Waiting in the wings

I had the pleasure of getting a better insight about the advertising business from a very important person named Clifford Franklin, who is vital to his company and the different business who pay for his companies advertising. Mr. Franklin is the CEO of his advertising firm FUSE incorporated, one of the upper echelon advertising firms in the mid-west and held in high regards nationally. FUSE has worked with dominant corporations like Coca-Cola among others and high profile clients like Kobe Bryant and Barack Obama. I asked Franklin how he felt he has done in the course of his career and his answer surprised me. Franklin stated that his success is well off but there is always more that he can do to improve himself as a president and his company. His advise to me was to "be hungry," meaning never be satisfied no matter how well you do. Franklin continued to say "in the advertising business there is a never ending amount of competition and everyone has talent; in order to be all you can be you must distinguish yourself from the pack with your abilities." I asked Franklin to tell me what I can do as a college student to get a head start in the business and he emphasised one thing; grades. He told me without them you are a dead fish in the water and there will be no use for a young kid who skated through college. Another tip he granted me was internships which he called "getting your hands dirty." Lastly, Franklin stressed the importance of diligence, he said "take pride in everything that you do" I was honored to have a chance to gain knowledge from Cliff Franklin and I am even more honored to be his nephew.

Advertising at its best.

Do you ever wonder who makes what commercial and why? I do all the time, that is why it is a pleasure to inform you about one of my personal favorite commercials.

• The product being advertised is The 5.5 Carmelo Anthony by Jordan.
• The year the ad was made was 2007.
• The advertising agency who helped produce this ad was DDB Needham Chicago owned by Omnicom Group.

What I enjoyed the most about the ad was its uniqueness, it showed Carmelo was walking through his rough upbringing in the inner city and would jump cut to his new found success with the Nuggets. I think that symbolized his will to overcome hardship and achieve his goals. The ad absolutely snatched my attention because I can relate to the premise of what the commercial is implying. When I think about my upbringing and where I am now I almost think it is symbolic in the way my character is. The elements of the ad that makes it memorable and effective is the mood, music, and pace of the commercial. The mood is a very humble and Innocent with a splash of a victorious swagger, I felt emotionally drawn from the first 5 seconds of the commercial due to the way the mood is constructed, which makes the commercial effective. The music, like every commercial, plays a substantial role in the mood and pacing. The music is dream like if you will, the music gives you a modest outlook on the commercial without actually overshadowing the content. I found a huge indication of "puffery" in the commercial when the popular head coach of the North Carolina Basketball team took the teenager off the streets. I think this was done to resemble how Carmelo Anthony got discovered and what good can come out of his neighborhood. Essentially, the ad is selling the 5.5 Carmelo Anthony's but to me the commercial is selling a lot more than just a shoe. I perceive the commercial selling a sense of clarity to those who don't know what Carmelo came from; I can also argue that the commercial is selling inspiration to those who can relate to what he came from. When you see a commercial glorifying a self-made person like Carmelo Anthony it only plants positive seeds. I believe the placement of the ad was effective in reaching the target market because the average consumer of Jordan shoes is very broad. I think males from the ages of 4 years old all the way to 40 year old bought this product. Specifically though, I think the actual target market was basketball players because that was the main theme of the commercial. I bought this product after seeing the ad because I thought they were really good looking shoes plus I enjoyed the commercial so much I wanted to support Carmelo in a way.

The man, the myth, the legend: Rift Fournier

Want to know what had me in a ebullient mood Friday, November seventh? If no to bad, I had the honor of having an Emmy Award Winning Writer come and share his outlooks on the communication field, personal experiences, and answer any question my class had in mind. The Emmy Award Winning Writer that spoke in my class was no other than the great Rift Fournier. The charming Fournier began his seminar but saying that he adores are teacher, Jill Falk, and informing us on how he earned such a unique name like Rift. His mother was a artist married to a French man; originally his name was going to be Junior but his mom adamantly disagreed on that name. The two had a "rift" about naming the newborn so justifiably they named him Rift. Fournier has wrote for more than 12 television series including some like, Matlock, Charlie's Angels, and NYPD Blue. He also produced more than a half a dozen television shows like, Dark Justice and No where to Hide.


