Hmmmm

I want you to write down the VERY first thing that comes into your mind when I say the following word.

Ready?

"Arab."

Without thinking, write down the very first thing that came into your mind.

Was it a word? A phrase? A picture of some sort?

I thought of the Arab-Israeli conflict as a first reaction (to the word "Arab").

Now, can you figure out WHERE that "very first thing" came from? Was it a media source? A real-life experience? Be specific.

As a Jew, and as a citizen of the world, the Arab-Israeli conflict is something that I think about and investigate daily-- it is a matter of extreme importance to all people, regardless of religious ties or "siding;" it is a conflict of humanity. My response came from personal experience and from media sources, as I have made it a priority to stay updated on what's going on with the Arab-Israeli conflict. Media sources help me do so.




1. THE THREE-PART BRAIN - In what ways do YOU think REEL BAD ARABS attracted your REPTILIAN (instinctual), FEELING (limbic) and THINKING (neo-cortex) brains?

The loud booms, explosions, and shooting sounds attracted my reptilian brain as I sat up in my seat, startled, every time the film shot changed from the main speaker (Dr. Shaheen) to a movie clip involving violent actions. The "Arab" music appealed to my limbic brain, along with the images from familiar films like "Aladdin." When I saw the clip from Aladdin, it was a kind of comforting image, as it was one of my first childhood films. It reminded me of a time of innocence and comfort. But then, of course, my neo-cortex brain was engaged as these "innocent" familiar images, were exposed as promoting absolutely unacceptable Arab stereotypes. My limbic brain was re-engaged as I felt emotions of anger and utter disgust at the prejudices that Hollywood has promoted for years about an entire people.

2.PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES - List and describe one specific production technique - lighting, music, camera effects, editing - used by REEL BAD ARABS.

I think that the editing of REEL BAD ARABS makes the film a success. The fact that every subjective statement and statistic is backed up with numerous movie clips evidences really ties me onto what Dr. Shaheen is saying about how Hollywood villafies the Arab people.

3. PERSUASIVE TECHNIQUES - Looking at our list of 24 plus persuasive techniques, list and describe a specific moment from the film as an example of THREE different specific persuasive techniques used by our filmmakers.

Repetition: Clips depicting negative images of violence, greed, etc were played over and over again throughout the film; not just one clip was shown of Arabs being portrayed as "terrorists," many clips were incorporated in montages dispersed throughout the film.

Timing: Clips were put into the film at the right time after Dr. Shaheen made a statement about some topic, such as the idea that Arabs are portrayed as "oversexed" in Hollywood. Right after he makes that statement, the film goes right into a clip supporting this claim form an actual Hollywood film. it gives the statement meanin and makes what Dr. Shaheen is saying powerful. Timing is very important in the film world.

This may go under "emotional appeal," but I had to mention that the tone of Dr. Shaheen's voice when he speaks is one that draws in the attention of the audience evokes sympathy from those viewing-- it is slow, but not dull, and sounds very compassionate, which I think is the best way to speak in a film like this; really got my attention and concern on the topic being discussed.


4. SUGGESTIONS - Offer one specific suggestion for the REEL BAD ARABS filmmakers that might make their film even more powerful.

I think surveying a randomly assigned group of individuals on their first impressions at the world "Arab," like what you did with us DOTCOMers at the beginning of this blog activity would expose, even more so, how widespread Hollywood stereotypes have affected our society. The interview clips would be placed before Dr. Shaheen even begins to speak (probably right after the credits rolled)-- that would definitely add to the impact of the film, and the message that is trying to be conveyed.

