Collective Contemporary Media

A collective platform of contemporary media -- showcasing how communication is visceral, and constantly evolving in today's society.

[collectivecontemporarymedia]

WILL GEORGIA VOTE BLUE?

By  Justin Denney

  ATLANTA (AP)--   Georgia has backed the GOP nominee in seven of the last eight Presidential elections; however, current projections of the race show Dem. Hillary Clinton steadily gaining ground in Georgia in her campaign efforts to become president in 2016.

           With its 16 electoral votes, Georgia will be key for Clinton to win, if she hopes to “trample over Trump” in 2016. For now, Clinton has a slight lead in the projected polls, although the actual voting begins Nov. 8, 2016. Georgia, along with swing states Florida and Ohio, could ultimately decide this election. Are Georgia voters voting for the morals, values and issues behind the nominees or are voters voting superficially or in spite of the other nominee? Why is Georgia (typically a GOP state) leaning towards the Democratic Party?

           Georgia voters seem to be leaning democratic for a number of reasons. One reason is that the demographics in Georgia have changed drastically because of the influx of people moving into the state from the more liberal Northeastern states. Other reasons Georgia is leaning democratic include the multiracial population of Georgia and the population of increasing women in the state. Obviously, these groups of voters are most likely not voting for Trump. The following factors may also influence voters at the polls. “The Democratic Party in Georgia is anticipating a drop in white Trump supporters and a decent showing of voters for Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.” said Mark Z. Barabak, of the L.A. Times. According to Eric Garcia, political journalist of “Roll Call” magazine, “Not only does Hillary Clinton have the black vote and the woman vote, she also has the progressive white vote, especially the 1 percent considered to be extremely wealthy… it seems that this last group is more liberal and weary of the republicans.” Substantiating this concept, Greg Bluestein of the Atlanta Journal Constitution asserts, “the Democratic party is anticipating that the Trump nomination will expedite change because suburban women and independents oppose him and these two factions have long been counted on by the Georgia GOP.”

           This election is definitely not all about party loyalty and current issues like some of the past elections. People aren’t necessarily voting for a party, but voting for a person. Clinton is at the precipice of her career and her campaign seems to be resonating among the people. If Clinton were to win the presidency, she would definitely set a precedent in America. According to Garcia, “It seems voters are more loyal to the person than to the party in this upcoming election; voter’s opinion is sometimes swayed by some one’s character, or demeanor…the issues and values fly out the window then and voters already have their minds made up.”

           Dr. Susan Padgett-Harrison, professor of Education at Kennesaw State University and a political science graduate suggests the following about why she thinks Clinton is rising in popularity among Georgia’s voters, “Hillary’s influence over Georgia voters quite possibly could be that Georgia is now a transient, industrious hub of the Southeast with a wide variety of multiracial communities…the new generation of Georgia voters may tend to think that Trump’s campaign may be extreme, or racist…Hillary’s campaign differs. Her platform “Stronger Together” carries much more weight than her policies or discrepancies…” Georgia is a growing, diverse community. But, is that not the demographic of ALL of America? Maybe Clinton’s mass appeal comes from her knowledge, experience and character as Dr. Padgett-Harrison illustrates, “Hillary has definitely had a decorated political career…from starting out as a young lawyer and diplomat, to later becoming a Senator and serving as Secretary of State…considering qualifications, Hillary is experienced and competent of the presidency…”

            Dr. Padgett-Harrison also emphasizes, “Hillary’s policies seem somewhat unsurmountable and unrealistic at times, but on the other hand most of Trumps rants and promises seem completely irrational…I think Hillary’s success is due to the platform on which she stands, and the support of current politicians around her, not her policies…” Perhaps for now Georgia voters seem more progressive and want to assimilate around Clinton’s values. Democrats must hope that Georgia’s representatives vote accordingly, and reflect popular opinion in the electoral vote.