Fournier announced to my class that to be serious about media in any form it is vital to read. To me that make the most sense because most of the time if you are a good reading then you are an good writer, which obviously Fournier is. He ending that particular lesson by saying that it is almost impossible to make it in the field of communications if you do not read a lot. Fournier was started his college studies as a pre-med major, he switched around from school to school ultimately ending up going to law school. He worked his way through law school by becoming a deputy coroner and sheriff. Fournier dropped out of law school as an upperclassman to pursue his love for television.

To conclude the class by telling us because of the Internet the media world has changed for the better. He also said it is bad not to broaden your horizons by being clingy to one thing. All in all the visit has changed my perception about communications for the better.

My Favorite Blog

My favorite blog at the time being is Barack Obama's blog, as you guessed if you have read my previous blogs that I am a huge supporter of our future president of the United States Barack Obama. His blog is well put together because of how effective multimedia components are, "mud-slinging is a political technique Obama has not become familiar with. This blog emphasises the importance of fundamental change in order for growth in our economy, foreign affairs, health care, and other vital issues to Americans. Currently I reside in the category of "middle class", I have family and friends from the high and low class and one thing we can all collectively agree on is we do not need another four years of the same irresponsible, deceiving acts that got us in this mess to begin with which is also discussed in Obama's blog. Unlike the self-proclaimed "Maverick", the components of Obama's blog is based strictly on facts, high-lighting actually not opinion. George Bush has dug a deep whole and he is trying to hand the shovel off to John McCain, I adamantly believe that it won't be easy for Obama to lead us back to the country we use to be, I also believe he essentially will. Lastly I gravitate to Obama's blog because he represents everything that I am striving to become and I can't thank him enough for the inspiration is has given me.

"Boob Tube" Love

Is it me or is television becoming less and less used or talked about in our everyday lives? I also wonder what is filling the void of television, which draws me to my argument. I feel that the Internet and convergence has impinge on the television industry dramatically for many reasons. The Internet to some is the main way to get their information that impacts their lives the most like stocks, sports, and job information. In my honest opinion I believe the computer started off as a hassle, only used if necessary, ultimately ending up as a convenience. I think it is safe to say that people will use anything that is more convenient, more efficient, and most popular. Television is no where near extinct but the Internet is making avid T.V. watchers less interested in the "tube". How you may ask? Internet sites like freetvonline and youtube make television in the background because it is hard to compete against being able to just log on and watch your favorite show when ever you like.
You would look really silly taking a portable T.V. on a train, airplane or bus. With the emergence of the Internet people have adopted lab tops and phones to scratch their entertainment itch. I think there are still more people who divert their free time to television rather than the Internet, but I also believe this is a stage that is soon to be short-lived. This day in age everyone has a cell phone, most of the cell phones out are multi-faceted, you can receive live Internet feed from them making the use of a television pointless. When you can long on to a site and watch you favorite show while stuck in traffic, on a bus, or god forbid in class, it is very addicting to say the least.

Obama 08'