5. Would you recommend this film for viewing with friends or colleagues? Why or why not?

YES. I actually sent the Youtube link to some of my friends, and during a run last week I brought up this film, and asked my friends how wrong they think it is that Hollywood encourages negative stereotypes about Arabs-- such as the image of the oversexed, greedy, grubby, violent, hateful people they are portrayed to be in movies. I was amazed at how unaware my friends were of the stereotypes being promoted. Just from seeing the reactions of shock and surprise my own friends had in my mentioning of how Hollywood portrays Arabs in a negative light (I got a lot of "really?"s), shows how ignorant our society is around culture-generated stereotyping.
A lot of my friends did not even realize there were any negative Arab images in Aladdin! Makes me worried, you know... Films like this spread awareness and open the eyes of the public to issues that may otherwise go unseen. Stereotyping people can be dangerous, and the example around Hollywood's depictions of Arabs is a significant case of this. I think this is a great conversation-starting, mind-engaging film. It opens the ground up for discussion on flaws in our culture, and how widespread subjective media sources such as films affect the populations' way of thinking about humanity and the way we see our world. I'm not saying I agree with everything in REEL BAD ARABS, but it is an important film to view as it inspires personal reflection and action through discussion and sharing with others.

I LOVE DOTCOM

Hello DOTCOMers and DOTCOM-lovers across the globe! Sorry for the lateness on this; I have been blessed with a cold for the past week or so and have been slowwww to get things done around here. But I'm back and ready for (reel) action! So, reflection time....

1. What proved the most challenging part of our July Phase 2 DOTCOM experience for you?

I think one of the biggest lessons I learned throughout DOTCOM in July was about communication between individuals and groups of people. Everyone's ideals are different, and every individual has his or her own expectations for every project and experience in life. Because of this, communicating ideas in a group project and synthesizing individual "visions" to make a final, unified project is massively difficult. Each of my lovely group members had his and her own expectations for our film, and I had my own ideas, as well. It is so, so, SO important to be respectful of each other's suggestions, and it takes a tremendous amount of effort to find solutions that combine every group member's ideas so that the final product is a fair representation of every individual's ideas and passions, and, in the end, though the process was long and, sometimes difficult, we made a great film.

Truthfully, it is very dissapointing that, after our vast efforts and hours upon hours of hard work, our film had to be pulled from the web. It saddens me deeply that, for reasons I understand and epathize, our work cannot be shared with the world at this moment. DOTCOM was both a blessing and a curse in opening my eyes to the realities of the world, and, while I am upset at times, I have come out of this experience a grown person, and certainly more perceptive to the world and the issues of this world than I imagined possible. I am immensly upset at times with the reality of it all, but I am also tremendously thankful to have had such an eye-opening experience. I know I will only continue to grow as DOTCOM continues.


2. What proved the most rewarding part of our July Phase 2 DOTCOM experience for you?

I, as I'm sure most DOTCOMers would agree, feel that the absolute most rewarding piece of the summer experience was the friendships made. I am a different person now than I was at the start of July because I was so affected and touched by the other students I met-- from all three countries. Not only are the friends I made compassionate and inspiring in their own individual ways, but the fact that they opened up to me and shared their personal stories and fears and concerns made me learn more about humanity and human relationships than I ever imagined possible in a 3 and a half week period. I can honestly say that I love my DOTCOMers, and the connection I have to them is deeper than any bond I will ever be able to experience with friends in my home town because we endured such a tremendous experience together, and-- goodness-- I love them. I'm teary-eyes right now thinking about everyone.
I wish we were together still and will totally explode with joy when we're all reunited in the spring. I miss you all. I love you all.

3. What proved the most fun part of our July Phase 2 DOTCOM experience for you?

Haha oh my gosh, DOTCOM was so so SO fun!... SO MUCH FUN! I think I laughed for a month straight because everything was hilarious and the other DOTCOMers are so awesome. But I should give a specific example, I think... Hmm, David's PSAs on recycling and the slow Internet were HILARIOUS. And the S'more video! And of COURSE Lenin and the 4th of July parade were fantastic because, honestly, who ever thought that David and Dr. Rob would be able to March in the Washington, D.C. Fourth of July Parade??? WITH A RUBBER CHICKEN!? I think I laughed myself to sleep every night. And my host family, was rockin' and Emily and Sona and I went biking, and ended up on the highway, and every day was an adventure, I swear. I can't find one moment that was "most fun" because I think every day and every experience, regardless of all the stress and chaos that accompanies film producing, was a complete blast. OH OH OH and seeing the Armenian DOTCOMers in the airport when Katie, David, Jacob and I were leaving because their flight was cancelled-- THAT WAS WONDERFUL. I couldn't believe that I saw you all again so soon! I cried!
This is way more than 3-4 sentences and it is totally scatterbrained but it's because I am so enthusiastic about the program and about you, my friends, and just thinking about July makes me swoon and smile and leap for joy. It was the best experience of my life. LET'S GO BACK for a Waitsfield reunion ASAP.

