Assignment 5-1 Where Did Halloween Come From?

Halloween dates back more than 2000 years. The story of Halloween originated in England, Ireland, and France and is one of the “most widely celebrated days in the world” (Rakoczy, n.d.). We celebrate Halloween on October 31^st because it was thought to be the end of the summer and beginning of the new year. The new year was celebrated to honor the dead. “It was believed that on this night, the separation between the world of the living and the world of the dead was the thinnest and that the ghosts of the dead could roam the Earth in search of a body to possess” (Rakoczy, n.d.). So people would wear costumes to scare off these evil spirits and use lanterns to light their homes. They would parade around causing chaos to scare away the evil spirits. It is believed that in “the mid 1900s jokes and pranks during Halloween, which started out as harmless fun, eventually became rough and rowdy” (Rakoczy, n.d.). This led to bribing children with candy to get them to behave, which then brought the phrase “trick or treating”. Another belief of trick or treating comes from the European custom of All Souls Day where people “would go from house to house asking for soul cakes” (Scottsbluff, 2010). It was thought that soul cakes would release friends and family members from purgatory. Around the early 1800s immigrants brought their beliefs and customs to the United States and are why we celebrate Halloween today. (Rakoczy, n.d.).

(Brown, 2010)

Halloween Rituals

·         Costumes: To scare away evil spirits.

·         Ghosts: Believed to be the dead of the previous year that roam around on October 31^st to possess a body for the new year.

·         Trick or treating: Going house to house to beg for soul cakes to release their loved ones. Nowadays, we go around door to door trick or treating for candy.

·         Pumpkin Carving: In Ireland, they would carve turnips to honor the dead which led to carving pumpkins because they were larger.

·         Colors of Halloween: Black stands for death and orange for the harvest.

·         Witches and Black Cats: From the medieval times, they thought witches could magically turn into black cats.

Halloween may have been brought about by evil rituals, but today it is just another holiday enjoyed by children all over the world. It’s also a way for candy makers to sell millions in candy sales, can’t forget about that part of every holiday advertised here in our country.

Brown, N. (2010). Free Pumpkin Carving Templates, Jack O Lantern Templates, Stencils & Ideas. Retrieved on October 30, 2010 from http://todaynewsonline.com/free-pumpkin-carving-templates-jack-o-lantern-templates-stencils-ideas/229119/.

Rakoczy, C. (n.d.). Your Dictionary: Where Did Halloween Come From? Retrieved on October 30, 2010 from http://answers.yourdictionary.com/history/holidays/where-did-halloween-come-from.html.

Scottsbluff. (2010). A Brief History of Halloween. Retrieved on October 30, 2010 from http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/7180075-a-brief-history-of-halloween.

Assignment 4-1 Elton John and Lady GaGa Duet

On top of the ten best female singers list of 2010 is performer Lady GaGa (The Conservative Journal, 2010).  Her first single was released in 1998, Just Dance, and went to the top of the charts. She has a lot of controversy surrounding her which mostly appears to be surrounding her unique wardrobe choices. But her singing is very current and popular. “For some people Lady GaGa may be evil and weird. But, there should be no reasonable person believing that she is not creative and a gifted song writer who manage to become an international superstar”(Pomoni, 2010).

It is well known that Lady GaGa is a star that has a lot of controversy surrounding her lifestyle choices, but she is a great singer and song writer. However, you might be surprised to hear that Lady Gaga is now taking on a children’s role in her next song release.

 (Krager, 2010)

Gnomeo and Juliet is a Disney movie being produced by Elton John and David Furnish (Karger, 2010). In the movie, Elton John and Lady GaGa are teaming up to sing a duet called “Hello Hello”. This song  will be played at the point in the movie where the two main characters first meet.

Given the unique lifestyle of Lady GaGa, should she be in anything that is made for Children? Children look to these actors and singers as role models. Lady GaGa is an interesting choice for a child role model.

The Conservative Journal. (2010). Taking the news with grain of Conservatism. Retrieved on October 24, 2010 from http://theconservativejournal.wordpress.com/2010/01/06/top-10-best-female-singers-of-2009/.

Krager, D. (2010). Elton John and Lady GaGa: Exclusive details on their duet. Retrieved on October 24, 2010 from http://music-mix.ew.com/2010/10/21/elton-john-lady-gaga-gnomeo-juliet-duet/.

Pomoni, C. (2010). Bukisa: A Look at Lady GaGa’s Rise to Fame. Retrieved on October 24, 2010 from http://www.bukisa.com/articles/274374_a-look-at-lady-ga-gas-rise-to-fame.

Assignment 3-1 The Hobbit

In our culture today, it sometimes appears that one is just not enough. We want more of what we like and it is the same when it comes to our favorite movies and TV shows. Of course it is easier with TV as we watch episode after episode, and season after season. But with movies we just get the one, unless they make it a trilogy, or maybe they make a movie that follows up with part II, part III, or even part IV. In the same breath, as we expect and want more, the production companies are willing to bring us what we want. If it is popular culture today, they are willing to make the money and bring it to an audience. We are also seeing popular culture brought to us in fast forward. This has become almost a norm of high revenue producing movies. Production companies want to bring two part movies out with back to back release dates. So they film sequels back to back for quick releases.

Are you a “Lord of the Rings” fan? If yes, good news! Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit is finally here.

(Molgaard, 2010)



“Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit finally has been greenlit with production starting in February according to an individual close to the film” (JimmyO, 2010). Peter Jackson is set to write, direct and produce a two part series with a date of first release on December 19, 2012. This is great news for Lord of the Ring fans. And even better, for the fans of 3D, it is also slated to be released in 3D. (Molgaard, 2010).

The movie is based on a prequel to Lord of the Rings and will be 60 years previous to the Lord of the Rings era. It appears to be about Bilbo Baggins and his venture when he met Gollum and found the ring. I really am surprised that they are not trying to include the original two hobbits from the Lord of the Rings, Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee. Their characters were so fun to watch. Some of the actors that are rumored to be returning are Ian McKellen (Gandolph), Cate Blanchett (Galadriel), Hugo Weaving (Aragon), and Andy Serkis (Gollum). (Molgaard, 2010).

JimmyO. (2010). Peter Jackson’s ‘The Hobbit’ Officially Greenlit. Retrieved on October 17, 2010 from http://www.iamrogue.com/news/movie-news/item/1319-peter-jacksons-the-hobbit-officially-greenlit.html?utm_source=tmn_module.

Molgaard, M. (2010). The Hobbit Will Get the 3D Treatment. Retrieved on October 17, 2010 from http://www.iamrogue.com/news/movie-news/item/1164-the-hobbit-will-get-the-3d-treatment.html.

Assignment 2-1

(Ditzian, 2010)

Napoleon Dynamite Comes to TV

Napoleon Dynamite is a hit movie that debuted in 2004. It was based on a kid from a small town that was portrayed as an unpopular misfit with a very strange personality. The movie was about “a listless and alienated teenager who decides to help his new friend win the class presidency in their small western high school, while he must deal with his bizarre family life back home” (Franzen, 2010). Napoleon was a movie that was a hit overnight. The movie was based on the unpopular crowd and not the normal popular crowd. This change in the usual plot gave the film a different feel. A feel of predictability and stereotyping of cute and popular crowds and how they live through their high school years were not the basis of this story line. The movie was full of one-liners that were so stupid that the watchers could not help but laugh.  Although my family was much taken with this film I was not. I did not find the humor in it and found it a waste of time to watch. Mostly because it was just so different than what I normally watch.

In recent news, Napoleon Dynamite was announced as an upcoming new cartoon coming to TV. “Six years after the world met Napoleon Dynamite and his stupid hair, Fox has decided to bring the misfit teenager back as a cartoon” (Raymond, 2010). With an initial launch of six episodes, most of the stars have signed up to voice their characters in this cartoon TV show. “Get ready for all those obnoxious quotes from 2004 to make a resurgence: Fox has ordered a six-episode cartoon series of the inexplicably popular flick Napoleon Dynamite” (Harnick, 2010). Whatever made this movie a popular phenomenon will most likely help in making the cartoon a popular hit as well. It will join other late night cartoons like Family Guy, The Simpsons, South Park, and who can forget, Beavis and Butthead. Although the cartoon is supposed to be aimed for teenagers, I wonder how appropriate it will be. The few times I have watched the Family Guy or South Park I have not found it appropriate for teenagers. It has been a struggle in my house to police my kids and ensure they were not watching adult late night cartoons. I guess time will tell how teenaged based this cartoon will be.

Ditzian, E. (2010). Napoleon Dynamite Animated Series Headed to Fox. Retrieved on October 10, 2010 from http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1649742/20101011/story.jhtml.

Franzen, D. (2004). Napoleon Dynamite. Retrieved on October 11, 2010 from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0374900/.

Harnick, C. (2010). Napoleon Dynamite Cartoon Series Coming to Fox. Retrieved on October 11, 2010 from http://www.tvsquad.com/2010/10/11/napoleon-dynamite-cartoon-series-coming-to-fox/

Raymond, A. (2010). Fox is Developing a Napoleon Dynamite Cartoon. Retrieved on October 11, 2010 from http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2010/05/fox_working_on_napoleon_dynami.html.



Assignment 2-2 Icon Analysis

(TV Guide, 2010)

Brett Favre is a professional NFL quarterback that was born in 1969. He was the second round pick in the NFL draft of 1991. He originally started in Atlanta with the falcons but was traded later to Green Bay where he was a packer for 16 years. He had many accomplishments including seven division titles and two super bowls winning one of them. He is a NFL MVP 3 years running, 1995-1997, and was the very first football player to do so. I have watched Brett Favre for the last 15 years and he was so intriguing to watch while he played for the packers. He could come to the end of the game, crunch time, and come back from a losing game to win it. He was highly respected and stayed out of the negative limelight of the popular culture arena. Unfortunately instead of retiring in 2008, he was traded to the New York Jets and then joined the Minnesota Vikings in 2009 where he continues to play. Many people say that he should have just retired, maybe they are right. This statement brings a lot of negative publicity to him. Some more fun facts about Brett is that he was “named 2007 Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year” and he was the “first quarterback to defeat all 32 NFL teams” (TV Guide, 2010). Many people believe he should make the Football Hall of Fame.

(New Luxury Items, 2007)

Superman is an American icon that is very popular and was originated from the DC Comic book. It was made into a TV show in the 1950s and it was so popular that it was made into a movie in 1978. There were originally 4 movies made with the actor Christopher Reeves who passed away in 2004. But these were not the last of the Superman movies to hit the movie screen. In 2006 Superman Returns came out and was the #3 most expensive movie made at that time.” Warner Bros wanted to make this film a box office hit movie. They spent around $296.6 million to make this film” (New Luxury Items, 2007). Now, in 2010, a new Superman is set to hit the theaters in 2012 with the movie Superman: Man of Steel.

(AWN, 2010)

MTV was the beginning of one of the biggest American icons of our generation. It started in 1981 and was based in New York City. MTV was a music station started that would be dedicated to just that, music. It became so popular so fast that it was referred to as “the coolest thing on earth, and you just had to have it” (Madeloud, 2010). Slogans were popping up everywhere in the 1980s, such as “I want my MTV and MTV is here” (AWN, 2010). In 1981 I was 11 years old and MTV was the thing to watch. As I moved through my teenage years it became even better, it was like being at a show or even a concert but in your own home. MTV is still an icon in our country today and our children, like us, are tuned in.

The first video of MTV, Video Killed the Radio Star by The Buggles from The Buggles Island Records. Here is the link to view the video on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiJ9AnNz47Y, I would suggest watching it, and wow was that a different generation then right now, brings back old memories.

Why did I choose these icons? I love music, and growing up I had a lot of great memories of MTV and truly believe that it is one of the biggest icons of the 20^th century. Brett Favre, can I say any more, what a great athlete, and very nice on the eyes too. I did not watch football growing up; however, when I met my husband he was a huge football fan. I started to watch football and for some reason was drawn to watching the Packers, specifically Brett because he could be so amazing. And finally, Superman was one of my favorite shows when I was young. I actually remember thinking that I wanted to marry someone that looked just like Christopher Reeves. (No my husband does not look like him in case you are wondering). These are three great icons of American pop culture.

References

AWN Expert Blogs. 2010. The Creation of an Icon: MTV. Retrieved on October 7, 2010 from http://www.awn.com/mag/issue2.10/2.10pages/2.10mtv.html.

Made Loud. 2010. MTV – In the Beginning. Retrieved on October 7, 2010 from http://www.awn.com/mag/issue2.10/2.10pages/2.10mtv.html.

New Luxury Items. 2007. Most Expensive Movie Superman Returns. Retrieved on October 7, 2010 from http://www.newluxuryitems.com/most-expensive-movie-superman.html.

TV Guide. 2010. Brett Favre Biography. Retrieved on October 7, 2010 from http://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/brett-favre/bio/196148.

Assignment 1-4 - American Idol

American Idol is a country phenomenon that started eight years ago. The show is in search of the best singer performer in the United States. When it first started, it was so popular that thousands of young adults and teenagers flocked to their auditions in hopes of becoming the next American Idol while millions of viewers watched in anticipation. Today, thousands still flock to auditions; however, viewer ratings have dropped.

American Idol tours around the country to big cities and holds auditions for people aging from 15 to 28 years of age (Kaufman, 2010). All of these people want to live the American Dream and be part of America’s popular culture history. American Idol had a panel of judges that were so intriguing and at times rude, that it would suck you in as a viewer just to see how they were going to treat the next person auditioning. Now, one of the three original judges remains.

Originally, American Idol judges were Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson. They worked well together, arguing at times but at what appeared to be for the ratings. Paula describes the relationship between the three of them as close. “I never had brothers in my life, so Randy [Jackson] and Simon were like my brothers. Simon was the brother I never asked to have. What was beautiful about it is that we developed an amazing friendship” (James, 2010). Randy was the same throughout all the years on American Idol, calling the performers “dawg” as a term of endearment showing that he is interested in them. The most talked about of the three, Simon Cowell, had a very sharp edge to him. He could actually make someone cry and appear to not have it affect him. His straight forward honest opinions are what made watching the show worthwhile. Most of the time, you could agree with Simon even if you thought he was out of line with his harsh words. After eight seasons, Paula Abdul leaves American Idol. Her replacement, Ellen DeGeneres. Then after nine seasons, Simon Cowell also leaves American Idol.

The show has been in trouble for the past few seasons first with the exit of Paula Abdul. They brought in Kara DioGuardi the year before Paula left but Kara never really appeared to be that important to the contestants, they really appeared to care what Paula and Simon said. Then there was always the Paula and Simon flirtatious tension going on that I think some viewers were watching for, pulling the lime light from the contestants to them, not to mention Randy and Kara seemingly invisible presence. Last season the show brought in Ellen DeGeneres as Paula Abduls replacement which to me was a good move, I really like her and she brings a bit of fun and laughter. However, she really couldn't judge which is what the show was about. Now we are left without Simon, which is really what made the show interesting. A person willing to give his full non-biased opinion which is what the contestants needed to be able to move forward in such a dog eat dog industry. After the last season ended, we now find out that Kara was let go stating “DioGuardi struggled to find a groove in her first year on “Idol” and faced criticism from fans and critics” (Kaufman, 2010). And Ellen has graciously backed out stating “it was a difficult decision to make, but my work schedule became more than I bargained for. I also realized this season that while I love discovering, supporting and nurturing young talent, it was hard for me to judge people and sometimes hurt their feelings” (Ziegbe, 2010).

            With the revolving door in constant movement, the two newest panel judges are Steve Tyler of Aerosmith and Jennifer Lopez known best as J. Lo. What are people saying now, "it’s nice to see all the judges are music industry related this season" (Hudson, 2010).

References

James, A. 2010. Paula Abdul Wants Simon Cowell’s Mom to Replace Him on American Idol. Retrieved on October 3, 2010 from http://www.popeater.com/2010/06/14/paula-abdul-simon-cowell/.

Kaufman, G. MTV Network. 2010. American Idol Drops Minimum Age Limit to 15. Retrieved on October 3, 2010 from http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1641977/20100621/story.jhtml.

Kaufman, G. MTV Network. 2010. Kara DioGuardi Reportedly out at “American Idol”. Retrieved on October 3, 2010 from http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1644775/20100730/story.jhtml.

Ziegbe, M. MTV Network. 2010. Ellen DeGeneres Leaves American Idol. Retrieved on October 3, 2010 from http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1644762/20100729/degeneres_ellen.jhtml.

Hudson, J. Examiner. 2010. Jennifer Lopez not feuding with Ryan Seacrest on Idol. Retrieved on October 3, 2010 from http://www.examiner.com/entertainment-news-in-toronto/jennifer-lopez-not-feuding-with-ryan-seacrest-on-idol.

Assignment 1-2

What is popular culture, and what does it mean to me?

Popular culture to me is anything that is well known and well liked. Popular culture is everywhere in the world today. Technology has helped to advance popular culture by giving convenience of access to everyone. With easy access through technology, new fads and information are easily passes around the world. But most importantly, culture adds so much to our world and our lives giving us entertainment and interesting things to do.

Why is an understanding of popular culture relevant to you in a business environment and in your present and future career?

I work in a hospital as a manager. I am not sure how much popular culture is relevant to my actual job, but maybe someone can post some examples to my blog. One thing I do know is that we all spend a lot of time at our jobs, which means that our co-workers are who we spend a majority of time with. Following news, media, and popular culture helps give interesting and fulfilling conversations, like things we talk about around the water cooler. These conversations bring about a mental and verbal connection between people.

What would you consider to be an example of a pop culture artifact? And why would you choose it?

When I read our pop culture blog assignment and that we needed to choose a pop culture artifact what came to mind was a popular culture from the 80’s. My artifact is “The Brat Pack”. I chose them because they are from my generation and I grew up watching their movies. These actors and actresses rose to stardom quickly and were some of the most popular and idolized people during that time. In researching this artifact, some of the more popular actors and actresses labeled as The Brat Pack were Rob Lowe, Andrew McCarthy, Ally Sheedy, James Spader, Molly Ringwald, Judd Nelson, Emilio Estevez, Demi Moore and Robert Downey, Jr.

Being flung into the spotlight with fame and fortune they were the cool kids that everyone knew. “The Brat Pack represented the dreams and dilemmas of young adults in the Eighties – how to reconcile youthful idealism with a desire to realize their share of the American Dream in a decade when conformity and materialism were once again in vogue” (Manning, 2000).

Reference

Manning, J. (2000). The Eighties Club: The Politics and Pop Culture of the 1980s. Retrieved on October 2, 2010 from http://eightiesclub.tripod.com/id299.htm.