Blog Prompt 2:Googled?

Though Google is extremely prevalent in modern media, I do not think we are too dependent on Google, but dependent nonetheless. I feel like for society to be too dependent on Google there would have to be no other place to go but Google where we could search for information, news, blogs, e-mail and watch videos, but that is not true--there are still other outlets whether or not they are used as much.


I think for us to be considered "too" dependent, Google would have to be some sort of monopoly, which it is not, yet. There are still several other search engines, places to watch videos, places to blog and e-mail. Some people, like myself, have had the same email address for 10 years or more, using e-mail distributors like AOL before G-mail was ever created. Until other companies are forced to call it quits, Google is still not the end all be all. 


I think that if Google ever got in the wrong hands or their intentions became biased or destructive,  I would definitely be concerned about their intent to "organize the world's information and make it universally accessible." If that ever happened, because Google is so popular, consumers could easily be coerced into anything Google publishes as untampered information, whether that be true or not. However, right now I don't think Google has negative intentions, and I think their main object is quite useful to the public, which is obvious through their tremendous popularity. 

Facebook and Skype Partnership?

According to this New York Times Article, Facebook and Skype are in the process of a partnership that includes the integration of the two services through Facebook Connect. Facebook Connect, according to Facebook, is "the next iteration of Facebook Platform that allows users to "connect" their Facebook identity, friends and privacy to any site."


The partnership is supposed to be announced within a few weeks. Under this partnership, people who use their Facebook information to log into Skype will see their Facebook friends on Skype. They also will be able to view their newsfeed, send text messages and call their friends' landline numbers all using Skype. 


This partnership is though to potentially help both companies grow, especially internationally.   This is another perfect example of the convergence of two medias, a online social network and an online phone/webcam service.

Being a huge fan of Conan O'Brien, when news hit earlier this year of Jay Leno bumping his show up and Conan consequently calling it quits, devastation quickly settled in mine and the hearts of many fans. However, though everyone hoped things would work out and Conan would still hold his spot at The Tonight Show and that Jay Leno would curiously fall off a bridge, Conan still never left his fans hanging. 

Not only did Conan create a hilarious Twitter account to keep his friends updated during his short lived unemployment, he starred in a nationwide comedy tour over the summer. Now, finally, we'll see him back on TV in weeks time. November 8 at 10pm on TBS, Conan will be back hosting his show Conan. Until that day comes, he's helped create some hilarious commercials that will entertain us until all our voids are filled.

"Jersey Shore"-Why not take her out to dinner first? We know you have the money...

I, like many teens and twenty-somethings, am guilty of tuning into MTV's classy reality show "Jersey Shore" on a weekly basis. Though the heavy drinking, constant partying, cat fights and one night stands don't exactly portray this bunch as an admirable group, it sure is entertaining,  and apparently they're using their shocking and instant fame to their advantage...while it lasts.

According to this article, the cast of "Jersey Shore" are each asking for $30,000 per episode for their third season . And guess what, they're getting something pretty close to exactly that. A lot of college students are paying that much in year to do the same thing the cast does and gets paid to do--nothing and party. The first season, everyone made about $5,000 per episode and is currently getting $10,000 per episode for the second season. For mankind's sake, I almost hope there isn't a fourth season.

On top of the money they make on the show, a few of the cast members are making bank for showing up at parties, DJ-ing, and dancing with a bunch of other talentless "stars." Snooki makes about $20,000 for walking a red carpet event, Pauly D makes the same in a night DJ-ing at an event, and "The Situation" is not only going to be on "Dancing with the Stars" this year, but is also expected to make millions with his several endorsement deals.

Fall is Finally in the Air--Well, kinda

     Don't get me wrong, I love living in the Chicagoland area, but Chicago sure does have a way a getting our hopes up when new seasons arrive. This year, the autumnal equinox is supposed to occur September 23, so in preparation, I've created a short Autumn To-Do list--a list of fall activities everyone should do to get into the spirit of sweaters, pumpkins and apple cider.

1. Consume anything and everything with pumpkin it. 

     Pumpkin scones, muffins, doughnuts, pie, coffee, bread, etc. While your at it, visit a pumpkin patch.

2. Take a stroll at the Morton Arboretum. 

     It doesn't cost too much, and who doesn't want to be surrounded by gorgeous colors at every turn.     

3.  Scream your head off at Fright Fest or any Haunted House.

     Autumn and Halloween go hand in hand so check out Six Flags or some haunted places closer by. 

4.  Pick some apples.

     There are so many apples to pick and carmel to dip them in.

5.  Don't forget about Thanksgiving.

     We all love the holidays, but don't forget to gorge yourself with food and enjoy your family, because like it or not, Christmas starts at 12:00am November 26th. 

Bloggers on Blogging: Megan Reardon

     I found the article about the crafty Megan Reardon interesting because it really does showcase her as a normal person keeping a blog for her own records, which became extremely popular amongst craft makers alike.
     I too think that there is a sense of control in blogging; there's no one to report to, no guidelines to follow, but rather it' an outlet--sharing yourself with others freely, as you wish. I work at a pottery painting studio, so the idea of craft blogs is especially intriguing. 
    Lastly, my favorite quote from Reardon on blogging is: "It's also made me aware that people are much kinder and weirder than we allow ourselves to be in public. It's such a relief." So true. 

First Blog Post

This is my first blog post ever. It should be an interesting learning experiencing. Hopefully I spread some information and gain some in return!