4. What are you most excited about, looking forward to our online Phase 3 DOTCOM experience coming up this fall?

I can't wait to see how we will use our knowledge from Phase 1 and our July experience to progress in the DOTCOM program. I'm not so sure what to expect right now; DOTCOM Phase two is still quite enigmatic for me, which is exciting! I'm looking forward to using the Flip more-- PSAs, anyone? And just following the blogs of my fellow DOTCOMers is exciting because I MISS EVERYONE SO MUCH and now I look at other DOTCOMer's blogs with a fresh eye because I really KNOW you all now, and I don't feel like I'm reading some distant (but lovely) person's blogs-- I now see the blogs and see your personality's shine through and feel so close to you all even though we're all home. It's so comforting to know that, regardless if you live in Armenia, Azerbaijan, or across America, you are all still living DOTCOM with me, and I feel closer to you all than ever before because of it.

I loved our "field trips" together in D.C. and Vermont. We appeared on the huge screen in the Newseum, which was so cool!!!

Reflections on DC!

1. What did you learn in Washington D.C. about media?

I had a great time in Washington D.C., especially in all of our media-based activities and educational experiences. One of the most notable stops on our trip around D.C. was at the State Department, where we were informed on the ways in which the State Department is utilizing media tools such as "chats" and Facebook to connect to the global population. For example, I was very excited and surprised to hear about the CO.NX webchats-- uniting people from all across the globe-- including State Department experts-- using media 2.0 resources. These chars allow people from countries such as France, Egypt, Kenya, Pakistan, etc., to engage in enlightening and relevant chats on significant current events. I find this to be a very impressive and practical use of "chat" technology, and I appreciate how CO.NX uses chat, a very common and easy to use media tool, to unite people internationally (much like the DOTCOM program has united Azerbaijanis, Armenians and Americans through blogging!)

2. What did you learn in Washington, D.C. about your student colleagues from the other two countries?

The best part about living with my student colleagues from Armenia and Azerbaijan-- sharing a home, eating meals together, and just spending time hanging out and talking-- is that there have been so many opportunities to just ask cultural questions and learn about our similarities and differences. For example, eating breakfast one morning, I asked one Armenian friend about breakfast in her country. I told her that, in America, "breakfast is the most important meal of the day." I asked her what her favorite breakfast food was, and was surprised to hear that, in Armenia, breakfast is not common and, oftentimes, students don't have their first meal until after school at 2PM! Of course, aside from the cultural differences, I learned a lot about our similarities-- we all love music, we love comedy, we love movies nature. D.C. was a wonderful time and I felt like we all really bonded during our time in the big city. :-)

3. What has been hard or challenging about the DOTCOM program so far?

Sometimes the language barrier is a bit of a challenge and I have to be careful in choosing my words because I want all of my friends, from all three countries, to be able to understand my dialogue. I appreciate the "language barrier" issue because it has made me aware of how I speak and it has made me realize the importance of really pronouncing the words I speak and conveying what I say in a clear, coherent way.

4. What has been exciting and rewarding about the DOTCOM program so far?

The most rewarding experience by far has been meeting and getting to know all of the other participants from Armenia, Azerbaijan, and America. It has been only a week and I already feel so close to everyone and cannot wait to continue spending time with all of my new friends as the program progresses!
On another important level, aside from all of the enjoyment I have experienced during this program, I have also gained a great deal of insight from my experience with the Armenians and Azerbaijanis (and other Americans). For example, during dinner tonight, my host family-- consisting of five Americans, an Armenian, and myself-- had a really fantastic, open discussion on the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. This open discussion gave me the opportunity to synthesize what I already knew about the two countries, and allowed me to expand my understanding of the conflict because my Armenian host sister provided a great deal of insight, as well as the rest of my host family. I really feel myself becoming more globally aware, and I am recognizing deeply how important it is for me, an American teenager, to be aware of conflicts such as that of Armenia and Azerbaijan. This is our world and we are all citizens of it, and there is no such thing as an "isolated" conflict: We are all responsible for advocating peace and tolerance.

