Reflections

Professor Griffin has asked us to reflect over the past semeseter and share one thing that we have learned from this class. Of course I have learned alot of things like what ad agencies do and what goes into making an ad but those are not the most important things I learned. The most important thing I learned from this class is that I really and truly do want to pursue a career in advertising, and I think that is much more important than anything else from the class. Before going into Intro to Creativity I wasn't quite sure that this is what I wanted to do. I knew it interested me, but I wasn't sure of the staying power of that interest. This class has shown me that this is quite possibly something I could do for the rest of my life. Also thanks to this class I am scared out of my mind to do it, but I realize that being a little scared is a good thing. I know it will require a lot of work, but I am excited for the challenge.

Stuffed Animal

I will be the first to admit it, I am a huge fan of still being a child at heart. But, some things are just a little wierd to me. Since coming to college I have been faced with the unsettling fact that people still bring their stuffed animals to live with them. Do people think that this is ok? I realize that to some people it is a security blanket, but I mean really? How old are you? I think it's time that we move on from the old stuffed animal. I mean do you still suck your thumb? That's the equivalent. My advice is that you can keep the stuffed animal with you, just place it somewhere where it won't be seen. Throw it at the top of your closet, I don't care. Just don't get caught with it out in the open.

Guns in school?

The biggest controversy lately is the argument on whether students should be allowed to carry a concealed gun onto school property. Is it just me or is this an awful idea? How could anyone think this is a good idea? I understand wanting to protect students from another attack, but why not just give teachers the right to carry? Carrying guns around at school can lead to nothing other than more violence. What about gang infested schools? I grew up in somewhat "ghetto" schools where it was perfectly natural to see a humongous fight erupt in the middle of the cafeteria. How much would that scene change if we were allowed guns on campus? There are eighteen year olds in high school,and they cannot make rational decisions with anger clouding their judgement. I know that we need to find a solution to protect our students from any further attacks, but this is not it. It's the equivalent of letting people carry concealed weapons on a plane. How are we to know whether or not even the slightest fight can spark a shooting spree? And what about the kid at school who is always picked on and beat up? I'm sure he would have no problem carrying a gun around all day. This leaves the other students in fear of retaliation. I agree that we need a solution, but this is just not it.

See what your love

While surfing the website Ads of the world I found a ad I really like for Lenscrafters. This is the sort of ad I really enjoy, short and sweet. It's too the point and I remember it. It makes an indelible impression on me because it catches my curiousity at the beginning. Let me know your thoughts on it!

http://adsoftheworld.com/media/tv/lenscrafters_ferris_wheel

Duck and Cover

I was recently listening to Ryan Seacrest's radio show while he was interviewing the country music star Carrie Underwood. During the interview he talked about something he referred to as the "ducking" incident. Carrie then commented on how she laid low after the incident and has really talked to anyone about it yet. Which left me thinking...what the heck are they talking about? Obviously it was an embarassing video of Carrie Underwood, but why hadn't I heard of it? I went home and youtubed "Carrie Underwood ducking" and found this hilarious clip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsIslnig9pQ

If you haven't seen it, it is a clip from a hockey game that Carrie Underwood's boyfriend is playing in. The camera eventually finds her in a box suite and announces to the crowd that she is on camera. Carrie, hearing her name, turns around. As soon as the sees her face on the screen she ducks. It's actually pretty hilarious because she didn't just duck, it seems as though she is diving for her life. How in the world had I not heard about this video? I know it's not breaking news, but it's hilarious! I guess it just goes to show that celebrities can atleast do some damage control on their own by just laying low.

Rain, Rain, Go Away?

What is it about rain that makes people so absolutely miserable? Just the sight of a rain cloud can ruin someone's day. I'm quite the opposite. I love rain. Don't get me wrong, if I have somewhere important to be and I don't have an umbrella it can be quite frustrating. But all in all, I love the rain. I could just sit outside in it. There is something so freeing about it. Just standing outside, arms wide open, getting drenched is an amazing feeling to have. I guess people have just been groomed to automatically sigh at the site of a rain cloud. But what happened to the fun we used to have in the rain when we were kids? Why do people let the creativity and childishness of their younger years fade? I haven't and that has made all of the difference in the world. So if you see someone dancing in the rain during the next storm don't be alarmed. You're welcome to join.

