Music to Your Ears: A Guide to Today's Media

Hello everyone! I'm a college student extremely interested in the impact of today's growing media on contemporary society. The topics discussed in this blog include a myriad of media platforms and entertainment including television, music, motion pictures, and other forms of media that allow humans to develop their own, unique taste in today's world. So please feel free to peruse the topics that will be discussed in these next few months. Enjoy!

[jmm1710-blog]

Pandora: Music For Everyone (CMAT 240)

As this will be my last blog post of my Spring 2013 semester, I would like to talk about the one thing that has gotten me through every sentence, every concocted phrase and word. Without Pandora Radio it would have been difficult to complete many of my stories.

I find music to be very engaging and stimulating for academic performance. Listening to music while doing work allows me to be so much more focused and concentrated. It's only fitting that I dedicate my last blog post to the likes of Pandora Radio.

Last month the internet streaming service announced that they have acquired 200 million users. In less than eight years Pandora has overtaken music streaming internet services.

According to CNet.com, in March users streamed billions of hours of music, touching upon 100,000 artists and over 1 million songs. This information is a positive one at that. In the midst of leaving management, Pandora has proven its worth to the internet community and its users.

Pandora originated in California and has provided internet radio for the duration of the 21st century. However as years progressed more competitors have emerged.

Internet radio stations such as Spotify and Rdio have joined the music streaming sensation. This has proven to be a slight drawback for Pandora. But with the user mark growing to 200 million users and counting, I'd say the internet radio station will prosper for years to come.

[jmm1710-blog]

Facebook to Shut Down May 15, Fact or Fiction? (CMAT 240)

According to Weekly World News Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg says he will shut down Facebook on May 15. "Facebook has gotten out of control" said Zuckerberg. "It's so stressful, I need to take a break and manage the site."

Zuckerberg views the closing as a great way for people to pry themselves from their computer screens and go outside and meet people. Facebook provided the luxury of allowing people to connect with each other through the internet, offering much quicker and easier lines of communication with family, friends, colleagues, and coworkers.

Zuckerberg continued to reiterate his decision to WWN reporters by saying that the decision was difficult but he doesn't anticipate people to be upset.

Are the rumors true? Could Facebook users never see their profiles again? Could society possibly enter a state of technological drawback? Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg says no. "Facebook is not closing down, not now, not ever; we're just getting started" she said.

The statements above could be rumors of solid fact whatever the case, social networking zealots do not wish to see an end of Facebook, and judging by the corporate officials of Facebook, they're here to stay.

To read the full article visit:

http://weeklyworldnews.com/headlines/28019/facebook-will-end-on-ma-15th-update/

[jmm1710-blog]

3 Doors Down Band Member Involved in Fatal Crash (CMAT 240)

3 Doors Down bassist Todd Harrell was involved in a fatal car crash in which one man was killed on Apr. 19, 2013. Harrell is being charged with vehicular homicide after striking the back of a Ford pick-up truck and sending the car into a guard rail and over an embankment.

Authorities reported finding a bag of Xanax and Oxycodone pills concealed in his sock while he was being placed under arrest. Harrell was held in a Nashville jail and was freed on $100,000 bond.

Business Insider reports that 3 Doors Down released a statement on their website in which they offered their condolences and apologies for the incurring events, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of [the victim]. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family and friends at this difficult time."

In honor of the deceased victim, the band will not play four of their upcoming shows. Harrell voluntarily checked himself into a drug rehab facility for driving under the influence.

[jmm1710-blog]

New Legislation Surrenders Internet Privacy (CMAT 240)

The U.S. House of Representatives voted 288 to 127 in favor of the new Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act, ABC News reports. The proposed bill will allow the government and other companies to share internet traffic across the system that will be used to ensure that no pertinent threats to the country exist. The bill now goes to the Senate for further debate and the possibility of becoming law.

This is not the first time a cyber security bill has been brought up in Congress. Introduced by Michael Rogers, a republican from Michigan, the bill was voted for in the House of Representatives and passed with a lopsided 248 to 168 vote in 2011; however, it did not pass in the Senate.

According to ABC News, President Obama threatened to veto the bill when it went to the Senate in 2012. With its resurrection, the president still feels that the bill does not provide "adequate privacy protections for consumers." Other legislators contend the White House's notions. Rogers (R-MI) and Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) say the bill "would allow the government and other agencies to address cyberthreats quickly."