My Top Three REEL ACTION Themes

In number order of preference:

1. My top choice for a REEL ACTION film is the theme of social justice. One of my biggest passions in life is working to ensure social justice in all dimensions of life: I have worked at the Greater Boston Food Bank and participated in the annual Walk For Hunger to ensure to fight the issue of hunger in my home community; I have lobbied on Capital Hill for civil rights in the workplace; and I have participated in numerous Habitat For Humanities projects because I believe that every person deserves a place they can feel comfortable in and call their home. The entire umbrella of social justice compels me and I would love to do a REEL ACTION film focusing on a social justice-related theme.


2. Religion has always been a topic of interest to me. My synagogue in my home town is located right next to a Mosque, and this past year our two communities have started to plan joint social activities, to raise both cultural and religious awareness and understanding, while simultaneously building social relations and creating friendships. I am vice president of social action on my synagogue's youth board, and this year, I hope to plan more activities with the youth from the Mosque, and with the youths of many other religious communities to build knowledge and understanding, and strengthen tolerance. I would really enjoy working on a 5-7 minute REEL ACTION film focusing on the theme of religion/ religious tolerance.

3. My third choice for my REEL ACTION film is stereotyping. The theme of stereotyping interests me because I believe that stereotyping ensues from a lack of understanding and awareness. If there is some way to get a message out to break down the walls constructed by stereotyping, it is through film. I think that making a REEL ACTION film on stereotyping would allow me the opportunity to expand my own awareness on a given issue through gaining education on the facts, and the effects of the film would open the eyes of others, too.

90 Second Elevator Pitch Video! :D

"Hey, my name is Danielle. I am 17 years old and am from the state of Massachusetts in the United States. Some things you should know about me? Well, I am certainly a nature girl—I adore spending every opportunity I have outside-- going for walks, hiking, and participating in Cross Country running. Music is a tremendous part of my life—I play the flute, piano, and the piccolo. I also adore listening to music, especially classic and Latin rock. My family is the most important part of my life. Their influence and encouragement has helped me to develop a spirit that is filled with immense passion and vivacity. I have an unbelievably optimistic outlook on life, and I live my life in a way that can best be described in the phrase “carpe diem--” seizing the day and, as American author Henry David Thoreau would say, sucking “out all the marrow of life.” I am wildly passionate about working with people and with my community—be it my school, my religious community, my town, my state, my nation. I once read a quote by philosopher William James. It said-- “To change one's life: Start immediately. Do it flamboyantly. No exceptions.” This statement, I realized, does not simply apply to human life, but to human action. Because of this understanding, I do not simply say that I want to make a difference-- I take progressive steps to address matters that are important to me and significant in the lives of others. I truly look forward to the continuation of the DOTCOM program, getting to know everyone involved more and more as the project progresses. Until then, ciao!"

:)

A. What was the most fun/exciting part of the DOTCOM PHASE 1 project for you?

I really enjoyed learning about the different "brains" (i.e. reptilian, neocortex, limbic). I nowadays find myself thinking "This is totally appealing to my limbic brain!" as I drive past beautiful scenery, or sneaking up on my friends and scaring them, using "I was just testing to make sure your Reptilian brain was working alright!" in my defense. The "persuasive media language" module was also one of my favorite parts of phase one because I always have been aware of the fact that media uses subliminal messages and propaganda tools to appeal to the public, but I never analyzed a particular advertisement and dissected the "deeper meanings" of it all. Now whenever I see the Rhapsody commercial, or any other advertisement for that matter, I try to pull it apparent and figure out what the company is trying to "say" to the viewers. I find it to be quite entertaining!

B. What was the most challenging part of the DOTCOM PHASE 1 project for you?

There are so many people, and SO MANY BLOGS that I want to read and follow! I wish that it was easier for me to follow more people's blogs because there is a ton of really awesome, insanely interesting people in the program, and I only got to follow a handful via blog!

