Probably the first movie I can remember knowing the title of was The Lion King. Although I know I've been to the theater several times before that. I just can't remember the movies. I know they were cartoons, probably from Disney.
My most memorable movie experiences occurred back in March 2006. At that time, the Brookings theater was showing The Hills Have Eyes and V for Vendetta simultaneously. V for Vendetta kept me engaged for the duration of the movie, a rare feat for a movie to do. I found it very entertaining yet philosophical. Also, there is no way for Natalie Portman to not look attractive, even is she shaved her head.
I really liked how The Hills Have Eyes divided itself into two parts. The first hour was intense and creepy wondering how the characters would survive. After the trailer scene, it became a revenge movie. It achieved that rare sensation of adrenaline running through my body that only the best action movies can do (some other examples are The Rock, RoboCop, and Taken). In short, it made me feel all masculine.
These two movies remain two of my favorite movies. For them to be shown in the same time period provided me an entertaining and memorable weekend.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Chapter 6 questions
Page 162
1. How did advertising come to dominate radio economics?
When the FCC forced NBC to sell off its second network (which became ABC), this allowed radio to become a stronger medium for information. Money spent on radio ads doubled, surpassing the expenditures of newspapers. This money made radio a profitable medium.
2. What kind of regulation was necessary to develop technically?
Radio Act of 1912
3. What kinds of programming characterized radio networks in the 1930s-1940s? Why did they decline?
News reports, especially those that relayed information from London during World War II; propaganda; television became a mass medium and the networks focused their resources on developing television networks
4. How did radio formats change after the decline of radio networks?
The radio focus became local instead of national, which made for cheaper operation. Recorded music, news, and talk radio developed on these localized formats.
5. How did FM radio and 1960s-1970s music genres affect each other?
Since there were many FM stations, those stations could specialize in certain genres and subgenres. In turn, those genres gave FM stations an identity.
6. Why did radio station ownership concentrate in the 1990s?
The Telecommunications Act of 1996 allowed radio station groups to buy many more stations and become much larger.
7. How do new technologies like webcasts, smartphone apps, and podcasts affect broadcast radio?
They divert the local radio audience into finding more specific mediums to satiate their musical tastes.
Page 176
1. What kinds of radio networks exist now?
non-commercial radio, satellite radio, internet radio, and high definition radio
2. How are radio formats related to music genres?
Radio formats adjust to the changing audience and their preferred music genres.
3. What are the target audiences for some of the main radio formats?
FM radio stations target old and middle ages with oldies, middle and younger crowds with rock and other genres from that time (1970s-1980s), young people with 1990s and 2000s music.
AM stations cater to those that live in small towns with country, religious, and talk radio. Other AM stations can cater to minorities, such as Latinos.
4. Why does the concentration of radio ownership cause concern?
Less diverse music gets played because concentrated ownership of stations means more standardized formats.
5. What copyright challenges are raised by Internet radio and podcasting?
People illegally recording music played on these stations and then copy it so others can have it, therefore leaving the artist uncompensated.
1. How did advertising come to dominate radio economics?
When the FCC forced NBC to sell off its second network (which became ABC), this allowed radio to become a stronger medium for information. Money spent on radio ads doubled, surpassing the expenditures of newspapers. This money made radio a profitable medium.
2. What kind of regulation was necessary to develop technically?
Radio Act of 1912
3. What kinds of programming characterized radio networks in the 1930s-1940s? Why did they decline?
News reports, especially those that relayed information from London during World War II; propaganda; television became a mass medium and the networks focused their resources on developing television networks
4. How did radio formats change after the decline of radio networks?
The radio focus became local instead of national, which made for cheaper operation. Recorded music, news, and talk radio developed on these localized formats.
5. How did FM radio and 1960s-1970s music genres affect each other?
Since there were many FM stations, those stations could specialize in certain genres and subgenres. In turn, those genres gave FM stations an identity.
6. Why did radio station ownership concentrate in the 1990s?
The Telecommunications Act of 1996 allowed radio station groups to buy many more stations and become much larger.
7. How do new technologies like webcasts, smartphone apps, and podcasts affect broadcast radio?
They divert the local radio audience into finding more specific mediums to satiate their musical tastes.
