My Whacky Advertising Class - Com 443 Blog Entry No.4

Julie & Julia

Being a fan of musicals, horror, psychological thrillers,sci-fi thrillers, violent gory shows, and films with fine comedic humor, I knew this was going to be a well-scripted movie from which friends were talking about a few weeks back on about blogging and cooking. So I entered into the cinema with an open mind, deciding to watch this proper before coming to any conclusions subsequent to hearing about the food, cooking, and blogging from acquaintances. For this, I am going to share with you the elements in which I considered vital or areas that were truly important aspects, moments, and important decisions that I received from the movie. Specifically, in which, I thought were the explicit messages incorporated in the movie that would assist in the likelihood of my upcoming profession. Hopefully, it is to appropriately execute and formulate critical thinking in my day-to-day activities.

With regards to the leading characters, truly, the name Meryl Streep was no stranger to my ears, I’ve known for her leading roles in several films for instance, The Devil Wears Prada and Mama Mia. For that, I sat back, and enjoyed the movie. Thank you Professor Armstrong for including this movie into our Advertising class.

To start of, lets talk about the important things that I noted in this show, in my own opinion which I thought were meaningful. Firstly, persevering through times of hardship, whether it was occurring in a particular place or time, when we are integrating or adapting into a new working or living environment, it is always difficult to understand at first, the upcoming tribulations and circumstances one might face. In reality, in such times, we need to tranquilly grab hold of ourselves collectively, even after several attempts that resulted in letdowns, we must never give up until we achieve those goals that we set out to accomplish. Secondly, to understand that life is never fair. There will be occasions where you are receiving successful rewards. Unfortunately, however, there will be situations or mostly, disappointments, which are bound to surface, and they will discourage you as you proceed along this narrow path. The important thing is, since you are by now half way through your journey, like the movie, tell yourself to complete what you have set out to do, ignoring the criticisms, the failures, and the unfair dealings, which you are receiving from your external environments. Instead, learn to adapt and understand fully that the fact is, only you can set things right and make things happen for yourself. Thirdly, always be open to new opportunities. In many aspects of our routine lives, we often fail to surround ourselves with possibilities that could up shoot as potentially creative ideas to do(like cooking or maybe hat making, perhaps writing a book). And finally, keeping your loved ones close to you. Simply, one can never determine when we would actually require their help emotionally, and these are the people who will never ever put you down.

Blogging

When I began my first blog entry post here in Blogspot, I questioned myself wondering if this blog would ever sustain itself proper. Well, let’s just say I never had an interest in blogging, more so, updating and maintaining this blog account. Personally, I’d prefer an actual diary where I could pen down my own personal thoughts and that others would never ever get to see. Soon, blogging in my life, surfaced. Not only do I blog now, but am also looking and admiring other bloggers blogs. What’s going on? It’s the influence of new media. However, I do remind myself every time I felt like introducing a new blog entry, that is, this blog space would be visible in the Web, and that people who had accounts would view my information and leave comments should they find my ideas interesting. Honestly, did it really matter to me? Not at all, I do welcome comments at all times. Having said that, this brings me to my next section, where I would confidently say that blogging is truly a new medium that is an opportunity for anyone to express himself or herself openly.

On this positive end of the spectrum, blogging provides business propositions and opportunities for people who are often online to come together and share new insightful ideas amongst themselves. In other words, these blog spaces allows other bloggers who share commonalities in any line of work be it at art, music, food, cooking, sewing, selling, buying, marketing, advertising, and communication to the masses. Occasionally, I myself come across or discover interesting information online about politicians going about their daily political issues and advocating or enforcing their policies to no end result? In addition, I realized that there are millions or billions of bloggers all over the world, so who’s to say no one would ever drop by your blog and understand your thoughts.

On the far side, the Internet can be time consuming, and this may lead to an unhealthful way of life. From the characters depicted in the movie, it appears that the female actress Amy Adams or Julie Powell experienced several imbalances in her life because of her blog, her career, and her husband. Constantly informing her readers on her next dish,which she will partake on. Eventually, her life started to experience several impediments and she began loosing herself. From this, its goes to show that success requires lots and lots of time and hard work. Therefore, it is important to note that, although blogging is insightful, informative, communicative, and perhaps, the Internet is "my life" for some (not me though), it is crucially important to always make time to be with your loved ones - without a doubt.

Inferring from the movie, one cannot help but observe the passion of Julie Powell as she whips up recipe after recipe after watching videos and reading from Julia’s cookbook. Inspiration, determination, and the desire to succeed by completing a certain amount of recipes within a year.

Here are my personal inputs:

• Being honest goes along way.

