Dblaies2's Blog

Welcome to the Real World

dblaies2 — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 23:41:32 +0000

As the semester draws closer to an end I realized that I am really getting close to finishing college. I started out at a community college right out of high school and wasn’t going for anything specific but to just get my general educations out of the way. At that time transferring to SIUE seems so far down the road that graduating was not even something I really thought about. Being now almost halfway done with my junior year it is finally setting in that my time in school is almost over. Like a lot of people in college I have been enrolled in at least one class every school semester since kinder-garden excluding summers and breaks of course. It is very hard to imagine going into a job every single day and not going into school. Ideally I will get a job in PR and fully use my Bachelors Degree but the reality is there are no guarantees. While that diploma is very valuable it is still not your ticket to a success career. With the job market the mess that it is in I just hope by the time I graduate I will actually be working somewhere that I want to be and doing something that I enjoy if not love to do.

Let It Snow

dblaies2 — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 20:26:06 +0000

With the cold weathers rapid approach it occurred to me that we here in the Midwest we really do experience a wide variety of weather changes compared to other places. On one of these past few really cold days I found myself thinking, “the people out in California don’t have to put up with this nasty weather”. I of course was envious at the time and not thrilled with the cold but if you stop think about it there are a lot of advantages, or I guess I should say, positives to weather changes. The weather is a powerful thing and truthfully impacts a lot.

I can think of one big advantage right away and that is the different types of entertainment/activities we partake it that come with the changing weather. For example now that it is getting cold outside my friends and I have started to frequent indoor skate park to do our skateboarding instead of just skating outside like we normally would. The indoor parks are available year round but it is truly the weather that drives us to venture there and afterward we end up saying to each other “why don’t we come here more often”?

Deep down there are of course a few negatives to changing weather but I personally feel that there are enough positives to get through it. Since I don’t having any future plans to move out to California any time soon I guess I’ll just have to be happy and content here in the Midwest and it’s 80 degrees of sunshine one day and 20 degrees of sleet the next.

Bill Clinton in The Hangover 2

dblaies2 — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 20:14:10 +0000

It has recently been brought to the publics attention the former President Bill Clinton will be appearing in the new Hangover sequel scheduled to hit theatres this May. Viewers where shocked with hilarity by Mike Tysons cameo in the first Hangover movie where Tyson played himself and most memorably punched Zach Galifianakis character out cold. With the outstanding amount of the success the first filmed received the expectations for the sequel have been continuing to grow as we all wonder, what celebrity will appear next? Originally famous actor, Mel Gibson was also casted the role as a tattoo artist but was later replaced with Liam Neeson.

Now, while I obviously have not seem Clinton’s cameo in the new film I cannot help but feel that it will more than likely just make himself look even more bad. My guess would be that he of course will have a comedic role and will probably just be making fun of himself and end up sleeping with some random female character or somthing but again who knows for sure. I just wonder what Clinton expects to get out of the experience. I mean he has to know that nothing serious can be taken from any famous person appearing in a movie like The Hangover. I see the only other way Clinton can win in this situation is by showing the world that he can take a joke. I mean a majority of America already find his time a President to be a ridicilous experience for lack of a better word, so hopefully for his sake the cameo works to his advantage.

Free Weezy!