With a heated debate ensuing in Washington, citizens speak out about the bill. Josh Levy, writer for SaveTheInternet.com demeans the legislation as a "privacy-killing bill," encouraging internet users to call their representative and demand a "NO" for CISPA.

The life of the bill resides in the lawmakers of the country. It needs to pass in the Senate and be signed into law by President Obama. The future of internet privacy will be tested in the coming months, and could change the livelihood of many U.S. companies and citizens.

[jmm1710-blog]

Jacoby Jones Showcases His Dancing Talents (CMAT 240)

In February, Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones helped his team win Super Bowl XLVII by scoring two touchdowns on America's biggest sports stage. After his 108 yard kickoff return, Jones trotted into the endzone and performed Ray Lewis' signature "squirrel dance." Those who tuned into the Super Bowl joked as they dubbed Jones to be a better dancer than halftime performer Beyonce. With the pads off, the score settled, and the rings distributed, Jones now aims his efforts to new endeavors in the offseason.

Starring on ABC's Dancing With The Stars, Jones finds himself performing various dance moves with partner Karina Smirnoff and wowing audiences across the country. He is not the first professional football player to highlight his moves and grooves. Past seasons have bore witness to legendary wide receiver Jerry Rice, running back Emmitt Smith, Jason Taylor, Warren Sapp, Lawrence Taylor, Michael Irvin, Chad Ochocinco, and Kurt Warner.

While some have fallen short of victory, Jones has aimed his sights high. As Season 16 began ABC News reported Jones to be an "early standout." Karina Smirnoff, Jones' partner discussed her hesitation to perform with him. When she was notified of her dance partner she looked him up on the internet. "I thought to myself 'he's kind of mean, he looks so serious' … and you meet him he's the biggest goofball you'll ever meet," Smirnoff said. Jacoby joins a talented group of dancers and as the weeks continue his performances get better and better. He admits himself that he is not the best dancer, but he is eager to do his best every week. To see Jones and Smirnoff tune into ABC to see a great couple dance the night away.

[jmm1710-blog]

Up and Coming Artist Releases New Album (CMAT 240)

Releasing his new album "See About A Dream" in late March, singer and songwriter Terence Ryan has pleased his fans once again with his profound lyrical talent backed by his commanding composition of music.

His new album contains eight songs including  "New Hope," "Sleep Talk," "Leaving Abbadon," "Pick Pocket," "Silhouette Me," "Disappearing," "Mind on Monday," and "No More Sound"  all of which are about a myriad of topics concerning various emotions that humans experience throughout life. He incorporates piano, guitar, and other instruments with the likes of rap-based beats to establish and maintain his rhythmic pattern that makes his music very entrancing and enjoyable for listeners.

Ryan is no stranger to producing his own quality music. All songs he puts out are written, recorded, and produced by himself. One critic feels that Terence Ryan is something to be desired in today's manifesting music industry. "The fact that he handles all aspects of his music from production to writing to the vocals themselves is worth your respect alone" he said. "On his new album, I’m getting the vibe that he’s really honed his efforts on the production side; every track is intricately crafted." 

A Massachusetts native, Ryan started off his music career by releasing "The Other Side" with hit songs like "The Same Name" and "Pilot Sky Life." As the years progressed he produced more hit songs including "Alan's Right," a song incorporating the lectures of Alan Watts - taking listeners on a deep, emotional journey. The single was included on his second album called "Skeleton." Some of the songs on his second album were remixed to songs produced by other artists. One song "Starry Eyed" is Ryan singing with the song Starry Eyed by Ellie Goulding, another song called "To The Fall" uses Bang Gang's "It's Alright" as the chorus and him incorporating his own verses. Nonetheless "Skeleton" was a huge success with his fans and left them yearning for more material.

"See About A Dream" was the album fans were looking for. Ryan took his musical talents to a higher level and produced songs for all of his following to enjoy. Terence Ryan is an up and coming artist that puts an extensive amount of time and effort into his music, and sings about many topics that humans face each day. To listen to his new album or previous ones, visit soundcloud.com for a great listening experience.

[jmm1710-blog]

Facebook and Twitter: Revolutionizing Contemporary Media (CMAT 240)

Ten million people have partaken in the vast, and growing technology that is taking the entire world by storm. Facebook and Twitter offers users so much from becoming “friends” or “following” fellow classmates or colleagues to having instant access to breaking news, or even finding out about the dumbest laws enacted in the United States.

