Sorry Beyonce, Girls Don't Run The World...Money Does...

"Why do a number of women's sports succeed, yet basketball fails?" Where does basketball go wrong? I comes down to what is wrong with the above video; Basketball is NOT Basketball. 

The WNBA has long compared themselves to the NBA and there in lies the problem: you're not the NBA. Your skill level is is lower, your athleticism is lower and your ability to dunk is nonexistent. But for some reason you WNBA are still alive and beating and it's because of the underlined sexism. 

If we put aside the fact that there are women and even the fact that the people who support the staying alive of this sport are mostly women then all you are left with is a failing business. 

Like any business minded person, I understand that after a decade and some change of existence and my books aren’t safely in the black, I’m going to start weighing my options and find a way out. But because men don’t want to be mean and women don’t want to lose their independence and fall back in time, we are stuck with a sport that nobody wants and is milking the NBA dry.

Here is what I want to say, can women's sport's succeed? YES THEY CAN! Should women be allowed to play and grow in their own sport and own way? HECK YEA! But stop feeding me this lie that the game is the same. Ladies should be able to be ladies and not draw comparison to their male counter parts. You don't see Mia Hamm challenging David Beckham to a match. And when  Serena Williams or Maria Sharapova are out on the court, you don't see them trying to compare themselves to Roger Federer or Pete Sampris. No, they just come out and play the game they love to play and they just happen to do a great job of entertaining us along the way.

In the blogs to come, I will talk more about the lack of sales in the individual cities which contributes greatly to the overall failure in addition to the bad timing of the WNBA (having its season in the summer during MLB and when most people are on vacation) and the advertising in the media. 

~Give Me Room to Stand, And I Will Move the World~

Why Is It Still Here?!?!

So, apparently I have been going in the wrong direction with my Justification paper, but Professor York helped me out.

The thing I would like for people to know a out the WNBA is that I feel it is a waste of money. The games, the gear, and the girls are all replaceable and I feel that we should go ahead and end it.

The piece of medium I feel I should use (I don't even know if I can call it a medium) is the lack of sales; specifically of the one video game that the program has.

The reason I chose this medium, and why it fits best, is the simple fact that the lack of sales shows that the people, those that are the target audience and even others, do not want this product.

So why do we waste money on it? For diversity, and for girls to grow up desirous of a career that nobody else is interested in. I really cannot see any other benefit to the WNBA.

~Give Me Room to Stand, And I Will Move the World~

PR Agents vs News Channels?

To the question “What steps can reporters and editors take to monitor PR agents who manipulate the news media?” I ask why you would want to stop them. I feel that in that manipulation everyone wins. The news becomes interesting, which causes viewers to watch longer and the subject gets face time, which I say any publicity in good publicity. The symbiotic relationship helps all parties involved in this trade. To delve deeper, the news team that would run the media just got “free” work because they didn’t have to do any research, but the PR agents are able to spin the story whichever way they would like. As a viewer, to interoperate the news that is being provided and fact or fiction is irrelevant. If I’m watching a channel that I trust and they give me news about a story that I’m either interested or not interested in, then I automatically trust that too, right? As the viewers become more conscious of what their watching then they could make the decision to believe what is right. The job of the PR agent is to persuade you to believe what they would you to about their client while the news station is just there to provide news…It seems like everyone gets a piece of the cake in this situation. When in come to me, I like to hear more than one opinion than just mine. Does it mean I will change my thoughts? Not really, but I like to hear what others think and maybe engage in a healthy debate.

~Give Me Room to Stand, And I Will Move the World~

The Good... And The Not So Good

When it comes to commercials, I can’t that I truly recall my first encounter; they have always been there. However I do remember the first commercial (for me) that really gave a buzz, I mean everyone was talking about these commercials. The Budweiser Frogs was the first big recognizable commercial for me. Anyone who is anyone was talking about those frogs and reciting the commercial line for line. My favorite commercial is pretty recognizable, because there are many forms of this one commercial.

The E-Trade Baby holds a special dear place in my heart.

This commercial < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fmw23Ad9aLM> or even this one

< http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqVBKO_QM3o>

I can’t exactly put my finger on why I love these commercials so much. Maybe, it’s because I know what’s going to happen and I still get excited or maybe even because I don’t watch it for the product. I don’t use E-Trade…never even stumbled upon their website, but if they keep giving me commercials like the ones that are out know, I won’t use my Tivo and fast forward through them.