dblaies2 — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 02:08:30 +0000

After serving eight long months of a year sentence, rap super star known as Lil Wayne (aka Weezy) was released from prison this morning at 8:35 am. The artist was charged with attempted criminal possesion of a weapon. Weeks before beginning his sentence Wayne locked himself in his studio recording several several songs a night. Since his incarciration in February of this year his digital release “Human” reached number two on the Billboard 2oo chart and eventually reached number one after its physical release. Sources indicate that Wayne has been continuously writing new material while in jail and will be releasing an over abundance of material following his release. Now while many will say that Lil Wayne simply did the crime so he must do the time, others purpose that the is a deeping reasoning and purpose behind his removal from society. I for one see it as a clever business decision. Since he has been in jail Lil Wayne has grown more and more popular by leaving the music “scene” at the peak of his career. It would appear that the strategy here is so when he comes back he is begger than even. By recording so much material before he left his management was able to release new songs so Wayne there by countinued to make money while behind bars. The act of going to jail itself also is a source of promotion for the artist. It is unfortunates but in todays world it is actually deemed “cool” for musician, most often rappers, to serve some sort of jail time during their carer. It gives the artist a sort of “street” credibility. So did Lil Wayne go to jail because he caught with a weapon? Or did he get caught with a weapon so he could go to jail?

http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1631531/20100208/lil_wayne.jhtml

http://www.popeater.com/2010/11/04/lil-wayne-prison-released/

The McRib is back!

dblaies2 — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 00:26:24 +0000

It has been brought to the public’s attention that this year’s waiting is over, the McRib at Mcdonalds is back! Now when I first read an article about the McRib’s return I’ll be honest, my first thought was this seems to be alittle bit much excitement over a sandwhich. I am not here to say that I don’t find the sandwich enjoyable but I also am not particulary excited or effect by it returning to the menu. In the past select McDonalds restaurants around the country have offered the rib sandwich for only a limited time once a year, however this year the McRib will be sold for an extended period of 6 months. Yet the question remains, it’s just a sandwhich, what is the big deal? From a PR stance an obvious advantage is that since it is not offered year round the sandwiches popularity will of course me very high the months it is offered. However this make you wonder, would it be as popular if it was available year round? This is a perfect example of how “for a limited time only” can really effect a product sale. When that time of the year rolls around as a company you have an fresh opportunity for new commercial advertisments and really get customers intised to frequent you locations. The few and far between availablility of the McRib lets McDonalds release new commercials every year for a year old product.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_newsroom/20101102/bs_yblog_newsroom/the-mcrib-returns

Blog Comments

dblaies2 — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 18:50:41 +0000

Comment 1:

“Katy Perry & Sesame Street” by Lindy Noel

09/29/10

I am definately on the fence with this one. On one side I can understand Sesame Street’s concern and need to pull the skit off the air if the main celebrity character is dressed “inappropriately”, however first and foremost Katy’s wordrobe should have been analyzed and altered before the skit was filmed. If Katy Perry showed up dressed like that, then she is responsible for that. But, I don’t feel that it is her responsibility to meet Seame Street’s criteria of what is suitable to wear and it is in fact up to Seame Street’s wardrobe team to make sure she looks appropriate. I think what it comes down to is that it is not Katy’s fault. If they did not want her to wear what she wore than they shouldn’t have filmed her in the dress. I think the fair thing to do would be to recognize it as the companys fault for filming somthing not appropriate and not solely Katy’s.

Comment 2

“Public Obsessions” by Amy Curry

10/10/10

I think the whole “there is no such thing as bad publicity” only makes sense in the eyes of being known and not necessarily famous. Meaning if the objective is not to like or disliked but simply for people to know who you are than yes I agree that your name in the paper, for whatever reason, is still your name in the paper. However I also think that it is safe to say that it is not likely too many celebrities out there have this goal. So when you get down to it, the saying does not really ring true to some classic examples like Kanye West or Tiger Woods. Like you said if all your publicity is doing is ruining your reputation that it is not a good thing.

Comment 3

“Verizon Refunds” by Lindy Noel

10/10/10

I agree, Verizon should be penalized for their actions. The first thing I thought while reading this was “well it is only $2 or $6″ but the fact is it is still a mistake. You would think that Verizon would have acted much sooner on some sort of compensation, for we all know how a bad reputation can destroy a company name.. cough (BP) cough… The appropriate thing to do would have been to immediately make the mistake publicly know. As a consumer I feel that we all know companies make mistakes, but it is a much different story when they deliberately participate in immoral or illegal activity.