           In conclusion, the outcome of the election may be determined in part by the apathy of the voters. Many have a sense that it doesn’t really matter what happens in November. In Barabak’s article he mentioned a quote from a downtown Atlanta barber, Devery Monagan, about the sentiment of this election. Monagan said, “Presidents come and presidents go. Racism persists and so does inequality.” Racism and inequality may always exist and be prominent in our society, however here in Georgia hopefully we won’t vote to build a wall around our people, instead open the gates of our hearts and realize we are stronger together.    

[collectivecontemporarymedia]

UNARMED NEW JERSEY MAN KILLED BY POLICE IN TRAFFIC STOP

By:   Justin Denney

BRIDGETON, NEW JERSEY (AP)-- Bridgeton Police killed an unarmed man after the man failed to comply with an officer’s orders.      

               With what first seemed to be an ordinary traffic stop, Officers Braheme Days and Roger Worley pulled over a Jaguar, after the vehicle had allegedly failed to stop at a stop sign. The dashboard camera in the officers patrol car recorded what happened next.

       The officers proceed to find a silver handgun in the glove compartment.

           “Don’t you (expletive) move!”; “Show me your hands now!” Officer days shouted. Officer Days removed the gun from the car while Officer Worley screamed at the two men in the vehicle “Don’t reach for anything”.  

                     Seconds later, the police warned Jerame Reid, 36, not to “reach for anything” again, then Reid stepped out of the vehicle with his hands up. In the video, Reid clearly shows Officer Worley his hands; however as soon as Reid approached Officer Days, both officers open fire repeatedly, killing Reid instantly. Reid dropped to the ground. The vehicle’s other passenger did not appear to be injured in the confrontation, and was compliant to the two officers warnings. He was handcuffed and placed in the patrol car.   

           Reid had spent 13 years behind bars prior to the Dec. 30 incident. Reid was convicted years ago as a teenager for shooting at three state troopers. Reid also had previous charges and convictions for several other crimes, including drug possession and obstruction.

           Several municipal court complaints have been filed against both officers Days and Worley; however, the Bridgeport Police Department claims that the officers “did not abuse their power” and all complaints against the officers have been dismissed. Both officers Days and Worley have been placed on administrative paid leave, and no further investigation is pending at this time.  

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PERCY SLEDGE, FAMILIAR SOULFUL VOICE OF “WHEN A MAN LOVES A WOMAN”, DIES AT 74

By: Justin Denney

BAKER, LOUISIANA (AP)—Iconic Rock-n-Roll powerhouse Percy Sledge, whose voice powered the 1966 classic song: “When a man loves a Woman”, died April 14 at age 74, of liver cancer quietly at his home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

             Sledge’s dynamic voice set a standard for soulful balladeers of his era; his definitive sound changed popular music and is a staple in Americana that will surely be heard for generations to come.  

             From humble beginnings, Sledge was born in a rural community in Leighton, Alabama to parents who made their living off picking cotton. As a child, Sledge grew up helping his parents in the cotton fields, and singing in the choir of Gallillee Baptist Church. “I was 10 years old, singing songs in the cotton field,” Sledge said in an Interview with “Rolling Stone” in 2005. “My boss man told me one day ‘Perce, the voice coming out your throat, the whole world is gonna hear it one day.’ ”

             And just as the “boss man” predicted, Sledge’s voice was about to be heard around the world. After years of singing in church, and in local bands; at age 20, Sledge joined a group known as the “Esquires Combo”, who toured the Southeast playing in clubs and college campuses. Sledge also worked as an orderly at Colbert County Hospital when he met local disc jockey Quin Ivy, whom produced his hit song “When a man loves a woman”. Ivy released the single independently, and shortly after, the rights to the song were contracted to Atlantic Records. That summer, “When a man loves a woman” became No. 1 on both the Pop and R&B charts.

             In 2005, Percy Sledge was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His music has been forever immortalized and recognized for its sheer timelessness. Sledge has perished, but his music will forever be remembered. Sledge is survived by his wife Rosa Lee Sledge, and 12 children.

 BAKER, LOUISIANA (AP)—Funeral arrangements have been set for Percy Sledge, iconic R&B soul balladeer, who passed away Tuesday at the age of 74.