The type of commercials that get on my nerves may make me seem heartless. But I HATE those ASPCA commercials. I have literally dove across couches and nearly broken my neck to get the remote to change the channel. If you don’t know what I am talking about let me show you.

< http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gspElv1yvc>

Oh dear God, tell me you didn’t just die a little right there and then?!? It’s already sad to see these animals hurt and abused, but the to add that song…that song that reminds you of your own life and how short it is.

Both types of ads serve their own purpose, but then they share a common: to ge the word out about their product or cause. And ultimately they have done a good job of portying it in a way so that I remember the commercial, whether positively or negatively.

~Give Me Room to Stand, And I Will Move the World~

It’s Like Having My Bookcase Everywhere!

Would I like to read my books on a device that is light weight and compact, holds more books than my backpack, can also hook me up to the internet and comes with me everywhere I go anyways? YES!!! What kind of question is that? Reading my book on my iPad is like the best thing that has ever happened to me. I don’t really read different genres of books, but when I find a good series I can’t help but be lost in the mystery and imagination of it all.

It’s is a great conversion stopper. Let me explain. J I have many friends that will argue about the information that a particular book gives. I then come in with my trusty iPad and turn to the exact page and prove them wrong while making me smile just a little bit.

I hope that having access to book on out hand held devices will increase children’s desire to read. I feel that the nation can improve its literacy one Kindle at a time. Kids already use if for games and studying why not add one more thing to their list and encourage them to explore their imaginations and read. The bonuses to this are if they stumble upon a word they do not know, they have a dictionary a few clicks away. Or if they finish one book and don’t want to break the mood of getting up to find another, one quick search and they can have a new series of books waiting to be read.

~Give Me Room to Stand, And I Will Move the World~

Let's Lock and Load!!!

One of my favorite magazines is Guns and Ammo. OMG!!! I become a kid in a candy store when I get the latest issue. From hand guns and bullets to holsters and news, Guns and Ammo has it all!!! This magazine (even though I mostly use the online version) helps satisfy my thirst for knowledge about my hobby and how to better my skills by using the right tools. Now, it took me a minute, but I came to the realization that my love for this magazine defines me as a consumer. I use this magazine to sift through the many options I have as a gun user; mainly what gun works best for myh hand type and competition. I buy products, not just guns, and accessories to help advance my skills. I realize that every citizen has an access to the second amendment (which is essential the right to bare arms) and if I was using this magazine to find out more about the second amendment, then I could be defined a citizen, but because I use it to find out the latest news, about how having protection can save lives, or how much my new Springfield M19 will cost, I am a consumer.

I don’t think magazines have a responsibility to educate readers as a consumer or citizen, I think that readers are attracted to what they want. Magazines are there to provide the product that the people desire. And also, isn’t that what we have newspapers for? To be educational. I know that when I started with Guns and Ammo it didn’t have nearly as many stories as it have now, but when they felt secure in their fan base they add more stories until eventually the whole last section of the magazine is about the good uses of guns and self defense mechanisms. I think that Guns and Ammo do their civic duty by encouraging people to take classes at your nearest range or club, preferably sponsored by the NRA and also mention that if you do not use your civic right to protect yourself, the government might threaten to take it from you. Most importantly, they stress how ammunition is for self protection and the protection of others and any other use is subjected to a court of law.

<http://www.gunsandammo.com/>

~Give Me Room to Stand, And I Will Move the World~

Big Brother is Watching...

Newspapers have always intending to provide the reader with a pressing topic (politics, weather, foreign nations, ect) give a few examples and maybe a few opinions, but hopefully (ultimately) the final opinion was that of the reader…and that was the opinion that was suppose to matter. But on a rare occasion newspapers bring attention to matters that we, as readers, didn’t even know we cared about until we read it. And it is because of this point I feel that newspapers still play a role in being that “watchdog” figure; keeping big business in check.

The message that newspapers give is one of concern for the people; whether for or against the problem or product. Our very own Atlanta Journal Constitution provided an article as to how the headphones, mainly used on Apple products, are causing ear loss in teens and young adults. Now this article can be received in many different ways. One can read this and think, “Wow, maybe I shouldn’t use Apple headphones,” while another person may think, “This kids need to be off these devices and read a book any ways.” What I feel this article truly did was cause Apple to revisit their product, cause them to think, is this true? How can we help consumers to buy this product without fear of hearing loss? Newspapers articles also work both ways though.