Yes, the ever-advancing world of social media has taken society and revolutionized it in ways that we never thought possible. However, Facebook and Twitter has numerous benefits on peoples' health, economy, and means of connecting with others.

There are 293,000 status updates on Facebook every 60 seconds, and 190,000,000 tweets per day on Twitter. Why such high numbers? The answer may be surprising. Studies have shown that Facebook and Twitter have direct correlations on one's mind and psyche. Spending time on Facebook can help people relax, slow down their heart rate, and decrease stress levels, according to researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Milan. Researchers studied 30 students and found that a natural high was sparked when they were on the social media network that led to the relaxed heart rates and lower levels of stress and tension.

Spending time on social networking makes people feel good about themselves. A study conducted by researchers at Cornell University was the first to show a psychological benefit to using social networking, and revealing that people get a self-esteem boost just by looking at their Facebook or Twitter. With all that time on the internet it’s hard to have face to face conversations and establish relationships, but in the world of social networking anything is possible. Research shows that nearly 60% of singles will friend someone new on Facebook after meeting them in person. If they like what they see, 25% are likely to contact their new love interest via Facebook. Once the courting is over, nearly 40% of those social networking adults will update their relationship status on Facebook, with just 24% telling their friends first.

With society utilizing social media more and more every day, so are businesses. Nowadays Facebook and Twitter are being used to “research” who the best employees are during key hiring situations. As the saying goes first impression’s a lasting impression, such is the case for businesses hiring through Facebook. Researchers found that perusing a potential employee’s Facebook page was a stronger predictor of their likelihood to excel in a job than the personality and IQ surveys many companies issue. This cycle of social networking amongst different companies may actually help not only the company but other individuals dealing with the corporation. A study conducted at Pace University revealed that the more popular a company was on Facebook or Twitter, the better its stock price seemed to be.

Facebook and Twitter have been known to help college students earn their degree. Researchers at Abilene Christian University found that students who were active on Facebook and Twitter were less likely to drop out of school than those who don’t use it. As stated above Facebook and Twitter, helps many people and companies to establish relations with the world around them. The services provided by Facebook and Twitter allow companies to interact with their employees and customers on a personal level that is comforting and convenient for both parties. With more and more companies present on social networking, it allows for a company to build up a greater following. Hence, the companies use this option to promote their business or product on social media. Advertising with social mediums is a key strategy to promote business in which the people viewing the advertisements are in a comfortable environment and become more apt to respond to a company’s promotion.

But not all users use this service to promote a business or their own well-being. The normal Facebook or Twitter user, mainly uses the websites to connect with others, friends, family, etc. That’s the beauty of social networking, it allows those to utilize it in so many ways possible. Whether you use it to relax and reduce stress levels, or to further your place in society, or to even talk to an old friend social networking is here to stay. How will you use it?

[jmm1710-blog]

Explosions in the Sky takes the Stage (CMAT 240)

Explosions in the Sky, a band with music that lights up the stage like a firework display performed at the Chicago Theatre on June 26, 2012. "Low frequencies bellowed and belched, the rippling bass lines were so forceful, they caused speaker-pushed air to brush against fans seated close to the stage" says Chicago Tribune writer Bob Gendron.

The strictly instrumental band from Texas performs songs that stretch well past the six minute mark, allowing fans to undergo a deep emotional journey that evokes a sense happiness, sorrow, and even creates a pristine environment to think and reflect upon life's cumbersome manners.

Explosions in the Sky banded together in 1999 and since then they have found themselves placed within the spotlight of musical success. in 2000, they released their debut album called How Strange, Innocence, that had people raving about their music to the point where one fan commented about their new album saying "[How Strange, Innocence] totally f***ing destroys!"

In 2001, the band found themselves toiling with matters of national security, with their release of their sophomore album Those Who Tell The Truth Shall Die, Those Who Tell The Truth Shall Live Forever. The album was believed to be linked to the Sep. 11 terrorist attacks after they released their second album containing an angelic light showing upon an airplane with one of the songs on the album rumored to be titled This Plane Will Crash Tomorrow.

The allegations of Explosions in the Sky being linked with terrorist attacks were eventually confronted and proved untruthful. In fact the band released the album on Aug. 27, 2001 when it was believed to drop on Sep. 10, 2001. The concepts of aviation within their designs were also a coincidence and was said to be "an idea thought of back in 2000 when the band was putting together ideas for a new album" says one band member.