I personally feel this is Barack Obama's election to win for many reasons, I honest believe, as much as McCain supporters would disagree, that all four debates prove my premise to be a fact. The vice presidential debate was the most impressive one in my opinion because it was the most "lop sided". Joe Biden displayed his superior knowledge in foreign policy and other major issues; Biden's record speaks volumes about his abilities to be a great vice president. He has innate ability to relate with middle class while having the experience to reach across the aisle to unite the democrats, republicans, and independents. As Obama's vice president I know the American people will restore the pride in politics that we use to have in Clintons administration. Biden surprised me in the debate because I thought he would not immediately jump into the hearts of the viewers but I think it is safe to say that when he shared how it was for him to be a single parent it was heart warming to say the least. I also saw that Biden did not stoop down to Palin intellect level when she would make her usual unprofessional sayings like "say it ain't so Joe." Palin had a fairly easy task on October second, just show up and not make a fool of yourself. For the first time in a debate I saw someone get credit for low expectations. Hypothetically, if Americans lost there sense of rationality and voted McCain as our president, upon unfortunate tragedy, Palin impetuous attitude will be detrimental to our nations growth. Unlike Palin and McCain, Biden and Obama attitude is admired globally; I feel arrogance has got us into the economic recession now. Americans need change now in so many ways, these are the worst economic times since the Great Depression, all under republican regime.

Just Words?

"How many of you read newspapers? O.K., a couple I see, how many of you watch the news on television or get your information from the Internet?" My teacher asked my class these questions and the answers were like night and day, the answer to the second question was overwhelming compared to the first. After that experience in my class I pondered about the past, present and future of print media and why it has changed over the decades.


There is one thing I know America lavishes in and that's convenience, if there is an easier, faster, more efficient way we want it. If you are a old school newspaper activist cover your ears but as the years go on you will notice that the use of an original newspaper will decrease dramatically; I do not agree with this but it is true.


The newspaper article I will be writing about is from business week (www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/08_40/b4102077743556.htm) about the becoming death of prestigious newspapers like The Wall Street Journal or The New York Times. How these kind of big newspapers are falling behind when it comes to revenue, employment, and the will to want to be better. It also states that some newspapers have opted out of printing everyday because of the decreased value of these newspapers which affects small and large business owners who pay for advertisement in these newspaper. Businessweek quotes that Yearly ad falloffs at many such places are accelerating past fifth-teen percent, which also directly affects home buyers and sellers. The beneficiaries of this terrible luck of the newspapers are websites and local TV and cable. Lastly it states newspapers are in a rout and need to try their absolute best to get out.

For concluding this blog I would like to ask my viewers a questions. What side are you on? Are you one of the on-the-go types who reads their news via their blackberry? Or do you value print media, take your time to get a newspaper and peacefully read it when you have a chance. My message is lets not let our local or major newspapers go extinct because it does more than just hurt them consequently.

How Media Changes us

I love T.V. I can sit up all night watching it, I love reading newspapers, I love the Internet. But honestly i can be the first one to tell you that it has affected me negatively just as much as it has positively. Are we willing to admit what I just said? Or is it a little taboo in our lives, we know it changes us negatively but no one will ever say. Personally, I am a man of god so I like to say I have faith but I will support the famous quote: "the mind believes what the eyes see".
I think we self-consciously tailor fit our personalities and attributes around what we like to watch on TV or read about or listen to. Am I wrong? Okay, I will be more than delighted to put my theory to the test, follow along. Remember that this just is not about you, this is the general public. If you are as big as an Obama fan as me how much time will you spend watching, reading, or listening to people criticizing Obama (Fox News) rather than watching, reading, or listening to people that support him? If you are a fan of rap and r&b will you spend do you think you spend time listening to it equally to rock and roll, probably not. This can go on forever because it applies to so many different aspects of our life, media can shape the way a person talks, interacts with others, and thinks. We have to "give media its props" and realize that it does affect us even if your not willing to admit it.
I can testify to how media changes us as the general public, it changed the way I look at politics in many ways. If it wasn't for the Media in some kind of way truthfully I would have never found out about Barack Obama. And thanks to the media, I now support him in every way possible; thanks to the media I have the opportunity to weigh my personal judgement about each candidate, I can only hope that I did this in a non-bias way. My main point is that the Media can affect almost us in nearly every way, their has been studies shown that when those who listen to one type of music or look a one type of TV that these people are less violent and aggressive. Before Barack Obama I really did not care to much about politics, I thought they were unfair and shady, now its a complete turn around, I believe politics are what ever you make it out to be. And guess what change my perception of politics? The media. When Barack began his chase of the oval office not that many knew who he was and what he stands for. The more Barack would win the more the media covered him. I am not saying all of his coverage is always positive because the more he started to win the more the media scrutinized him also.
Concluding this I want to say to those who read this to be careful about what we let those who a younger watch, be aware that it may just hurt them in the long run and its not just a song, show or movie. They say that every generation gets more and more rebellious from what they use to be and I put some of the blame on those who are older than the judged generations. When you let kids watch rated R movies you are not being nice to them or helping them out your are essentially hurting them and striping their innocence.