Apple, a few weeks later, asked for a rebuttal article that stating, “Nothing is fundamentally wrong with our headphones, but please be sure that the volume is not up all the way as you listen to your programs.” In addition, they did place a warning label on their headphone packages.

Newspapers help keep the people informed about these businesses that they trust so highly. If newspapers downsize, and in my opinion become obsolete, the knowledge of the people would decrease. Newspapers do what people don’t and even can’t; get to the source and ask questions. The average person cannot ask the CEO of a company why they do what they do, but newspapers ( by showing the interest of the people) can persuade and convince the head to have a sit down.

At the end of the day, I would like to know the different situations that are plaguing my community, my city and especially my country.

~Give Me Room to Stand, And I Will Move the World~

What's Playing At The Roxy??

I would like to think that I watch a significant amount of movies. I go to the movie theaters about five times a month, I am an AMC Gold Card Member (I got it back when movies were like $6 a ticket), my DVD collection takes up two tall five-shelf bookshelves in two different locations and I have two 120G external hard drive that only contain movies….yea, I like movies.

How did I get that way? My sister. She is the one who turned me on to the deeper meaning in movies. She took a film critic course at GA Tech and we talked about every movie she had to watch and after the class the critiquing continued. Although she and her course taught me to see the sense of the movie, my joy came from the unification of most movies. The people different people that go to see it, the conversations/debates that are started when friends and family realized they saw the same movie. It brings back a small sense of community to a group of people.

Although I go to the movies often and watch them on my PS3 (because really, who has a DVD player anymore) I prefer to watch my movies on my external hard drive on my computer. It’s quicker and easier to operate. Sometimes I don’t want to see the whole movie, just a quick part, so I skip to the part I like and exit when I want to. And to be honest, I don’t like watching movies on TV. There are just too many commercials and most of the time, so that the station can keep the movie within the two hour time limit, they will cut some parts out…most of the time, it’s your favorite part that gets cut.

And of course, thanks to the great invention that is Netflix, I can now watch all those old movies that my older friends and parents said were so funny (but the really aren’t) for a low low price. And another invention that is helping my addiction is Red Box. Rent a movie (or game) for a $1 a night every time you have it until you return it to the box…what broke college student doesn’t love that idea? J

~Give Me Room to Stand, And I Will Move the World~

Will There Be One?

Well, for my project I decided to interview a couple of people and to start it off I interviewed a colleague of mine. She attended Georgia Tech and in high school played the very sport I'm writing about. Jewel Welch (my big sister) played for the Lady Bulldogs of Decatur High School in downtown Decatur for four years. She helped lead the Lady Bulldogs as close to the state championship as any team has ever gotten, and after her graduating class, the success of the Lady Bulldogs went down hill. She gave me her thoughts on the topic of the WNBA

...

Me: The WNBA was created for women and yet women are the last to watch it, why do you think that is?

Jewel: First of all, sports are only attractive to athletic people. The WNBA was created for women yes, but only people who like sports and are athletic would be interested. Then you narrow it down to only athletic women and from there, narrow it down even more to athletic women, who like basketball. You come to realize that the target audience is very small.

Me: Why do you think the WNBA is not as popular as the NBA?

Jewel: They don't dunk. Limited genetics prohibit [women] from doing the very thing that we all love in basketball. The average women does not grow past 5'9", then add in the factors that we cannot jump as high as men and not built as strongly.

Me: Would you say this is why the WNBA is not as entertaining?

Jewel: Yes! Entertainment is all about what can sell tickets. You're not gonna sell tickets by showing off slow, fundamental basketball. But father a fast pace, throw an alley-oop in the air and dunk it basketball.

Me: What do you think can help improve the knowledge sales tickets of the WNBA?

Jewel: For one, I think advertisement. I can't remember the last time I saw a commercial for the WNBA, but I saw like nine in one hour of watching TV. Constant advertising.

...

It was a short interview, but I learned a lot. So, from an old basketball player herself, the WNBA is not even appealing. I can only imagine what my non-athletic associates have to say.

~Give Me Room to Stand, And I Will Move the World~

Find a Show That's Right For You...