Reality Shows

What is it with the onslaught of reality tv shows? It seems that America is so obsessed with reality tv that there is a show for just about everything. Just right now my roommate is watching a tv show based entirely on the lives of New York housewives. I can overhear the women getting into a catfight over a game of tennis. When does it stop? What is the obsession? Is it an interest in a life more exciting than out own? Could it possibly be a voyeouristic pleasure for us? Why is it that a tv show about nothing important can garner such high viewership? And will we soon grow tired of these kinds of reality shows like we have with Survivor? It used to be the most watched show but is now merely an afterthought for anyone. Are the different reality shows just a passing craze? To be honest with you I won't mind if most reality shows disappear from tv. Maybe it will create an incentive for people to go out and live their own reality for once.

Dirty Car Art

I recently did a post on an interesting type of art-sidewalk chalk. I also know of another interesting type of art...dirty car art. Now I am not quite sure how in the world this guy came up with this, but it is amazing. He takes someone's dirty car windshield and transforms it into a masterpiece. People have actually paid him for his work. Below are a few of his artistic pieces:






He not only recreates masterpieces almost flawlessly, but even does some of his own work. To me this sort of thing is what creativity is all about. It is amazing what some people can imagine as a medium for art. I'm sure something like this or the sidewalk chald art could be turned into an advertising campaign very easily.

Six-word memoir

Recently I stumbled upon a very interesting and creative website. The gist of the website is to create your memoir...in exactly six words. The idea started when someone heard about a task Hemingway was given back in the day. He was asked by someone to create a story in less than six words. His answer? "For sale: Baby shoes, never worn." Of course one of the best writers in history can do this task, but what about regular people? The results are just as amazing as Shakespears answer. Here's a little list of the more interesting six word memoirs:

I still believe she's out there.

Solace in food, food is love.

We work today for generations tomorrow.

Drove Hummer to the world's demise.

Motherhood:Best job I ever hated.

Lonely Woman

When I finally did find a receipt, it was an especially interesting one. This was outside a Walmart, and I believe it paints a rather vivid picture of the owners night to come.



To me, it is obvious that this is a woman who has recently gone through a horrible break-up. And if I know anything about a woman's behavior after a break-up it was definitely not her idea to do so. Obviously she is going to have a quiet evening to herself; meaning she will gorge herself with chocolates and then proceed to treat herself to a long and luxurious bubble bath. Apparently the break-up was so horrendous that she is going to completely change her hair color in order to get over it. The receipt doesn't say what color it is that she decided to change her hair to but if I had to guess I would think it was definietly some shade of dark, dark black. Hopefully the hair color will be a start to a new life for this lonely, sad woman.

Shame on You

While searching the ground for a left behind receipt that I could use for this idea blog I found something else. This is the quirky note I found:

The fact that this was undoubtedly left on someone's windshiel as a scare tactic is what boggles my mind. If you are trying to scare someone, or atleast make them feel bad by the way they say "shame on you", you would think they would have thought of a tougher name than the "Rainbow Warriors." What does that even mean? Things like this just make my day because you know that someone somewhere out there thinks that they have just frightened the living hell out of their enemy. It just shows how unique everyone is.

Hiking

I recently went to visit some friends in Oklahoma and as taken for a treat that I could not have seen in Dallas. We went on a mini hike. At the end of our hike we were what seemed like miles and miles above a river. It was a beautiful view and enough to make me wish for simpler times. It kind of took me back to my childhood or atleast a more naturistic me. Definitely something I recommend to others. If it didn't take such a long time to get there I would use that place as a brainstorming spot. I took some pictures, Enjoy!

