Index Card #1: The sun shines down on every one of us.
Index Card #2: And this means no one is safe from skin cancer.
Index Card #3: Unless some prevention guidelines are followed.
Index Card #4: Apply sunscreen with SPF of 15 or 30 minutes before you go outside, and reapply after every two hours you are in the sunshine.
Index Card #5: Don't tan, don't burn. Period. Tanning booths are as deadly as lying in the sun with little coverage and no sunscreen.
Index Card #6: Seek shade when you can see the sun and cover up!
Index Card #7: Have fun, be safe and keep in touch- examine your skin for moles or sun spots every month, and see your doctor yearly for an expert skin exam.
We have seen the consequences. We know what we are facing. Climate change is the issue of this generation. This is the sentiment shared by the near 10,000 bloggers writing on this B
log Action Day, and so many citizens of this planet. Of course, there ar
e those who doubt the reality of climate change. I am not going to write today to persuade disbelievers with facts. That isn't something I feel qualified or willing to do.
Because I hold firm to my opinion that we are past the time of persuasion. We have entered the realm of pure, immediate action. That being said, I urge you, skeptic or no, to explore books like "Hot, Flat and Crowded" by Thomas Friedman, or "The Weather Makers:How Man Is Changing the Climate and What It Means for Life on Earth." by Tim Flannery. Go to the website 350.org, visit the Climate Orb on tcktcktck.org, or http://consequence09.org/.Look at this graph, keeping in mind that scientists claim that 350 parts per million CO2 in the atmosphere is the safe amount of CO2 for humanity. CO2 ppm today is dangerously above that number.
Climate change calls for a societal shift. Movements, large and small throughout the world. We need to remind ourselves of the staggering amount of CO2 in the planet's atmosphere. We have to remember that we can't function inside the current ppm of CO2. Mindset has to change.
We know the drill already. Carpooling, biking, reusing or simply eliminating plastic bags, unplugging electronics, installing compact flourescents lightbulbs. That spectrum of the Green Revolution is becoming commonplace. I don't want to demote those crucial actions at all (in fact, right now, jump up and turn off an unnecessary light in your house, or unplug your cellphone charger). No! We need to continue this efforts tenfold! We all know the power of the chain reactions- the aluminum water bottle you carried into the grocery store might just inspire someone else to recycle their plastic water bottles and pick up one of these:
But of course, there is more to be done. We need to return to our roots, to the earth, to living without a carbon footprint. Let's look to the example of Denmark- running off of the wind, and achieving near carbon neutrality nationwide. Let's examine societies where public transportation really works, and assess what needs to be changed in countries with poor public transportation systems. Let's urge lawmakers in the United States to switch agricultural subsides off of corn, and therefore make the localvore affordable and accessible. You know yourself where sustainable changes in your community should be made. For example, the independent high school I attend does not have a bus system to transport students to school. As a result so a huge number of personal vehicles driven by parents and older siblings arrive at school each morning and afternoon. Though the community prides itself on it's carpooling initiative, the bottom line is to many cars motor to school each morning. I know that my school community needs to alter this system, and I also know we must start now.
First steps are arguably the most stubborn stumbling blocks of most ingenious ideas. Your green efforts might falter in the beginning, especially proposals that challenge a whole communities' comfort zones. But this is the time for the big ideas, for plans that shake the lull we're resting in. We need them more than ever. Remind yourself of that. So organize a group to not only install solar panels on your home, but your whole street's homes. Don't just recycle in you own home, petition that for every trash can in your city a recycling bin should be match it.
Install biodiesel van pools or buses, plant a community garden. Think of individual actions that add up. They will add up. They will pay off. Start now.
DOTCOMERS! I know this is last minute news but tomorrow is a day to use our blogs to reach a wide audience with a extremely important issue of Climate Change.
And though we're all busy with schoolwork and our PSA scripts and LIFE...let's all try to write something!
First, watch this quick video on the subject and the event.
Then, visit this website:http://www.blogactionday.org/ and register your blog. Poke around that site to figure out what you might write or what others might be writing. If you do blog, you will be partaking in one of the biggest social change events in the history of the web. Write about the impacts you see in you daily life as a result of climate change, write about impacts you see elsewhere in the world and write about solutions! This is the perfect place to get your brilliant green idea out there.