C. What is one specific suggestion you have for the DOTCOM PHASE 1 project, when we do this project again?

I have been thinking about a response to this question for quite some time and, honestly, I think that the first phase of the project was planned perfectly-- from the youtube video activities to the online interviews. The chronology and progression of the activities was awesome, too. I truly cannot think of any suggestions for change as of now, however, if I do happen to come up with something later one, I will be sure to post it!

2. Second, find the FUNNIEST video you can find on YouTube, embed it in your blog, and tell us why you find it so funny.

There are too many hilarious videos on youtube for me to deem one "FUNNIEST," but I think that there is something very cute and funny about this video:

Bubbles, Buildings, and Beautiful People

This is a very neat Rhapsody commercial, I must say :)
The Reptilian brain is affected in the first few seconds of the ad when the girl is standing on the rooftop and jumps off-- and we can see the view of the street below. When I see the image of her jumping, I don't know about you, but I get a bit freaked because being that high up and falling is quite alarming! And I can see the road below so I feel like I'm jumping off a building too! Eek!
The Limbic brain is then put into action with the introduction of the catchy "Squeeze Me" song-- it certainly puts a smile on my face and I feel a lot more comfortable after the initial shock. The David Bowie song is more mellow and it makes me feel more relaxed after all the excitement of the first half of the commercial.
The Neocortex brain is used when I start to think about how the music in the commercial affects my mood, and how greatly music and sound can alter attitude and emotions in general. Hmm...

SO here goes the persuasive techniques!

Beautiful People-- The main "actor" of the commercial is an attractive, smiling girl. Not much more to be said, ey?

Symbolism-- The symbolism of the bubble is that music is a safety bubble and shield from the crazy world around us in life (the city and bustling streets below the building from which the girl leaps= crazy life, and the bubbles of music that she jumps into= a source of protection in a crazy, hectic world)

Timing-- The part at the beginning before the music is introduced is quite suspenseful and it makes the affect of the music in the commercial more dramatic and desirable. The "slow", hesitant start (where the girl is just standing on the roof top hearing the sounds of traffic, and the images of the mysterious floating bubbles) makes the viewer appreciate the commercial and the product (the music) so much more than he/she would have if commercial just jumped right into the loud music and action.

Hyperbole-- The commentary at the end saying, "The freedom of rhapsody. Millions of songs: whenever you want, wherever you are" and the slogan "Music without limits" is obviously an exaggeration that is used to express how easily accessible Rhapsody is and to emphasize the wide range of music that they company has to offer.

Strength-- The boldness of the girl to jump off of a rooftop into a floating bubble is certainly a compelling image, and it hooks the viewer into paying closer attention to the remainder of the commercial. The viewer makes a connection between confidence and the product, music. The Rhapsody company is hoping to appeal to the consumer in such a sense to convince him/her to desire, and buy, their product.

Just a lil' something extra, I suppose :)

Hello all!
So I just wanted to post a little bit about my experience participating in Habitat For Humanity over my February break (yes, we have February breaks at my school!). I just want to emphasize the importance of Habitat For Humanity, and for organizations similar to it, because I find the mission of HFH to be so significant. I encourage everyone to participate in something like Habitat AT LEAST once in their lifetime.
For anyone who has not heard of Habitat For Humanity, it is a nonprofit organization that depends on the effort of volunteers to build simple yet durable housing, and the finished houses are sold at an affordable price to individuals and families in need. I went with my temple youth group, which includes a total of about thirty 11th and 12th graders from my congregation, and we spent the week in South Carolina, working on houses in three different locations.
I can honestly say that my experience at Habitat was one of THE MOST incredible experiences of my life. The trip was a great bonding experience, and it left me with a greater sense of appreciation for life and I was, and still am, thankful that I had the opportunity to give families a substantial place to live and create better lives, new memories, and experience so much happiness.
On one of the days we were at this one housing site where this woman stopped by and introduced herself to our group. She said that her name was Richardina, and she had found out, just a few days earlier, that she is going to be the proud owner of the house we were building come April. Richardina said that she has been living with her mother and her three children-- one of whom is about to have a child of her own-- and she told us of how she has been working two jobs to keep her family happy and well. She shared with us the joy that she felt upon hearing that her application to Habitat had been accepted, and the whole time she was in our presence, not even for a moment did a smile leave her face. She laughed and hugged us all, and she shared with us how happy she is that the school where she works just moved from Unsatisfactory State Grade Performance into Satisfactory, which means that her school will now be receiving more funding from the state for resources to better the quality of education at her school and enable students with more opportunities to succeed.
Hearing her story, and seeing, in front of me, a real person who is going to benefit from a house that I helped to build-- it is just an experience that is too amazing to describe in words. All I can say is experience it yourself if you are ever given the opportunity-- I promise it is a life-changing and rewarding experience, and I can assure you that I will be participating in more Habitat trips in my lifetime!