             Sledge was best known for his definitive No. 1 hit song: “When a man loves a woman”, that topped both the Pop and R&B charts in 1966. Sledge died last week, after losing his long fought battle with liver cancer.

             Visitation will be held at Bethany Church in Baker, Louisiana, from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Tuesday April 21, 2015, and a Memorial service will follow. The celebration of Sledge’s life will also be streamed live via Internet at www.percysledge.org.

             Sledge’s artistry and charisma will forever be remembered. Sledge’s classic music touched countless lives, and has proved timeless, surely to be heard for generations to come.

  ONLINE STORY

BAKER, LOUISIANA (AP)—Percy Sledge, the R&B artist best known for his 1966 soul ballad “When a man loves a woman,” died of liver cancer Tuesday at his home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Sledge was 74.    

             From humble beginnings, Sledge was born in rural Leighton, Alabama to parents that picked cotton for a living. As a Child, Sledge grew up helping his family in the cotton fields, and singing in the choir of Gallillee Baptist Church.

             Sledge began to record music in the 1960s, and worked as an orderly at local Colbert County Hospital. This is where he met local disc jockey Quin Ivy, who first produced his hit single “When a man loves a woman.”  The song was an instant classic, and the songs rights were contracted to Atlantic Records. Sledge’s career continued with other memorable hit songs including, “You’ve really got a hold on me” and “Warm and tender love”.

             Sledge continued recording through 2013 and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005. Sledge’s artistic style and definitive voice, change popular music forever; he has perished, but his classic music will forever be remembered. Sledge is survived by his wife Rosa Lee Sledge, and his 12 children.

[collectivecontemporarymedia]

“LOVE FROM A STRANGER”

 By:   Justin Denney

CANTON, GA. (AP)--The Cherokee Theatre Company is a nonprofit, volunteer drama troupe that performs off-Broadway theatre productions in Cherokee County, Ga. This company was founded in 1986, and was developed by a group of theatre-lovers who wanted to provide a creative environment for theatre arts by producing and supporting quality theatrical events for the Cherokee County community.  

            Currently, the troupe is performing a thrilling mystery “Agatha Christie’s, Love From a Stranger,” Oct. 28 through Oct. 30 at 8 p.m. at the historic Canton Theatre in downtown Canton, Ga. “Love from a stranger,” is a production showcasing a whirlwind romance between two young strangers as they quickly rush in to marriage, but soon after the honeymoon the new bride discovers an appalling secret about her new husband that irreversibly changes these newlyweds’ marriage. This drama is a must see!

           After attending this production, and the final curtain was drawn Director Beth Hart, gathered the cast for photos and dismissed them from the performance. She then allowed time for the press to gather a statement. Director Hart was asked about her passion for theatre, “Theatre is alive…When directing a show, you are simply bringing the world into being...I love helping actors become their characters, and creating a picture that will help present a captivating story,” Hart said. “Watching a show get its legs is one of my greatest pleasures in life…The cast and crew for this production have been incredible… the volunteers make it possible, each of them going above and beyond in their own ways to help this show get off the ground,” Hart said.

           After interviewing Hart, Actress Lauren Megan McCarthy, whom acts as “Mavis” in the drama was questioned about her enthusiasm and involvement with the troupe. “As an actress, I love what I do… Theatre is a second home for me… Participating in community theatre helps me to get my name out there and continue to grow through experience, but a big part is also the networking that happens… The people at CTC are collaborative and passionate, and the end results are something special… We have all poured so much hard work into this show on a purely volunteer basis… It's been amazing to be a part of it all,” McCarthy said. “This show has a really talented cast that interacts naturally and with great chemistry, so it's great fun to watch… We've had an incredible audience turnout, and their responses have been so encouraging… It's not a show you want to miss,” McCarthy added.

          Not only does the CTC bring quality off-Broadway entertainment to the Cherokee County community, it also facilitates an avenue for hungry young actors to further their careers. The CTC is a vehicle to help actors gain experience and sharpen their theatrical skills. “Being an active participant in this group has really helped me build back some confidence as well as a sense of belonging in the community,” adds actor Eric Prybylski, whom acts as “Bruce” the male lead role in “Love From a Stranger.” “Theater has truly helped me develop my own personality and has helped me through some of the most difficult times of my life, from fitting in to standing out,” Prybylski said.