It can be a short post! A miles long post! A picture, a embedded film- anything. Just make it powerful!
1.What proved the most challenging part of our July Phase 2 DOTCOM experience for you?
It would be easy for me to say that the most challenging part of our July adventures was overcoming the technical difficulties. But that is to easy, and frankly, not true. The most challenging part of DOTCOM this summer was realizing that I had was not prepared for the tension that did arise inside of our 30 student community- especially in the very beginnings of the time in Vermont. But as challenges go, this was a very positive one. I was able to
backtrack, reassess, and alter how the mindset in which I was entering the situation. I learned some very valuable skills to make group work really work.
2.What proved the most rewarding part of our July Phase 2 DOTCOM experience for you?
Most rewarding was the finished product, one incredible film after another, playing out on the screen in front of us. Second to that title of most rewarding part of Phase 2 would be the fray of crying, hugging, picture snapping DOTCOMers following our final showing. Again, I took a step back there to drink it all in. The tension dissipated for that moment. Though it was a brief, I don't think I'll ever forget it.
3.What proved the most fun part of our July Phase 2 DOTCOM experience for you?
Aha! Swinging on the swings in the drizzling rain with Nargiz and Armen. We had just heard maybe the worst news to hear just a day before a final showing. Our computer had crashed. We were crushed, sure, but somehow, we found ourselves on the playground. We swung back and forth, back and forth until our heads ached, singing Beatles songs... which I truly believe may be one of those universal unifiers. :)
4.What are you most excited about, looking forward to our online Phase 3 DOTCOM
experience coming up this fall?
I am looking forward to thinking hard about this world we live in. I can't wait to read what everyone has to say!
The picture I chose is one of Astghik and I, on our host family's couch, eating our nightly dessert of apple, just happy!
Net Neutrality is a principle that is focused on preserving a free internet, one not controlled or censored by large cable and phone corporations. Net Neutrality would insure a fast, affordable and open internet for all. Net Neutrality would protect users from the unfair practices of "blocking, speeding up or slowing down Web content based on its source, ownership, or destination." (For a great video on the subject and more information go here.)
Sounds reasonable, right?
Not to all. Some- it's probably pretty obvious who- are rallying the fake grassroots organization troops, the 500 plus Washington lobbyists and using Cold War rhetoric that we've all heard quite a bit these past few weeks. "See the New America Foundation's manifesto on "Saving the Information Commons" to grasp the enormity of their plans for socializing the Internet. " writes Scott Cleland, author of The Precursor Blog and of Netcompetion.org. Cleland also protests the supporters of Net Neutrality's call for internet to be commonaly owned property, deeming it a "radical agenda."
Those who share Cleland's views explain that Net Nuetrality is not plausible in economic terms. That sources of funding in media should not be transparent. The Hartland Institute for example, "now keeps confidential the identities of all our donors". Those opposed to Net Nuetrality most likely agree with Cleland's bottomline: With freedom comes responsibility to protect freedom from those who seek to take it away.
Strong words, but the truth is this: Cleland and other "astroturfers" (fake grassroot organization advocates) are paid by the phone and coporation companies to sway and confuse the public opinion with misinformation. Again, as we've seen in these past weeks with the brouhaha over health care reform, the puppets have become the puppet masters, and we just can't afford to be manipulated within these important issues.
This video may not hit every single point but I think it is a good example of a clear message and explanation in a film, something we'll have to use when making our REEL Action Films. Also, the film introduces animation which is a medium we could experiment with in movie-making.
Check out the other "In Plain English" videos here.
1. I can honestly say that it was in D.C. that it really hit me: we are in the midst of a media revolution. From a meeting at the State Department (very informative) to talking with NPR ombudsman Alicia Shepard (very inspiring) the view point was the same. Media is going in places we never thought possible and at breakneck speeds. We have to learn to catch up! Social media especially is in an uprising, and in our travels throughout Washington I realized not just the positive power of these social media outlets but the potential downfalls and shortcomings as well. In a world of Twitter, Facebook, blogs and other easily accesible media sources, we have to learn how to post our opinions and thoughts in a effective way, but also find ways to sift through others opinions and thoughts and find the truth. Another thing to keep in mind besides the rise of social media illustrated the best at the Newseum - was the age old problem of government censorship and propaganda. That is a problem worth fighting. Good steps are programs like DOTCOM!
