the Star Trek television series: “to boldly go where no man has gone before.” Here, the adverb “boldly” splits the full infinitive “to go.” Split Infinitives are now acceptable; but that doesn’t make them preferable.

The following video is a depiction of what it would be like should online gamers take their gaming behavior into the offline real world. Check it out…..  

 Dear Readers,

       Well this week is an interesting week; well really it has to do with sex. I decided to reflect my blog this week on the “Joey and Chandler in Friends” article by Vegard Igeleak. I found that throughout the article she argued more for the homosexual realtionship being protrayed however, near the end her stance came clear. She only wanted to show the different ways their ‘roommate’ relationship can be precieved; depending on the audience. I never would have looked at Joey and Chandlers relationship as in anyway a reflection of homoerotocism. However a good sociologist does always looks at all the ways human actions may be percieved.

       Her view suggests that there are new ways in which males are dealing with eachother, more emotionally. I do have to agree with her I think that society values and desires are reflected through the t.v sitcom ‘Friends’ in fact the mass media in general. Ever since the feminist revolution, homosexuality has become more accepted by the general public. If you look back through history there was always that underlying element of whether homosexuality should be accepted or not. Historically, the Great conquerer ’Alexander’ wouldn’t directly lock lips with his male lover in front of the other men but it was well known by all. Above; in his statue he even appears quite feminine for a warrior. Alexander was  a man in which other men feared but he was also a homosexual. The gender charcteristics for these two roles blend and it becomes hard to classify him in directly one category as feminine or male.

       Another example can be when Ellen did her t.v sitcom and as soon as she ‘came out’ her show was cancelled. But Hey if she doesn’t directly talk about it that is her “sexuality”we love her, her talk show is a great success. As Vegard qoutes in her article ” As it is, male homosexuality is constantly present as an undercurrent….” and as long as society sees homosexuality behaviour as “on the fence” it is seen as deviant behavior. Until society doesn’t look at homosexuality as being outside the norm viewers will be much too sensitive to presentations of male behavior as represented by Joey and Chandlers characters. Do they have gay charcteristics?? No; they are just regular guys in the 21st century, feeling liberated to be human, they still sometimes don’t like to admit it but they want ‘Big Hugs’ too!!

       Yes; feminism was about female liberation but it was also about men. They too felt stressed with pressure to be the ultimate Macho man, they were stereotyped just as much as women in ridiculous gender roles. Sure I’m a bit of a traditionalist but its nice to have options. Gender identity is a continuum, with masculine on one side and feminine on the other. People will identify with both masculine and feminine qualities and it can even differ depending on the day.  Because why is being sport orientated necessarily a male charcteristic or cooking a female charcateristic. Some of the most prominant “Chefs” in our world today are males. Final thought: Characteristics which define the norm in gender roles are continously changing how can we realistically layout guidelines distinguishing one from the other. Hunky Dory!

Kindest Thoughts,

Barb E
This video is a modern day example of how society through the media pokes fun at feminine qualities in men. I’ve still never met a man which can talk longer on the phone then my girls and me!! hehe …. Check it out!!  

Dear Readers,

              Well for the Ladies out there how many of you and don’t lie to yourself ;struggle when putting on your jeans? And to the guys that watch their significant other wiggle around to put that zippler up. Well I confess I’m not sure if I own a pair of jeans that it doesn’t take some jumping around to get into them. Especially after a wash. What about that fab pair of jeans that we keep in the closet we call our skinny jeans?? Made famous by Miranda on that wonderful little series Sex and the City. I don’t enjoy my jeans to be baggy and we all know that jeans always stretch after a few wears. It’s may be a small flashback into the 70′s when jeans were painted on but perhaps; not to that extreme. Abby’s article opens up with a description of an ad on womens jeans. Of course the ad has a model weighing less then 130pounds and about 6 foot tall the typical “Barbie” type. She resembles only 3% of the population, however her image sells because guys find her hot and that makes woman want to be like her. I have to agree with her that these images are so bad for ‘objectifying women’ and targeting an already vulnerable self-esteem in men as well as women.