• Trust and treasure your good friends.

• Never ever be put down by one failure. Pick yourself up and try again.

• Welcome feedback from others openly, so we can grow and improve on areas that require "maintenance".

• Enjoy the things you love doing most.

• Keeping a positive mindset

• Be open and patient towards others.

• Make the best out of this life.

At the end of the film, I was left with good humor, loved every bit of particular scenes that included the cooking and the eating, the wine, friends, and more importantly, being around loved ones.

A winning movie worthy of an Oscar!!!

My Whacky Advertising Class - Com 443 Blog Entry No.3

Sweeping Me Off My Seat

Imagine an open field, with beautiful views unobstructed, and imagine a camp fire, with tents. Also, people dressed in nothing you have ever seen before, feathers, markings on their faces with stripes for tribal identity, cross bows, arrows, knives, a warriors lair. Next, you hear music and the people dancing around this fire, singing to the gods with dances that exemplified the rituals of a Red Indian’s Tribe.

This film embodied me with an impression that I would never have forgotten, and for that, I am going to share with you my understanding with this wonderful movie which came to Singapore sometime during the early 90’s and this movie was named “Dances With Wolves.”

Yes indeed, an award winning film well written by Greg Bole. This film is a sweeping epic that you'll never forget whether you liked it or not. It enlightens the tale of love, loyalty, friendship, and self-realization in a magnificent setting among different people, places, and during an era of strife, which was the time of the Civil War. This film was my first encounter with Hollywood actor Kevin Costner and I believed this film was the start of his acting stardom. During the show, the first thing a viewer is struck by is the amazing landscape of western South Dakota. Though, having not been there myself, I have heard about the wonderful lush landscape about that situate. It is not clear to me though, but I remember watching the movie and the music or composition, which accompanied the film, was pleasantly unforgettable. Overall I must say, the depiction of the characters in the movie were not only breathtaking, but also enriching because viewers get to experience an insight tribal life of a native Red Indian living in the open fields.

After reading from The Internet Movie Database, the story deals with Lt. John Dunbar (Kevin Costner), a disillusioned Civil War vet who was ask over to be transferred to a western post so he can see the west "before it's gone". He is then sent to a deserted fort where he finds himself in an insecure position of being the only white man (the last I recalled, it’s been too long) in a land of Indians who seems intent on stealing his horse. He decides to try to get to know the Indian tribe and eventually becomes one of them. During his acculturation, I recalled very vaguely, Dunbar constantly recording his experiences into his little brown diary, in which, he would refer to, and continue to document his findings, and this diary was dear to him.

Dances With Wolves is a very very good film!!!!

On a Personal note

For me, the most important take home message which I got from the movie, was how the director was able illustrate how easy it was for humans to stereotype other cultures that was unfamiliar to us. In fact, this is prevalent up till this day of age whether it was between Red Indians and U.S. soldiers or people of different skin color. On the other hand, it was because Lt. Dunbar witnessed the death of his parents when he was a little boy, and this past experience has allowed his bitterness to evolve and detest against the Red Indians. On the contrary, Dunbar realized that not all Red Indians were bad, but instead, they were actually people with good hearts with true virtues.

My Whacky Advertising Class - Com 443 Blog Entry No.2

What? Is that the way to publicize?

Lately, it has occurred to me of the large numbers of papers that were fluttering vigorously at our local bus stops.

Slowly, as i skulked up onto one of the fluttering ads, in the midst of heaps of numbers, words, and some printed self made articles consisting of blurred pictures, was truthfully, unpleasant. Although, some may argue that this ad space was purposefully provided , this notion of "free ad space" truly required a proper relocation altogether.

The introduction of sign boards behind or around these bus stops were meant for paid ad spaces, however, my observations have left me in doubt.

Simply, the pasting of papers of owners offering apartment space, missing cats or dogs, and seeking business opportunities, ought to adopt a better marketing approach to this, as this ultimately distorts and affects the true value of hard earned advertising.

Communication Gone Wrong

Undoubtedly, print ads, billboards, posters, flyers, or advertising agencies that supply advertising services, for example, JCDecaux, an International ad agency whose ad spaces are aimed at achieving maximum visibility to the general public, in which, faces a new challenge , and that is, changing the public's perception of good advertising.

It appears that the dissemination of messages in this notion, has created a negative outlook on all forms of advertising. In the same vein, not only does it appear to be aesthetically ugly, but it also reflects shoddily on the local advertising industry.

For myself, its free space that embraces nothing but a surface of abysmal promotion.