Page 176
1. What kinds of radio networks exist now?
non-commercial radio, satellite radio, internet radio, and high definition radio
2. How are radio formats related to music genres?
Radio formats adjust to the changing audience and their preferred music genres.
3. What are the target audiences for some of the main radio formats?
FM radio stations target old and middle ages with oldies, middle and younger crowds with rock and other genres from that time (1970s-1980s), young people with 1990s and 2000s music.
AM stations cater to those that live in small towns with country, religious, and talk radio. Other AM stations can cater to minorities, such as Latinos.
4. Why does the concentration of radio ownership cause concern?
Less diverse music gets played because concentrated ownership of stations means more standardized formats.
5. What copyright challenges are raised by Internet radio and podcasting?
People illegally recording music played on these stations and then copy it so others can have it, therefore leaving the artist uncompensated.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Chapter 5 questions
Page 135
1. How did music genres evolve from earlier music traditions?
Genres build on regional music to cater to a specific audience, such as Southern gospel, blues, and bluegrass. Genres can also evolve when two different types of music blend. Country music formed from a combination of bluegrass, gospel, western, and western swing.
2. What are the major genres and traditions that fed into rock and roll?
blues, country, western swing, and rockabilly
3. How did record/CD sales and radio affect each other over time?
The 45 rpm record provided a way for radio stations to play a hit song without needing the entire album. In return, not only did radio play move people to buy the 45 single, but they also bought the 33 1/3 full albums, and later, CDs.
4.What has led the segmentation of rock into sub-genres since the 1960s?
Segmented radio stations allow for new artists to create new genres within rock, such as punk.
5. What has been the impact of MP3s and Internet music downloads on the recording industry?
New artists continue to emerge. In the days of Napster, record companies suffered financial losses as people opted not to pay for downloads. In the days of iTunes, record companies are seeing healthy profits as people are willing to pay a small amount to buy a song.
Page 144
1. How has the digitization of recording formats affected the industry?
New artists and genres continue to emerge. Another revenue stream opened for record companies with digital downloads.
2. What is the relationship between recordings, labels, and major music companies?
Music companies own the labels, who own the recordings along with artists.
3. What is the impact of record clubs and major retailers like Wal-Mart on the music industry? What about online retailers like iTunes?
Back when physical media was the undisputed format, Wal-Mart only carried CDs that had no offensive language as a result of a court case. This caused artists to change lyrics in their songs in order to have their albums sold at Wal-Mart. Clubs, such as BMG, sold CDs either through mail or Internet catalogs. That format is dying. Now iTunes is overtaking Wal-Mart as the top dog with its digital download system.
4. What copyright challenges are raised by Internet music technologies?
The struggle by record companies and some artists to limit piracy in order to keep being compensated for their labor.
1. How did music genres evolve from earlier music traditions?
Genres build on regional music to cater to a specific audience, such as Southern gospel, blues, and bluegrass. Genres can also evolve when two different types of music blend. Country music formed from a combination of bluegrass, gospel, western, and western swing.
2. What are the major genres and traditions that fed into rock and roll?
blues, country, western swing, and rockabilly
3. How did record/CD sales and radio affect each other over time?
The 45 rpm record provided a way for radio stations to play a hit song without needing the entire album. In return, not only did radio play move people to buy the 45 single, but they also bought the 33 1/3 full albums, and later, CDs.
4.What has led the segmentation of rock into sub-genres since the 1960s?
Segmented radio stations allow for new artists to create new genres within rock, such as punk.
5. What has been the impact of MP3s and Internet music downloads on the recording industry?
New artists continue to emerge. In the days of Napster, record companies suffered financial losses as people opted not to pay for downloads. In the days of iTunes, record companies are seeing healthy profits as people are willing to pay a small amount to buy a song.
Page 144
1. How has the digitization of recording formats affected the industry?
New artists and genres continue to emerge. Another revenue stream opened for record companies with digital downloads.
2. What is the relationship between recordings, labels, and major music companies?
Music companies own the labels, who own the recordings along with artists.
3. What is the impact of record clubs and major retailers like Wal-Mart on the music industry? What about online retailers like iTunes?