               What about the guys?? They too get intimidated by these ads. They want to be that guy that has the hot girlfriend. They have to show this masculine side that their tough, not-feminine, drive a big truck, know how to operate in the bedroom and so on. If you ask me I think men have a lot to live up too. Abby writes how there are no magazines for men on appearances? Well I would have to detest because hello “the new age metrosexual male” of the 21st century. There are guys that like to look in the mirror just a little too long. Men are taking more pride in their appearance then ever before. Men’s magazines have clothing ads and informative articles on how to take care of your body. The concept of metrosexual has travelled far; just check out the magazine cover bellow.

            To go along with Abby’s comment ” Women will look at a picture of a nude woman longer than a man will. The explanation: she seeks comaprison”. Women will notice an attractive woman walk into a room before the men will because let’s face she’s the competition. Have we really evolved that much from the ‘Animal Kingdom’?  Abby goes on to say that instead of focusing on these ads, women need to disregard these insecurities and move ahead. But really is that possible, sure even being critically aware of the negative subliminal massages towards women they are still everywhere. You drive down the highway and see billboards, on buses, on the outside trash can, hear lyrics in music how can you really avoid it. Even just by observing ones peers. I can’t help but think why does sex sell so well? Has the idea of what is Beautiful really been bread into us all? In another sociology class on gender I learned that when scientist gave a baby monkey a choice between a beautiful picture of a model and a wire gorilla; the monkey choose the model. So perhaps there is a pleasant stimuli that we like looking at nice-looking things?

           I also find that someone’s personality can be a strong indication if a person is attractive. Have you ever heard the expression “shes/he is personality plus”. If a girl/or guy is very attractive on the outside but portrays a rotten attitude it spoils whatever made them attractive in the first place. We really can’t control what god gave us in the physical department what we can sure control our thoughts and attitudes. And I’m sure you’d all agree with me nothings more attractive then a person with confidence. You can see it with the way someone walks into a room. 

Kindest Regards,

Barb E   

I figured I’d  put up both videos because there both great the first talks about the Bullying of Masculinity and the later is called Killing me Softly 3: Advertising’s Image of Women. They are both very good I have watched both in a previous sociology class. Enjoy!!

Dear Readers,

            So Music you say; well the article claims music can provide its listeners with a sense of nostalgic euphoria from the past. Each generation of youth culture is interconnected to the style of music of their time. The late 60′s were popular and still are because of ‘Woodstock’; such ‘Greats’ arose from that era leaving a mark on so many generations after them; Janis Joplin, Jimmy Hendrix,  Jim Morrison; Fleetwood Mac; Rolling Stones; Bruce Springsteen; Sex Pistols. Just to name a few. These tunes are 40 years old and I can’t see them dieing out any time soon. Ya I’m sure these artists wanted a bit of coin but really I think the music meant more to them then the amount on their paycheck. They wanted to voice an opinion through music and spread the word to masses about what was going on in the world. The confusion of being a youth, repression of women, drugs, sex, alcohol, and politics. This kind of freedom was all new to this generation. Their parents were constrained by following cultural norms and trying to “fit in” to the popular nuclear family model which ostrasized deviance of any sort. These musicians made their impression by going against the status quo of the time.

         Music? Really; an expression of individual thoughts and feelings that was even discouraged for females until further into the 70′s. These performers had talent, they had capturing lyrics which were filled with hidden meaning in a time when people were confused with their identity.  What’s real ‘authentic’ music is truly a matter of opinion. Hey the beauty is in the eye of the beholder. However, I just dont think Britney Spears and Nelly are going to help a culture cope with a war any time soon, I mean ever. This kind of popular music can’t even sustain the interest of the audience long enough to let them finish their recycled beats. The profit-hungry excutives really need to focus their mature music on an older audience instead of brainwashing “tweens” with lyrics that promote bringing “sexy back”. The record lables have taken over, they have the power to control the lyrics, and the image rather then the artist themselves. What happened to the Golden Ages?? Did it really die with Kurt Cobain. 