(Explosions in the Sky's sophomore album, Those Who Tell The Truth Shall Die, Those Who Tell The Truth Shall Live Forever)

Since then Explosions in the Sky has released four studio albums called The Earth is Not a Cold Dead Place (2003), The Rescue (2005), All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone (2007), and Take Care, Take Care, Take Care (2011). They've also been featured in many movies including Friday Night Lights and in ad campaigns such as the sports network Versus.

Some of their hit songs include Your Hand in Mine, First Breath After Coma, The Only Moment We Were Alone, and Six Days at the Bottom of the Ocean. For a wonderful listening experience that gives the listener the ability to appreciate the ambiance of instrumental music while indulging in an emotional journey, Explosions in the Sky is the band to listen to. 

For more information on tours, ticket sales, and everything Explosions in the Sky visit their website at www.explosionsinthesky.com.

[jmm1710-blog]

The Top NFL Commentators (CMAT 240)

(Brad Nessler and Mike Mayock of NFL Network)

Some are revered for their clever catchphrases and keenly distinct voices. Others are known for breaking down the "X's and O's" of the game. They are the voices of the National Football League, and make for a a great football experience every time viewers tune in.

On Feb. 8, 2012, Sports Illustrated published their list of the greats in NFL commentating. Among the greats represented were Brad Nessler and Mike Mayock of NFL Network, Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth of NBC, and Jim Nantz and Phil Simms of CBS. 

Let's start from the bottom up. Jim Nantz and Phil Simms are featured in EA Sport's Madden NFL 13, they called Super Bowl XLVII, and the combined duo makes for a complete football experience. Phil Simms was a former quarterback for the New York Giants, and Jim Nantz is one of the best play-by-play announcers for CBS.

However, as Sports Illustrated comments, Nantz and Simms tend to make a few mistakes that puts them a notch below the elite announcing teams. For example, in the AFC Championship game between the New England Patriots and the Baltimore Ravens, Nantz referenced The Blind Side, a movie about the life of Ravens offensive tackle Michael Oher. When Oher went down hurt, Nantz declared that offensive lineman, Jah Reid would replace Oher and protect quarterback Joe Flacco's blindside, when in reality Oher was a right tackle and did not protect the QB from the left. Also, the duo constantly misidentified Julian Edelman as Wes Welker and vice versa. Fix the mistakes and Nantz and Simms are an elite commentating team.

Next in line is NBC's Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth. Like Simms, Collinsworth was a former NFL player himself - a wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals. Collinsworth is commended for his extensive analysis and uncanny sixth sense for diagnosing a team's strategy right before the audience's eyes. With Collinsworth and Michaels together in the booth, football fans expect a wonderfully called game every time they watch.Michaels is another commentator known for his excellent play-by-play abilities. He used to sit in with John Madden in which the two made for one of the most exciting and entertaining broadcasts. With the experience Michaels has under his belt coupled with Collinsworth's knowledge of the game, it's no wonder that Sports Illustrated ranked Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth among the very best NFL commentators.

We now move onto the best of the best, the very own Brad Nessler and Mike Mayock. Brad Nessler is a sportscaster for NFL Network, and a frequent face in the world of college basketball and football. Nessler's energetic and "strategic" announcing complements the inquiry of Mayock to a degree that makes them the best commentating team in football. With a charismatic sportscaster like Nessler, it's only fitting to have a man who has been around football to provide great insights that are conveyed in a comprehensible manner to the audience. Mike Mayock is that man. Mayock, like so many other commentators, was a former safety for the New York Giants, and is now a NFL and draft analyst for NFL Network. Nessler and Mayock call Thursday Night Football games for NFL Network, and with their abilities, they have propelled themselves to the very top of the best NFL commentating teams.

To read more on Sports Illustrated's best NFL announcing teams visit the link below:

http://nfl.si.com/2012/02/08/ranking-the-nfls-best-announce-teams/

[jmm1710-blog]

Michael Rooker: The Man of Many Mediums (CMAT 240)

(Left: Michael Harper of Black Ops II. RIght: Actor, Michael Rooker)

We've all seen him, or, at least heard his rough, scratchy voice echoing throughout our living rooms. He plays Merle Dixon on The Walking Dead and The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct video game, and is the man behind Michael Harper of Treyarch's Call of Duty: Black Ops II. You might have guessed by now, that the man of many mediums is the very own Michael Rooker, an American actor.

