What's American Idol?

I have never been a fan of the television show Dancing with the Stars, but apparently this season is top notch. Every since Pamela Anderson did the Cha Cha in the first episode, the ratings have surpassed those of American Idol, according to Chuck Barney from MercuryNews.com "But Anderson is just one of several reasons "Dancing With the Stars" (8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Ch. 7) is enjoying frothy buzz and occasionally thumping "American Idol" in the ratings. With water-cooler personalities such as TV octomom Kate Gosselin, Olympic skating champ Evan Lysacek and "Bachelor" dreamboat Jake Pavelka, 'DWTS' is reinforcing the creed that, in reality TV, casting is everything".

Apparently, it is all about who is on the show as well as its judges and apparently the host, at least between American Idol and Dancing with the Stars. It's also about the content of the show. "While 'Idol' delivers a parade of bland, generic crooners that has us missing the raucous showmanship of Adam Lambert, 'DWTS' gives us juicy conflict, a few laughs, a hint of scandal, some razzle, some dazzle and 'sex, sex and more sex!'". Apparently, I need to be watching this show!

With all things said and done on these two shows, television will always be competing for the most ratings as well as the most interactivity. We have talked a lot about these topics in the past few weeks of class. Reason being is because so many jobs are requiring such interactivity from its audiences, in this case with the voting for your favorite singer and or dancing partner. It will be interesting to see how the season finales will play out for both shows in terms of their ratings and the amount of viewers watching. At least there is always something to look forward to in "reality" TV.

Transmedia, a new form of Media

So what exactly is Transmedia? The truth is, it is a mixture of all things media. According to Keith Kelsen from Digital Design Today, "transmedia attempts to create 'entrypoints' through which consumers can become immersed in a story world. Whether a full-fledged cinema experience or an ad, it all boils down to the engagement point and the products and services sold around the experience".

Its interesting, because Kelsen also says that it cannot just be cinema, TV, the internet, mobile, or digital out of home, but its "all screens all the time" also known as Transmedia. This topic has come up a lot in class lately and Henry Jenkins says it perfectly in his article Convergence Culture (which we also read for class) that Transmedia is story telling across various different forms of media with each element making very distinctive contributions to a viewer's or user's point of view.

By using different forms of media, Transmedia provides consumers and viewers an opportunity to engage with one another and can "become immersed in a story world" (Kelsen). We can see this story world all over the place, especially on the internet with Facebook and Twitter. These two social medias provide that story world atmosphere where viewers and consumers can come together and share stories as well as learn of the content.

New Forms of Marketing

One of the things that we have talked a lot about in our class are the various uses of social medias, specifically big-named ones such as Facebook and Twitter. Those two names seem to be thrown around a lot these days and for all different reasons. It might be that a new fan page was created for a musician, someone received a "tweet" from their favorite baseball player, or just a company marketing its content. This is what people are calling the newest form of marketing: social media marketing.

According to Heidi Cohen from ClickZ, "every marketer feels that they must have a social media marketing campaign to be in turn with the times. But the reality is that most organizations are doing social media marketing wrong". In this article, Cohen suggests that social media marketing should not be a one time campaign, but so much more. She specifically says, "to take full advantage of social media marketing requires breaking down internal corporate silos and integrating social media strategies across your entire organization. It needs to permeate your entire organization. Social media marketing is the glue that truly enables integrated marketing across channels".

The rest of the article gives a twelve step guide on how to effectively use social media marketing for your organization. Organizations need to go beyond their everyday marketing strategies and need to access all areas of their company in order to accurately use social media marketing as well as get positive response from it. With the way the world is shifting to a more technological based environment, it is very important for organizations and companies to learn how to use the different social medias because it will only help their cause, not hurt them. It is a very different world we live in these days in terms of journalism and marketing so it is important for companies to keep up to date with the latest trends, even in the business world.