         My folks grew up in the 70′s in the Czech Republic and for them music helped give them a sense of identity during a time when the country was in turmoil. Communism weighed heavy restrictions on any form of anti-communism channels of communication. There were underground music groups that sprung during this time singing about the repression. My mom tells me stories when her group of friends would bring their guitars and hide in parks and sing the anti- communist lyrics. They deviated against the control of school, the crazy teachers that beat them,  their parents and having their country being taken over by another. During a time a social upheavel music can help releave pressure for groups with the least amount of power in a society.

Peace! Kindest Thoughts,

Barb E       

  P.S-Three Days of Love and Peace! What do you Love about music??

Dear Readers,

            After reading Russel Smith’s exhuberating rant on the disgusting movie experience I had to question which movie theatre he visited. The one in hell?? Perhaps the movie going experience is unique to everyone; but we all expect a certain traditional atmosphere represented in theatres a like. It is the position of the theatre to create an ambiance so that the experience of movie goers is a successful one. They provide a service much like in any service industry such as restaurants or at sporting events. The costumer desires good food, good service, and pleasurable seating. I disagree with Smith’s argument that movie going is a sensory stressfest rather I believe it excites our senses and introduces us to a new state of consciousness.    

             We decided to go see a movie on a Sunday night at 9:00. My theater experience began with a drive along the desolate streets of Lethbridge and a sleepy yawn since I had just woken up from a nap. We had decided to go see the movie ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ after hearing Oscar Buzz around it’s success and a viewers score of 41/2 stars out of 5 on the Movie Times website. In my dreamy state I felt as if we were about to take part in an adventure that would stir up my senses. Feeling priviledged that soon I would be experiencing someone elses imagination, brought alive on screeen with the support of technologies such as special effects. Movie goers in a few hours are able to experience the worlds of fantasy and reality join in an artistic masterpiece, inducing a hieghtened consciousness. Your mood can effect the movie you choose to go see which in turn ignites how you experience the movie. I found it takes a type of ‘mental preperation’ to set the tone for the movie expierence.  After reading Russell Smith’s article I’m sure most of you will agree with me the guy must have been in a bad mood he can’t possibly be so closed minded to the cultural phenomena of movie going today. If everybody was so depressed and agitated with their movie going experience I’m sure they wouldn’t be so anxious to line up for the next one.

         Coming up to the Empire Movie Theatre on 4th I was disappointed to find only a few cars parked outside. I had hoped to be able to people watch more in a crowded room however, I didn’t realize I was about to embark on a unique movie going experience in itself. The old school theatre left quite the impression, substantially different from its descendant the modern day movie theatre of the contemporary age. The tone of the theatre was missing the comfort of modern theatre lights and flash symbolically aggressive of the entertainment industry. We found the only door that wasn’t locked and let ourselves in only to find the pay booth deserted. We found the ancient approach of this old school theater quite interesting rather for not having machines that automatically regergatated tickets and the usual handful of cashiers to rush you through the door. It made me realize how technologically spoiled we are everyday. However, it was refreshing to indulge in the historical atmosphere that made the movie business what it is today, how intimate the experience could be. The theatre consisted of only two viewing rooms, allowing for smaller audiences and less employees. Providing an oppurtunity for the staff to make relationships with its costumers. For example I would later find out that as a result of the concession guys recognition of me he would happily give me a free refill of my pop during the film.

            After finding the ticket booth abandoned we proceded into the large foyer were we were welcomed by a anxious young man behind the single till concession counter. He informed us we could just purchase our tickets through him. Symbolic of the concession stand was the traditional popcorn machine with the classic Red top and bottom and the blue and yellow bold letters sprawled across reading ‘POPCORN’. Added on to the price board was the comment ‘Real Butter: No unknown substances’ now that’s exciting. The popcorn tasted amazing; just like when you make it at home. Truly a popcorn palace in its own!!