Rooker was born in Jasper, Alabama on April 6, 1955, Launching his acting career in 1986; he is best known for his appearances in many cinematic and television productions such as Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer, Mississippi Burning, Sea of Love, JFK, Stargate SG-1, and Crime Story. However  in 2010, Rooker announced via Twitter that he would be playing Merle Dixon on AMC's The Walking Dead as he attempted to fight off hordes of mindless zombies.

His successful acting career in the series sprung him to new heights in the media world. When it came time to release a new edition of the video game series Call of Duty, producers of Call of Duty: Black Ops II sought out various actors and actresses to be the voices of different characters in the game. One of the selections made was Michael Rooker, the voice of Michael Harper in Black Ops II.

If you note the picture above, there is a striking resemblance between the two, that is due largely in part to the motion capturing technology utilized in the game. "We get dressed in body suits and all the body suits are marked with markers," said Rooker. "There are about 200 cameras that monitor our movements and we become a digital outline, they do a full 360 body scan as well."

Rooker is no stranger to the extensive production that goes into formulating a best-selling video game series. Aside from working on Call of Duty: Black Ops II, he also stars as himself in the Call of Duty: Black Ops Rezurrection map where he, again, fights off the undead in a more virtual experience. In an interview with Complex.com Rooker comments that his offer to participate in Rezurrection was spontaneous but accepted with much excitement.

"I do believe I got the job because I was in The Walking Dead and the folks over at Treyarch and Activision are big fans of The Walking Dead. They asked if I could help out and I was like 'Yeah, absolutely!"

With Walking Dead and Black Ops II fans loving Rooker's characters Merle Dixon and Michael Harper, they have one more thing to look forward to. On Mar. 19, 2013, The Walking Dead: Survival Instinct will be released starring Michael Rooker as Merle Dixon. The game will follow the Dixon brothers (Merle and Darryl Dixon, Darryl played by Norman Reedus) in another attempt to fight off zombies.

It seems as though Rooker has a thing for zombies, and fans love every second of it. Whether it's fighting for control of an unmanned drone fleet (Black Ops II) or fighting to live in a zombie apocalypse (Walking Dead), one thing is certain that Michael Rooker is the linchpin that keeps viewers and gamers coming back for more!

Sources:

wikipedia.org

complex.com

youtube.com

[jmm1710-blog]

Rock Star Stephen Christian Becomes Author (CMAT 240)

Most rock stars are known for their shredding guitar skills and ear-pleasing vocals, one rocker; however, has all that and then some. Stephen Christian, lead singer for Anberlin and Anchor and Braille, co-founder of the humanitarian organization Faceless International, and blog writer, can now add author to his resume.

His novel "The Orphaned Anything's: Memoir of a Lesser Known," hit bookstores on Feb. 18, 2008, and with the release came great praise. "Stephen Christian writes only of what he knows, creating a relateable and youthful story that many can relate to," said Teen Ink, an internet book and magazine resource "he offers readers life lessons that he has learned and experienced firsthand."

Christian agrees, in his message to the reader he states: "I am no Fitzgerald or Salinger. But this is pieces of me scattered throughout ink and fiber. I do not have a literary degree. I do not have a Pulitzer or even a stable job. But I do have memories and time on my side." He writes a captivating story that many readers can align with and rally around but such a feat is not achieved haphazardly.

In an interview done by Infectious Magazine, he explains the writing process for "The Orphaned Anything's" and the difficulties that accompany any writer. "I began to write the book as a book, but then it felt so sterile and non-real, with the grammar and the punctuation," said Christian, "I wanted to write in a more humanizing manner, paying no mind to the logistics of writing but to show readers that [the main character] is a flood of emotion" he said.

Christian predicates his story on the styles of famous authors such as E.E. Cummings, Dennis Johnson, Dave Eggers, Paulo Coelho, and Donald Miller, while conveying to readers that there is a lot more to life than just being alive. Christian portrays himself as Ayden Kosacov in the novel and it is through his experiences that Christians reveals his coming to terms with people, God, his family, and himself.

For readers that desire to read a book with an extensive plot and lasting impact, "The Orphaned Anything's" by Stephen Christian is a read that can surely find its place on any bookshelf. To purchase the novel visit any local bookstore or buy offline for a wonderful reading experience.

