Assignment 5-1 The IPhone Era

The I Phone Era
The I Phone of today is so different than the original cell phone. When cell phones were first developed they were only affordable to companies and overpaid executives who could afford them. (Oppenheim, 2009) Smartphone’s come from a smaller group of manufactures but are more affordable than the original cell phone was. (Oppenheim, 2009)
The Smartphone’s allow users to be more flexible and mobile with their work schedule and their personal life. There are many things the Smartphone can do. A user can send and receive emails, send and receive text messages, check your stock portfolio, take pictures, record memos, allows internet access, keep a contact list, listen to music and audio books, find where you are going, keep a calendar, and more. (Oppenheim, 2009) Oh yeah, you can even use it as a telephone.
When a user decides to buy a phone, they must decide what options they really need or want. Will they really use all the features of a Smartphone or just some of the features? There a lot of applications that is able to be used with the Smartphone. A user even has the ability to create and manipulate basic documents and can be emailed directly from the phone. (Oppenheim, 2009) This allows a person to not have to return to the office for a document. Just access the document on the Smartphone.
Technology is growing at a very rapid rate and a lot of people will turn to the Smartphone for flexibility. The IPhone popularity will only grow as technology grows.



References
Oppenheim, R. (2009, February). Is That a Computer in Your Pocket?. Searcher, 17(2), 12-54. Retrieved February 27, 2009, from Academic Search Complete database.

Assignment 3-1 Written Analysis 2

The Body Piercing Craze
The History of Body Piercing
Body piercing has been around for centuries. It began with the first tribes and clans. (Body Piercing) Piercing today is really no different than it was in the beginning. It was a personal expression, a religious ritual, or a sign of royalty. Piercings today are more of a trend in fashion but some still have the same reasons as in the beginning. (Body Piercing) Ear piercing became popular in the 1960’s for women and by the 1980’s men were getting their ear pierced. (Body Piercing)
Other body piercing became very popular in the 1990’s. It is especially popular with the younger generation. Like tattoos, body piercing is a way for a person to express themselves and to be different. Some go to extremes with the piercings and it seems that they are just saying “Look at me”.
Body Piercing Today
Today’s society is more liberal than in the past, but in the business world there is still a lot of conservative people. Some jobs require that there are no body piercings except for the ears. A lot of piercings can be offensive to older conservative people. This has to do with the difference in the generations. There are also many health risks when getting a piercing. One should really think about why they want the piercing and how it will affect them in the future. Most teenagers only think of the here and now.
As a parent, do a lot of research on piercings, health risks, etc. and have it available for the teenagers to read. This will help them understand what is involved with body piercing and give them some things to think about.

References
Body Piercing - Crystalinks. Retrieved February 15, 2009, from Crystalinks Web site: http://www.crystalinks.com/bodypiercing.html

Assignment 3-2 Icon Analysis

Icon Analysis

The three pop culture icons that I choose were Mickey Mouse, Elvis Presley, and Scooby-Doo. Mickey Mouse was created in 1928 and starred in over 120 different cartoons. (2009) He is one of the most recognizable symbols, not just in the United States but in the world. Elvis Presley, better known as “The King”, began his career in 1954. (2009) Not only was he a musician he was an actor. He starred in thirty-one films throughout his career. (2009) He was well known for his contribution to rock and roll music. The American animated series, Scooby-Doo was created in 1969. (2009) The series was originally created for Hanna Barbera Productions. There have been 350 episodes and was in the Guiness Book of World Records for having the most animated series episodes from 2004 to 2005. (2009)

I chose these three pop culture icons because they all have had an influence in my life. I grew up watching Scooby-Doo and Mickey Mouse cartoons as well as the Mickey Mouse Club. My mom use to listen to Elvis’s records so I also grew up listening to his music. I’m not sure which I liked more his music or his movies. Those were the days, movies with little violence, no foul language, and no nudity or sex just good clean entertainment.