2. I loved meeting the Armenian and Azerbaijani students in D.C. I have learned about there respective countries and custom, but also about the students as individuals. I really think we all have more to learn about each other. And I am excited for that process to begin in earnest- though we have really taken steps towards that. (Though this is dipping into a Vermont reflection I think that today's adventures at Bolton and scavengar hunting in Montpelier helped the process. As did yesterday's fishbowl experience, though it was hard and intense. It is happening already.)
3. The hardest part of DOTCOM in D.C might have been the language barrier. There are two beautiful languages being spoken around me, but I they are tongues I do not understand, and that can be frustrating. Only frustrating on my side however- so many times in a DOTCOM day I wish I could speak fluent Armenian and Azerbaijani. That being said- 4. Learning even the small words "Barev", "Salaam", "Vonce es?" is something I LOVE. The language barrier may be hard but breaking it down with asking how to say something, laughing at the pure awkwardness of a situation or just some good ol' fashioned charades is a huge success. And in short, really connecting with the students from overseas is what excites me most about the project so far.
1. Human Rights "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood." - Article 1 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights(UDHR) Firstly, I want to learn and then educate others about how the U.N Universal Declaration was drawn up, the history of human rights in the world and get really into what, exactly, the definition means for all of us. Then I'd want to go further with these basic rights that all humans are entitled to- such as examine where in our world and society they are being abused, what possible replies to that are, and how we can implicate these replies. I believe that this is a relevant topic to the global community of today, and one that raises many questions.
3.Conflict,War and Peace is a subject that has been discussed quite a bit in my Humanities class this year. We have focused more on the present day or more current conflicts, as well as examined little known conflicts like the Ethiopian and Eritrea war. Some aspects of the terrible subject are interesting, however War/ Conflict is not my third topic choice because I am interested in war. The peace talks, the discussions between countries that have happened and need to happen are intriguing and something I would love to learn more about. I have been reading a lot of that subject of making peace and could really use that information in my REEL ACTION film!
3. My third choice for a REEL ACTION is the topic of our ever-changing environment, particularly the biggie- global warming. This is a topic that we can see the effects of on a local and global level. I see the local level everyday, and recently is has been those world-wide effects that interest me, and frankly scare me the most. We all our contributing to this problem that is creating huge changes such as ancient ice burgs melting and desertification of already devastated areas. I know that not only do we NEED to begin combating this problem, we CAN with the aid of educational outlets like our videos!
The best part of Phase 1 was definitely started when we began to look at how the media affects us. That was so interesting! I really enjoyed searching for videos to us, because I watched each clip with a new take. I was realizing how persuasive our media really is. I also got a lot out of the three "Special Guests" that we were able to question and learn about. All of them were doing such amazing things with their lives and that was inspiring.
I think the most challenging part of DOTCOM Phase 1 was getting my blogs in on time! In Phase to I vow to try even harder to post blogs on time!
One specific suggestion might be another, optional prompt between Modules. They could be as simple as "Music" or "Film", one word subjects. They would be optional in no way a requirement, but I think it would be a good way to jump start posts that were a little more personal. I think that would be helpful as we got to know each other based on the only information we have: these blogs.
Here is a song from the musical geniuses Flight of the Conchords. I personally find this video HILARIOUS, like almost everything these two do. Why do I think this particular video is funny? First, the two guitar/boom boxes/I don't know what. They just make me laugh. Second, Bret ( the one not singing) coming out of that one door for the chorus is random and wonderful. Third there are great lines in the song that are clever. All in all, a Flight of the Conchords classic.