PR campaigns and the many firms that worked tirelessly into executing ethical, proper, and mindful campaigns for the general public are diminished. All of this has ended up with nothing but dreadful, terrible, appalling string of words that the public views as bad advertising strategies used by the few, done incorrectly.

Advertisements on these "boards" proved to be a clutter of propaganda to some. Also, it has devalued the proper aspects of advertising effectively and accurately.

Proper advertising requires lots of thought, research, planning, and mindfully earned media space advertised for a good cause. More importantly, to benefit, inform, educate,communicate, and perhaps, deliver value to those who consume print ads.

So it all boils down to

Professional ads versus "lousy ads"

On a Personal Note

Personally, this has only encouraged more and more unnecessary junk, "spam", and unsightly additions to bus stops. I am not saying that this is bad or it has out-rightly disrupted the local advertising sphere. Instead, however, i am implying that such free ad spaces that fosters self promotions, will eventually impact the advertising industry ultimately.

As American Author & stand up comedian George Carlin argues,

" The caterpillar does all the work, but the butterfly gets all the publicity."

On the whole, maybe, not now, or perhaps within the next ten years or so, but when it does transpire, the advertising industry would be facing an impediment, " free lousy ad space" which could have been vetoed. For that, let us celebrate high-quality advertising by appreciating, honoring, and recognizing those who have made advertising, enriching.

My Whacky Advertising Class Com443 - Blog Entry No.1

A Tribute to The King of Pop

With unfortunate sadness, the departure of a well-renowned pop icon that is liked by so many is finally at peace. Even after his death, his brilliant music will always be perpetual. "You will always be remembered Michael Joseph Jackson". For myself, growing up as a little boy during the late 80's, MJ's hits were always at the top of music charts. His music hits sold records after records in thousands of music stalls all over the world. Till today, somehow, my family and i still recollects MJ's tunes by bringing up old CDs of his successful albums. To name a few; Michael Jackon's Thriller Album, MJ's Off the Wall, MJ's BAD album, and finally Michael Jackson; MoonWalker, an old video tape that could only be played on an old VCR.

Media coverage over Jackson's world wide tours never failed to amaze me. Millions of fans from all over the world would pay high prices just to attend this this once in a life time musical experience and witness the atmosphere during his concerts. Every time the news reported on Jackson's next performance, enthusiastically, my family and I would be glued to the television sets, just for that few minutes to catch a glimpse of his whereabouts ,and concert updates. At times, during the early 90's here in Singapore, if i can recall, almost every occasion where a new album is released at music stores, television commercials would advertise on MJ's latest songs, albums, new CD releases, and news coverage on his upcoming tours.

Some of his songs that i remembered and really enjoyed comprises of songs like Billie Jean, Thriller, Beat it, The way you make me feel, and We are the World (a mixture of different singers) were some of my personal favorites. His songs addressed sensitive issues which included, race issues, political issues, poverty issues, and the corruption of several nations. "Man in the Mirror" swept every one off their feet when he performed it on stage with strong crowd all ears glued to him. I was blown away with the song lyrics, and it somewhat influenced me to become a better person every time i heard his songs. Specifically, i used to actually imitate MJ's dance moves and finish off by throwing the hat into the crowd. Apparently, i dun have a hat, any object would do. It might have been a Smurf's mushroom roof top acting as my hat? Lost memory? The one thing that really threw me off my seat was watching concerts after concerts of people who attended , seeing them faint, collapse or fall to their knees as though they were in a weird stupor.Thousands of people especially women and girls, shedding tear after tear almost uncontrollable every time he sang or did the famous pelvic thrusts towards the crowd.

Seriously, no one moved like MJ, no one sang like him, and no one could write songs of his caliber. In addition, his dance moves were uniquely different and well choreographed by his own unique talents. Originality. No one could ever deny Michael's famous "Moonwalk". This dance move alone thrilled Billions of fans including myself, and starring at it for hours made me want to attempt or try out the moonwalk instantly. No doubt, it was truly magical to watch him execute the Moonwalk flawlessly. When MJ released another one of his latest albums, called "Dangerous" which included songs like Black or White, You are not alone, Remember the time, Jam, Will you be there, and my all time favorite Smooth Criminal, friends including myself purchased his album instantaneously and we would listen to it for hours and hours over our pocket CD players.