Loving Glee

Not even a week after Glee returned back for its second season, the polls were in that its viewers increased from 7.3 million viewers to 13.7 million viewers, according to the Times Columnist. The article also suggests that the show has "position[ed] the TV show for a move from cult fan status to mainstream hit" which is something we have discussed many times in class, especially recently.
As a HUGE fan of the show, these numbers don't surprise me. Glee is absolutely an amazing show and I have turned so many people on to watching it now. Although, I admit I randomly throughout the first season caught a couple of episodes but was so behind I couldn't keep up. Once the season was over, one of my roommates and I started watching some online and then caved and bought the entire season on DVD. We watched the entire season in no time at all. In fact, when I went home for a weekend, I dragged my parents out to Borders, bought the season on DVD and the three of us sat in together all day and night and watched all the episodes. Now, they are just as big of fans.
It is truly amazing what this show has done. Not only has it received increased ratings, but you are constantly able to engage in things from Glee. For example, I already bought two of the albums from iTunes and have them on my iPod. I also have purchased new songs randomly from iTunes since the season has started. I have even looked into getting tickets to see Glee on tour. It is absolutely crazy the amount of things you can do with just the songs from Glee. This is stuff we have talked a lot about recently in regards to fan culture from the fan perspective as well as the business or networks' perspective. There are so many opportunities to involve yourself with a show even when the show is not on TV.
This show may not be the number one show on the air, but I still love it and rave to everyone I know about it. It is so refreshing to see such a fun, non-complicated, and just straight funny show to be on the air. Not to mention, it is so entertaining, especially if you love music-which I do.
The article from the Times Columnist is titled "Cult hit Glee hits Mainstream" and it is true. What was once just a cult of specific and limited fans has now become a mainstream hit where people of all ages are learning to love this show. I just cannot wait for the Madonna episode to come out tomorrow!

Say Goodbye to TV and Hello to the Web

With the opportunity to watch almost any movie or TV show on the internet, people will start to pay less and less for all those television stations they are paying for now. Including the channels they have never even watch but still have to pay each month for. One website that is really taking a toll on people's cable bills is Netflix. An analyst said, "with Netflix’s recent studio distribution deals including access to television shows, the online DVD rental pioneer’s vaunted streaming service could entice subscribers to opt away from monthly cable bills".
People are going to be less willing to pay for cable subscriptions as well as even renting movies from the video store because accessing movies and TV shows has become so easy no one is going to want to spend that money to do so. From new released movies to old movies to foreign films to last week's sit com episode, online streaming has become so popular that analysts are convinced that sales will be going down in DVD sales. Also, Netflix will be increasing the number of episodes and movies that it will have on its website which will give viewers who subscribe the opportunity to watch it immediately. That's also another thing, anyone who pays at least $8.99/month or greater gets the opportunity to stream all these things right to their computer or even television. "With Netflix offering free streaming to any subscription plan that is $8.99/month or greater, we believe [it] could easily begin to eat into the estimated $66 billion [cable] market for basic and premium home subscriptions,” Eric Wold with Merriman Curhan Ford in New York wrote in a note.
I know for me, streaming shows has never been something I've been apart of, however, when I have to watch movies for my Spanish class I joined Netflix so I could have easy access to these movies and watch them as I please. I don't see myself continuing my subscription after this semester, but I do agree that people won't be as willing to pay for all those unused cable channels or even think going to the local video store necessary to rent a movie. Instead, they will turn to sites like Netflix or HuLu to watch the latest episode or stream a movie right to their home.

Conan's Back!

It's official, Conan O'Brien is back and is joining the TBS network. According to Alan Duke, O'Brien will be returning to late-night television in November. His new talk show will air during the week at 11:00pm leading into George Lopez's show, however, the show has not been given a name.
Luckily, Lopez is extremely excited to have O'Brien's show lead into his, because otherwise there could have been more issues in late-night television. Supposedly, it was Lopez who contacted O'Brien asking him to consider joining the TBS network which eventually led into the business negotiations.

"In three months I've gone from network television to Twitter to performing live in theaters, and now I'm headed to basic cable," O'Brien said in a news release. "My plan is working perfectly."

Since January, O'Brien has been off the air where NBC paid O'Brien and his staff about $40 million to clear the air and allow Leno to return to the "Tonight Show" host chair that he once handed to O'Brein. The settlement between NBC and O'Brien allows him to launch a competing show after September 1st of this year. With his new show starting in November, he is in the clear and ready to begin.
With all of these late-night television hosts it'll see who gets the ratings.

Less and Less Paper

As the world continue to become more and more involved on the internet, printed works are becoming less and less. For one company in particular, they are combining three of their newspapers to just one to ensure less printing. Media General Inc. (MEG) said "It will consolidate copy editing and page design for its three metro newspapers, the Tampa Tribune, Richmond Times-Dispatch and Winston-Salem Journal". A spokesman from MEG said that some people would be losing their jobs, which is unfortunate.
"Media General now has 12 of its 23 metro and community newspapers as part of, or moving to, a consolidated editing-and-design operation. It expects to have all of its newspapers' editing-and-design operations consolidated by the end of this year". This will most likely result in saving more than $1 million a year and it would be used as part of the savings for "intensified local-news coverage".
Its amazing to see how printed press is becoming less and less necessary because more people are turning to the internet to find their news. Whether its local, nation-wide, or world-wide news, people are going to the internet to find that information. And now, with the iPads and laptops and even cell phones, people are able to access news so much easier and faster that printing won't even be a thing anymore. Which for some is sad because I know a lot of people enjoy picking up a newspaper for the day and reading from that.
It'll be interesting to see what happens over the next few years in terms of newspapers limiting the number of printed press.