Olympic Training Center

A little while ago I was invited to try out for the Women's National Volleyball Team. Yes, that is the team that will eventually go to the next Olympics. It was of course a great honor, but also an incredibly intimidating thing. Trust me, I am not the best of the best...in other words I had no chance. But the tryout was held at the Olympic Training Center and for some reason the facility put me on a whole different level than I usually was. Maybe it was the comfy and clean dorms we stayed in, maybe it was the first class free cafeteria style food we were served. Maybe it was the fact that I was in the presence of greatness. I'm not quite sure what it was, but I played better than I have every played. I think that a large portion of how well our athletes do in the Olympics comes from the pride and support our nation has for them. This Training Center plays host to several of the athletes for long periods of time, undoubtedly giving them an edge over other athletes. I took some pictures to share...it was quite an amazing place I recomment going and visiting sometime.

My Kind of Art

There are very few traditional art pieces that really impress me. Confusing colors vaguely swiped on a canvas just aren't really my thing. That is why I love non-traditional art so much I think. It's so creative because the mode of which the artist does it is creative in itself. The fact that these people think outside of the box to create art, and then create art creatively (confusing I know) is amazing to me. I have great respect for these people and wanted to share some with you. This first person is a sidewalk chalk artist. Before you think of 5 year olds give him a chance, he's quite amazing.







Impressive right? I'll share more later!

Making friends...one online request at a time

I've noticed a rising trend on facebook the last few years--people asking other people they don't know to be their facebook friend. It seems like atleast once a week I am getting friend requests from people in France or Spain...both places I have never been. I routinely reject these people because I believe it is unsafe to talk with them, but I recently found out that some of my friends don't feel the same way. One of my friends was recently discussing how she has actually met some pretty interesting people by accepting them as facebook friends. I still don't see how it is possibly safe...what's your opinion?

Is this a real blog?

While getting my daily news dosage on aol.com I found an article about a blog. "It's destiny!"I thought. Obviously the news gods wanted me to find inspiration for my next blog post here. So I go to this blog that has over five million views expecting a creative masterpiece. What do I get instead? It seems like almost a blog version of twitter . There are very few actual articles concerning anything at all. Most of the blog posts have pictures of her dog with a funny caption following it. Here's an example of one of her posts:




"Precious Cargo
I decided that he had to come with me this week, but before he would agree to the 60-minute flight to Denver he made me promise that they have cheese in Colorado. I told him I hear they have belly rubs, too!"

Granted, the picture is adorable, but is this what five million people now think blogging is? Where is the substance?

Just as a little background information this is from dooce.com, a blog famously run by the woman who was fired for having a blog (and reading her blog now I can't really blame them for canning her!)

Polygamy...twice the fun!

So I have been challenged to write a blog post on an issue that I feel very strongly about...and argue the opposite side. Of course my initial reaction was to do something like gun control or abortion, but I feel like that will be done by most people. I'm going for individuality here. Plus, arguing against those topics are easy because there is no majority right or wrong answer. Tons of people think the opposite of what you think. No challenge there. That is why I have decided to do my post on polygamy...definitely harder to write on than abortion and gun control. And there are still select groups of people out there that are fighting to have polygamy legalized. Here's my argument:

What gives the government the right to put a number on our love? Just like they have no right in how to tell us to date they have no right in how they tell us to marry. Obviously humans have the capability to be in love with more than one person. Until the government puts a ban on remarrying after a divorce they have no right to put a ban on polygamy. There are several cultures in the world that believe that polygamy is perfectly normal, including Senegal in which forty seven percent of marriages are some sort of polygamy. In these societies having multiple wives actualy is a status symbol showing that you can take care of and love multiple women at one time. There is nothing wrong with having enough love to go around to multiple people. If I have the resources to care after more than one woman who is the government to stop me? Without me who knows where these women would be, in abusive relationships, on the streets, depending on government money to keep them alive. There is just no telling. I am doing both these women and the government a favor by taking them in and caring for them.