MJ held only one concert here in Singapore and i was there to witness his every move. His concert was held at the Singapore National Stadium. When the media announced that he was embarking on his world tour and that Singapore was one of his stops in Asia, ticket inquires were flowing in non-stop, and people were willing to fork out any amounts just for a ticket to his concert. Finally, when it was confirmed that he was coming, everyone was so hyped up about his Asian tour. Unfortunately, on performance night, thousands of people including myself waited impatiently for his arrival and only to be informed of negative reports from his spokesperson, "Ladies and gentlemen, and fans, MJ is not feeling well today, and has left the stadium, please do not be saddened, the concert will go on tomorrow night indisputably, thank you for your understanding." Well, after crowding for almost 2 hours with the fans just to enter the stadium made me wonder, perhaps, he was facing time differences and jet lag upon arrival into Singapore. On concert night, it was an experience which i never forgot. Latest songs, upcoming hits, and all of his dance moves were showcased impressively to a crowd of hundreds of thousands of people in the National Stadium. His music was ever pleasing to every one's ear and there was never a moment for seating Everything, in the concert, was just magnificent.

Indeed, it was the most jubilant and memorable experience of the king of pop.

Despite the tabloids, the recent unscrupulous reports on his drug overdose, his unstable conditions, we loved him just the way he was. Michael Jackson was always against racial issues, his music was written to address these problems that the world faces, his song lyrics loom on national improvements for countries that were facing poverty, and his endless care for those who were less fortunate, never ceased to touch the hearts of everyone. Michael Jackson's unending quest to make this world a better place for all of us will continue to grow and we thank him for his wonderful music that is never-ending.

Our prayers will always be with him and i will always be a fan of a truly talented musician Michael Jackson.

Here is something to always remember him about..ABC.

NICE FACADE

Future Skills

Essential 21st Century Skills:

• Accountability and Adaptability—Exercising personal responsibility and flexibility in personal, workplace, and community contexts; setting and meeting high standards and goals for one's self and others; tolerating ambiguity.

• Communication Skills—Understanding, managing, and creating effective oral, written, and multimedia communication in a variety of forms and contexts.

• Creativity and Intellectual Curiosity—Developing, implementing, and communicating new ideas to others; staying open and responsive to new and diverse perspectives.

• Critical Thinking and Systems Thinking—Exercising sound reasoning in understanding and making complex choices; understanding the interconnections among systems.

• Information and Media Literacy Skills—Analyzing, accessing, managing, integrating, evaluating, and creating information in a variety of forms and media.

• Interpersonal and Collaborative Skills—Demonstrating teamwork and leadership; adapting to varied roles and responsibilities; working productively with others; exercising empathy; respecting diverse perspectives.

• Problem Identification, Formulation, and Solution—Ability to frame, analyze, and solve problems.

• Self-Direction—Monitoring one's own understanding and learning needs; locating appropriate resources; transferring learning from one domain to another.

• Social Responsibility—Acting responsibly with the interests of the larger community in mind; demonstrating ethical behavior in personal, workplace, and community contexts.

Summary & Personal Reflections

Com 125 Weekly Final Blog Entry

Blogging

In this class, i learned how to blog. This alone, has allowed me to experience how blogging enables individual's like myself to share new ideas, receive updates from friends, google also allows me to ad sense, RSS from other bloggers whom i have never met, and finally, creatively decorate or design in various blog skins, blog text, to suit my own preference. Great Experience from blogging!!!!

Well, this course gave me the opportunity to accquire new knowledge about the Internet and definately, changed my perspective about the Internet. Not only have I gained a deeper understanding of the power of Social Medias, the empowerment of doing E-Commerce, but also, how business organizations engage in E-Business to improve their company's business strategies.

Additionally, appreciate and perhaps use the available Internet Tools to further leverage on my online communication aspects. Be it, blogs, to Instant Messaging and to Internet Phones, teleconferencing to skype, to many more...

As an undergraduate, Com 125 gave me new opportunities and avenues to supplement my research findings using the Internet Search Engines, web browsing, and using google as a means of added advantage for news, information, updates, and latest trends.

In particular, knowing that the Internet has impacts on society be it economical, sociological, political, and psychological impacts which are very prevalent today all over the world. Also, i have learnt of the DANGERS of the Internet, when it involves Privacy issues, and security issues where everyone is vulnerable to sites which are promoting radical extreme notions to go against society and be deviant.

In conclusion, attending lectures conducted by you sir (Mr Abel Choy) was both interactive and informative. We were always encouraged to contribute ideas and participate actively throughout your lectures. In addition, your videos (loved them all) taught us alot on podcasting, blogging,online virtual worlds, tools for E-business, E-commerce, social medias!!!, latest technology and others.

Its been a wonderful journey being under the guidance of your teaching sir, and i just want to conclude by saying thank you for all the lectures and all the smiles.

P.S. : the movie making week was also fun!! we all looked hilariously funny after posting onto youtube!!!

END