the collaborative project can be seen at
http://pminafrica.weebly.com/
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Collaborative Project Topic Proposal
Topic : Poverty and Malnutrition in Africa
We wanted to chose this topic because it is a global issue that is always occurring.
Media: website and youtube videos
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Memo: Attn. Coke Zero Commercial
When creating this commercial, I was trying to go for humor. I thought humor would catch the eye of the audience. I imagined the audience to be people of all ages. Coke Zero can be a delicious taste for everyone. Everyone likes to laugh. I also wanted to compare Coke Zero to the traditional Coke because that is a beverage that most people know of. I thought if I linked Coke Zero with the traditional Coke people would say, “Hey if it tastes just like coke for less calories, it must be good!”
I am not completely sure why this commercial did not work, and I would like to be the first to apologize for that. If I had to guess why it was unsuccessful, I would say because it did not give to much information about the actual Coke Zero product. If everyone hears that it tastes just like coke, then they mine as well just buy the traditional Coke. I did not give any information on why Coke Zero would be better. The only time that I presented that Coke Zero has no calories is at the end and it lasted for maybe 2 seconds. The premise of my commercial was basically two Coke workers in their office. One of them was drinking a Coke Zero and was a fan of it because it tastes just like Coke.
To fix this commercial, I will try to add some more persuasion. In the original commercial, it was all humor. I would like to keep some humor to the ad, because everyone likes a good laugh and it attracts many people. Another item that I will change in the commercial is to have the Coke worker who was drinking the Coke Zero give a little insight on why Coke Zero is better. He can maybe say something to the effect of “I couldn’t help it. It tastes just like Coke, and its better for me too. It has a great taste for zero calories!” In one of the office cubicles, I may place a few Coke Zero logos just to catch the attention of the audience. I think placing a ton of Coke logos drew the audience’s attention away from the product that was being advertised. Once again I apologize greatly sir.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Monday, April 6, 2009
My first advertisement was for Proactive.
1. I have never used Proactive before, but I know someone who is currently using it. When I read the add, it was very persuasive and it would be a top contender for an ache cure if I needed it. The add was saying things like it is the best product and how it is better then all the rest.
2. I'm not sure i see much in this advertisement besides the company trying to sell the product. I do not think that anything is trying to be implied in the advertisement. It's either buy it or don't buy it.
3. If a consumer buys the generic product, then it might not be as effective. The ad is trying to say that it is worth the money. They also provide a satisfactory guarantee. If the consumer is not satisfied, then they can get there money back. As a consumer that would help suede my decision. I would buy something that will allow me to get my money back if i do not like it. I would not want to risk buying a generic product if it will not work as well.
4. I would say the audience of this ad would be mostly teenagers because ache is prevalent during those ages, but they may also try and sell it to young adults. This ad can be found in magazines like seventeen, Cosmo girl, or any other fashion magazine.
The second ad is a coke zero ad
1. I really like this ad. It is trying to show that coke zero tastes just like regular coke but with less calories. It makes you believe that coke zero is just as good because a coke representative says that it tastes the same.
2. The implicit argument is that even though it has less calories, it does not have to taste any worse. Healthier things do not have to equal bad.
3. Coke zero ads are everywhere. I am not really a fan of coke at all, but if i had not tasted coke before, I would think it is delicious. Some consumers may think that because there are so many advertisements that coke zero is better than diet pepsi or something else that tastes similar to coke.
4. The audience for this ad is for every age. They would advertise it on ESPN or any other sports channel. Since the ad is for audiences of all ages, it will be advertised on any channel or any magazine.
1. I have never used Proactive before, but I know someone who is currently using it. When I read the add, it was very persuasive and it would be a top contender for an ache cure if I needed it. The add was saying things like it is the best product and how it is better then all the rest.
2. I'm not sure i see much in this advertisement besides the company trying to sell the product. I do not think that anything is trying to be implied in the advertisement. It's either buy it or don't buy it.
3. If a consumer buys the generic product, then it might not be as effective. The ad is trying to say that it is worth the money. They also provide a satisfactory guarantee. If the consumer is not satisfied, then they can get there money back. As a consumer that would help suede my decision. I would buy something that will allow me to get my money back if i do not like it. I would not want to risk buying a generic product if it will not work as well.