SYNOPSIS OF “AGATHA CHRISTIE’S, LOVE FROM A STRANGER”

           Cecily and Mavis are two young women living together in Bayswater, a small community of London, England. These two women are moving from their flat to pursue other places to live because both ladies recently won a radio sweepstakes and together collected 20,000 pounds. Cecily is especially determined to move on with her life now that she indeed has money; she desperately wants to travel the world and leave her nagging boyfriend, Nigel.

           The two women decide to rent the flat, and proceed to set up appointments and take offers from people who are interested. While everyone was out one day, and only Cecily was at home, a charming young man, Bruce, approached with demanding wishes to rent the flat, and insisted that he move in that very day. Cecily seemed to fall for his charm, and was captivated by his charisma. She led him in and showed him around. Bruce then used his silver tongue to then seduce young Cecily.

           After a long while, Bruce and Cecily left to have a drink at a pub. When the two returned, everyone including Nigel, Cecily’s boyfriend was in the flat. Nigel’s temper flared and demanded that Cecily leave with him at once, to move in at his flat. But Cecily decided she would move in with Bruce, and left Nigel. The two young lovers eloped and settled down in a country cottage.

           Cecily enjoys her new husband and new home. But Cecily can’t help but think about Nigel. Bruce begins being very manipulative and secretive around Cecily. Bruce stays hours at work in his cellar, tending to a darkroom. Bruce also starts drinking heavily and swindling money from Cecily. Bruce devises a plan to drain Cecily of all her recent sweepstakes winnings.

           In the last act, the two are having words with each other and violently ranting on. The two discover a daunting, ghastly secret about the other. The two young lovers now are not so fond of one another. The truth comes out about Bruce stealing money from Cecily, and Cecily owns up to seeing Nigel and Mavis when Bruce isn’t around. That night at dinner things take a turn for the worse, and the events that next transpire conclusively change their marriage.

         Come show your support for the community arts by experiencing a CTC production. After “Love From a Stranger” concludes Oct. 30, several more productions will be playing this fall including “Dearly Departed” and “A Christmas Carol.” Help sustain the cultural arts in the community by experiencing these thespians.

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“Man made money to attain essentially what one cannot buy”

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Automatic Emblems

Without question, the following images need no explanation to the average adult mind when viewed. These automatic emblems cause involuntary responses and are deeply rooted in our psyche.

These sexy lips need no explanation. This image calls the audience to think about sex instinctively.

“Steve Urkel” is a universal emblem for the everyday “dork” next door. If you have never even seen “Family Matters”, one could draw conclusions that this guy is not the “coolest” cat on the block.

The grim reaper calls an audience to recognize death. The grim reaper is synonymous with death, and is a world wide emblem of passing.

Without saying, this image is associated with murder. There is nothing in this imagery associated with “hunting” or “sport” shooting. This image reflects a different emotion, the primal compulsion of Murder.

[collectivecontemporarymedia]

Patterning

Patterns that I have noticed throughout the Mystory project are themes of visceral, dyadic communication. I am “old school”, and enjoy talking to people face to face.I feel that Mystory reflects a viewpoint that the past was much more interesting than the drone fate we experience today. I feel the past was a more adventurous and pleasurable time because the world was a “bigger” place and needed to be explored. Exploration and adventure are now at our fingertips in our current digital epoch, via the Internet. Just because we have access to technology doesn’t mean we should constantly emerge our every waking second into the technology. However, Society as a whole lingers 8 hours of more on the Internet, absorbing a symbolic virtual universe in which they are an avatar of their actuality. 

OTHER PATTERNS

*I tend to talk a lot about analog objects of the past, not digital interfaces 

*I found patterns of me patronizing the Internet, and warning my audience about its dangers.

* I see patterns in Mystory that reflect emotional, spiritual, mystic views of antiquity.      