From the TV to Your Classroom

For those who were huge fans of the show "24" it will be a sad spring. It has been declared that the show will show its final season and end in May of 2010. This show has been broadcasted for nine years, after September 11, 2001. According to Brian Stelter from The New York Times, this drama series on Fox, "offered counterterrorism as entertainment" as Jack Bauer would do whatever he could to protect the lives of Americans.
This show was a huge trademark for the Fox network and really brought in a lot of viewers, the entertainment president Kevin Reilly said that it was a hard decision for all of those involved in the show.
The show really captured America's attention during its first season after the September 11th attacks. This season included an "explosion of a passenger plane and an assassination attempt on a presidential candidate". At the time of the premiere, a review in the New York Times said that this show was a "deadly convergence between real life and Hollywood fantasy".
However, lucky for fans, '24' has gone beyond the television screen, in more ways than one. Even after the season's finale in May, "24" might possibly become a feature film, and definitely will be brought into the classroom and textbooks. "The series enlivened the country’s political discourse in a way few others have, partly because it brought to life the ticking time-bomb threat that haunted the Cheney faction of the American government in the years after 9/11" (Stelter). A professor at Georgetown University taught a class called "The Law of 24" and said that "24" acted as “a tool to foster public debate to help the public and the government of all nations to consider the proper limits on democracies in their efforts to combat terrorism.”
This goes to show that there are some television shows that aren't just pure entertainment, but also informative. Even so much as to have courses on it at top universities shows that it really is about of real life stuff. While a lot of shows use the idea of "interactivity" it has never really come to this point, where it has been taken outside of the home and into a classroom. There are shows that have become films and a lot of classes require watching shows for a discussion, but never an entire class. I think this type of interaction and taking the television show outside of the home (where its mostly watched) and bringing it into the classroom is a great way to promote a television show, but also to discuss real life situations.

Absolutely Ridiculous

Okay, so I realize that what I am about to blog about might not be what we are supposed to blog about, however, I have to discuss this. My friend sent me a link to CNN about this new video game that is coming out. It is called "RapeLay" made in Tokyo, Japan. Despite the horrific basis for this new video game, it is being released.

According to the article from CNN, the game starts with a teenage girl on a subway platform. She notices you looking at her and asks if she can help you. At this point, the player can choose their method of assault. From here the game only gets more disturbing, because you can now chose how you want to have your way with the girl, however, you can also chose to follow her on the train, assaulting her sister and her mother. As the game continues, "'friends' join in and in a series of graphic, interactive scenes, you can corner the women, rape them again and again". You also have the option of impregnating the girl and then urging her to have an abortion. "The reason behind your assault, explains the game, is that the teenage girl has accused you of molesting her on the train. The motive is revenge".

I'm sorry, but this is absolutely ridiculous and I needed to share this with everyone. It's not often that I pay attention to any type of video game being published because I don't play them so I have no interest in them. However, when my friend told me about this, I had to see it for myself, I could not believe some one would create such a game let alone allowing it to be released.

The article talks about going too far with an idea and this definitely, in my opinion, is one of those times. I think its disgusting that someone even came up with this idea and the fact that kids want to play it is even more messed up. I Googled "rapelay" and there is even a Wikipedia site for it saying that it is a sex simulation game, which I don't believe are the right words to use. I know this isn't relevant for our class, but I had to mention it. I'm in such awe that something like this is even allowed to be created. I just hope my friends have more sense than to get involved with this awful game.

The Perks of Product Placement

Until you actually pay attention to it or look for it in a movie or show, the amount of advertising in TV shows and movies is out of this world. In other words, product placement has really increased in the way it is used. Specifically, in the latest episode of Modern Family, Apple's iPad is given a lot of marketing. The entire episode, according to class discussion was based around this iPad and how one of the characters was expecting it for his birthday. Pleasingly enough, for Apple, this really helped sales. According to an article titled, "iPad Debut Weekend Sales Projected to Exceed Expectation" , "Modern Family may be seeing an influx of product placement offers tomorrow morning given the expectation-surpassing opening weekend sales for Apple's iPad. The tablet-style device may have sold more than twice as many units this weekend than most analysts predictioned, with an estimated 700,000 iPads sold since Saturday morning, according to Minneapolis-based analyst Piper Jaffray & Co.'s Gene Munster".