4. I would say the audience of this ad would be mostly teenagers because ache is prevalent during those ages, but they may also try and sell it to young adults. This ad can be found in magazines like seventeen, Cosmo girl, or any other fashion magazine.
The second ad is a coke zero ad
1. I really like this ad. It is trying to show that coke zero tastes just like regular coke but with less calories. It makes you believe that coke zero is just as good because a coke representative says that it tastes the same.
2. The implicit argument is that even though it has less calories, it does not have to taste any worse. Healthier things do not have to equal bad.
3. Coke zero ads are everywhere. I am not really a fan of coke at all, but if i had not tasted coke before, I would think it is delicious. Some consumers may think that because there are so many advertisements that coke zero is better than diet pepsi or something else that tastes similar to coke.
4. The audience for this ad is for every age. They would advertise it on ESPN or any other sports channel. Since the ad is for audiences of all ages, it will be advertised on any channel or any magazine.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
topic proposal # 3
For my third essay I would like to make a modest proposal. I want to do it on cell phone use and driving. There are millions of people who text and talk on their phone while driving and it has led to many accidents
My proposal is that all cars come with a cell phone built in the car. The thing about this cell phone is that is will not allow the driver to text. The built in phone will allow you to store you memory card in it so that it has all of your contacts. The only way you will be able to answer your phone is if your car is at a complete stop or in park. Another proposal is that if somehow the driver finds a way to get around the built in phone and still tries to text or talk on there phone, their phone will burst into pieces. There will be a sensor in each car that detects cell phone usage. It will not be a huge explosion, it will just make the phone crumble into pieces. These two proposals, along with others that can be made will help stop car accidents that are caused by cell phone usage.
My proposal is that all cars come with a cell phone built in the car. The thing about this cell phone is that is will not allow the driver to text. The built in phone will allow you to store you memory card in it so that it has all of your contacts. The only way you will be able to answer your phone is if your car is at a complete stop or in park. Another proposal is that if somehow the driver finds a way to get around the built in phone and still tries to text or talk on there phone, their phone will burst into pieces. There will be a sensor in each car that detects cell phone usage. It will not be a huge explosion, it will just make the phone crumble into pieces. These two proposals, along with others that can be made will help stop car accidents that are caused by cell phone usage.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Topic Proposal 2
How does animal cruelty or animal rights affect dogs?
When I say animal cruelty or animal rights I mean the idea that the dogs interest is put into consideration. Some people say that the dog can not make its own moral decisions, therefore it is not up to the dog. One aspect of animal cruelty is pitbull fighting that has been huge in the news lately (a.k.a Michal Vick). There is also greyhound racing which some think is wrong.
Sources:
1. Mass. Voters OK Greyhound-racing ban (library search in Academic Search Premier)
There was a vote in Massachusetts for greyhound race tracks to be shut down by 2010. There have been other votes to ban racing, but they failed. The Veteranarian medical association does not really hold an opinion on the issue. The people who are for the ban are excited because there were many injuries reported and the peopl who are against the ban are upset because they feel that many race-track veteranarians will be out of jobs
2. dog eat dog is not literal (library search in Academic Search Premier)
A man describes a real life experience and wanted to express his dislike for animal cruelty. He is really disturbed with dog fighting. He was not able to grasp the idea that you train a dog to kill another dog.
3. Hunting is ethical (library search in Opposing view points)
This article provides three different points of view. It discusses the concept of animal rights, the idea that animals do not have legal rights, restrictions on hunters and the motives for hunting. This article discusses that animal rights is a legal issue and that an animal is not provided with legal decisions.
4. Falcons' Vick indicted by grand jury in dogfighting probe (google search on espn.com)
This article discusses what the NFL player Michal Vick was accused of. It goes into detail of the trial that he was on and talks about what he did to the dogs.
When I say animal cruelty or animal rights I mean the idea that the dogs interest is put into consideration. Some people say that the dog can not make its own moral decisions, therefore it is not up to the dog. One aspect of animal cruelty is pitbull fighting that has been huge in the news lately (a.k.a Michal Vick). There is also greyhound racing which some think is wrong.