[collectivecontemporarymedia]

Being Singular

ORALITY

I love dyadic face to face communication, i find this to be my favorite aspect of Orality. I feel communication on a visceral level on a day to day basis is key to balancing a healthy lifestyle. I enjoy thinking about Society in antiquity. How did they communicate? How did they build the Pyramids at Giza? I find ancient man and ancient forms of communication to be more personal and adventurous than any other epoch of time. I feel Society in antiquity may have been more advanced in technology, or held some ancient knowledge that we lost along the way. I feel man was not primitive in Orality, but much more advanced in their thinking, technology, and understanding of the Earth around them. 

LITERACY

My literate career has been an integral part of my life. I wouldn’t be nearly intelligent as I am today or anywhere near open-minded about situations if i had not read books, attended college, or even taken this class! I think this semester these readings have opened my mind to think divergently and nonlinear. For those whom seek knowledge in books, often gain understanding. I believe Reading, writing, and simple arithmetic has cultured me and conditioned me to think with an open mind.

ELECTRACY

The age of Electracy is upon us and a new digital platform “The Internet” is a valuable tool in communicating with the world around us. Personally, i am ready for the digital age, I believe if i am competent with computers, multimedia, hypermedia, and virtual platforms of communication, then i can continue communicating with the world around me. I fear communication is changing, going Online and becoming less visceral, however this may not be a bad thing if we can assure balance between the virtual worlds we have create on the Internet, and the actuality we are currently existing in. My platforms that I am currently dependent on in my communication with the everyday world are TUMBLR, D2L BRIGHTSPACE, OWL EXPRESS, INSTAGRAM, and GMAIL.     

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Lyric Evaluation

WARNING EXTREMELY EXPLICIT CONTENT AHEAD.....

FUTURE is one of my favorite rappers. He seems really intelligent and street smart. I absolutely love his “Street Lingo”, he has a flashy distinct street tongue, and uses jargon to relate to themes he is rapping about. “Live from the gutter” is no exception. I have chosen to evaluate Future’s first verse of “Live from the gutter”, and discuss the relationship between the narrative situation of the lyrics and the atmosphere his music.

Verse 1: Future]

Reporting live from the gutter

I'll buy these motherfuckers talking big money shit bitch

Straight up out the gutter, never had shit

Now we got 90210 on our address

Talking 10 mill just to get an asset

I know them tears still falling down on my last bitch

This money made me hungry I'm a savage

I've seen the stars lining up you couldn't imagine

I watched my broad give up on me like I'm average

I went back inside the attic count it up and started laughing, ah

I went back inside the attic count it up and started laughing, ah

Cuban links hanging on my wrist I was on welfare

Wake up in the house I look up, I see bales everywhere

I see girls everywhere, I see scales everywhere

I see heron everywhere, I get mail everywhere

Walked inside the booth and came out in a Learjet

A fiend for that lean I ain't started drinking beer yet

They bust the trap, I live there

Came out clean, I ain't clean my nigga still there

Just imagine you was livin' lavish and they still there

Wake up in the crib, pools sitting on the hill now

I just need some niggas with me that will keep it real yeah

Got a lot of pretty bitches I just paid their bills now

Money make her feel good but damn she make me feel good

Known for getting that guala out in Europe but I'm still hood

Known to pop a bottle on a model, fuck her like I'm on my last damn dollar

MY LYRIC EVALUATION

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

VERSE 1 (EVALUATION)

Future’s hanging in the projects of Atlanta rapping.

Money is no object to Future, he’s got a lot of cash.

Future’s from the hood, and now he is finally wealthy.

Future lived in the south Atlanta slums,

now he resides in Beverly Hills with the rich and famous.

It takes 10 million dollars to peak futures interest,

he is not concerned with short change.

Ciara, his last girlfriend made a mistake, now she’s crying in regret.

Future chases money, he is only interested in wealth.

Future claims fate made him rich, the gods chose future to be a king.

Future claims Ciara left him, thinking he wasn’t competent.