            Russel Smith does make the point on how the ads before the movie seem to drag on and how we pay to watch them. I realize this is common in the modern movie experience however, we got no such advertisements at the unveiling of our feature presenation at the Empire. The movie just started on schedule, no interruptions. There are some of us who look forward to the previews before the movie; they are created to entice the viewer flashing all the best parts of the new upcoming film to lure in the audience. It can be quite entertaining on the big screen with the ambiance of the theatre’s load roar. Before the movie was presented they flashed a quick old school refreshments ad that was is so symbolic of the traditional movie experience.  Such as in the drive-in commercials we see in old movies. Drive-ins which today struggle with keeping there doors open, competing with the luxeries of modern theatres.  The big theatres have succumb to consumerism which can disenchant the viewer by constantly trying to sell them a product. Especially a viewer like Russell Smith!  

            We entered ‘Theater #1′ and preceded to pick a comfortable seat since we had our pick, there was only five other people joining us that evening for the viewing of ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’. Talk about intimate experience. Two rows ahead of us there were two guys and a girl appearing in their twenties, just good friends going to a movie on a sunday night. The one guy from the group closest to the walk way hid under his oversized hood and seemed to be sleeping for most of the movie.  I waited for a reaction during the real intense load parts of the film but there was nothing. I’m assuming his friends just convinced him it would be a good idea to go see a movie. Who knows maybe he was a third wheel on a date. In the row across from us was a young teenage couple holding hands and constantly whispering sweet nothings to eachother. Going to the movies is famously known for being a hot spot for dates. They snacked on handfuls of popcorn and an x-large ’gallon of liquid-sugar’ as Smith would call it. But who can have popcorn without the quench satisfying taste of coca-cola. Cokes famous logo can be traced back to the birth of the movie going experience.

           In cunclusion, the movie kept me on the edge of my seat for the duration of the film. We discussed the movies intriguing story line the entire way home and I even found myself dreaming about it into the night. That’s when you know you’ve gone to a movie worth viewing when your still pondering its ideas days later. Unlike Smiths negative experience I find that movie going allowes a different means to which people can communicate with eachother.  The movie industries leading age of technology today such as special effects allowes us to experience the imagination of a collective. Our senses our tantalized by the load roar of the speakers and the enchanting screen which breeds an atmosphere created to lure the audience in to a realm where fantasy and reality come together.  After leaving the theatre the people who shared In the same movie experience didn’t feel so estranged anymore we now had something in common. The intimate experience of the old school theatre had important services to offer movie goers, holding on to the qualities that made original theater’s ‘Great’. Perhaps Russel Smith just visited the wrong theatre!!

Kindest Thoughts,

Barb E          

Dear Readers,

I’m sure you’ve all heard by now that Britney Spears has gone and shaved her head and decorated herself with more body piercings! I just thought, hey here’s a girl that everybody in the world knows her name and yet she does nothing good with her ridiculous popularity. The funny thing is that shes always crying that the media’s tire bitting antics are driving her crazy so I figure this “media stunt” is some sorda payback. Her way of telling them to take a hike; mediate ‘This’. She claims “she doesn’t want people touching her anymore”! However, shes not the smartest cat in the box because she could use her fame to raise much needed Mula with all those gorgeous locks of hers. Whether she likes it the media allowes her to put clothes on her back or NOT!! Well moral of the story; you can take the girl out of the trailor park but you can’t take the trailor park out of the girl !! Keep on truckin Brit!!

Kindest Thoughts,

Barb E

Heres a video clip on the Pop princess!! Oh Brit what are the boys gonna think??