When I'm watching TV, it's not the channels that attract me but more the shows. I find a show that I like and I watch it...no matter what channel it is on. For instance, I love Family Guy (don't ask me why, I just watched it for kicks and giggles one day and fell in love with it). Now, Family Guy is produced my FOX network, so whenever a new episode comes out (Sundays at 9 p.m.), it airs first on FOX. Then a few years back Adult Swim (Cartoon Network for grown ups) bought the first and second seasons of episodes and plays it every weekday night from 11 p.m.-12 a.m. And then TBS got a hold of how successful the show was and bought some episodes also, and they air them Mondays and Wednesdays 8 p.m.-11p.m. and 8 p.m. -10 p.m. respectfully. I watch all of those airings; anytime it's on, I'm turning my television to watch it.

Now, I say that I like show and not the actual cable channel because some of the TV shows that come on the same channel as a loved show of mine I can tolerate but then there are other shows that are just...not my cup of tea. Example, I mentioned I like Family Guy, and its sister show is American Dad, which is a decent show, but Aqua Hunger Teen Force, which airs on Adult Swim with American Dad and Family Guy, is just ridiculous. I mean, if talking cups and chunks of meat is your thing, then go ahead and be happy, but I'll be happy for you...from a distance.

If I had to pick a reason why I'm attracted to certain channels, it would because the shows that they produce make me laugh and leave me caught in their drama. I can enjoy a good comedy any day of the week, so if your shows make me laugh, I'm watching it. I return your attention to FOX. Glee is one of my top favorite five shows; I watch it every Tuesday. FOX also produces the show New Girl, Bones, Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice. Granted the latter three are more serious themed shows, I enjoy them more for their drama than their comedy, but the attraction is there and powerful. It looks like after righting this blog I do have a favorite cable channel: FOX Network.

~Give Me Room to Stand, And I Will Move the World~

Don't Worry... I've Got TiVo...

I remember when (back when the remote didn’t have a ‘Previous Channel’ button) I would clear my entire schedule (no phone calls, no texts, no Facebook, no homework) just to watch 48 minutes of Law and Order SVU. I would use the commercial breaks to grab snacks and talk, because when the show came back on it was all quiet. Now, I just set of TiVo to record it, I don’t have to be there as it records, watch it later that night and fast forward through the commercials.

TiVo changed everyone’s life (even the ones who don’t own it). The ability to save an episode or an entire season and have a personal marathon whenever you wanted caused people to continue with their lives. What I mean by that is, I know people who would be out having fun and leave the festivities just to make sure they got home in time to see the latest episode. But before there was Tivo, there was Hulu, the internet version of TiVo (almost). If you missed your show, don’t worry because by the next night Hulu would have it up and you could watch it…from the beginning! The only problem with Hulu is everyone would be one at the same time (at night, after work/school) causing it to run slowly. Then they added commercials and that was the end of that.

TiVo came and then after that Netflix. Netflix gave people the ability to have an entire series of tv shows (and movies) for lower than the cost than cable. Six to eight seasons of your favorite show, 22 episodes per season, all for around $10 a month. Still giving the ability to watch when you had the time, Netflix became more desired than cable. So if you had to work late, don’t worry…your show will be there on Netflix waiting for you. Then, to top it all off, all of these opportunities were offered to you on your hand held device; making it able for one to watch on the go. So, if you’re waiting for your dentist you could watch a quick episode of Lost or Cake Boss.

Are habits are changing in the simple fact that there is no more community when it comes to watching tv. People use to gather together at someone’s house to watch the season premiere of a show. But now, people just watch on their own time, when they have the time. And if you fall asleep, don’t worry, you can rewind Tivo.

~Give Me Room to Stand, And I Will Move the World~

It Only Took 15 Years...

On the heels of a much publicized gold medal run by the 1996 USA Basketball Women's Team at the 1996 Summer Olympics Games, the WNBA began its first season on June 21, 1997 to little fanfare. With currently twelve teams, the WNBA just came out with the first ever WNBA video game...hoping to attract "the target audience in a different manner." But is it really worth the buyers time?

One YouTube, I found a video that is essentially showing off the video game played to Beyonce's "Run the World"

<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdrwBbymsdE>

As you watch please notice the horrible graphics and non-complex moves the players make (no alley-oops or cross overs, just basic dribbling and maybe a spin move). This type of media is actually a turn off for a gamer such as myself. The first the scenes of the commercial did not grab me at all.