Back when physical media was the undisputed format, Wal-Mart only carried CDs that had no offensive language as a result of a court case. This caused artists to change lyrics in their songs in order to have their albums sold at Wal-Mart. Clubs, such as BMG, sold CDs either through mail or Internet catalogs. That format is dying. Now iTunes is overtaking Wal-Mart as the top dog with its digital download system.
4. What copyright challenges are raised by Internet music technologies?
The struggle by record companies and some artists to limit piracy in order to keep being compensated for their labor.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Chapter 4 questions
Page 95
1. What case established the precedent for freedom of the press in colonial America?
John Peter Zenger v. British governor of New York over a critical piece
2. What was the Penny Press? What led to it?
The Penny Press published daily newspapers that sold for a penny. Technological innovations allowed papers to be produced at a lower cost for broader audiences. Also, poor people were a relatively untapped market for readership. Newspapers used to be aimed at the middle to upper class.
3. What are the differences between new journalism and yellow journalism?
New journalism focused on sensationalizing gossip about people. Yellow journalism sensationalized national events in order to rally people behind a cause, such as going to war with Spain over the explosion of the USS Maine.
4. What effect did the telegraph have on newspapers?
Wire services, such as the Associated Press, formed.
5. How did wire services influence a change in the newspaper business?
This allowed newspapers to lower their costs, add more general-interest material, and appeal to a wider audience. Another side effect was that news became more objective.
Page 103
1. What was the impact of Watergate on American journalism?
It created the "watchdog" culture for newspapers against the American government.
2. What are the main recent trends in newspaper delivery technologies?
Present in a form readable on new technologies such as smartphones and iPads. Allow for customization to cater to people's tastes. Some reporters also use Twitter for news developments.
3. What is the impact of the Internet on newspapers?
Established papers have online editions and there are Internet-only papers.
4. How has the Internet affected newspaper advertising?
Advertisers have transferred more of their resources from the newspapers to the Internet.
Page 118
1. What are the main sections and content of newspapers?
international news, national news, local news, editorial and commentary, sports, business, lifestyles, entertainment, comics, and classified advertising; depending on the type of newspaper (local, regional, or national), some papers can emphasize certain sections.
2. Is there still a mass audience for newspapers?
Yes
3. What are the main concerns about consolidation in the newspaper industry?
Wire services, such as the AP, will see more of their stories in the paper. While this increases awareness to important news in the world, it also decreases coverage of local events. This sacrifice would make the newspaper feel less personal.
4. Why should we worry about conglomerates?
Since conglomerates are big corporations, they own many media types. If the media is owned by conglomerates, this means differing viewpoints will shrink. The conglomerate can also provide a bigger spin on their story and use their financial resources to promote their viewpoint.
5. What are the main ethical issues for newspaper reporters?
plagiarism, fabrication, and anonymous sources
1. What case established the precedent for freedom of the press in colonial America?
John Peter Zenger v. British governor of New York over a critical piece
2. What was the Penny Press? What led to it?
The Penny Press published daily newspapers that sold for a penny. Technological innovations allowed papers to be produced at a lower cost for broader audiences. Also, poor people were a relatively untapped market for readership. Newspapers used to be aimed at the middle to upper class.
3. What are the differences between new journalism and yellow journalism?
New journalism focused on sensationalizing gossip about people. Yellow journalism sensationalized national events in order to rally people behind a cause, such as going to war with Spain over the explosion of the USS Maine.
4. What effect did the telegraph have on newspapers?
Wire services, such as the Associated Press, formed.
5. How did wire services influence a change in the newspaper business?
This allowed newspapers to lower their costs, add more general-interest material, and appeal to a wider audience. Another side effect was that news became more objective.
Page 103
1. What was the impact of Watergate on American journalism?
It created the "watchdog" culture for newspapers against the American government.
2. What are the main recent trends in newspaper delivery technologies?
Present in a form readable on new technologies such as smartphones and iPads. Allow for customization to cater to people's tastes. Some reporters also use Twitter for news developments.
3. What is the impact of the Internet on newspapers?
Established papers have online editions and there are Internet-only papers.