Thanks to product placement, the iPad sold more than twice as many units then they had expected, which is absolutely unbelievable. This is all because the iPad was featured in Modern Family and so heavily nonetheless. It wasn't as if the iPad appeared once in the episode, but the entire episode was based around the iPad. With the market being as tough as it is and people not wanting to spend money on useless "toys" so-to-speak, advertising and selling your product so that people want to buy yours over another is crucial. Apple did a very smart thing and has only benefitted from their decision.

Advertising and marketing has taken such a turn in the last year or so and its very important that marketing pays a lot of attention to the latest trends in promotion. Social medias are huge in the marketing industry and now product placement has taken more of an effect that I'm sure most people could have imagined. Most might laugh at the intense amounts of product placement in a television show or movie, but the companies who do it wisely are really benefitting from it. So go Apple!

Facebook vs. Google

The other day in class we discussed the types of news that people actually paid attention to. We were asked four different questions and based on what people's answers were determined the type of news that appeals more to people in our generation. The questions were:

1. What is the difference between the new health care bill that was passed and medicaid?

2. What criminal charges has Tiger Woods been accused of?

3. Why is Pakistan the most dangerous country in the world?

4. Why is Sarah Palin's daughter famous?

You might think these questions are fairly easy, but depending on your age, your interests might be different. Our class has the most correct answers for the last question about Bristol Palin. Some might say that's not a surprise and some would agree that that is pretty sad and pathetic. The reason for this can be best understood from this article from Techtree.com titled "Facebook Most Visited Site in US, beats Google".

According to this article that was written March 18, 2010, Facebook is the most visited site in the United States. "In 2010, the world's largest social networking website Facebook has managed to do what no other website has ever done. It actually managed to topple Google and become the most visited website in U.S. last week! This helps understand why more people knew about Sarah Palin's daughter than why Pakistan is the most dangerous country in the world. Aside from the fact that entertainment news is much more appealing then "real" news, but more people search on facebook and use that as a source for news than they actually search websites that offer news.

I know this much is true because i can personally relate. I remember I first found out about Michael Jackson's death from someone's newsfeed on Facebook. I saw that it said "RIP MJ" and I continued to search on facebook to see if anyone else had it written on their status. I saw a few others with similar status' so I decided to do some research. I went to Google and typed in "Michael Jackson" and saw a couple news stories. Only some of the sites I could potentially trust, but not all. I waited until a reliable news source could confirm, such as CNN or NBC.

It is just amazing to see how much our world has changed in terms of technology and social medias, but also to see that our generation's interest in news has completely changed. Luckily my parents and I knew all the answers to each of the four questions, but that is only because I try and pay close attention to all types of news, not just entertainment.

"Duck the Puck"...Literally

Mark today's date in your calender as the first day to broadcast something in 3D to televisions that are able to receive 3D pictures. According to CBS, in an article titled "Duck the Puck: Hockey in 3D Makes TV Debut" published today, March 24, an NHL hockey game between the NY Rangers and the NY Islanders at Madison Square Garden will be broadcast live in 3D. However, only "to customers who subscribe to the local MSG sports network and have television sets that can receive a 3D picture". They are not expecting a big audience because not many people have these television sets that allow for 3D pictures, but just as CBS News and CNET technology analyst Larry Magid says "every new technology has to start somewhere - and this is one of those products that may have strong appeal for some people".

While this sounds like it is going to be a great idea and seems like it will be really cool, I don't see myself or many others running off to buy 3D televisions. At this point, the technology is not 100% and its hard to invest in something so new that hasn't be exposed to everyone. This was something we discussed in class a few weeks ago about 3D televisions. The idea sounds exciting, but how is it going to work? Are we going to have to wear glasses when we watch TV? And what happens when we have guests over to watch a show, whether its the Academy Awards, the Superbowl, or even an episode of Glee, are the homeowners expected to provide glasses for everyone?