Below is an excerpt from "The Orphaned Anything's:"

"what is it about decay, rust, and death that i find so entrancing, honestly. is it because it is the last and final unexplored adventure or option for all mankind? i am not sure, but for me its just that every funeral that i have ever gone to  it seems as though they are so peaceful. no smiles, no furrowed brows of dissatisfaction, just contentment stapled on their face. that's what i want. there are two times in life one does not have any concerns, worries, or responsibilities; in infancy and death."

[jmm1710-blog]

Music's Affect on Performance (CMAT 240)

Music is said to have profound affects on the human mind, some harmful, some beneficial.

It seems as though every college student holds true to the "headphones in, don't bother me" mantra. But why do so many students and workers alike feel it necessary to utilize music in order to accomplish their daily tasks?

Of course the sounds of intense vocalizations and the hum of guitars allow for deep concentration, but perhaps there are other reasons as to why music is used so much in school and the workplace - a more natural, biological reason.

Norman M. Weinberger, a neurobiology professor at University of California at Irvine suggests that "college students who listen to Mozart for 10 minutes perform better on spatial-temporal tests, like pattern matching" said Weinberger, "Evidence suggests that long-term musical involvement reaps cognitive rewards--in language skills, reasoning and creativity--and boosts social adjustment, music exercises the brain."

Amisha Padnani, a journalist for the New York Times agrees. "Melodious sounds help encourage the release of dopamine, in the reward center of the brain" says Padnani, "our minds wander, music can bring us back."

In any case, music is able to retain concentration or fill the void of absolute silence. But other studies suggest that music could have harmful affects of the mind as well.

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Wales Institute in Cardiff concluded that when trying to memorize material with background music inhibits one's ability to remember it. Participants in the study listened to music they liked, music they didn't like, a voice repeating the number three, and a voice reciting various single digit numbers. This phenomena can be attributed to the changing words and instrumentals that music has to offer and it is upon the listener to interpret and utilize music for their own personal use.

[jmm1710-blog]

Aimlessly Wandering: The Walking Dead Returns (CMAT 240)

AMC's The Walking Dead returned last Sunday, marking the continuation of the show's third season. Airing on February 10, 2013, viewers were presented with all new twists and turns that left audience members wondering what would happen next. New characters and locations had arisen, but there was no shortage of good ole' blood-thirsty, gut mangling zombies.

The season three premiere - called The Suicide King - "delivered with 12.3 million viewers, making it the largest audience in series history, according to The Futon Critic, a web based television resource. Record numbers and mass viewership do not come easy. Since the show's season one debut; ratings have increased about 3 million viewers per season. Season one ended with 6 million viewers, season two had 9 million, and season three capped off the charts around 12 million.

It goes to show that the days of cowboys and indians have perished, and the ages of a decimating zombie apocalypse take precedent. Viewers are in love with the "fight the dead, fear the living" mentality. Linda Stasi of the New York Post, comments that "The Walking Dead is the flat-out scariest, best, most unusual show to ever hit the small screen, and I'm loving every sickening minute of it." There is a subtle humanizing aspect of the show, aside from the constant conflict of bashing in the heads of flesh-yearning zombies, a dramatic conflict between "the survivors" takes place.

Throughout seasons one and the beginning of two, viewers watched anxiously, as the living fought the dead by any means possible. Aside from (once) human brains being strewn across the ground, it's really quite interesting to watch the various ways in which zombies are "put down." The preferred weapon of choice is a gun of any sorts but not limited to knives, screwdrivers, baseball bats, crossbows, or even large rocks.

As seasons progressed, those who watched intently began to see a shift from external conflict to internal. "Only the strong survive" is exactly the case when dealing with the end of the world, and that notion held true for the survivors. Best friends turned on each other, killing one another, and or building new relationships. The show is not dubbed The Walking Dead because of the zombies but because of the survivors - basically they're dead meat - ironic.

The Walking Dead airs every Sunday night at 9 p.m., and is followed up with The Walking Dead talk show, Talking Dead hosted by Chris Hardwick. Tune in and see what makes the show the best series on television, and what all the hype is about - you won't be disappointed.

[jmm1710-blog]

Doghouse Confessions: The Not So Super Bowl (CMAT 240)

In a few days, America will sit down to watch one of the greatest sporting events of the year. On Sunday, February 3, two teams - The Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers - will go toe to toe in the Superdome in a chance to win Super Bowl XLVII. Occurring on the same day; however, another "sporting event" will take place, only this one doesn't include the sounds of incessant whistles and hard hits. No, I'm not talking about football at all, what I'm talking about will take place three hours before kickoff, and it's called The Puppy Bowl.