4. How has the Internet affected newspaper advertising?
Advertisers have transferred more of their resources from the newspapers to the Internet.
Page 118
1. What are the main sections and content of newspapers?
international news, national news, local news, editorial and commentary, sports, business, lifestyles, entertainment, comics, and classified advertising; depending on the type of newspaper (local, regional, or national), some papers can emphasize certain sections.
2. Is there still a mass audience for newspapers?
Yes
3. What are the main concerns about consolidation in the newspaper industry?
Wire services, such as the AP, will see more of their stories in the paper. While this increases awareness to important news in the world, it also decreases coverage of local events. This sacrifice would make the newspaper feel less personal.
4. Why should we worry about conglomerates?
Since conglomerates are big corporations, they own many media types. If the media is owned by conglomerates, this means differing viewpoints will shrink. The conglomerate can also provide a bigger spin on their story and use their financial resources to promote their viewpoint.
5. What are the main ethical issues for newspaper reporters?
plagiarism, fabrication, and anonymous sources
Chapter 3 questions
Page 63
1. What key elements of print media developed first outside Europe?
The Chinese put together a metal, clay, and wooden press. Korea developed movable metal type in 1234
2. What was the impact of printing in Europe?
Gutenburg's press allowed many mass media forms (books, handbills, newsletters, etc.) at a much faster rate with a much lower cost
3. Why and how did magazines develop?
The development of the U.S. Postal system achieved the point of reliable delivery. People appreciated literature as a form of knowledge. These two events allowed magazines to develop.
4. What was the role of the print media in the Civil War?
Books, such as Uncle Tom's Cabin, served as propaganda for people to rally around the cause of abolitionism. Magazines illustrated battle scenes with woodcuts that was integrated with a news story.
5. What was "muckraking"?
A journalistic form that sensationalizes stories for a corruption and scandal edge.
Page 71
1. When did magazines peak as a medium for mass audiences?
The 1920s, before the advent of radio.
2. What form have magazines taken as modern mass media?
Focusing less on general audiences and more on specialized interests.
3. What is a recent trend in magazine delivery?
E-magazines
4. What is a recent trend in print production?
Digital books, such as the Amazon Kindle, iPad, Sony E-Reader, etc.
Page 82
1. What are the main trends in book publishing?
Selling more copies of fewer books. Small publishers have to find a niche, such as being focused on Christian, academic, or political publications.
2. What could happen if the book industry becomes monopolized?
Less diverse genres get released because they might not be profitable.
3. What types of magazines are successful?
Specialized interest magazines
4. What are the main copyright issues for print media?
The continual greying of the line between fair use and stealing.
1. What key elements of print media developed first outside Europe?
The Chinese put together a metal, clay, and wooden press. Korea developed movable metal type in 1234
2. What was the impact of printing in Europe?
Gutenburg's press allowed many mass media forms (books, handbills, newsletters, etc.) at a much faster rate with a much lower cost
3. Why and how did magazines develop?
The development of the U.S. Postal system achieved the point of reliable delivery. People appreciated literature as a form of knowledge. These two events allowed magazines to develop.
4. What was the role of the print media in the Civil War?
Books, such as Uncle Tom's Cabin, served as propaganda for people to rally around the cause of abolitionism. Magazines illustrated battle scenes with woodcuts that was integrated with a news story.
5. What was "muckraking"?
A journalistic form that sensationalizes stories for a corruption and scandal edge.
Page 71
1. When did magazines peak as a medium for mass audiences?
The 1920s, before the advent of radio.
2. What form have magazines taken as modern mass media?
Focusing less on general audiences and more on specialized interests.
3. What is a recent trend in magazine delivery?
E-magazines
4. What is a recent trend in print production?
Digital books, such as the Amazon Kindle, iPad, Sony E-Reader, etc.
Page 82
1. What are the main trends in book publishing?
Selling more copies of fewer books. Small publishers have to find a niche, such as being focused on Christian, academic, or political publications.
2. What could happen if the book industry becomes monopolized?
Less diverse genres get released because they might not be profitable.