I saw Avatar in 3D and absolutely LOVED it. I thought the technology was unlike anything else I have ever seen or experienced and it really set itself apart from any other kind of movie, not even including the story line of Avatar. Wearing the glasses during the three hour movie wasn't really that bad, but I cannot imagine having to sit with them every time I watch TV. Unless, wearing glasses is not even an option and all you need is a specific television that broadcasts pictures in 3D, but even then, is it going to be a clear picture or just look weird? Like during the MTV Music Awards they had a 3D segment during the Michael Jackson dedication that only some people actually got to enjoy because they had 3D glasses, but for those of us at home, the screen just looked fuzzy and it was somewhat dizzy on the screen. If that is how 3D television pictures are going to look if you don't have the proper glasses, then count me out.

The New Form of Advertising

I am not even sure when social medias became the latest trend, but it has, and not only have social medias attracted younger generations, it has spread to adults, as well as businesses. One in particular that I automatically think of is Facebook. Facebook is an extremely well-known social media that companies are using as advertising tools. Oh, Twitter can also be included in that, because between Twitter and Facebook almost every company, corporation, restaurant, or store has a Facebook page or a Twitter page. It is somewhat disturbing.

I joined Facebook before coming to college as a way to meet new freshman that were attending Indiana University the same time as me. So what started as a social networking site to me, has turned into people asking me to become fans of their products or company. According to Direct Traffic Media, "The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) are widening their net of influence to include promotions through new media sources like Twitter and Facebook as social networks become a more prominent advertising tool for businesses". The original idea of Facebook has completety shifted in the last couple of years since I started using the site. What started as being a social networking site has now become a promotional social site.

There is so much one can do on Twitter and Facebook that can promote a product or company, of course businesses are willing to adapt to the new and improved technology. Slowly less and less papers and magazines are being published because more stuff is being produced and updated online, no one has time to sit and read the paper. People are catching up on CNN.com while sitting on the bus going to class. As I've mentioned before, technology has really taken a turn, and I can only imagine what will become of these social medias. Businesses have every intention of making online promoting through social medias an important job, in fact, this might be the ideal position for a young college graduate who spent more time on Facebook or Twitter than they did studying for a test, well, assuming that is the case for some.

It will be very interesting to see the kind of advertising that comes through this social medias and how they were learn to advertise specifically to each individual. This was something we started discussing in class, the idea of specialization and to what extent will businesses use Facebook and Twitter as a way to map your likes and dislikes and use your "information" to cater advertisments special for each individual. Kind of scary to think about.

Lost in Technology

I have been awful. I have no idea what has gotten into me, but it seems that I have not blogged in weeks, which is absolutely unacceptable. I realize that with a few days left before spring break I am going to have to do an excessive amount of blogging on topics that have already been put in the past, however, I am going to revisit them anyways.

For starters, I would like to discuss this new Mobile TV thing technicians have developed. I think that it is absolutely crazy. I did not even have to read an article online to tell you how I feel about this new advancement. I think its absolutely ridiculous that people are able to watch television on their cell phones. This topic has come up a lot in class and I still do not understand how people are enjoying this. I think television is meant to be watched at home, in a comfortable "family room" like setting, preferably with others. Does not matter really the situation, I just do not believe TV should be watched from one's cell phone.

I think people have gotten so caught up in technology that they have forgotten the hidden meanings of entertainment. They are supposed to provide a sense of togetherness, a shared experience, as we discussed in class, however, walking around with your cell phone as you watch the MTV Music Awards does not give you that same shared experience as it would if you sat and watched that program with your friends. No more are people getting together to watch a movie or TV shows, however times are different and people's schedules are much more hectic, but still, TV is a time of relaxing and bonding. Instead, watching TV has become routine for some, especially during their forty-five minute commute to work everyday on the train.

I do not see myself watching television on my cell phone anytime soon, in fact, I hope that such an offer is not even available on my phone. I refuse subject myself to becoming one of those people who would rather watch TV on the go than sit and enjoy the opportunity to watch a favorite show with friends or family.

Lazy Lazy Lazy

So there is this new Vizio TV that allows you to have VIA (Vizio Interactive Applications) at the bottom of your screen. This is something we just discussed in class and I am still having a hard time adjusting to our new technology. This TV allows you to have applications on your screen like you would an iPhone or iPad. For example, you can access Twitter, Facebook, Ebay, Pandora, or even Amazon just from your TV screen, while still being able to watch your program.

My initial reaction was extremely negative. I mean, come on! Is this really necessary? Like I said in class, soon enough people will be able to prepare dinner through your television, its is absolutely insane. And I am not one for new technology, I think things to remain somewhat simple and not chaotic, but that is not the kind of future that lies ahead and it is frustrating.