Sources:
1. Mass. Voters OK Greyhound-racing ban (library search in Academic Search Premier)
There was a vote in Massachusetts for greyhound race tracks to be shut down by 2010. There have been other votes to ban racing, but they failed. The Veteranarian medical association does not really hold an opinion on the issue. The people who are for the ban are excited because there were many injuries reported and the peopl who are against the ban are upset because they feel that many race-track veteranarians will be out of jobs
2. dog eat dog is not literal (library search in Academic Search Premier)
A man describes a real life experience and wanted to express his dislike for animal cruelty. He is really disturbed with dog fighting. He was not able to grasp the idea that you train a dog to kill another dog.
3. Hunting is ethical (library search in Opposing view points)
This article provides three different points of view. It discusses the concept of animal rights, the idea that animals do not have legal rights, restrictions on hunters and the motives for hunting. This article discusses that animal rights is a legal issue and that an animal is not provided with legal decisions.
4. Falcons' Vick indicted by grand jury in dogfighting probe (google search on espn.com)
This article discusses what the NFL player Michal Vick was accused of. It goes into detail of the trial that he was on and talks about what he did to the dogs.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Topic Proposal #1
For my first essay I think I would like to write about the power of ridicule. I want to talk about how it is humor but it is done at the expense of someone else. The purpose of this argument is to not necessarily get people to stop ridiculing people but to make them more aware and to realize that it is two sided and does not always benefit you. It may be helpful in war against your enemy but it does not work so well in politics. An example of this would be when troops at war ridicule their enemies to make themselves less scared and to put their minds at ease, or just when you ridicule and authority figure to make yourself feel better. The author of this essay tries to narrow the topic of ridicule down by talking about the US strategy at war. The author tries to get across the idea that ridicule works. Ridicule can tear someone down but help someone on the other side. It can give you leverage or can defeat you. Ridicule is two sided and the author tries to demonstrate that.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Reponse # 2
In chapter three of “Comedy Writing secrets”, it talks about the importance of choosing your audience. It says that the audience you choose needs to be universal and that you should not narrow it down to please a certain group. If your jokes are not universal, then many people will not laugh or found them humorous at all. The best target for jokes is probably you. The audience will not get offended and it lets the audience know that it is ok to laugh. Some other good topics to talk about are sex, celebrities, places (countries, cities and local spots), products, and controversial ideas. As a humorist, you will never be able to get around the controversial issues, because everyone has a different opinion on different issues. Woody Allen said “bisexuality immediately doubles your chances for a date on Saturday night.” That can come off as really offensive to those who are bisexual. That is why I think it is really important to stress the importance of the audience you are delivering to. There will always be one person who is offended, but you should always do your best when you are practicing your jokes. Try and make them as universal as possible.
This chapter gives an acronym to help you remember the six elements of humor. The acronym is THREES. This stands for Target, Hostility, Realism, Exaggeration, Emotion and Surprise. Throughout the chapter, tips are given to help you reach the six elements of humor. There are suggestions and exercises to help you bring out your humor.
I found this chapter very helpful because it gave topics and interesting topics to pull jokes from. It said that it was important to pick universal topics and to focus your attention on what the audience will like. The one part of this chapter that really interested me was when it talked about “ridicruel”. This is the second ingredient in the THREES recipe. It talked about how powerful this element is and that how we always have hostility towards someone or something. This is so true. I can definitely think of a time when I have said a joke on someone that I felt superior too. I think that people do this to make themselves feel better because they feel inadequate. This type of humor can be used to boost your self esteem and put someone else down. There are many topics that can fall under this category. For example there can be sex, race, background, religion, and class. The hard thing about this kind of humor is a lot of times these are the jokes people enjoy the most. These jokes can also be the ones that offend many people. The comedian tells these jokes at his/her own risk and does it at the expense of others. They tell these types of jokes because they think they will get a big laugh, but to some people they are very hurtful. An example of this would be people making fun of fat kids. These types of jokes are easy to laugh at, but for some it can be hurtful. This video is a good example of this.
http://www.theonion.com/content/video/fat_kid_successfully_avoids
This chapter gives an acronym to help you remember the six elements of humor. The acronym is THREES. This stands for Target, Hostility, Realism, Exaggeration, Emotion and Surprise. Throughout the chapter, tips are given to help you reach the six elements of humor. There are suggestions and exercises to help you bring out your humor.