3. What types of magazines are successful?
Specialized interest magazines
4. What are the main copyright issues for print media?
The continual greying of the line between fair use and stealing.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Madison Daily Leader
I'll be honest, I'm impressed that the Madison paper is still a daily. I figured that with a town of 5,000 or so and the newspaper industry falling on hard times, the Madison Daily Leader would have to cut back in some way. Perhaps they have. I don't know anything about the Daily Leader, so it's not my place to comment too much about it. I noticed they use a lot of AP national stories to fill it in. This does not bother me as much as it might other people. They have to fill copy in some way if they wish to put out a substantial product.
As for their site, I actually prefer it to the Argus Leader's. They offer previews for stories in each section, which is an improvement over the Argus. The one thing I think they could improve on is allowing their page to fill more of the window. I run a full screen window, and right now their site takes up only half of it. They don't necessarily have to fill all of it, but three-fourths would be nice.
I do question the decision to have a free site that complements their paper. I have criticized all papers for doing this, although I do like that The St. Louis Post-Dispatch and The New York Times provide me with free baseball news and research material, respectively. In a small town like Madison, I would think every possible subscription would be necessary. Again, as I have mentioned before, I do not anything about the inner workings of the Daily Leader. So perhaps this is a business model that doesn't do any harm.
As for their site, I actually prefer it to the Argus Leader's. They offer previews for stories in each section, which is an improvement over the Argus. The one thing I think they could improve on is allowing their page to fill more of the window. I run a full screen window, and right now their site takes up only half of it. They don't necessarily have to fill all of it, but three-fourths would be nice.
I do question the decision to have a free site that complements their paper. I have criticized all papers for doing this, although I do like that The St. Louis Post-Dispatch and The New York Times provide me with free baseball news and research material, respectively. In a small town like Madison, I would think every possible subscription would be necessary. Again, as I have mentioned before, I do not anything about the inner workings of the Daily Leader. So perhaps this is a business model that doesn't do any harm.
Argus Leader paper and website
Maybe it's just because my family has had an Argus Leader subscription for as long as I can remember, but I like their paper better than their website. The paper seems laid out in a nice, orderly fashion. I've always been impressed to the length they go to to cover a regional story. This is especially evident in the sports section. Now I don't care about SDSU sports and USD sports because I don't care about Division 1AA. However, there are many who do, and the Argus Leader recognizes this and prominently features them. They do the same for minor league teams such as the Stampede, Canaries, and the Skyforce.
If you don't appreciate the lengths the Argus Leader goes for the local sports teams, just take a look at the Omaha World-Herald's sports section during baseball season. Omaha has the Triple-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. Triple-A baseball is just one step below the majors. What page does that land them on? Page 6, behind the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team, who are in the offseason. In short, the Argus Leader knows where its priorities lie.
About the one major criticism I have with the Argus Leader is the Life section being in tabloid form. Here, the layout prevents the section from flowing easily from one story to the next. Also, their ads take up too much space in that section. Perhaps they concentrate the ads in that section to allow the other sections to have more space for news.
As for their website, it is basic. In most cases, I prefer basic. However, this feels too basic. The site is designed that only one story in each subsection gets a picture and a preview. The one picture aspect is fine and ideal. I wish there was a one sentence preview for every story. If not every story, then maybe the top 3.
All in all, I like the Argus Leader. They know who their audience is and they usually provide an objective viewpoint.
If you don't appreciate the lengths the Argus Leader goes for the local sports teams, just take a look at the Omaha World-Herald's sports section during baseball season. Omaha has the Triple-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. Triple-A baseball is just one step below the majors. What page does that land them on? Page 6, behind the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team, who are in the offseason. In short, the Argus Leader knows where its priorities lie.
About the one major criticism I have with the Argus Leader is the Life section being in tabloid form. Here, the layout prevents the section from flowing easily from one story to the next. Also, their ads take up too much space in that section. Perhaps they concentrate the ads in that section to allow the other sections to have more space for news.
As for their website, it is basic. In most cases, I prefer basic. However, this feels too basic. The site is designed that only one story in each subsection gets a picture and a preview. The one picture aspect is fine and ideal. I wish there was a one sentence preview for every story. If not every story, then maybe the top 3.
All in all, I like the Argus Leader. They know who their audience is and they usually provide an objective viewpoint.
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