Moral Responsibility in Advertising

"All of us who professionally use the mass media are shapers of society. We can vulgarize that society. We can brutalize it. Or, we can help lift it unto a higher level"
-Bill Bernbach

When I was little there were only two things I knew about what I wanted to be when I grew up. I knew I wanted to do something creative and I knew that I wanted to make a difference in the world. It wasn't until later that I found a good way to put those two together...advertising. So was definitely interested in our latest advertising lecture in which we discussed the responsibility of advertisers to better their society. I am in full agreement with that fact. Advertisers can shape the way our society views things, whether it's fashion trends, the coolest cars, or something like recycling. Advertisers have a power that few other people do. That is why it is so important to have atleast one person at each agency that understands their moral obligations. It is important that we stop the negative spiral that advertising has had on our young people. The stick thin models and material obsessed people are taking a toll on our society and it is up to advertising to stop it. Hopefully more and more advertising companies will realize that they are having a negative impact and then take steps do something about it.

Dear Me...

If I could write a letter to myself when I was younger I think I would want to give it to my 10 year old self. So, here it goes.

Dear Me,

Things will get better. I promise. You won't hate your family forever. In fact, in time you will learn to love them. Even though your siblings make fun of you and call you names it will only make you stronger. I know that it is unfair that they treat you the way you do, but it's true. You ARE different from them. But don't worry about that, it's a good thing even though you don't feel like it now. The fact that you are not the exact same as them is also a good thing. Don't worry, you will soon be able to more than hold your own against your siblings. And the fact that you like to read is not something to be ashamed of.It benefits you greatly in your future, so keep it up. Whatever you do, don't let others let you feel like you are less than them. It doesn't matter that you aren't best friends with Amy or Brittany or Beth. They won't be best friends with each other in a year. Just stay with the friends who treat you right, don't worry about the others. Be nice to everyone. Everyone. Most people are fighting a very hard battle, and being nice to someone can make a world of difference. Be that difference. And when I say be nice to everyone that includes your family. I know that is not always the easiest thing to do but it will leave you with a clear conscience. Believe in magic. More importantly, believe in God. Ask parents and friends and family questions about your faith. It is natural to be confused and questioning in your faith, but know that without Him you are nothing. Start forgiving your dad now. I know that you barely know him now but you should know that your father will become a pretty big part of your life in the next few years. Just because he is traveling all the time doesn't mean that he doesn't love you. He will prove his love tenfold in the next coming years. This next part is vitally important. Remember your mother as she is now. Thank her for all that she does constantly. For reasons I will not explain on a blog, things will change drastically with her in the future. Just know and remember that she loves you and no matter what she is always that person that first started your love for baking. Things will happen in the future that are out of your control. It is ok to be very, very upset about them. At the same time you have to be able to realize that you cannot do anything about them. You will depends on friends, family, and someone very special in your life to get you through this difficult time. Don't be ashamed of it. Don't be ashamed of her. Talk to her everyday. Let her know that you love her no matter what. And let her know that you are worried about her. Be there for your little brother during all this. He is suffering just as much as you are but he needs you to help him through it. Be strong for him. It will be very rocky for a very long time, but you will get through it I promise. Also, it's ok to be on the slow end when it comes to boys. You will find a very very special someone who loves you for who you are long before most people do. It will be a rocky ride, but well worth it. Don't be afraid of love. I think this letter is long enough, but I want to leave you with some last important things: Everyone is right, your sister WILL be your best friend later in life. You will fight with your parents, but they mean you well. Sometimes life hurts, but it's amazing. And lastly, enjoy the ride. It goes by way faster than you can imagine. It's hard, and sometimes not the most amazing place to be but God has bigger plans for you. Trust Him.

Love,
Yourself

Silence.

What does silence mean to you? In my opinion, silence can mean several different things. For me silence usually depends on the place, sometimes the mood. When I am sitting at home by myself silence can be soothing, calming, and just what I needed to get back in touch with myself. It can also mean that a psycho-crazy clown is lurking around the corner just waiting for me to hop out of my cozy bed so he has a better chance at terrorizing me (what can I say, vivid imagination). I've learned that for the most part I like silence. It gives me time to think. Time to assess my feelings and thoughts that I've had throughout the day. But I know plenty of people who cannot stand silence. To them it symbolizes loneliness. But I don't necessarily see it that way. At the same time I think that silence can mean being comfortable with yourself.

I guess silence is in the ear of the beholder.