Hosted by Animal Planet, the ninth running of the esteemed program has some new additions including hedgehog cheerleaders and a kitten halftime show. But the real attention is on the puppies. Puppy Bowl IX has a variety of different dog breeds including the Australian Shepherd, Dachshund, Terriers, and many others. Needless to say, there is a considerable amount of "cuteness" surrounding this event, but what do television viewers and animal enthusiasts think?

In an interview conducted by Huff Post Live, Puppy Bowl referee, Dan Schachner said, "This year we gathered 63 puppies from around the country, all from rescue centers and shelters." Schachner continued  by saying "What we're trying to do with Puppy Bowl every single year is to increase adoption awareness." This goal is usually met. From the time Puppy Bowl is being filmed, almost all the puppies are scooped up into caring households. Kendra Mara, Associate Director of Animal Haven sees the Puppy Bowl as "[giving the puppies] a chance at a whole new life."

It's easy to get caught up in the excitement. What animal lover wouldn't want to watch a bunch of puppies, kittens, and hedgehogs run and play? It seems as though most people who tune in are awestruck by the thought of this notion - most but not all. In a blog post, critic, Roger Catlin expresses his discontent towards the show. "The sidelines are full of ads, there's no shortage of dog-related advertising," says Catlin, "...the water bowl cam and the starting lineups all have a prominent sponsor. Even the footballs on the field are prominently branded." Be it as it may, the Puppy Bowl is going to be surrounded by company sponsorship and product placement will run rampant. But let's not let that shadow the intentions of the program.

It is a wonderful way to promote the well-being and prosperity of animals, and it raises awareness that there are many puppies just waiting to find good homes. As Sunday fast approaches, the hype for the Super Bowl will continue to build but it will subside. However, somewhere across the United States, many puppies are being adopted because of the Puppy Bowl, and the joy that comes with a dog never goes away - it only builds. 

The Puppy Bowl airs on Animal Planet on Sunday, February 3rd at 3 p.m., so tune in, you may just see the new member of your family on national television.

[jmm1710-blog]

CMAT 240: Comet to Light Up Night Sky, Late 2013

Autumn: the time of year where the air chills, the days quickly fade to night, and bonfires become the norm for social gatherings. Days are filled with the joyous sound of children playing in a dank pile of leaves, and nights are left to the stargazers, contemplating their mere existence in a universe that's ever-expanding and all-conquering. You may have experienced such a phenomena; however, in late 2013 the autumnal night sky will be filled with a bright light equivalent to that of the Moon.

On November 28, 2013, the comet ISON will be the brightest object in the night sky seeing as it survives its voyage around the sun. Comet ISON will be traveling within 800,000 miles of the sun's surface, and could break apart due to the intensity of the great star. However, if it indeed does survive, be prepared for a show on Earth. The comet will be so bright that it will be able to be seen in both Northern and Southern Hemispheres, from late fall to early winter.

Discovered by European and Russian astronomers Vitali Nevski and Belarus and Artyom Novichonok, the comet should be visible as early as August and September with a telescope, and as the year progresses; it only gets better! October and November, the comet will get brighter until it's brightest in late November. However, December is said to be the optimal viewing month for the great visitor from the depths of space due to its breathtaking tail trailing behind it, only to disappear into the universe once again in January 2014.

So as your sitting outside on a cold Autumn night, noticing your breath crystallize and float anxiously to the sky, warming yourself next to the fire, take a gander at what lies above you. You may just see one of the greatest spectacles of 2013 right in front of your eyes.

[jmm1710-blog]

CMAT 240: First Blog Post

Hello everyone. My name is Justin McClure, I am a freshman at Salisbury University. Throughout my entire high school career, and what I have accomplished here at college, I have found that I am a huge proponent of writing. Call it cheesy, but I think putting words together to form concise, meaningful topics is not merely a skill, but an art. I take a great interest in sports and current topics affecting not only local and national areas, but international as well. The majority of my posts will include a myriad of sports stories and my own formulated opinions about current news trends. In addition, I take a great interest in the world around me so don't be alarmed if you see a few posts pertaining to nature or astronomy. Also, you may see a more philosophical approach to things and how it  not only affects my life but yours as well. In short, my ultimate goal is to influence someone and or change their viewpoint on differing matters.