However, after discussing this topic in class, I started to appreciate the idea more, because someone raised a good point. If you are sitting watching a movie with your parents and you want to know where that actor is from or what other movies he has been in before this one, all you have to do is click on your application and there your answer is right there in front of you, literally. So there is definite convience for this new type of television, however, it could create some sort of problem in other areas. For example, if I am sitting and watching a show with a friend and a commercial comes on, she could easily go on her facebook account and look at new posts while I am trying to watch tv. No one wants to see someone else's facebook wall while I am trying to watch a show. No chance! So in that sense, this new tv could easily pose some problems within the sharing community.

Not to mention, the TV which is something that people sit and watch to avoid a hectic life and to just sit back and relax, will not be able to avoid such things. Facebook, twitter, amazon, and whatever else you have an application for will be taking over your tv screen and will interfere when you least would like it to. I am having such mixed feelings about this new tv, but I wanted to vent about it. I think this new technology is somewhat cool, but I have no interest in being apart of it. It just seems like another thing to make our society more lazy. You never have to get up off the couch to do something. Aside from making dinner, the tv is going to excersize for you too. UGH. I am overwhelmed with new technology and while it is extremely cool and exciting to see what comes out next, it is also really intense and is making us all robotic and I am not a fan.

2010 Olympics

The 2010 Winter Olympics have taken off to a great start. With 15 total metals so far, we are in first place, go USA! Since the Olympics have started, I have watched a good amount it and have enjoyed seeing all the participants win the Gold metals, but apparently I am one of the only ones who felt that I was watching it all for the first time. To some, they had already heard who won the metals without even being able to see the actually sport, but why is that? According to Michael Rosenberg from SI.com, "Lindsey Vonn had won gold in the women's downhill hours before NBC primetime coverage began". Well, that's not good.

Apparently, NBC has been delaying coverage from the Winter Olympics which is upsetting many fans. This is I get. I know for me when I'm watching a favorite show and even when it is delayed or I have TIVOed it and everyone else already knew what happened, it can be really frustrating and annoying when I have to hear what everyone else says about it. However, the Olympics are a live sporting event, so to hear the results without actually seeing the sport can be really upsetting and frustrating to serious fans. In fact, it really sucks when you find out the ending result without actually watching it, but why is this happening? It is 2010 and there should not be problems of delay time with the way technology is today.

"The U.S. just had its best night in Winter Olympic history, which should have been awesome entertainment, and it was pretty cool, except ... it wasn't really the best night the U.S. ever had", said Rosenberg. Unfortunately, for some they already knew of the outcome without actually having seen the event, and with it being a live event, that makes it even more upsetting. I just don't get it because like Rosenberg says, with media now we can learn of an actor's thoughts on Twitter, everyone's family member is on Facebook, but somehow we cannot seem to get the Olympics to be aired live without having such a delay. If we are always making technology advances then why is it that events and programs are still delayed?

Another Host Takes Over

For those who watch the show "The View", this might pertain more to you, especially if you are a fan of Barbara Walters. I am for one not a huge fan, however I do enjoy watching her interviews when it comes to celebrities. For example, her yearly interview of "The 10 Most Fascinating People" and "The Barbara Walter's Special" where famous people are interviewed, I sit and watch. There was new news that was brought to my attention and that was that Barbara Walter's is doing her last Oscar night edition of "The Barbara Walter's Special" show this year in March. At first I didn't really care, but then I realized, this is her show. She cannot be replaced. That's when I decided to look more into it and find out what was going on.

According to Barbara Walters, she is "sick of doing them" and feels like 29 years is enough. Which all makes sense but its upsetting to those who really enjoy watching her interviews. Some have suggested that Oprah might be taking her spot and creating some sort of new special in place of the one's Barbara Walters has done, but to me, that is just not the same.

Her co-host Whoopi Goldberg said on the View today that Barbara Walters might reconsider her decision to retire the Oscar-night special, however, Walters was not in accordance.

"You cannot," Walters said. "I remember Frank Sinatra, whom I loved. He retired. Then he sang. Then he retired. Then he sang. When you say it, you're going to do it."

Walters does make a valid point and even though its a little upsetting for those of us who enjoyed watching her specials. I just hope no one takes over and tries to make it their own. I hate when new hosts try to come in and change the vibe of the show. I know it won't be the same show without her, considering the show is called "The Barbara Walters Special". But twenty-nine years later I can understand how she is ready to be done with the show and do other things.

The Jersey Phenomenon

So what started out being a silly show with a similar concept of MTV's The Real World, The Jersey Shore has really taken over the lives of many viewers. "The self-described “guidos” and “guidettes” have come under heavy fire as promoting negative stereotypes — not only of Italian-Americans, but also of New Jersey and its celebrated shore. But the stars said they don’t pretend to be role models". According to Sami "Sweetheart" and Mike "The Situtation", they are not trying to represnt anybody, but just trying to be themselves.