While watching Scooby-Doo as a child, I not only got a lot of laughs but I also learned how they group would look at the clues to figure out whom the person was behind the mask of the monster. It showed me how everyone worked together as a team. I learned values by watching the Mickey Mouse Club. The show taught a child how to do many different things and to dream big. Elvis Presley’s music made an impact on the type of music that I like to listen to. Elvis didn’t just make rock and roll he also did ballads. The one song that I remember that moved me the most was “Mama Liked the Roses”. The lyrics were so powerful and moving that it I would listen to it over and over again.

The best part about these icons is that I am able to share them with my children. My middle daughter was in the Mickey Mouse Parade that came to Greenville, OH in 1999. It was amazing sharing what I know about Mickey Mouse. My youngest daughter loves to watch Scooby-Doo as much as I did. We will sometimes sit together and watch an episode just her and I. I have enjoyed having these icons in my life.

References

(2009). Scooby-Doo - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved February 11, 2009, from Wikipedia Web site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scooby-Doo

(2009). Elvis Presley - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved February 11, 2009, from Wikipedia Web site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elvis_Presley

(2009). Mickey Mouse - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved February 11, 2009, from Wikipedia Web site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mickey_Mouse

Popular Culture

Popular culture is a way of life for most people. To broaden the definition would be a persons belief, customs, traditions and behavior that is shared throughout a community. Culture is learned from those that are around you like family and friends. There are many things that impact popular culture. The economics of the country, a person's level of education, being exposed to something, their emotions and sensations.

What Popular Culture means to me. Popular culture is how things appeal to a person. Most popular culture makes a person feel good. For example, if you like a new song that has come out then you will more likely listen to it again or even go buy the CD. If a person doesn't like or enjoy something they won't want to purchase it.

Most people will purchase something that is pleasing to the eye or makes them feel good. A company will want to distribute a product that the public either needs or wants. This will increase sales now and in the future.

The tootsie Roll is a pop culture artifact. The Tootsie Roll has been around for over 100 years and is still liked and enjoyed by many. I chose the Tootsie Roll for this reason. The thing I thought was the most interesting is that it is still the same price as when it was first introduced.

References

(2009). Popular Culture Introduction. Retrieved February 8, 2009, from popularculture Web site: http://www.ucalgary.ca/applied_history/tutor/popculture/

Assignment 1-4 Tattoos in Today's culture

Tattoos in Today’s Culture

The way tattoos are perceived in today’s culture is completely different than how they were perceived even 30 years ago. Tattoos have become widely acceptable over the last several years. Tattoos were once associated with people in the military, gang members, inmates, or bikers. Throughout the years tattoos have been know for rebellion. In the past few years many celebrities have even gotten a tattoo of some kind. The media has jumped on the bandwagon right along with everyone else. To look into the lifestyle of a tattoo artist all you have to do is turn on your TV. With shows like “Miami Ink”, “L.A. Ink”, and Inked, you can step into the lives of tattoo artists weekly. (Vandaley, 2009)

Advanced equipment and ink have improved the quality of a tattoo and have brought the health risks down to a minimum. The many opportunities for training in graphic design and fine art are also another reason for tattoos to become more acceptable. (Vandaley, 2009) Tattoos are looked at as an art form now instead of being a branding.

Tattoos are an extension of a person’s personality or their likes or beliefs. Most tattoos are chosen because the saying or image connects them to an important memory or person. The design of the tattoo can even be created by the person receiving the tattoo. (Vandaley, 2009) Some of the most popular tattoos include the names of the person’s children somewhere within the tattoo.

When considering a tattoo there are several things to think about. Some professions require that tattoos are not seen. Placement and size of the tattoo needs to be taken into consideration. Tattoos are permanent and very expensive to have removed so don’t be impulsive or under the influence. (Vandaley, 2009)

References

Vandelay, J (2009). Tattoos Are Cool: A Pop Culture Trend. Retrieved January 31, 2009, from Culture:: Tattoos Are Cool: A Pop Culture Trend Web site: http://www.articlebiz.com/article/212752-1-tattoos-are-cool-a-pop-culture-trend.