He went inside an attic of his many stash spots,

and counted his money laughing at Ciara.

Future thinks it’s funny Ciara cut ties with him,

He will just go find him a better looking woman to date.

A gaughty Gold Cuban Link Braclet adorns his wrist,

costing over a million dollars, and he claims this bracelet

is his retirement plan.

He wakes up in his house and see’s pounds of marijuana everywhere.

He wakes up in his house to see prostitutes and strippers everywhere.

He sees digital scales to weigh out drugs everywhere at home.

He sees heroin everywhere at his home.

Future claims he gets drugs shipped to him through the mail,

and is a drug lord with endless connections.

Future was rapping in the studio, and then boarded a Lear jet.

He claims he is addicted to promethazine codeine cough syrup,

and he loves to drink it and smoke weed.

Future warns the police if they bust in his house, it would be a big mistake.

The police tried to bust his drug house once, but Future escaped.

Future claims he is living a lavish lifestyle, but all of his best friends

Are in the projects.

Future has a lot of nice real estate all over the world.

Future needs people in his circle of friends he can trust.

Women love money, but money is just a vehicle for

Future to lust after desirable women.

Future claims he had sexual ties with 56 exotic women on his last tour of Europe.

Known to by women anything they want in exchange for sex,

Future claims he will live this lavish, wealthy, celebrity lifestyle until he

Goes broke or until death.

 _____________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

This song is in the musical genre “gangster rap”. I never knew this song was so explicit, however i still admire Future and his ruthless style. I find a good bit of truth in his lyrics, and imagine myself living his lifestyle. I love the lingo he uses, because when you hear words like “Lean” , “Bails” and “Trap”, it makes you think about what meaning he is trying to express. It’s enjoyable to listen to this song, and the lyrics are very catchy. 

The atmosphere and ambiance of the setting in the song would be comparable to a wealthy drug lord that makes money hand over fist, has a lavish lifestyle, and has his choice every night of different promiscuous women.

The themes expressed in these lyrics are as follows:

*Drugs

*Drug dealing

*Money 

*Desirable Women

*Sex 

*Lavish real estate

*Implications of a King 

*Lifestyles of the rich and famous  

[collectivecontemporarymedia]

Policy Research

The Buckhead bar scene is usually where i end up when i want to go out on the town and drink with friends. Which is highly problematic for me because i live almost 50 miles away from Buckhead. I usually end up taking UBER or SAFERIDE after i have had one to many drinks, but many nights i tempt fate and drive if i have only had a few drinks. This is dumb, because DUI laws are extremely strict in the state of Georgia. I find that unfair to people who are just “buzzed” drivers. I feel if you want to have fun with friends any given night, it could cost you dearly. I also think if we didn’t live in the “bible belt” of the south, we wouldn’t be subject to the severe financial penalty of driving “Drunk”. I think it is outright silly that the drink-and-drive limit is 0.08% in Georgia, that is roughly one or two beers for the average man, and 1 drink for an average female. I think this policy should be reviewed, and the law changed because it seems unreasonable. Still, i tempt fate, my career, and upsetting my family by driving sometimes while lightly drinking. 

Also, Buckhead seems extremely lenient in regards to underage drinking. Something must be done about this, and the uncompromising DUI laws. Kids, and adults alike are going to find a way to drink if they want to, the government shouldn’t be so strict and stop trying to cash in on buzzed Georgia drivers.

Georgia’s DUI laws seem rather stern. I consider this policy by the state of Georgia to be a money-racket, and an unfair way to generate revenue for the state. 

MAPPING MY COMMUNITY BAR SCENE 

*Stagecoach  

*Big Sky Buckhead

*Hangovers

*Dive Bar

*Buckhead Saloon

*Czar Ice Bar

*Twin Peaks Buckhead

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High Concept

CAREER

For my career choice I know that i will have to be objective and not opinionated. I must stand as a beacon of truth to my audience. in the newsroom i must be brief, bold, and concise with my message.

Journalists report objectively, and they always tell the truth. They are not biased or prejudice. 

