Assignment 5-1

Just how many of you have a magnetic ribbon on your car? Did you know that there are over 75 different ribbons, each with a different meaning? Now, most of us know that the yellow ribbon means Support the Troops, but did you also know it’s the ribbon of choice for Bladder Cancer, Liver Cancer, the Canadian Cancer Society, Carbon Monoxide poisoning and Spina Bifida. The yellow ribbon alone has over 24 causes it represents. AND did you know that when you add a second color to the ribbon it gives it new meaning? For example, a red and yellow stripped ribbon represents Hepatitis C and a half purple and half yellow ribbon represents Autoimmune Hepatitis, Chemical Injury, and Lupus with Endometriosis. So many ribbons, so little time. Click here to see all of the colors and their meanings http://www.craftsnscraps.com/jewelry/ribbons.html.

Now-a-days you can’t drive anywhere without seeing a ribbon of some color on the cars around you, in fact many of you may display a ribbon of your own. Very often you can see cars that no longer display ribbons, but show the remnants of one. This is a way to display your cause or your purpose.

Although the idea of the ribbon has been around for years, it wasn’t until the 1990s that it became extremely popular. The red ribbon for AIDS seems to have started it all. This ribbon was seen on all major awards shows pinned or clipped to the majority of the actors and actresses. The New York Times declared 1992 as “the Year of the Ribbon” (Awareness Ribbon 2009).

The popularity of the ribbon has exploded into our culture, so much so that some foundations are creating their own ribbon. For example, two years ago the Susan G. Komen Foundation decided to create their own pink ribbon to distinguish themselves from the other breast cancer organizations. Now their products and their sponsors sport the “running ribbon,” a two-tone pink ribbon slanted to the right with a dot. See photo above. Now when someone views this ribbon they know it’s for one cause.

So what’s your color, is it black and pink for the loss of a female member of your family or black and blue for the loss of a male family member? Could it be blue for Arthritis, colon cancer or Crohn’s Disease? Or maybe it looks like a bunch of puzzle pieces in support of Autism? Whatever your cause, wear your ribbon proudly and find the love and support of others.



Awareness ribbon. (2009, July 25). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 21:32, July 25, 2009, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Awareness_ribbon&oldid=304185321

http://www.fmrincorporated.org/awareness_ribbon_meanings.php

Assignment 4-1

Seven years ago, America was hit with a pop culture icon. American Idol first broadcast their talent search in the summer of 2002. Since then an average of 31 million viewers tune in twice and sometimes three nights a week to watch the top vocalists in America vie for a recording contract and the title of American Idol. Over 100 countries now broadcast our famous talent show competition.

Although American Idol is a competition, the contestants are fighting for the votes of the American public. Many times, this can turn into a popularity contest. Who do the fans like better? Are they listening at the song and the voice or are they looking at how cute they are? Does the contestant have a moving story that tugs on the public heartstrings?

Most of you know that until last year there were three judges on American Idol.
* Randy Jackson – Record Producer and Music Manager and guitarist for the group Journey
* Paula Abdul – Pop Signer and choreographer
* Simon Cowell – The least famous, but most popular. Music executive and music manager

Randy is the judge that tells it as he sees it, Paula tends to make comments but smooth them over and Simon is just brutally honest, sometimes even being very harsh to contestants. As of season eight (2009), Kara DioGuardi was added. She is a singer-songwriter and record producer. Although many thought she could add something to the show, I tend to think it bogged the show down as they used more time to generally say the same thing four different ways.

American Idol has four vigorous rounds of auditions and eliminations. First, there are the initial auditions, in a city f the contestant’s choice. They first sing with a group in front of the producers and then if they make the cut they sign in front of Randy, Paula, Simon and Kara. The next round is the Hollywood round. This is where the 100-200 contestants from each city is narrowed down to 24 or 36 contestants. The next few weeks are considered the semi-finals. This is where the show takes a turn. Now the contestants begin performing on live television for the votes from the American audience. Eventually this group becomes the Top 12 or in the case of Season 8, the Top 13.

The top 12 or 13 participate in the “finals.” Individuals are asked to choose songs every week based on a particular theme. Each contestant does so knowing that they are all competing for the same votes. Some four months later the competition is over and someone has been crowned the winner. Whether they have a successful singing career is up to them, but American Idol has opened the door. Some who were eliminated early have had more successful careers than those who have actually one. In fact, two of the season five alums (Chris Daughtry and Kellie Pickler) seem to be having much better careers than Taylor Hicks.

Although reality television has been around for decades, it wasn’t until Survivor and American Idol first came on the in the early 2000’s that America saw an explosion in reality TV. American Idol is not only one of the most popular reality TV shows; it has created stars that have placed their stamp on pop culture.

Assignment 1-3 Journal Article Analysis

Who doesn’t like a cup of “joe” in the morning? Whether it’s just a cup of coffee, an espresso or latte and whether it’s hot or cold; your favorite drink has most likely been influenced by Starbucks. Starbucks has become a sign of pop culture. Coffee shops with entertainment, free WI-FI and a comfortable atmosphere have become a nightly hang-out for many Americans and global citizens. Where did coffee come from and how does it influence the global marketplace? Where and when did Starbucks begin and how do they target their customers? The answers to these questions and more were discussed in the article, “For the Love of Joe; the Language of Starbucks”.

Where did coffee come from? When many of us think of coffee we first think of the lands in South America (Brazil, Columbia, etc.); but is this where it all started? Coffee was first brewed in Ethiopia and then became popular in the Islamic world in the sixteenth century (Ruzich 2008). During this time coffee was thought to be a dangerous stimulant. By the late 1600’s, Europeans had stolen seedlings for their own colonies and plantations, so that the monopoly on coffee by the Islamic world was eliminated. Coffeehouses began opening in London in the 1800’s and so came the accompanying conversations.

Although coffee improved the lives of many by encouraging evening conversations and changing the drink of choice from liquor to coffee; even more it improved the lives of those who obtained control of the coffee. Not the individuals growing the crops or harvesting, but those who controlled the production and distribution. By the 19th century coffee became an international commodity and developing nations were able to gain a market share. Coffee has been a key crop to many nations for centuries.

The number one most valuable trading commodity in the world is oil; but did you know that coffee is second (Ruzich 2008, 431). The numbers aren’t clear but somewhere between 20 million and 125 million depend on growing coffee for their livelihood (Ruzich 2008, 431). Sales in the coffee industry are estimated at $55 Billion a year with the four major players in the market being Nestle, Philip Morris, Sara Lee and Procter & Gamble (Ruzich 2008, 431).

In 1966 a gentleman by the name of Henry Peet opened one of the first businesses in America that sold whole-bean coffee for home-use and tried to educate Americans about specialty coffees (Ruzich 2008, 431). Peet is credited with getting American’s excited about coffee again. The most successful specialty coffee outlet has been Starbucks, although Dunkin Donuts still sells more coffee than Starbucks, but is not considered a specialty outlet. The first Starbucks store opened in Seattle in 1971. At the time this article was written Starbucks was opening three to four stores a day and their stock prices were up 3,028% since 1992 (Ruzich 2008, 432). Starbucks had over 7,500 locations in 28 different countries as of 2004 (Ruzich 2008, 428). According to some studies, the average Starbucks customers come in five times a month, the heavier users 18 times a month and the Starbucks loyal and estimated 10% come in twice a day (Ruzich 2008, 432).

The founder of Starbucks, Howard Schultz, describes his stores as, “an extension of people’s front porch” and has also been heard saying, “We aren’t in the coffee business serving people. We are in the people business, serving coffee” (Ruzich 2008, 432). Starbucks have become a second home to many individuals. People go to Starbucks to enjoy a terrific cup of coffee, a relaxed atmosphere and calming music. They go to Starbucks to have meetings and continue with work using the Starbucks WIFI service. Coined, “the third place”, the coffeehouse has become the “hang out” of Americans, who look for somewhere to go between work and home.

How did they get to be so popular? Starbucks has targeted most of their customers, not by advertising, but simply word-of-mouth. In fact, over the first twenty-five years Starbucks spent less than $10 million in advertising (Ruzich 2008, 433). They have grown simply by creating a comfortable environment where people can relax, have a meeting or just enjoy a great cup of “joe.” Starbucks strives to treat coffee not just as a beverage, but with the criteria as a fine wine. When you head to Starbucks, you’re in for a calming experience with an enjoyable treat.

Personally, I’ve only been to a Starbucks a couple of times, but the environment is wonderful. If makes it easy to have a meeting and to just relax after a long day. I’m sure if I were to take more time for myself, Starbucks would quickly become one of my favorite places.


References
RUZICH, C. M. (2008). For the Love of Joe: The Language of Starbucks. The Journal of Popular Culture, 41(3), 428-442.

Assignment 3-1 Franklin University Graduation

This week we are talking about rituals and I am going to discuss one that is very familiar to all of us, graduation. Graduation is the ultimate goal when a student enters college and I can say proudly that I’m almost there. In just four weeks, I will complete my course study here at Franklin and be eligible to graduate with the “Class of 2009” on August 16, 2009. As a Franklin student, I have a couple of choices.

• Drive to Columbus and participate in the August 16th ceremony
  


• Participate in the ceremony at my local community college
  


• View the graduation ceremony on-line
  

I am so grateful to have been given a variety of ways to celebrate this momentous occasion.

The drive to Columbus is just 2.5 hours from Northeast Ohio. I would have to opportunity to wear my cap and gown and participate in the ceremony. The local college is even closer, just a 30 minute drive. In both cases, I wouldn’t know my professors if they shook my hand. The on-line access to the graduation ceremony is a very interesting concept. Since all of the class work has been completed over the internet, this seems like the most ideal situation.

Of course, I may choose not to participate at all. I’ve been through the graduation ceremony twice before (high school and AAS in college) and each time I was just excited to be done and looking at my life ahead. This time, I can ultimately say that I will be happy to have my weekends back. Like most of the students here at Franklin, I’ve been working a full-time job while trying to obtain my Bachelor’s degree. Therefore, the majority of my work is done in the evening and for many hours on the weekend. I am thrilled to be just weeks away from having free weekends.

With graduation being such an American ritual, am I breaking with protocol if I don’t make the trip? Graduations mean ceremonies, caps, gowns, tassels, and “the ultimate prize,” the diploma. They also mean family get-togethers, parties and the start of a new chapter in one’s life. I’m sure I will have a party, or two, and a huge family gathering. As for the ceremony itself, I think the new chapter in my life calls for a bit of rest and relaxation and some weekends of catching up on what I’ve pushed aside over the last two years.

I will say thank you to Franklin University for advancing my education and opening doors for the future. It has been a great experience and I would recommend it to anyone.

Assignment 2-1 The TERRIBLE TOWEL

A pop culture icon is an item or a person that represents something far bigger than itself. The icon I chose to research is the “Terrible Towel.” Not only does this item represent the Pittsburgh Steelers; it also represents a city, its fans and the spirit of its citizens. On top of all that, it now helps to support the Allegheny Valley School. The school is located just west of Pittsburgh in Corapolis, PA and is home to autistic and mentally disabled individuals (Garber 2009).

Created as a gimmick in 1975 when the Pittsburgh Steelers advanced to the playoffs, it was the innovation of Myron Cope a Steeler broadcaster for the Pittsburgh ABC affiliate (Cope). Cope was tasked with coming up with a gimmick that was affordable, lightweight and portable. The idea….a towel, specifically a gold or yellow towel, that would provide contrast next to the crowd when they waved them in the air. Everyone has a towel and it’s useful as well; they can wipe the seat dry, protect you from the rain and warm you when it’s cold. For the first game, over 30,000 Steeler fans arrived at Three Rivers Stadium waving the so called, “Terrible Towel” (Cope).

The terrible towel is now said to have magical powers changing a 230-299-20 record in the 43 years before the towel to 336-22-1 with six Super Bowl wins in the 33 years since the towel (Garber 2009). It’s more than just a towel, it’s considered to be the Steeler flag. It reminds the Steeler players that there’s a city pulling for them, it reminds the city that they all pull together for something, and it shows a nation unity.

Since its inception and success, many sports teams have tried to duplicate the power of the towel, but it seems that none have come close. “The Terrible Towel is the best known fan symbol in professional sports,” written by Greg Garber for ESPN.com 2009. The terrible towel has been seen with fans all over the world. It’s been waved at the International Space Station, on top of Mt. Everest, appeared on “Saturday Night Live”, been to the Vatican and the Great Wall. It has also been a reminder of back home for soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan (Gerber 2009).

In 1996 Myron Cope, the “gimmick guy”, turned the copyrights of the towel over to Allegheny Valley School. The school is home to autistic and mentally disabled children and adults, in fact Myron’s own son Danny is a resident there. Since 1996, the school has earned over $2.5 million from the sales of the towel and related merchandise (Garber 2009).

Over the last 33 years, over 6 million towels have been placed into circulation (Garber 2009). Any time an individual views an image of the terrible towel or sees one on the back of a couch in a friend’s home; they know that represents Pittsburgh and the heart of a city united to support one cause.



References

Cope, M. The Terrible Towel. Retrieved July 9, 2009, from http://www.steelersfever.com/terrible_towel.html

Garber, G. (2009, January 29). 'Terrible' influence yields good results. Retrieved July 9, 2009, from ESPN Web site: http://sports.espn.go.com

Assignment 2-2

After reading the meaning of an icon and establishing what it meant, I chose the following three icons: Lord Stanley’s Cup, Garth Brooks and the President of the United States. Each of these icons signifies something bigger than just the item or the person themselves. These items also represent a bit about me; I love hockey, country music and the United States.

First, let’s discuss Lord Stanley’s Cup. The Stanley Cup is the trophy given to the champions of the National Hockey League (NHL). The cup is often thought of the hardest trophy to obtain. In order to become Stanley Cup Champions, the team must win 16 playoff games over a course of two months, four best of seven series. As the playoffs begin, the players become more competitive and more aggressive. It’s a grueling two months.

The “Cup” itself is coveted and worshipped by hockey players everywhere. It represents a champion and the fight for victory. Each level of the cup is engraved with the winning teams; players, coaches, owners and staff. As a worshipped icon, hockey players won’t even touch the cup unless they have won the cup. The cup is cared for by a group of individuals in white gloves. The “cup handlers” as they are called actually travel with the cup on its journey to the hometown of each winning team member. During the off season, the cup is housed at the hockey hall of fame in Toronto, ON. Visitors are encouraged to take pictures and touch a piece of culture. See photo of my “cup” experience above.

Next, we will talk about Garth Brooks. Garth is a country music icon. His first record was released in 1989 and from then on, he released hit after hit. Garth is partially responsibly for the popularity of country music today. He was one of the first country artists to cross over to the pop charts in the 1990’s. Before then, few songs had bridged the gap between country and pop. Garth Brooks is a symbol of modern country. He went from the twang of country and added a pop rock flavor; paving the way for many of the new country artists in the business today.

Last but not least, the iconic President of the United States. I’m not just referring to President Obama; I’m referring to the position of president. The President, whoever it may be, is a symbol of strength and power. The United States is considered to be one of the most powerful countries in the world and the president represents that power. As citizens we have the freedom to vote and elect the people to office that will secure that power and take action as necessary. The President of the United States is a honored position and respected; not just by the American citizens but by those throughout the world.

So there you have it, three icons that represent a little about who I am and what I respect. I’m a hockey fan, a listener of country music and an American that respects the office of the president and the leadership we are committed to.

Assignment 1-4

One of my favorite items of clothing is a pair of shoes. Not just any shoes, but a pair of crocs. In fact, I own five pairs of crocs all in different styles and colors. Three years ago I was introduced to this fad by a friend of mine. She told me these were the most comfortable shoes she had ever worn and boy was she right.

The earlier models and the most popular look somewhat funny and come in a vast array of colors. The shoes are made of Croslite, which is a proprietary resin material aimed at being anti-microbial and impact absorbing (FAQs, 2009). The company which was established in Boulder, CO in 2003 is committed to supplying a “lightweight, comfortable, slip-resistant, fashionable and functional shoe” taken from the Crocs history web page (History, 2009).

As I look at my pair of crocs, I often ask myself if I purchased these because I thought they were functional or because they were cool. Really, when you see a shoe with 13 holes in the top and 7 around the sides are you really looking at functionality or are you saying, “That pink color matches 30 % of my wardrobe.” For me it was the latter. I do love my crocs and have often times tried to wear them in the garden and while mulching, but with holes not too functional. So I go back to my reason for the purchase, they do look good with my pink Komen race shirts.

Are crocs just a fad? Will I still be wearing these shoes in ten years? Will they become extinct like poodle skirts and legwarmers? Crocs have become a sign of popular culture. Everyone either wants a pair or had a pair. Retailers are even following the fad and selling some form of “generic” crocs. They may look the same, although the holes may be a different shape or size, but they aren’t made out of the same Croslite material and they don’t have that little rivet with the crocodile.

The above is just one example of how a pop culture item can affect the world and the economy. As retailers and other businesses strive to hook the consumer who wants to buy a pair of their own with the generic line of “garden” shoes, the retailers that have the authorization to sell crocs are able to increase sales as new people on the search for the one and only Crocs come in their doors for the first time. Individuals that wear these shoes believe they now fit-in with society and are part of the latest fad.

Are crocs just a fad? I hope not. Even if they are, you may see this individual wearing them long past their extinction date.

References
(2009). Company - Our history. Retrieved July 2, 2009, from Crocs Web site: <http://www.crocs.com/>
(2009). FAQ’s. Retrieved July 2, 2009, from Crocs Web site: www.crocs.com