I found this chapter very helpful because it gave topics and interesting topics to pull jokes from. It said that it was important to pick universal topics and to focus your attention on what the audience will like. The one part of this chapter that really interested me was when it talked about “ridicruel”. This is the second ingredient in the THREES recipe. It talked about how powerful this element is and that how we always have hostility towards someone or something. This is so true. I can definitely think of a time when I have said a joke on someone that I felt superior too. I think that people do this to make themselves feel better because they feel inadequate. This type of humor can be used to boost your self esteem and put someone else down. There are many topics that can fall under this category. For example there can be sex, race, background, religion, and class. The hard thing about this kind of humor is a lot of times these are the jokes people enjoy the most. These jokes can also be the ones that offend many people. The comedian tells these jokes at his/her own risk and does it at the expense of others. They tell these types of jokes because they think they will get a big laugh, but to some people they are very hurtful. An example of this would be people making fun of fat kids. These types of jokes are easy to laugh at, but for some it can be hurtful. This video is a good example of this.
http://www.theonion.com/content/video/fat_kid_successfully_avoids
Monday, January 19, 2009
In the first chapter of “Comedy Writing secrets”, it talks about the importance of humor writing. The first chapter explains that anyone can learn to write humor. Some people are naturally funny and others don’t quite have that talent, but it can be acquired. Within this first chapter, there are a couple of humor exercises to help you find your inner “funny”. There are three benefits of humor writing. They are respect, remembrance and rewards. You have to earn your respect, cause your words to be remembered, and earn great financial and personal rewards. There is also a map to being a successful humorist. The MAP consists of the material, the audience and the performer. You have to make sure the material you are presenting is appropriate for the audience; otherwise you will not get the laughs you are hoping to receive. At the end of the first chapter, a couple of tips are given to help you organize your material. The one that seems to be repeated a lot is to have your material sorted and organizes by your topics.
I found this first chapter very interesting. Before reading this, I was under the impression that you had to be naturally funny to be able to produce humor in your writing. I thought that is was normal to throw one or two jokes into your paper or writings, but to put more than that in there I thought I sounded stupid. After reading this chapter, it kind of put my mind at ease about writing with humor. Just think, this is only the first chapter; I wonder what I will think after reading them all.
I love how the chapter provided exercises to help developing your humor. I actually tried one and it seemed to help. Some of the ones I came up with seemed stupid, but for other ones I actually laughed out loud. I enjoyed reading the part about the MAP. It makes so much sense to focus your material for the audience you are presenting to. It is important to make sure your material is appropriate for your audience. You don’t want to talk vulgar to young kids, because that will make them think some things are ok to say.
Being funny is very rewarding. To have someone laugh at a story or a joke you say is a really cool feeling. It makes you feel better about yourself. Some people say that laughing is a cure to many things. To be able to help someone laugh is awesome. It also allows you to be the center of attention which is good for some people. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this chapter and I think I will really enjoy this class. I love laughing and I think it will be cool to learn how to write to make the audience that is reading it laugh.
The last part of this chapter tells you all about organization and work that has to be put in to be a comedian. I guess it is just like any other activity. Some things take practice and time to develop that skill. Being a comedian is no different.
What are some other activities to help get your imagination going to help you with writing humor?
I found this first chapter very interesting. Before reading this, I was under the impression that you had to be naturally funny to be able to produce humor in your writing. I thought that is was normal to throw one or two jokes into your paper or writings, but to put more than that in there I thought I sounded stupid. After reading this chapter, it kind of put my mind at ease about writing with humor. Just think, this is only the first chapter; I wonder what I will think after reading them all.
I love how the chapter provided exercises to help developing your humor. I actually tried one and it seemed to help. Some of the ones I came up with seemed stupid, but for other ones I actually laughed out loud. I enjoyed reading the part about the MAP. It makes so much sense to focus your material for the audience you are presenting to. It is important to make sure your material is appropriate for your audience. You don’t want to talk vulgar to young kids, because that will make them think some things are ok to say.
Being funny is very rewarding. To have someone laugh at a story or a joke you say is a really cool feeling. It makes you feel better about yourself. Some people say that laughing is a cure to many things. To be able to help someone laugh is awesome. It also allows you to be the center of attention which is good for some people. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this chapter and I think I will really enjoy this class. I love laughing and I think it will be cool to learn how to write to make the audience that is reading it laugh.
The last part of this chapter tells you all about organization and work that has to be put in to be a comedian. I guess it is just like any other activity. Some things take practice and time to develop that skill. Being a comedian is no different.
What are some other activities to help get your imagination going to help you with writing humor?
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