Sunday, March 30, 2008

ASSIGNMENT 9-1 DATE: 3/30/08

SMOKING
Smoking is a topic of great heated discussion these days. Back in the olden days, smoking was something that high society people did. You could look at somebody and tell what class they fit in based off many things one being the cigarettes they smoked. Back in those days they had long holders for their cigarettes that made smoking more elegant looking.

Cigarette manufacturer's have used very effective advertising methods throughout the years. The one that sticks in my head the most is the Marlboro man. He was the perfect tool to get girls to smoke, a gorgeous cowboy. Another one that was used was cartoon figures that made smoking look fun. Smoking has gone from a socially acceptable habit to a very bad habit.

These days there are always heated discussions about smoking. The city I live in has just passed a smoking ban in all public places. I feel this is a great step in keeping people healthier. By making smoking less attractive and less acceptable it will hopefully make less people start smoking and make more people quit smoking. I love the thought that July 1st if I want to go to the bar to have a drink I will come home not smelling like a smoke stack. I love the idea of going out to eat and not smelling smoke as I'm eating. Many people are complaining about this ban saying our rights are being taken away. Well my response is this...your still have every right to smoke, you'll just have to do it outside or in your vehicle.

Is everybody going to agree with every law or ban put in place? NO! If the bans or laws make society a better place to live in we shouldn't complain.

Sunday, March 16, 2008

ASSIGNMENT 7-1 DATE: 3/16/08

NASCAR
The popular culture topic I chose this week is NASCAR. Auto racing has been around for over 50 years. NASCAR has really caught on in the last 10 years or so. NASCAR always had a lot of following but now it is becoming more mainstream. You really cannot go out in public without seeing several people with NASCAR apparel on. Advertising has really heightened the public awareness of NASCAR also. A lot of the driver's star in their own commercials for one or more of their sponsors. Talk about a great way to get people's attention. It seems like now you have two seasons: football and racing. NASCAR came from small beginnings and small payouts for drivers and has evolved into a huge sport with huge payouts. You can probably ask anybody about NASCAR and you will either find a fan or at least somebody who has heard of it. When you follow any sport you get a sense of belonging. NASCAR gives Americans another way to belong and fit in regardless of your skin color. NASCAR is also becoming a global entity. There is now racers from all over the world competing. NASCAR is a great sport and great entertainment for everybody.

Sunday, March 2, 2008

Assignment 5-1 Date: 3/2/08

PSYCHICS

A popular culture topic that intersts me is the world of psychics. People with psychic abilities have been around since ancient times. The word psychic "refers to the ability to perceive things hidden from the senses through means of extra-sensory perception," (www.wikipedia.com). Belief in psychic abilities have been on the increase since the 19th century. One of the earliest most famous psychics was Nostradamus. He wrote books containing around 6,000 prophecies. "Edgar Cayce was one of the best-known American psychics of the 20th century," (www.wikipedia.com).

People believe that psychic ability is passed down from generation to generation. Many also believe that everybody is born with these abilities but lear to tune them out at an early age. People also believe that with training and discipline you can learn to develop your psychic abilities.

The most famous psychics of modern day are Sylvia Browne and John Edwards. Sylvia Brown has written many books, she appears frequently on Montel, she travels around the world giving lectures and readings and she has also developed her own church. She is my favorite psychic and an inspiration for all who believe in her abilities. John Edwards has also written a few books and he has his own television show where he gives readings.

What I find the most interesting is that we live in a society that is turning to be more spiritual. The belief in psychic abilities have been on the increase in the United States. Many people are still extremely skeptical but I believe they are just scared of the unknown.

REFERENCES
www.wikipedia.com