CBC Documentary - The End

CBC put out a documentary mini series focusing on the changing trends in technologies that have been around for a while. It is a three part series which focuses on print, radio, and television. CBC host Jian Ghomeshi interviews people in the industry as well as every day users of these technologies to get an insight in the direction the entertainment industry is heading.

Fun Fact: My dad went to high school with Jian Ghomeshi

Of the three parts, the one I felt most relatable to my blogging class was “The End of Print” one. One side of the argument was that because of mediums, such as blogs, the days of print media, such as newspapers or books, are over. I believe this to be semi true. I do think the amount of news papers, magazines, and books will decrease in the future, I still think there is a place for it in this world. I know that I love picking up the latest issue of Rolling Stone magazine and keeping it for bathroom reading. You can’t bring a laptop into the bathroom to read news updates! (or can you?) I also don’t think I could get used to the idea of reading a novel on a screen. A few news articles here and there are fine, but I think I would rather have the actual book, just as Margaret Atwood mentions in the video.

I also feel the way about the radio segment. Although the world is moving towards more electronic and digital forms of music, there is a place for the traditional radio. Again, my bathroom is the perfect place for it. I always have it on while in the shower. I get to catch some news, hear a couple of tunes and it makes life a little more interesting. I can’t bring my ipod or a satellite radio into the bathroom.

All in all, I think for someone in my demographic, regular tv, traditional radio, and print media still are really relevant in my life.

All three parts of the documentary can be seen here

Songs I'm currently obsessed with

Have you ever just suddenly become obsessed with a particular song or two? I find it especially weird since it is never new songs, it's songs I have heard and known but all of a sudden are obsessed with. Currently, two songs are on non stop repeat on my iTunes. These are Paul Simon's "You Can Call Me Al" and Toto's "Africa". Below are a couple of great live versions of these tunes.

Will Ferrell's "You're Welcome America"

I recently saw (on TV) Will Ferrell's one man show he does about George W Bush. It is quite hilarious, if you come across it or can get your hands on a copy I really recommend it! Here is a short clip:

I Was Saying Boo-urns!

Don't you find that everything in life can relate back to a Simpsons episode? This a clip from the film festival episode "A Star is Burns" , one of my favorites!

20 Movies to be Released in 2009

I found this great video showing some titles and posters of upcoming movies in 2009. Anything in particular you are looking forward to? Personally, I can't wait to see Johnny Depp and Christian Bale in Public Enemies.

Mac Vs PC

Mac vs PC seems to be a topic that never seems to go away. I am an avid Apple fan and came across these great images making fun of Windows. Feel free to discuss your opinion on the Mac vs PC War!

An Anthropological Introduction to YouTube

There was a really interesting video I came across entitled "An Anthropological Introduction to Youtube". It is a presentation by Dr. Michael Wesch who I have been following for a while and he is a cultural anthropologist and media ecologist who focuses on how online communities effect the real world. For a while now I have been very interested in Dr. Wesch's work and this video shows him giving a presentation about the impact of YouTube. In this presentation he really explains the power of social networking and how a lot of the YouTube sensations came to be and what that means. Currently, I am a Residence Don at Western at Saugeen Maitland Hall. Part of my job is to build a community with first year students and an environment of inclusivity, diversity, and leadership. I have been very interesting in developing online communities to supplement my goals when building my community in residence. In fact, In January I did a presentation entitled "Rez 2.0" which showed how things such as YouTube can have an impact in a residence community. I have seen a few other videos by Dr. Wesch and all have intrigued me very much. The impact that YouTube has had really changes a lot of things. The way television shows and movies are being made are largley affected by the success YouTube is experiencing. I would love to be a part of Dr. Wesch's classes, I think it would be really facinating! Here is the "Anthropological Introduction to Youtube" video along with some other videos by Wesch and his digital ethnography group: