Monday, November 30, 2009

Google's Take Over

I found this comic strip at stumbleupon.com. I personally thought it was hilarious, and perfectly depicts our society. We rely so much on Google, and the internet, that whenever we want to know something or need information, we turn to the internet or any technology for instant gratification. We also believe that there is an answer for everything on the internet. While people think that sites such as Google are "amazing" because it has "everything," they often forget that it's a man-made creation.
I think this is a great representation of where our societies are headed, as far as advances in technology go, because we have so many advancements that make our lives easier, that we sometimes take advantage of it. From celebrities, to school work, to tv shows, to medical advice to death, people use this search engine for everything and anything imaginable. Google especially. The word "Google" itself has become both a noun and a verb. Whenever a question goes un-answered, the usual response is "oh well i'll just Google it later."
Not only has Google expanded to the far ends of the internet, but it has spread to new aspects of technology, like cell phones. Not only do cell phones now have access to the internet, but Google is making its own brand of phones as well.
The more we feed into this industry, and as our need to be up-to-date on the latest technology, I can only predict that our mass consumerism will help this company to flourish and basically take over all forms of the web. That is, of course, after Google teams up with Facebook. That team up would be unstoppable.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Movie Star Heart Throbs Help Fans Develop Healthy Relationships?

Okay, so let me first get it out there that YES I am a Twilight Fan... or one of the billions that is. And since the 2nd part of the series comes to theaters this week I found this topic appropriate. 'Twilight' hunks part of film's heartthrob history is about how the stars of Twilight, and past famous actors and actresses are immensely admired by their fans, so much so that they get those 'butterflies' in their stomachs just when they think about their idols.
"Girls have been falling in love with movie stars since the dawn of cinema. When teenagers became Tinseltown's prime marketing target, Hollywood delivered handsome heartthrobs any girl could love."
Hollywood makes these characters more appealing visually, which makes more and more people go to see the movie. Even in this Taylor Lautner New Moon Interview/Trailer, his character Jacob is shirtless about 90% of the time. Lautner even states that he had to add 30 lbs of muscle to get ready for this role.
The article even goes on to say how they play off the fans admiration for profit!
"As if adolescent emotions weren't enough, today's heartthrob crushes are supported by all manner of merchandising and gadgetry. 'It's so much more elaborate than it used to be,' says USC cultural historian Leo Braudy. 'Every movie comes fit with its posters and its icons and its bobble-head dolls.'"
The more that an actor is idolized through the media, the more the movie and company benefits by making toys, gadgets and more that can be marketed. I found this really interesting because it shows how many industries can merge together to benefit each other. Advertising industries use popular actors/actresses to promote the movies they are in, the movies lead to production of goods based on characters or events all that are bought by fans, who increase greatly due to advertising !
This especially adds to twilight because the movie series is based off of a book series, so there was already a large fan base from those who loved the books. I just found these connections really interesting!