Of the 5 million viewers that tune into MTV on Thursday nights, I am proud to say I am one of them. I find the show to be absolutely entertaining and hysterical. However, I can understand why a lot of Italian-based groups have taken offense to this type of programming, because this cast of characters have not produced such a positive name for their culture. But who doesn't love the "G.T.L." aka: Gym, Tanning, Laundry, the hair extensions, the fist pumping, the alcohol, hook ups, and even Snooki's hair poof? Everyone does, except for the Italian-Americans. The National Italian American Foundation "has issued a statement expressing "continued concerns" about the hit MTV show, specifically in the way it depicts Italian Americans. Joseph V. Del Raso, NIAF President, said the show's characters have "more in common with the adolescent residents of Animal House than with Italian Americans."

Even though I am not Italian and do not consider myself a "Guidette" I can easily see how this show might be offensive, however, this is what brings in the ratings. Unfortunately, this is what entertainment has become. Especially for this age group who can relate to the crazy nights of partying and random sex, such as college kids. Not to mention, the lingo is really catchy, and who doesn't want to start fist pumping in a club on campus?

It is shows like this that have pushed our society to be less communel when it comes to watching shows with family. This is a show I can promise neither of my parents would ever sit down and watch with me, as least willingly. In terms of having a fun show to add to the list of TV during the week, The Jersey Show has brought great entertainment and my friends and I are constantly quoting and raving about the cast. In fact, hearing that they are coming back for a second season is very exciting, I just hope it happens while I am still at school. Otherwise I don't really see myself continuing to watch this show alone at home with none of my friends, it just does not have the same impact. Plus, when I come home from school, I like to watch shows with my family and I know that The Jersey Shore will not be making that list.

Superbowl Sunday

To have your commercial advertised during the Superbowl is a big deal, in fact, its usually the reason why I watch the Superbowl, unless of course the Chicago Bears are in playing in it. Unfortunately, that is not the case this year, but I am still excited to see the halftime show along with all the commercials.

Although I am not either a Colts or Saints fan, I am excited to engage in the Superbowl Sunday activities along with the rest of my friends. In class recently, we were discussing the idea of communal media and how watching shows are not the same as they once were where everyone is sitting around one TV in their house all watching the same show, however, we cannot say the same this day in age. However, on days like Superbowl Sunday, you can gaurentee the communal setting will be back. Like I mentioned before I am not either team's fan, however, I still fully expect to particpate in watching the game and all the activities with my friends. Whether my friends and I head to a local bar to watch the game with tons of other people or we will find a friends house to all sit around a big TV and watch the game. Either way, I will not be watching it alone.

According to Phil Rosenthal from the Chicago Tribune, "Super Sunday is often called the nation's undeclared national holiday. It's an orgy of excess. It's the day when we come together to eat, drink and watch TV with the promise we can take our minds off the troubles of our everyday lives, even if we can't tell the New Orleans Saints from the Indianapolis Colts or the "Undercover Boss" from the Who".

He's right. Superbowl Sunday is somewhat its own holiday and will be celebrated like one, especially if your team is playing and your team wins. The streets will be flooded with fans, both drunk and sober, and if the Colts win, I can promise that Indiana's campus will be filled with screaming fans. Unfortunately, when the Bears and Colts played my freshman year of college in the Superbowl, Colts fans were everywhere and the bars were packed like crazy.

It will be nice to find that communal setting again because it very rarely is there. I am very excited to watch the game with my friends along with others that I do not know but share the same interests, whether its for one of the teams or the halftime show and or commercials, does not matter. Either way, it will be a great opportunity to kick back and hang out with friends while watching a very exciting game. I wonder who will win, my vote: The Saints.

The Obsession with Lost

It is 8:45pm on Tuesday, February 2, 2010. 15 minutes away from the final season premiere of the non-stop talked about ABC show, Lost. I wish I knew what was going on. I am sitting here watching the recap with my roommate and another friend because they are actually obsessed with this show and they make it very clear. I on the other hand have NO idea what is going on. I don't want to watch the season premiere because I want to watch all the other seasons otherwise it wouldn't be right. However, while watching the recap, I am more interested than I thought I would be.