Yesterday, four of the Vermont DOTCOM students met in the Burlington Ben and Jerry's ( a perfect spot, even if it was a little cloudy out) to discuss the summer program ligistics, our blogs, and the new phase of DOTCOM. Simultaneously, we learned about each other's endeavors and opinions, which was an experience in of itself. It would be really great to work with you guys some more! The majority of the meeting was spent discussing our personal beliefs/issues that we think are important. And that got me thinking about what I believe in. It's a big question to ponder, but it's an important one. Reading and listening to some source of news everday, we are all exposed to the world's issues- the genocide in Darfur, climate change, the complicated Israel-Palestine conflict, a failing economy, crimes against women in the Middle East and elsewhere, Zimbabwe's political situation and more. Bombarded by these stories, it can be overwhelming. But I always feel saved from being swamped by the media by grabbing on to and focusing on to a news report that explores things that I feel strongly about. One of these things that I have always been drawn in by is our environment and most specifically that ever present threat of global warming. Though this is definitely not a unique topic to feel strongly about, I personally am moved by the fact that this is a huge, GLOBAL problem. It is an issue that does not discriminate, and involves us all- from those that have in a sense created this mess, to those that in no way have contributed. And that thought is a scary one. There is no rationalizing or summit meetings with climate change, it can only be reversed with direct action. Just today in school one of our teachers informed us about a huge ice bridge in Antartica that collapsed, and urged us to realize that everyday the warming temperatures effect the world, in small to large ways. I have been invested in actions such as recylcing, carpooling, composting, eating locally, switching off appliances, like many others, but it is always shocking to step back and look at the global effects of this climate change we are all trying so hard to combat. It makes me want to work harder in my efforts, for sure. An interesting media piece about the ice bridge story: my teacher, being British, always checks the BBC news website for news first. It was here that he saw the story, right on the front page. (not on the front page, today, of course!) He then went to CNN.com to check out that home page and couldn't find the ice bridge story. He would of had to type it into the search box, but why would he know to do that if it was breaking news that had occured just that day? Just something to think about.
All the footage you see is real! That's one of the most amazing things- these are real skydivers doing real formations. The video interacts with your reptilian brain with the first leap out of the planes, this is nerve racking stuff even for a firmly on the ground viewer. Once all the red and white jumpers are out into the air, the limbic and neocortex parts of the brain are activated. There is a sort of calm once they have joined hands and the trumpet music is playing. Even more so as the piano music sets in and the car starts to drive. And some thoughts as well: What are they forming? How do they do that? As the symbols for the steering wheel, the suspension and the camera show up the brain has to process those images and understand what they are and this takes a second or two. With "and...deploy" the reptilian brain is active again. Then there is another bout of calm intesity- the landing. Followed by a neocortex activating question; "What is next?"
1. Strength- This ad has the sort of epic, powerful feeling that comes with planes and skydiving. The combination of the airplane's roar and these daring feats translate to strength which can appeal to those drawn in by high action type of media.
2. Humor- There are definitely some chuckles in this commercial. The interactions of the men as they wait for the okay to jump is humorous. As are the different formations- especially the camera! These, I believe, are used to diffuse the strong images described above, and put the ad on a more accessible level with the audience. Not too intense, but not too funny either. A healthy mix of both to keep the intent- selling the car.
3. Symbols- The symbols in this ad are obvious. The steering wheel, the suspension spiral, the camera and the word Accord (the car's name). These are good ways to sell the vehicle's perks but there is only one symbol in this ad that was put there for persuasion purposes. It shows up at the very end, above the motto "The power of dreams." This symbol is the word Honda- almost as recognizable as the H that grace all Honda grilles.
4. Timing- The editing of this clip adds to the message. Cut from steering wheel sign to man driving the exact car being sold, to the skydivers intense concentration to the car again, and so on. The word "Accord" appears in the sky at the perfect time as well, showing up just when the viewer is involved enough to wonder what the skydivers will form next. They wonder and then...Pow! There is the brand name of the product and made in such a ingenious way as well!
5. Plain Folks/Well-Known Personalities- First, the plain folks. Though they soon are seen not to be the "plain" at all, the shot in the beginning showing the interactions and playfulness of the skydivers is so normal it makes what they do next even more incredible. And once they land, they again are refreshingly ordinary, this breaks down any walls between those associated with the car and the regular consumer. But there is definite opposite-of-plain character in this ad as well. This person's role didn't quite fit under the "Testimonial" category nor the "Beautiful People" one, but should be mentioned. This is Garrison Keillor, whose voice is heard every weekend on the radio show "A Prairie Home Companion". In this ad, it is only Keillor's voice that is heard; "Remember gentlemen, difficult is worth doing", and "Okay... what's next?" But this is his most well-know feature, and therefore quite fitting. However, one can't pretend that every person seeing this ad will immediately recognize this voice. I know that there are many in this country who don't know of Keillor or his show- to them the voice they hear means little- understandably. Add to that the fact that this ad was first run in the UK and "A Prairie Home Companion" is an American Public Radio program. So I'm curious why Garrison Keillor would be put into this commercial. Maybe it is simply because Keillor has a pleasing voice, one made for radio, recognizable or not. Or maybe Honda was trying to reach a certain audience- the NPR listening type.