AHH, THE BRAIN!

This video is a great example of how images and music affect the limbic brain: the cute and fuzzy little animal combined with the upbeat music make it so that any viewer feels happier and more cheery upon viewing. The images are just great in this video-- the entire clip is of a hamster lying on a piano, munching on a piece of popcorn! And I have yet to meet a person who doesn't react to this video with an "AWWW!" or at least a smile! The music has a good beat with lyrics sung in high voices, which cause the viewer to perk up and feel more vibrant. Whenever I'm feeling grumpy, I search "Hamster On A Piano" in Youtube and I am put in a much more cheery mood because the clip certainly has that energizing, uplifting effect on my "emotional" brain. I hope it has the same effect on anyone who watches it here!

Media :)

1. BOOKS - Do you read books? What kinds of books do you like to read? What’s a book you are currently reading that you are enjoying?
I am the biggest Shakespeare advocate! I really enjoy all of his work. In particular, I love the Taming of the Shrew, King Lear, and Hamlet, and I am currently reading Much Ado About Nothing. I enjoy reading Shakespeare and other early Western Literature because it is just so interesting and fun to read works from previous time periods and just observe how literature has developed and changed over the centuries. I am a huge fan of satirical works too, such as Giovanni Boccaccio's Decameron and Marguerite de Navarre's Heptameron because I enjoy how they convey meaningful observations about society in a compelling, comedic, way.



2. NEWSPAPERS/MAGAZINES – Do you read newspapers or magazines? What kinds of newspapers and magazines do you enjoy and why?
I truly think that it is important to stay updated in national and global news. As far as magazines go, I love Time and Newsweek. I read them frequently and bring them with me to school to read during my downtime-- I love how they talk about everything, from politics to technology and health studies.
I also use online news sites, such as the New York Times site (http://www.nytimes.com/) and I love http://www.onlinenewspapers.com/ which offers a TON many links to so many online newspapers from all over the world! Online news sites have the same information as print media right at your fingertips, and I really enjoy just browsing and finding articles that interest me.
In such a busy world it is hard to find time to watch the news on T.V., but news magazines, both in print and on the web, are a really great way to stay updated on daily events.


3. MUSIC – Do you listen to or play music? What kinds of music do you like to listen to? How do you listen to music – via cassettes, MP3 files, radio, or live performances? Who is a musician you currently are listening to?
I listen to and play music! Music is an essential part of my life: I play in both the concert band at my school, participate in flute choir, and take private lessons. My flute teacher says that she uses flute to center herself when she is dealing with stress in life, and I couldn't think of a better way to de-stress than playing. However, I love listening to music as much as I enjoy playing it: At home I listen to Pandora.com and I also listen to music via MP3 files. My favorite artists of the moment are Dave Matthews Band, Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young, Guster, and The Grateful Dead, but I am exposed to new, awesome music every day, and am pretty much open to anything!