In class, Lost comes up all the time. My teacher, along with some of the students have been anxiously waiting for this night to come. Facebook statuses have been filled with comments related to either a Lost countdown or just how excited they are. Just checked Facebook, on my main page, 10 different statuses say "LOST!!!" not even kidding. It is amazing how many people are so excited for this show when I know nothing about it. There is actually a countdown at the bottom of the screen right now, this is absolutey crazy. I wish I knew what was going on.

What intregues me most about this show is that fact that even though I have NO idea what is going on, the "fans" are just as lost. I am sitting here listening to my friends ask each other, "why did this happen?" "Do you think he/she is really dead?" "Oh my goodness, they are going to go back into time again". Question after question and they have watched all 5 other seasons. This show looks unbelievable. I am trying to understand it all, but it is impossible to understand what is going on. I wish I started this from the beginning, this show seems really good. Very mysterious and similar to a game and I enjoy these kinds of stories. Where the answers to questions are slowly unraveled and connections are made and it all begins to make sense.

I can't wait to see how people respond and how throughout this two hour episode social medias will be blowing up with different updates. I can only imagine the conversations tonight and tomorrow will be about this show. I also can't wait to hear what my teacher has to say about this episode.

All I want to know is whether or not Juliette is dead. And let it begin...

Enough About The Tonight Show

Honestly, this whole Leno-O'Brien mess has really gotten to me. It has taken over the news in terms of Media and it is just such a mess. I am not a huge fan of either performers so this whole "who is taking whose spot" is a little irritating. According to CBS' President of Entertainment, Nina Tassler, said "A lot of people really saw this as having a pretty negative impact on our business,"but I don't get it. They said that with the change in shows, it has allowed a bigger audience for their 10:00pm shows such as "The Good Wife" and "The Mentalist".

However, overall, Tassler believes that the TV industry has been badly hurt by this scandal, but I'm not exactly sure what that means, to be honest. I've seen the effects of the scandal on devoted fans, but I personally have no been effected by this whole issue at all, in fact, I couldn't even say I have noticed a difference. This is why this type of stuff annoys me that it is taking over news because I don't think it effects everyone. I still continue to watch the shows I always have and am still anxiously waiting for my old shows to start their new seasons, so I'm not really sure why this is such a big discussion. In fact, I am really over this scandal and have paid less and less attention to it all. Does this make me a bad person?

What has TV become?

I am almost twenty-two years old and let me start by saying that the amount of changes in technology as I know it has not stopped changing. From box phones to smart phones, the Diskman to iPods, big boxed TVs to enormous flat screens, but when is it going to end? While I subconsciously hope that advances in technology come to an end, I am living in complete denial thinking people are going to stop trying to invent new ways to interact with the media.

One thing that I was not expecting to see anytime soon was this...an integrated LCD display into a mirror. The "Mirror TV", is it really necessary to be watching TV while looking in the mirror? According to an article titled, Mirror Mirror, what's on TV? "The Mirror TV is an important step forward for consumer technologies, and for Philips," said Dr. Gottfried Dutiné, CEO of Philips Consumer Electronics, "From a technology perspective, the Mirror TV craftily combines two important everyday functionalities; it's also an early example of the Philips vision of Ambient Intelligence in that the 'technology' is embedded and easy to use".

My response: REALLY? I still don't see how or why that is necessary. I already feel as though TV consumes way too much time in our lives, but to add at TV to the mirror in my room so that way when my back is turned away from the TV so that I can still watch, that's just preposterous. It is bad enough that on some days of the week I'm spending more than 2 hours watching television shows, but to add that as apart of my daily routine of getting ready in the morning? Or while going to the bathroom? It's just sickening to me.

Researchers keep telling society that too much TV watching is bad for people, and playing video games are bad for kids. This makes people in society lazy, unhealthy, dangerous, pretty much nothing positive about it, but yet creating TVs that can be displayed in your mirrors, its as if technology can never escape you. I'm not saying I don't enjoy TV, because I love watching my favorite shows. I watch them with my friends and family and its a great form of bonding with them as well as relaxing with a leisure activity, however, I do not support having a TV anywhere else but where it is supposed to belong, whatever that might mean.

I didn't realize I had such a strong opinion about TV considering I watch a serious amount of it weekly, but I watch it when I'm in the living room with my roommates and I fall asleep to my TV on. Otherwise I don't just sit and watch it to watch it, I would much rather be doing more beneficial activities then sitting on the couch watching TV where I am most likely going to be snacking. I like coming home after a long day and having finished my homework, my roommates and I go downstairs and sit and watch TV as a form of relaxing, I don't see how having a TV in the mirror with me as I get ready in the morning a form of relaxing.