I think the commercial is just trying to help a player imagine what it would be like to be their favorite players and win a game or maybe even a tournament, but the lack of visual stimulation is actually causing this game to seem less desirable than they intended.

Overall, I feel that this commercial did it's part to get the word out there that there is this video game out and we want you to buy it, but as far as making me, or any other viewer, more interested in the WNBA I think it failed. If I wanted to see horrible playing I would actually watch the WNBA, not play a video game.

As far as engagement is concerned, i'm staying away from this game. The commercial did it's job for me, caused me to really not want to waste money on this game. But when one think of engagement from the controversial standpoint, this game is targeting the lesbian audience. Never have you heard a homosexual remark about men playing ball together (even when it's street ball and less clothes are being worn) but put five girls on a court with short on and it's The L Word all over again.

Another commercial for the WNBA (not the video game), this one actually shows some players, just for your viewing pleasure.

<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X640QFzxl94&feature=results_main&playnext=1&list=PL2990AC6D36E29F22>

~Give Me Room to Stand, And I Will Move the World~

"That's My Jam, Turn It Up!"

I cannot remember the very first time I listened to the radio or the date or how old I was, but I do remember what was playing. My daddy and I have a love for Christmas; really it’s a passion maybe even borderline obsession. We are like two kids with Toys R U gift cards…ready to go wild. When I was younger (and to be fully honest, to this day), after he go home from work we would lay sitting room in the dark and listen to Delilah on B98.5 play Christmas songs for hours. There is something about Christmas that unifies people. And for foreigners like us, we can imagine our family listening to the same song, whether on their radio, and it us really warm inside. Sometime we would lie there so long he would forget I was there and forget I had school in the morning. “Don’t tell your mother, now run upstairs,” he would tell me. And at the top of the stairs, listening to the same station in her room was my mom, shaking her head and smiling.

I had to do a little research on its call letters, which are WSB, and I still did not get a clear answer. But I read that Monica Pearson, from 11 Alive, said it stands for Welcome, South Brother, but that could just be her special phrase for it. I listen to B98.5 for the simple fact that they play good music. They, when it’s not Christmas time, play the “best songs from the 80’s, 90’s and now.” But that translates to me is the best songs from the best era of music, music that I grew up with and music that I like now. Plus they are clean, so I can keep my spirit man happy also. When I hear the music in the car, all I can do is turn up the volume and enjoy!

~Give Me Room to Stand, And I Will Move the World~

You Can Hate On Me

Jill Scott is a wonderful artist who has found a perfect mixture of jazz, spoken word, R&B, and hip-hop. Her soft toned lyrics plus "black girl power" attitude is what first attracted me. Jill Scott demands your attention and respect without even uttering a word. When I first heard Scott I was a preteen...I didn't think I was cute, didn't think I was smart and I just figured I'll just live my life and stay out of the way of others; just let life run right by me. But after hearing "Golden," a song that speaks about appreciating your life (your freedom) and living your life to the fullest, but most importantly enjoying the ride as you go, my mentality about the life I was graciously given changed. She gave of the vibe that she didn't care what anyone thought about her because she loved herself. I continued to listen to Jill Scott and I felt myself gaining strength; realizing that the special thing that is in me is desirable to someone and it's worth showing off. Then songs like "The Way," "Cross My Mind," and "A Long Walk" inspired me to love in a way that was extraordinary. Most of these songs are directed to one gentleman, but I broaden the view to see the bigger picture. Causing me to grow and learn thus providing the world with this sarcastic loving young lady that you see today.

Her neo-soul song "Hate On Me" is the most influential song of her collection for me. I have actually dedicated it to be one of my theme songs for life. The lyrics basically express her feelings, toward yet another gentleman (but let's think outside the box) as to how she could make everything right in "your" life and "you" would still complain....so, you can just hate on me. :-) This song sealed how I wanted the world to view me; I will give you 110% to anything I do, but if you don't like it, that's fine by me...hate on me.

Because of Scott's music, lifestyle and lyrics I have grown and matured into an independent minded, seriously devoted young lady who will work hard for what she wants. You might not want to stand in my way, because I'm not stopping until I hit the top. The most important thing about her music is the positive message. Never does she slander anyone's name or make a group of people feel bad for being different, but instead she gives you her point of view and her emotions and that's it.... what you have to say about it is simply your opinion and nothing more.