Dear Readers,

              After reading Noam Chomsky’s article on ‘ Manufacturing Consent’ I wondered just how much influence the government and rich investors had over our societies world view.  Do they really have us in the palm of their hand?We’re aware they like playing the puppet master, branding products and effecting news choices wherever they can get their greedy hands. However with the impressive development of technology today this should be increasingly difficult. The people now have a voice which is being heard by the big boys “The top media organizations” the top twenty-nine are listening and watching intensely.  I found that Time magazine and Global T.V are adaptng to this new wave of technology and are taking advantage of it; offering Blogging sections where various journalists and citizens can coerce and talk ‘news’. The truth eventually has a way of leaking out, for example on the Global BT website I came across a journalist blog with the heading ’Former Sex Trade workers blogging Pickton Trial’. The two ladies Pauline and Trisha are blogging about the disturbing details of the trial, their stories are the missing puzzle pieces to the edited version offered by the news. A little to real life horror movie for me, but I’m sure its quite an interesting read. Noam Chomsky suggests that the filtering process occures so naturally that we don’t even know its happening, presenting the news in another way almost appears silly. As sociologists in training we are aware of the filtering that takes place behind closed doors “Their secret way to poison are minds” but we’re on to them; critically evaluating whatever images they throw at is. But it is hard, where does the truth stop and the lies begin?

          With technologies such as blogging, people are becoming the new face of media, isen’t that what we hired the news and government for in the first place?. People’s personal experiencies in the global community are effecting how they approach reading the paper and watching television ,they are now more open mind then ever. Due to   technology; airplanes, telephones, and the internet, citizens are becoming increasingly aware of their global environment. We are not as ignorant as we once were. But then again you still hear about Americans who think  Canadians live in Igloos?  Perhaps the propaganda by multinationals and government to socialize children into thier idea of a model citizen starts at the ‘School’ level. Shouldn’t all text books teach children about the world in which they live?? Final thought: Well I’m not sure If we’ll ever get to the bottom of it. But we can start by sharing our own thoughts! Much like this Blog. Festivus!!!!

Kindest Thoughts,

Barb     

 Dear Readers,

        Food for thought: Okay this ad totally got my attention; Its an Ad about “Aids” from France I believe their trying to create awareness by really shocking the public. I found the pic on google which provided a series of comments on the site from people around the global community. Peoples reactions differed based on where they were from. For example, imagine how someone from Africa may respond compared to someone from Canada. 

          This week in class were discussing television, so I decided to write about popular north american programs that are being broadcast all around the world and how this is having an effect on the global viewer. The chapter discusses the effects of U.S television on Canadian culture but many of the same questions can be asked when observing how the nations across the world are being effected. I was born in the Czech Republic and I have gone back to visit my family many times since moving to Canada at the age of 2. The cultural ideals in some ways differ from those in Canada, and can be observed through their local “boob tube”. Czech films or television programs tend to have more sexual slander, for example on our evening news during the weather portion the weather person slowly takes off his/her clothes while informing viewers of what they can expect for there weekly weather. The Czech programs are very traditional, every night after dinner at 8:00pm  a childrens’ bedtime story is featured and the family often gather around and watch together.  Czech programming often depict more smoking and consumption of alcohol in there programning as well reflecting cultural practices which support no legal drinking age.  Evening television /adult programs are mystery shows, comedies ( the American show Friends) depending if you have satallite you can recieve MTV and programs that come in different languages. 

         The presence of an international audience allowes nations to have a cinematic voice in mass media.  As the objective of ‘The National Film Board’ (NFB) of Canada is created to “interpret Canada to Canadians” now due to technological advancements international viewers are being able to interpret Canada as well. Czech for me is a second language and those of you who can relate agree that jokes can’t be interpreted quite the same in both languages and some vocabulary can be difficult to translate. Are viewers watching programing from different parts of the world missing the real meaning because their missing the cultural context?  

         There is a popular demand from the global community to view the next glamour movie that comes out of Hollywood. Hollywood is quick to supply and their ideals are being interpreted on a global perspective. How are the latest images effecting the global viewer and what can be said about the american culture? There is this new fad of torture flicks like “Hostel” and “SAW 1, 2 and 3 and 4″ … and many more have become very popular. Your old fashioned Edward Scissorhands wouldn’t scare a three year old these days we’ve become so desensitized by T.V programing and Films that watching people get torchured seems to be the next best thing. Don’t get me wrong I love a good horror movie just like the next person but watching someone get torchured is not really necessary, Is it?  And what kind of effect does this have on the global viewer’s that are not yet desensitized to the violence on american t.v? But then again its not our cultural norm to watch the weather man or woman take their clothes off either?? hehe.

Kindest Thoughts , BE      

         As internet networking increases and threatens to change the way we communicate , traditional forms of building and maintaining community prove favourable. Karen Evans emphasis what characterizes virtual communities in her article ”The Significance of Virtual Communities” however I believe that we need to focus on our physical communities first in order to use the internet to our full advantage. The media mirrors our world, our ideals and values, the internet shares humanities flaws in how people communicate with one another. Castells and Wellman argue, connections are no longer dependent on the common space we share we now maintain friendships through common interests. These choices encourage a type of ‘networked individualism’  the birth of a new specialized relationship in social networking. Suggesting, that the idea of community is in essence changing and requires a broader definition with the evolution of the internet.

         In oder to achieve an idealistic cyber community we need to start with improving our communities in our physical world first.  An ideal traditional community today struggles to exist because  people are finding themselves disconnected from their fellow neighbours. In my geography class the proffessor asked the students ( 130 in the class) who would feel comfortable to ask their neighbour for a cup of suger?  only a quarter of the class replied yes. Our sense of belonging in our community effects our personal well-being, feeling comfortable in our neighbourhood . Having good neighbours creates a sense of security, you can feel assured that someone will watch your house when your away and perhaps even help you start your car in the winter. Are we so fixated with our individual surroundings that we don’t care about our shared environment anymore. I believe the problem lies in our eroded appreciation for family and our rush for attaining materialistic wants that capitalism thrives upon. With values losing their significance in our everyday lives being a good neighbour is not on many peoples priorities list.

          Are cyber communities really organized better as Wellman suggests? Members from around the globe that shape many cyber communities will have to meet as one collective however technology and time barriers can make this very difficult. Wellman argues that relationships formed on cyber communities are purer in essence, uncluttered by first impressions and hidden intension. I believe this sense of fear on the streets is causing people to run to the false safety of the web community and in turn effecting how we treat the people around us. If we place a fear on meeting each other through face to face contact we discourage community in our physical world.

         There are so many industries that are dependant on competitive tactics, for example in the oil and gas sector incentives are used to attract business. Clients are taken out on golf trips and weekend getaways where connections are created and business friendships are made. In a way its just elaborating on the old fashioned hand shake. Community today for people still means the physical relationships they’ve made through attachment, interest and those that live in the same area. Final thought: At my house we always make a point to be friendly with our neighbours even though were newbees in the community and the other day Dale our neighbour, saw us out for lunch and took care of the bill. I also made friends with the other neighbour which after watching his house one weekend he bought us wine and chocolates. Just wanted to say next time your out for a walk or driving by wave at your neighbours its a start and you’ll feel good about it too!

Kindest thoughts B

Here is a clip from Napolean Dynamite: depicting a moment between him and his neighbour. Note the wave.  

Dear Reader’s,

I just wanted to ask why do guys love the movie “Jackass 2″? We had it at our house last night I had never seen the guys laugh so hard! I decided to sit down and have a beer with them, but I just couldn’t watch. It totally grossed me out. Maybe it was that I sat down at the ‘But Bong’ part?? Well it must be a guy thing! I’m sure I’ll be hearing recaps all day while snowboarding today. Off to castle ……….

Chau BE