This is a picture slide show that the one of the music directors at my school put together. It has both choral and instrumental groups, but I play in the concert band and flute choir :)

4. TELEVISION – Do you watch television? (I have not watched TV for 20 years, but I used to watch hours of TV a day as a kid). What kinds of TV do you like to watch and why?
I do not watch television regularly, nor do I follow any particular shows, however, I am a huge South Park fan: some people think it is just a silly cartoon but I find it to be so clever and funny! The political themes, mixed with the humorous subplots and twists, are just so great and keep me thinking and laughing for hours (seriously, HOURS). I also enjoy watching a ton of movies with friends and family-- especially films from the late '70s/ early '80s. I love anything starring Molly Ringwald-- The Breakfast Club, Pretty In Pink, and, my favorite movie, Sixteen Candles. Also, the classics such as Airplane, Can't Buy Me Love, Say Anything, When Harry, Animal House... I love the corny romance plots, dialogue, and comedy of the '70s and '80s.

The trailor for "Can't Buy Me Love" fits the typical '80s style. I love it :)





5. VIDEO GAMES – Do you play video games? Which games do you play and why? What is your favorite video game experience right now?
I have played Wii and Guitar Hero (I am not very good!) and I must admit that I find them quite fun, however I choose to kick it old school with my game systems: I love Gameboy Color! I know they have modified the system numerous times and Nintendo keeps popping out "new and improved" versions but nothing can beat the earlier model. Call me old-fashioned but all I have to say is VIVE SUPER MARIO BROS!

I'm trying to teach myself to beatbox the mario theme on my flute but it's really hard to do!





6. COMPUTERS – Do you use computers much? What kinds of things do you do on your computer?
I just recently started using computer programs such as Garageband, Keynote, and Powerpoint. I mostly have just used them for school-related projects, but I really have enjoyed experimenting with these programs and finding different uses for them. I would like to learn how to use computer programs more though because I think they are fascinating, and I know they have the potential to be used for so much-- I just have to figure out where and how to use them! I really am interested in learning how to make films and edit videos using programs on the computer.

7. INTERNET – Do you spend much time on the Internet? What kinds of activities do you most enjoy pursuing on the Internet?
I do love the Internet, and am constantly fascinated by how much it has to offer. I really did not use the Internet all that much until last year, and I am really happy I utilize it more nowadays, both for leisure and school. I met a ton of wonderful people over the past few years, at camp and summer programs, and I was regretting the fact that I fell out of touch with these people during the year so I decided to make a Facebook account to make communication easier. Now, I regularly communicate with my friends both in the US and in other countries, and my friendships with people who I do not see regularly (because they live in parts of Massachusetts, America, the world...) continue to flourish as a result, which I am incredibly grateful for :)
And Youtube is also great. If ever I miss something on the television news, or if the president makes a speech that I can not watch in real time, I rely on Youtube to keep me in the loop. Everything big on TV is put on Youtube instantly, and it's just incredibly convenient.

Barack Obama's Youtube channel is so useful and I can listen to it whenever, wherever.



Media preference ratings... this is very difficult...
1. Internet (including the online news sites)
2. Music
3. Books
4. Newspapers/ Magazines (print)
5. Computers
6. Television
7. Video games

Knowledge Tree part four!

I think that I would be an asset to this program because I have experience in global philanthropy, and I have an inclusive leadership style where I am always willing to experiment with new ideas and advice presented by others. I have first-hand experience of how the media can be used in a positive way to bring about change, and I have a lot of valuable input that I feel would serve the program well. I have a very relaxed personality, and I am constantly looking for ways in which I can learn from the example of my peers. I seek to gain a lot from this program through my interactions and conversations with the people involved in it, and I truly hope that I can be an inspiration to others as well. I have nothing but hope, determination, and optimism to offer, and I truly look forward to these following weeks.

Knowledge Tree part three!

Because of the economic situation, I am deeply concerned about issue of hunger and homeless in my community and across the nation. The effects of the national economic struggles are prevalent even in my home community-- my school faces a huge budget cut this upcoming year which will result in some faculty losing their jobs and numerous programs will be sacrificed as well. Throughout my high school career I have been dedicated to the mission of the Greater Boston Food Bank and have also participated in the annual Walk For Hunger-- all which help to aid the hunger situation in the Boston area. During my February school break I am going to participate in the Habitat For Humanity program, where my temple youth group will have the privilege of building a home for a person in need of housing. When I return, I plan to continue with my dedication to this cause.

Knowledge Tree part two!