"I don't need your love if you don't want to give it, I'm the president of my own fan club!" -Me

~Give Me Room to Stand, And I Will Move the World~

No Love for the WNBA

As I sat thinking about this topic, I wondered to myself, "Why are there no video games for the WNBA?" As I began my search I stumbled upon an article written by Tim Dahlberg in 2007 entitled "Other Voices: Women Don't Watch WNBA, Either."

The article revolves around one main observation: the target audience for the WNBA (i.e. women) don't even watch it. Dahlberg goes on to mention that is not that women lack the interest in sports, but that they just prefer to see men do it. I kept reading and dug deeper to find out that because women's sports have not been able to maximaize their many opportunites, there were talks about cutting out scholarships for college girls who wanted to play. Because although there were (still are) a few females that wanted to go on with their basketball career, there were (and still is) more women who don't want to continue. I would like to go out on a limb here and say that, for women, just because we can doesn't mean we want to. Let me explain.

The women before me have fault for my right to vote and to be treated like any red-blooded American you see walking down the street. And even with all those rights and power, I still dream about getting married, settling down and being an active house wife. I grew up with my mom in the household (she is a teacher, so when I had school vacation so did she) and I can see the benefits in my life that her constant love and attention that she provided. And then I have friends whose moms were so busy at work (using those rights women so despereately fought for) they didn't pay much attention to their child and now....well, who knows where that child is now. I think that even though women have the option, at the end of the day they just want the typical American dream.

The lack of love for the WNBA from women is a little disheartening, but it shows you what America wants. Even with other sports...when is the last time you watched a softball match? Or a female gulf tournament? Do you know what sport the Western New York Flash belong to? (It's Women's Professional Soccer by the way) How do women's professional sports play a part in your life? Are they even in your life?

~Give Me Room to Stand, And I Will Move the World~

Living Room or Chat Room??

The question if virtual communities are genuine really brought up a heated conversation between my friends and I. A female friend said it was diminishing how we communicate. We no longer can read facial expressions and sarcasm because it's hard to put your emotions on a screen...unless you take the time to write it out, but where's the fun in that? On the other hand, my male friend came from another side: video games. He mentioned the growing of a game, World of Warcraft, and in this game you create an avatar and defeat evil doers and such. But you also have to live your life; eat, sleep find a mate and get married. He informed me how people would meet in the games and their avatars would get married and some even went as far as to meet in real life, date and eventually get married. If you ask me that's a little creepy, but hey, to each his own.

I had to side with both of them. Where chat rooms can connect those of us across the water from each other, it can also connect unwanted people who may or may not live around the corner. That danger of you never can trust who that person says they are wins over for me. This leads to kids not knowing how to trust what a person says and understanding danger. So where virtual communities can be great for socializing and relaxation, I don't feel that they are benefiting our growth as human beings. If anything, I think technology is slowing down our evolution, but hey....that's a blog for another time....

~Give Me Room to Stand, And I Will Move the World~

Battle of the Sexes...But Not Really

Sports: not for everyone, but once in a while you'll find one you like then you're hooked for life. But the one thing that most people can agree on, whether they enjoy sports or not, is that women sports are just no good. And I don't know if anyone can really put a finger as to why they don't like women sports, except for that they're "just not as entertaining." I know this may sound harsh being a woman myself, but I don't even enjoy women sports, and I love everything soccer. Now, if someone gave me a free ticket to go see Atlanta Beats play, I would go and enjoy myself, but to sit down and watch USA's women team play...I think I'll pass.

I feel that the underlined connection is the "barbarianism" of it all. Romans and Greeks would put two slave men in a cage together and say, "who ever lives gets to have their freedom," and watch, just for entertainment. And at the heart of it all, we all enjoy watching two men, with nothing to lose, fight to the death. Now and days, instead of slaves we have football players and instead of a death pit we have the gridiron.

Some men have tried to make women sports entertainment more entertaining. Where do you think Lingerie football came from or even pool-full-of-mud wrestling? But there is that sexual theme that is also linked to that, making not accessible to all ages. I think the injury rate plays a factor too. For people to see a woman get hurt is sad, but for a man to get hurt it's cool, and we want to see more of it.

Let's face it, women sport will never be as great as the guys...At the end of the day, people would rather see Kobe Bryant than Lisa Leslie dunking a basketball.