“Objective journalism and an opinion column are about as similar as the Bible and Playboy magazine.”

________________________________Walter Cronkite__________________

ENTERTAINMENT 

My premier form of entertainment that i have shown to showcase is my mediocre guitar playing ability. Not only does the guitar soothe my nerves and entertain me when i am bored, the guitar moves me emotionally and spiritually. I cant help but “FEEL” the rhythmic, spiritual energy when i hear a great guitar player shred. 

PSALMS 98 “Make a joyful noise onto the lord...”

FAMILY 

I have a weird, dysfunctional family life. Sometimes i feel cheated and disturbed that my mother wants to still contact me after she knows the extreme embarrassment. Sometimes i wish nothing more but for her to die. But, I don NOT wish to never see my mother again. I realize what she HAS done for me and how she has tried her best to provide for me, keep me safe, and be there for me. I realize that our relationship is important and that forgiveness is the only way to release the hard feelings i have towards her. 

FORGIVE FORGIVE FORGIVE.....it’s hurting no one but yourself!!!!  

COMMUNITY

 I’m apart of several different communities, and i communicate differently across these networks. A cultured sense of community and feeling apart of SOMETHING is a valuable, integral part of the human condition. 

My first community is my connection to the network of the kingdom of God. Being a Christian, I identify with Jesus as my number one network, and my church family is like my immediate family. We all come together in this network for one commonality, to worship Jesus as the Savior of man. 

MATTHEW 11:28

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Luke 23:40

40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”

42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.[d]”

43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

OTHER COMMUNITIES 

Another community I participate in is at KSU.

I connect with people on several different platforms at KSU

I talk in dyadic conversation 

I also connect and network in the KSU community virtually through Internet platforms. 

“The medium is the message...”

_________________________________________________Mcluhan

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On the premise

The main premise of my entertainment discourse is that Music is medium that affects people’s emotions. For me i view the guitar as a vehicle to bring spiritual energy into an ambient environment. “Guitar Licks” are more than musical notes, there is an invisible aspect to music you cannot see, but you can FEEL it. 

On the premise of my entertainment discourse i suppose my main goal was to convey the message that music is like a living breathing organism. Music moves people emotionally and spiritually.  

[collectivecontemporarymedia]

The Quest Schema

In my Entertainment discourse i discussed my love for the guitar and my favorite guitar player, Gino Matteo. I discussed how the ambient tones of the guitar create an atmosphere or mood within the audience the guitar is played for. I described how Gino Matteo connects with his audience emotionally and viscerally through his music. I also told how his music made me feel, and moved me emotionally. 

Gino Matteo is a underdog. No one really knows his name, but he’s one in a million. He moved me to tears in his solo performance at the Guitar Center “House of Blues” competition. 

I mentioned that Gino has a “Hand of blue-steel and ice water in his veins”. This refers to his excellent knowledge and talent with forming notes on the guitar to obtain tone and resonance throughout the performance. He moves the crowd with his creation, this is a live solo performance, and it was in no way rehearsed. Yes, he did take the music in a basic three chord blues progression, but the performance quickly turns into so much more than a rehearsed “guitar lick”. 

I mentioned how Gino has inspired me throughout the years to keep playing guitar. I think the thought of me shredding a artistic solo like Gino’s, keeps me entertained with the guitar. 

Lastly, i talked about the ambient spiritual energy that Gino’s performance manifested in my life. I cry, laugh, and smile ear to ear every time i hear this performance. It is an emotionally moving performance where Gino pours his soul out onto the stage. 

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Community Discourse

I identify with many communes of society. First, i am a christian, and in the community of the children of God. I identify with this community closely, my church family is my immediate family at Heritage Baptist Church. I feel this community is a network, and we have a direct connection with Jesus when we attend church on Sundays. When the spirit of God is moving, it’s like i can feel his mercy in the room. I feel i can talk to Jesus when in prayer, it is a stronger connection than that of a cellphone or the Internet, I just feel Jesus points me in the “right” direction. 

  I know one day i will join another community, the great community of heaven, where i will live in the kingdom of Jesus forever and ever.

