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.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
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!"
Sunday, April 26, 2009
:)
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:
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:
Saturday, March 28, 2009
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.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
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!
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!
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