Whatever the reason, I feel this is a successful ad. Though it does not exactly make me want to go out and buy a Honda Accord ( I also couldn't ... I only have my driver's permit) I do think it is an exciting, clever commercial. There are no Big Lies or other destructive tools of persuasion. Perhaps some skimming over truths... but it's hard to find commercials that don't do this. We just have to learn how to gauge the amount of skimming over that a media source is doing, to separate fact from fiction. This will result in a healthier relationship between the public and our media.
This is an advert for the jean company Levi's. I think that the brain most influenced by these images is the Limbic brain- the soothing duet of a well-known song, muted colors- not many brights or neons to distract, and though what the two characters are doing is not exactly normal there is a sense of comfort in the extreme straight line they are walking- a purpose in a chaotic world around them. But to a more active viewer this video could activate the Neocortex part of the brain with questions: WHY are they doing this? What is their destination? Who are these two characters? Could this happen in real life outside of the tv screen? And of course, what are they selling?
Ah! I have been incredibly busy lately with school and basketball and so forth, but here I am, finally getting to Module Number Two...late. :)
I LOVE books! My mother is a librarian, which gives me the advantage of reading new books early, AND an at-home book critic! My favorite type of book is one set in a different country. I love the Khaled Hosseini books (Kite Runner andA Thousand Splendid Suns), and those written by Jhumpa Lahiri ( The Namesake andInterpreter of Maladies). The Bookseller of Kabul by Asne Seierstad and Three Cups of Tea, are other well-known foreign books that I have enjoyed. But I also just recently found a book that I hadn't heard about before that fit right in with my foreign book criteria; The Harafish by Naguib Mahfouz ( Nobel Peace prize for literature winner in 1988). I loved it! It was thick, and sometimes really hard to slog through, but well worth it in the end! I also devour Ernest Hemingway books, I'm currently reading Islands in the Stream, which is a book put together by his wife post Hemingway's death. I love poetry as well, especially Grace Paley poems. A year before Grace's death I had the great honor to hear her read some of her poems at a Mother's Day Celebration in my town. I'm friends with her grandson, so I then met Grace face-to-face, which, in retrospect, makes me feel really lucky! I also am a huge, huge fan of the Harry Potter series. I can't count how many times I've re-read all seven books! I try to read my local newspaper, The Valley News, everyday. I -as I mentioned in my first post- am an avid reader of The New Yorker, and probably always will be!I keep up with the The New York Timesonline. When I'm not looking for current events and ground breaking news, I turn to Nylon magazine, or The Rolling Stone. I also love skiing, so Backcountryis a favorite magazine of mine.
Music is one of my passions! It's such a social thing, that's probably what I like about it the most. Playing together in a group is one obvious way music is social, but also that exchange of "Hey, whatcha listening to?" "Oh this new band, Ezra Furman and the Harpoons", can spark great conversation. I am always on the look out for new bands. There is this great podcast, KEXP Free Songs, which gives you a new, underground song each day. That's where I find about 60% of the music on my ipod. New music is exciting, but I also faithfully listen to the "classics". Eric Clapton, The Who, Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix, Allman Brothers, Miles Davies, Tom Waits, Bruce Springsteen. My absolute favorite music comes from Bob Dylan, The Grateful Dead and The Beatles. Hands down.
This is music video for the song "Art" by Tanya Davis, an artist I like a lot.
I don't watch that much television( just don't have the time), but when I do watch TV my favorite shows are The Office, Chuck, Flight of the Conchords, The Daily Show, and The Colbert Report. Even though Monty Python is only re-runs on BBC now, its my all-time favorite show. I really enjoy any show that makes me laugh!