Comment 4

“The Kanye West Comeback” by Amy Curry

10/22/10

I completely agree with you. I am both a fan of Kanye West’s music as well as someone that agree’s he was out of line at last years VMA’s. I had heard much about Kayne’s nonstop career and dark period since the death of his mother and I think that the Taylor Swift incident was a perfect example of an over worked, unhealed person acting out. Just because he is a famous rapper doesn’t mean his doesn’t need time to reflect his mother’s death. However being a famous rapper also does not give his the right to take out his anger on an innocent person. I am very happy to hear that Kanye is back and ready for action. I look forward seeing him in the media again.

Comment 5

“Unconventional Tricks and Treats” by Amy Curry

11/05/10

Wow that is an excelent idea. Not only are kinds able to experience trick or treating in a safe and warm environment but by doing it in a mall you rule out those “closed up” houses in some neighborhoods. The idea is actually genious and your right I would be very very surprise if the shops didn’t not see a drastic increase in sales. Free candy is somthing that truely appeals to everyone and if you put it inside a mall a place you are pretty much guaranteed attraction.

Comment 6

“How does ‘word of mouth affect you’?” by Devan Mcmenamin

11/05/10

I know exactly what you are talking about. I too am a fan of MGMT and have also heard of the band having a weak live show. But as you said since the band is so studio driven I personally could understand them not pulling off anything as solid at a show. As far as word of mouth I think it is just the nature of the music business. Alot of success bands have truely begin with a buzz about them between friends and music lover alike. The great thing about having fans is that the true one’s will spread the good word about the bands they love and help those bands grow. Unfortunately the same can be said for negative exposure or “word of mouth”. Sometimes all it takes is one or two bad opinion to turn you off of a band and making up your mind about them, but again I think thats simply the nature of the beast.

Comment 7

“Dancing Non-Traditionally” by Amy Curry

11/15/10

This situation unfortunately is a tough one. I feel that regardless of what people will think a same sex couple should be allowed to dance on the show. The harsh reality is pretty much no matter what there is going to be some kind of controversy. Like you said there are still enough closed minded people in America to make something out of nothing. I literally could not care less if two men or two women danced together on TV. As far as men vs. woman I think we all know for some reason it is more socially acceptable for two women to be together than two men. I think the right thing for NBC to do is role with the same sex couples because there are more people out there that will either appreciate it or not care than people that will deem it negative.

Comment 8

“Thoughts On Thanksgiving” by Amy Curry

12/04/10

I definitely hear you on this one. Some of my friends asked what I as up to over thanksgiving break and why I didn’t spend much time with them. When I told them that I spent the whole time with my family they acted like it was strange that I spent the holiday with my family not out getting drunk just because I’m off school. I am all for some celebrating on my time off but too feel that it is unfortunate how unimportant family value it becoming. As far as Walgreen’s goes, if shopping for mundane little thing like a new toothbrush or something is more fun than spending time with your family than I just feel sorry for you.

Comment #9

“The Importance of a Good Handshake” by Lindy Noel

12/04/10

There is certainly something to be valued in a good hand shake. However I must admit I really only notice when someone gives me a bad hand shake and never really whether I have gave them a good one or not. I don’t know why but it really but for me it really is just one of those things you don’t really pay much attention to when your doing it. I think a weak, inattentive or awkward shake does leave a bad impression. I think it can make that person seem unconfident and/or nervous, which isn’t a terrible thing but can send the wrong message to some.

Comment #10

“Respect is spelled R-E-S-P-E-C-T…” by Lindy Noel

12/13/10

Very well said to say the least. My big issue is with people who do not give respect but for some reason expect to get in return. I feel that that goes for professors as well. Agreeably I am the student and you are the teacher, however we are both still people and should treat each other as such. As far as rude students go I feel that you cannot really escape them. Rude people are around even corner and it is truely something I have accepted. But if you are rude to me, you better believe that I am going to be rude right back.