~Give Me Room to Stand, And I Will Move the World~

It Takes Two...

What is college but practice for the real world? And the real world is not just answering a bunch of hypothetical questions, it's "getting your hands dirty" and solving the big problems. For me, it makes no sense to separate practice from theory; they depend on one another. Theory helps a person creatively consider all options while practice shows you a consequence, whether good or bad, once a decision is made and followed through with. And if that decision didn't work as well as once conceived, it's back to the drawing board. A good portion of the relationship between theory and practice when it comes to liberal arts courses (or any course for that matter) is the uncertainties of the job can worked out, from the personal to the practical.

A person wondering if being a newspaper journalist is the job for him, what better way to find out than to talk about what it takes to be a journalist and then going out on campus or even the community and writing a story that is an interest among the target audience. Or, for a young lady who may want to work in television, dealing with a disgruntle camera man is easier after talking about ethics and problem solving in a classroom.

Knowledge is always better retained when accompanied by engagement. From vocabulary words with a picture to a job description with shadowing. Learning all you learn in college means absolutely nothing if you don't put it to good use. Universities are better for it is they offer theory with practice in accompaniment.



~Give Me Room to Stand, And I Will Move the World~

...These Are Their Stories Dun! Dun!

In my preteen days, Law and Order SVU was just getting up and running and its "ripped from the headlines" topics would keep my eyes glue to the television from the hours of 10pm to 11pm every Tuesday night. For me, it was a first hand look on how this country's legal system work and how there was no not getting caught for the bad guys. This show gave me a sense of hope, because no matter how bad the local news would portray the police department, this show gave you an image of a strong team, working together for the greater good. The diversity of the unit plus all of their knowledge being put to the test showed me how persistence is key, and how even though you may not have gotten the right person the first time you can't give up because other people are depending on you to catch the right criminal.

As I got older, I started to see the world in a different light. I started to be a little more sympathetic toward the villains. Instead of criminals who didn't like the world and wanted revenge, I saw abused people who just wanted an outlet and went about it in the manner. Law and Order started to show criminals who grew up in a bad neighborhood, like some of the kids that went to my school, and bad guys who had very dysfunctional families, like some of the classmates I knew. This showed me that people weren't bad because the wanted to be, but sometimes that's all they know, and yes they have to be accountable for their actions, but maybe (just maybe) they are not entirely to blame. I thought to myself, "If this person just had someone safe they could talk to, it may not have gotten this far..." That may be naive thinking, but it's what drove me to see the good in everyone, even if it's not very apparent.

If Law and Order SVU has taught me anything, it's that sometimes even when you win, you lose.

~Give Me Room to Stand, And I Will Move the World~

Welch's Grape Juice

Hello All!

My name is Jem Welch and I am a fourth year student at Southern Polytechnic State University (SPSU). I am changing my major from Civil Engineering Technologies to New Media Arts (which, naturally is setting me back a little bit) because I realized I can't sit in a office all day and do work...I would die! So, my hope is that branching into New Media, I will have a broader knowledge of the world and how it functions and more availability to go out into the world and "soar." I plan to be a photographer, but what my focus would be, right now, I'm not quite sure.

Just to let you know a little about me, I am the daughter of a accountant and school teacher and the youngest of three. I was born in Antigua where playing soccer and cricket is law :-). When I'm not in class, I just like to be around friends, because I know it won't be too long before one of us suggests something stupid and we all say Yea! to it. I work at Big Thinkers Science Exploration as a scientist who performs experiments for kid's birthday parties, in-class field trips or school assemblies. It's a really fun job because I get to combined two of my favorite things: interesting, need to know information and kid's eagerness to learn.

The mass media I really enjoy is photography, because as they say, "a picture's worth a thousand words." However, it's not always the picture that interest me more as the "thousand words" that are said. I love to hear the opinions of others; it's always intriguing to see the glass from different eyes, whether half full...or half empty...or to see it like me, a container that is twice as large as it needs to be.

One of the best ways to remember me is my name, Jem. My big sister, Jewel, named me from her favorite TV show back in the 80's called Jem and the Holograms. To this day, she says naming me was her greatest accomplishment...I love the theme song so much, it's my ringtone!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgzZ2Ta0EpA

~Give Me Room to Stand, And I Will Move the World~