From my world to yours

The person I interviewed name is Chibuzo Melisizwe which means in African dialect 'God is the leader', his parents moved over to the US to escape poverty and to give their children the opportunity to live the way they wished they could have lived. He told me with all that his parents did so he can live comfortably, failure to reach his goals in life is not an option, he also said his only sibling, his baby brother, lives by the same values. I must admit, as I interviewed him I began to really question my work ethic because it is defiantly tough coming to a new country from another, but lets throw in the equation the pursuit of education, a legitimate social life, religion or just plain old happiness. I compare this situation to professional sports because ironically enough we think that international students can adjust to a new cultural effortlessly with out problems, hard work, and practice just how we think a professional athlete can make play effortless without having problems, without putting in hard work, and practice.He does not know what it is like to have cable or three square meals a day despite he is a 3.8 GPA. Chibuzo is a pre-med student at Saint Louis University. Chibuzo said where he comes from the life he lives here in America is no where near possible in fact if you are not born into royalty or money you are not suppose to think about living a life of a wealthy person. Chibuzo added, "in America people have the world at their hands and don't even acknowledge their opportunities because they are to busy complaining about what they don't have. Where I am from we don't even have clean water to drink, that should tell you how much I appreciate and realize my blessings". At this moment in this so called interview I began to feel a cringe in my stomach like I found just found our some terrible news, the reason I don't feel like this was an interview is because it seemed like it was a deep conversation rather than asking vague questions to pry out generic answers. I asked Chibuzo if he will ever go back to his birth place and he replied yes emphatically, saying with passion to know where you are going you have to know where you have been, he felt if he abandons his heritage he is abandoning his identity. What really had me in a twist was the fact that I was completely shocked of his story in a good way. Who would have ever known that jolly Chibuzo has a inspirational story like that and it only makes one wonder more about others. What I mean by that is we walk past people everyday without caring, knowing, or even a little curious about others upbringing, interviewing Chibuzo made me feel like I wanted to know more about everyone. We finished the interview with a firm hand shake and hug, and I humbly thanked him for his time to get a better insight in intercultural students and life.

Obama:How to defeat an angry war vet

First and for most I would like to give a chance for all McCain supporters and those who are indifferent to hop on the 'Obama train' while its early because it is set to take off at full speed to a state near you starting November. The forty-seven year old democratic presidential candidate has America and his opponents in the 'Obama hold' and it certainly looks like he is not letting go until named president. Unfortunately for his opponent John Sidney "sissy" McCain, he has to get in front of the Obama train and the way it appears his strategy of stopping the takeover is by deceiving his audiences, slandering the name of Obama in a immature, harsh way, and his well renowned temper tantrum. Even if McCain had Bush's smarts, which isn't saying much, why would you have this kind of personality in the oval office? McCains personality (hot-headed, intimidating, aggresive, and bull-headed) does not belong in world and especially the white house as our president. Make the correct, inteligent decision and vote for the man (Obama) who has a plan to get us out of the mess Bush got us in. Whatever you do, please, for the sake of America's well being, don't vote for a recovering anger management patient (McCain) who is more unstable than he looks. Don't vote for bush's third term by voting for McCain!!!