Decorate Your Temple (Get Tattooed)

dblaies2 — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 22:57:19 +0000

In the last ten years the act of body tattooing has grown to be one of the most recognizable and common form of self expression to date. No longer are tattoos limited to people in motorcycle gangs, sailors or for just those that love the mom. In todays world just about everyone from the age 17 to 40 has at least one tattoo, even I myself have one. The question I wonder is not why are some many people getting them done, for we all know that reason: self expression. What I wonder is what does their tatoo mean to them?

The reality is, people are getting tattoos done for many different reasons and carry many many different meanings. Some a tribute to a dead family member or friend, others the album art of the favorite band. From a PR stance tattooing could in fact be deemed as a from of advertising if you really think about it. When you see someone with a tattoo with the sign of the cross on their arm what conclusion do you come to? I think that it is save to that you can assume that that person at the very least believes in God. What the tattoo has also does weather the person meant to or not, is symbolize or ”advertise” if you will, the believe of God itself. At today’s rate I would not be suprised to see someone showing off their fresh Nike tattoo on the feet.

9/11 Conspiracy Theory

dblaies2 — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 23:31:16 +0000

I recently came across an online article regarding the whereabouts on the most wanted man in the world, Osama Bin Laden. Bin Laden is of course the man responsible for the attack on the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001. The article stated that members of our countries intelligence service have confirmed that Bin laden is still very much alive and well, living in northwest Pakistan. His is being protected by local tribe members. As we all know there has been much speculation regarding his whereabouts, leading professionals to believe that he has been on the run since the 9/11 attack. I can imagine that people all over the world had a similair reaction, anger. The idea that the man responsible for killing our innocent U.S. citizen is just sitting back and relaxing is enough to drive a person crazy. But not everyone feels that way, in fact some Americans believe that Bin Laden is not the man responsible for the attack, in fact some believe 9/11 was not organized by any Iragi terrorists. A friends of mind showed me a DVD regarding conspiracy theories claiming that 9/11 was an inside job. It basically claimed that our own American government orgazined the attack on our own U.S. citizens in order to wage war against Iraq. While the DVD did present some radical notions it also included some interesting abnormalities. For example, the DVD stated that while investigators found zero traces of material item’s, like computers, furniture and things of those nature, found in the wreckage of the towers they did manage to find a nearly untouched passport of a Iraqi passenger. The fact is that there are nearly just as many believers as there are nonbelievers. While I myself do not believe the conspiracy theories it does present an interesting debate and makes you wonder just how much of what our government is doing are we aware of?

Bad Boys, Bad Boys, Whatcha Gunna Do?

dblaies2 — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 23:25:11 +0000

What is it about shows like “Cops” or “Wild Police Chases #2″ that are just so appealing to watch. Today my brother and I have spent about 2 hours of watching nothing but cops shows on TV and after about an hour and a half I starting questioning just what it was that was keeping us on this channel. Realistically all we watched were crimes, felonies, fights, people on drugs, domestics violence and other negative things of that nature. I think the obvious reason for watching is that although the shows were fueled with angry and criminal activity which sounds like a bad thing to want to watch, it was simply entertaining. But why do we as viewers find that so entertaining? I suppose for people like my brother and I, two people that have never been in physical altercation or serious trouble with the police, having never been in a situation like the ones we saw on the show, we are curious by nature what those situations are like. Even as I am writing this very blog I am being side tracked by obnoxious commercials for the new season of “Bait Car” and “Hot Pursuit: The Most Shocking Police Chases” but why? Psychology has taught us many wonderful thing about the human mind, but in this case maybe the fact is that we the people just love watching drunk idiots fail sobriety tests.

Comment #3

dblaies2 — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 22:58:42 +0000

One Response to “Verizon Refunds”

dblaies2 said this on October 10, 2010 at 10:13 pm | Reply