Right now, my relationship with media is quite positive-- With the excitement of the new presidential administration, the News has been quite a thrilling aspect of my life. I have immersed myself in all aspects of the media, including print media, television, and the Internet. I think it is fascinating how our new president has used media to win the election and to become closer to his constituents.
Also, I have become a huge advocate of "Pandora.com"-- I just recently started listening to the online radio station and am loving the new music that I have discovered as a result of customized radio. :)
At school I am enrolled in a multimedia course and we just began working with the Garageband program. I quite enjoy it because I'm working on making my own music and it's just very interesting experimenting with different sounds and testing out the many options offered by the program.

Knowledge Tree part one!

Hello again!
I'd like to share with you all a bit about me-- about my personality, what motivates me, and what inspires me each day. As I mentioned before, I am a high school junior from Massachusetts. I am incredibly passionate about working with people-- my interactions with others have been a major factor in shaping who I am as a person, and I am constantly inspired by the people I interact with daily. I am incredibly energetic and have a really positive perspective on life-- my friends have defined me as a 'raging optimist'. Simultaneously, I am a very thoughtful person and I am very socially aware and compassionate.
This past summer I volunteered at Children's Hospital in Boston and I had the opportunity to work alongside a pediatrician and child life specialist in the Oncology unit. Child life specialists are trained professionals who assist children and families during difficult life experiences and, in the hospital setting, child life specialists bring vivacity and comfort to many patients and their relatives. I fell in love with the experience and , inspired by the absolutely amazing kids I met, I hope to volunteer and intern at Children's Hospital again in the future and in college.
During the school year I am involved in community work, particularly at my synagogue where I am a co-chair of social action on my temple's youth board. We have pursued many projects including addressing the global issue of hunger and homeless, and raising awareness of the plight of the people of Darfur. I plan to study humanities, especially psychology or sociology, because I am so interested in working with people and am fascinated by human nature in general. Inherent in the need to bring change to create a better world, I want to get better grounding in the field of diplomacy, and in particular, to learn how to express my thoughts and achieve consensus toward common goals.
My favorite classes at school are definitely Literature and History. I am currently taking a class called Western Civilizations which has a dense philosophical theme based on Plato's concept of "virtue", and I am studying the religions associated with the Asian continent in my Asian Studies class. I also really enjoy chemistry. :)
I am involved in many extracurricular activities at my school, including student government, concert band (I play the flute!), cross country running and track, and my school's chapter of Invisible Children, an organization founded to assist the youth of Northern Uganda amidst civil unrest and war. The organization raises money to give children and teens, many orphaned, the opportunity of education and a positive future. Education is something that I feel too many people take for granted-- especially during midyear exams, which I am taking right now. I have come to realize that many of my classmates look at education as "work" and not as "opportunity" or "privilege"-- I wish more people could see education from the brighter perspective, and take it less for granted.
The most important thing that I think you all should know about me is that, while I am a fun person, I am truly passionate about contributing nothing but positive energy and valuable input into this program. I respect all of you involved in the DOTCOM program-- you all are amazing and I so look forward to getting to know everyone more and more as everything progresses.

MLK Day

Hello! My name is Danielle, and I am a high school junior from MA. Today marks my seventeenth Martin Luther King Day. Like many, on this day I shift my mental gears to that milestone that took place on August 28, 1963-- the day when Martin Luther King Jr. stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and addressed a critical point in America's history. I am forever inspired by the words he stated on that day:

"Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children."

The fact is, our world has transformed so much in the past 45 years since Martin Luther King Jr. made his speech-- but his attitude on change that has inspired America, and the entire world, has never faded. In fact, it is this very night, the evening before Barack Obama becomes the first African American president in United States history, that I wonder what kind of change we will make in the following years. Change is only as successful as the energy and dedication one puts into making it happen. On this historic evening, I reflect on my own life, what I want to do, how I want to act to bring about change on my own. Barack Obama has called us to serve our country and our world-- to make a difference. This is an affirmation of my belief and reflects my own values that every citizen of the world ought to serve the global community, to bring about positive change. I can't wait to hear the words of Barack Obama, as he becomes our 44th president. I am both hopeful and excited.