OTHER COMMUNITIES

I also am a student whom is about to graduate college at Kennesaw State University. In this community I converse and connect with people on several different platforms. The following images show my means of communicating at school on a day to day basis.  

I communicate in the classroom with classmates in this community

I articulate my opinion among Journalists in my community with the pencil

I will graduate someday, hopefully, and i will forever be categorized as going to KSU, therefore, I will ALWAYS be apart of OWL NATION!

I am apart of discussion in class, dyadic interpersonal communication with peers, and virtual Internet communication on a daily basis within the community of KSU. 

Other communities we are apart of we don’t even think about on a day to day basis. D2l Brightspace is a community within the KSU community. It is an interface for knowledge which we communicate to get our school work done!  

Instagram is a social networking community as is Facebook. These Online sites help us fraternize and date while at college. 

The list goes on and on! i am apart of so many different communities! 

[collectivecontemporarymedia]

Pidgin Sign

I think the point of the Pidgin sign is to use different media and show how they all are nodes connected on a network together. Society is largely categorized by qualities or flaws that we can find in common with other people around us. For example, I am a christian who loves to play guitar and sing, and Elvis Presley was a christian, so me and Elvis have some common ground. Does that make me “a lot” like Elvis, no, but if more and more commonalities exist in between us in my own mind i may resemble Elvis.

I will use Elvis to explain Pidgin sign and map out a correlation of how a relationship exists between me and Elvis even though he was dead 20 years before i was born.

Elvis was born in the small rural town of Tupelo, Mississippi. His mother raised him, and he had a love for the blues and country western music.

Justin was born in the small rural town of Canton, Ga. His mother raised him and he has always loved the blues.

Elvis loved to play guitar, he also loved Cadillac’s, and Levi blue jeans.

Justin Loves to play guitar, drives a Cadillac, and only wears Levi blue jeans.

Elvis loved peanut butter and banana sandwich’s. His “Mama” made them for Elvis as a little boy and he reportedly ate them a lot into adulthood.

 Justin love’s peanut butter and banana sandwich’s. His “Mama” made them for Justin as a little boy and he eats them all the time as an adult. 

[collectivecontemporarymedia]

Fetishscreen

A “Fetish” Ulmer referred to in the reading is any object “that you can possess or do that gives you a sense of confidence or security...”. I would say that my fetishes are coins. I collect coins from around the world. I have many different coins ranging in age and value. These mostly collect dust, but time to time i take them out of the safe and dust them off and inspect them. These coins give me a sense of security, in a sense that if the stock market crashed and  we went into an economic meltdown, then i would have these coins for my family to survive. My most prized coin is not that valuable, but holds sentimental value to me because my grandmother that is now deceased left me. I often carry that Kennedy half dollar with me, i feel it protects me as a totem. I also feel when i scratch lottery tickets with the coin, I feel it is a luck charm.    

[collectivecontemporarymedia]

Structural-self portrait

Auster pointed out in his essay that Van Gogh’s “The Bedroom” could have been a trite, cliche’ work of art. He goes on to say that while Van Gogh may have painted the “The Bedroom” in calm, soothing colors and it may be considered a peaceful work of art, his intentions may have been quite the opposite. Basically, Van Gogh might have intended the “Calm”, “Soothing” bedroom painted in lilacs, yellows, purples and greens to give his audience a quaint feel of “old fashioned home life”, but Van Gogh may have painted it with opposed feelings of “entrapment”, “imprisonment, or “Loneliness”. Van Gogh’s purpose may have been to imply feelings of “Rest” and “Home” to his audience, but his feelings and emotions about the room he was painting at the time could have possibly been on the contrary.   

The painting reflects quaint home life, but did you notice it seems like the walls are closing in? The window is shut, and the faces in the painting look grim. While most audiences viewing this painting are reminded of “Picturesque” home life, Van Gogh’s reciprocal meaning to this piece may look like the following image...............

Auster’s point is that Van Gogh may have made a mockery of his situation, or in some way had thoughts of ridicule or scorn while painting this piece.