This is a classic Monty Python sketch. Ignore the laughing audience. :)
I use video games even less then I watch television, so my favorite games are the only two I've used; Dance Dance Revolution and Guitar Hero. These are the BEST though, because you move to play them, instead of the stereotypical type of video game with hand-held game controllers used on the couch.
I use my computer all the time- it's one of the most inescapable tools of our time. I use my laptop for schoolwork, power point presentations, Internet, managing all my photos, and as a music and DVD player. In a normal week, I am on the computer at least once everyday. This sometimes frightens me, because its such large amount of screen time, but I also realize that computers are essential, and aren't going to disappear anytime soon- and are incredibly helpful when used the right way.
Most of the time I am on the computer it is to use the internet. Research for papers, email, Facebook, music searching, Youtube watching, article reading, blogging (now!), and the time-wasting web surfing are all reasons I am on the internet for such long periods of time. The Internet is a vast, amazing source of knowledge and information. But it can also be overwhelming, and I'm not always sure I use it to its full advantage. This is just a video I found on Youtube. Its 8 minutes long, so I understand why you'd not want to watch the whole thing, but it is sort of enlightening once you get into it.
Ranking my Media Preferences: 1. Magazines/Newspapers 2.Music 3.Books 4. Internet 5.Computers 6.Television 7. Video Games
My name is Kate Spencer and I live in Strafford, Vermont. I was born and raised in the little village of Strafford (population 1,100!) and I am so thankful for it. Strafford's community- full of vibrant, varied people has taught me so much: the importance of listening, the beauty of staying down to earth, how to keep active and happy in the long winter months, and much more that belongs in another piece of writing. I am also part of the equally vibrant and interesting community that is the Sharon Academy, my high school. This year is my first year at TSA and I'm already amazed at all I have learned there and the opportunities that we, the students, have access to, even as freshmen. It was through my Humanities teacher, Stephanie, that I was introduced to DOTCOM! TSA is not just unique because we are a small school, or because students trot around in socks or even because we refer to teachers by their first names. TSA is unique because it fosters open communication every day between teachers and students, board members and students, parents and students. We definitely have a voice at Sharon and we are taught to utilize it well. My favorite classes are Humanities and Spanish. Current Events time in Humanities is most fascinating part of my school day. I am passionate about solving the world's environmental issues, staying on top of the news, music and art. I dream of traveling around the world and giving my whole life to aiding the starving, hopeless, and poor. I am mostly outgoing and friendly, I like to keep moving and laughing, but I do try to take time to observe and listen and keep quiet- I feel its important to use both sides of the spectrum, it's sort of a yin and yang idea of mine.
My family has subscribed to TheNew Yorker for as long as I can remember- the issues have always laid around the house on tables and chairs. When I was in fourth grade I started to flip through them just for the comics, when I was in sixth grade I stepped up to the movie, art and music reviews, and in seventh grade I started to read select articles and the short fiction piece near the back. Now, I make a point of reading it cover to cover, and though that sometimes is quite a task, I am always impacted by what I read- be it a particularly beautiful poem or a abstract on the Peace Corps. NPR is another constant presence in my house. The voices of Terry Gross, Robert Seigal, Melissa Block, and Steve Inskeep wake me up every morning- again, it was in seventh grade that I began to pay real attention to everything those newscasters were saying, but I feel that having NPR as the background music to my life has affected me in a positive way!
I am most concerned about my community's approach to major environmental concerns. Before I say more, I must explain that the majority of my town is environmentally conscious. About a fourth of our community lives off the grid and GroSolar, a successful solar panel company, is based in Strafford. But it is the rest of us that I am worried about: our idling cars, minimum carpooling and energy draining establishments like the town's school and general store. A group of people are working on organizing a carpooling board, I want to become involved in that- another idea of mine is to convert the two buildings in question to some sort of alternative power.
I really enjoy working with people. I love being around people, observing people, having engaging conversations and hearing stories. There is nothing more invigorating then bouncing ideas off of others, be it in an acoustic jam session or a heated debate or a even just a discussion about what to do on a Friday night. School has done a good job of training me to work in groups, I have always found my work turns out the best when I am surrounded by people. And if producing good work isn't incentive enough, there seems to always be laughter in group work (no matter how hard or serious the project), which is never a bad thing!
