What is it about Jersey Pride that pisses me off?
Without question, there is a certain stigma about being from the Garden State that separates us from the rest of the country: we're better than you, now piss off!
I love being from New Jersey, but for real, legitimate, non-lame reasons. I love our diners - best diners in the world. I love the location, a hop, skip, and jump outside two cities. And I don't care what anyone says - Central Jersey is the best part New Jersey (the calibar of my comment is what many in the industry call ironic).
But I've come into a rash of ethnocentric Jersey pride that just annoys the hell out of me. Some people love being from Jersey for the most innane, idiotic reasons. You can read about it in almost any bland online profile ranting and raving about being from NJ: the Jersey Girl.
Apparently someone at the Star Ledger is an authority figure of what it means to be a Jersey Girl. I'll give you some highlights:
- a love of an unpretentious good time, and a certain sense of style
Yeah, it's called cookie cutter fake tans and Dior bags. ::vomit::
- Jersey girls are about attitude
Not to be confused with Staten Island girls, which, during the summer at the Shore, can be confusing. STOP STEALING OUR THUNDER SI!
- they're about eating pizza, drinking beer, having great hair - and enjoying it all
Yes, just like the millions of other slovenly piggish Americans we live with. We can't have all the good qualities of living, NJ.
- She's got a mouth on her
Again, like most human beings..
- Bottom line, all of them are sexy as hell
Really, all of them? To generalize an entire state population as "sexy as hell' is like saying Utah is the excitement capitol of the universe.
I hope whoever authored this asinine diatribe got s-canned fast and is working somewhere where only tumbleweeds and prairie dogs reproduce. Somewhere in middle America where their next article on "Oklahoma Girls are Oklawesome!"
Give me a break. These are my fellow Jerseyians, and they're grossly misrepresenting the rest of us.
You ever read profile quotes or see on MTV - "New Jersey : Where we pump our fists, and not our gas."
Somewhere, Baby Jesus is crying. Pump our fists? Yeah, maybe the population of Jerseyans who sniff glue and autonomously partake in the same mundane social weekend rituals: Drink, club it up, go to bed. Wahoo!
We don't have enough Kevin Smiths rallying to our support, or enough Zack Braffs to atleast semi-represent our state on a large scale. It's funny that I've lived in Jersey all my life, and not once have I been able to meet a true Jersey Girl.
Blech.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Monday, January 29, 2007
MSNBC.com VS. CNN.com
The main difference between the two is in presentation. MSNBC is much more stylish in layout, and is much easier to navigate between sections. I liked the java used on the nav. bar that lists the story. It stands out much more and is overall "cooler" to use.
The colors on MSNBC are brighter and more appealing to the eye than CNN. There appear to be more images that you can browse through that also add depth to the stories in which they are catered to.
I also liked how they added links to their subsidiary sites directly on the top and bold, rather than the split CNN chooses in smaller fonts. It is more attractive and more likely to be clicked and explored.
The only part that CNN is better in is the video feeds they offer. They seem to be putting more stock into that facet of their site, which works to their advantage when a lazier news-consumer comes clicking around their site.
The colors on MSNBC are brighter and more appealing to the eye than CNN. There appear to be more images that you can browse through that also add depth to the stories in which they are catered to.
I also liked how they added links to their subsidiary sites directly on the top and bold, rather than the split CNN chooses in smaller fonts. It is more attractive and more likely to be clicked and explored.
The only part that CNN is better in is the video feeds they offer. They seem to be putting more stock into that facet of their site, which works to their advantage when a lazier news-consumer comes clicking around their site.
An ongoing issue that many students have addressed is the lack of student activity on campus. Many say that there is simply nothing to do on campus. I suppose there is truth in this. While the countless touring comedians, artists, and musicians frequently play to diminishing crowds, non-drinking public gatherings sinking to an all-time low, and mind/world-perspective expanding lectures/seminars/and presentations are regular funeral homes, the average Monmouth student is left bored, twidling the proverbial thumb of boredom.
In this blog, I'm here to suggest new activities that might spark some heat on this campus. After all, let's not call a spade a spade here. I'll speak on behalf of the supposed greater population of the university: it's not that there isn't anything to do, but there isn't anything FUN to do. It's apparent that under the banal groan of student discontent must be a roar for change! Right? Right. So here we go, the activities guaranteed to turn those frowns upside down:
1) Golf Cart Destruction Derby:
Now that's a smile of a happy student. Monmouth prides itself in owning more golf carts than most PGA Tour certified courses in the America. Who am I kidding, THE WORLD! In Golf Cart Destruction Derby, students will take to the open service roads of the university taking on their peers in a exciting, death-defying ride that will sure to get other universities turning green with envy. After all, our tuition money is paying for these carts that only are used to: A) Ferry atheletes the dreaded 1/4 mile across campus ; B) Administrators who obviously cramp up easily under the stress of strenuous walking ; C) Give prospective athletes/students the 5 star treatment that existing students experience daily
A Pause from the Satire:Where the hell was my campus tour, chartered around on a golf cart damnit!?
2) Rolling Around on MU Grass
Fido here isn't the only one to enjoy a nice romp on the greenest of greens? This new activity couples dog-like fun with utilization of one of Monmouth's most untouched resources: the grass! Feel the tuition dollars under on your skin, and wash away those expensive grass stains out of your clothes. With grass this lush, bright, soft, you would never have known it is unnecessarily maintained virtually 365 days a year, using tuition money for material and labor costs. So enjoy students! Who says grass is greener on the other side?
3) Play 24's JACK BAUER in "Squirrel Espionage"
After doing extensive research on the daily routines of Monmouth students, studies have shown the number one reason why there "isn't anything to do at MU" is simply because ... THERE'S TOO MUCH GOOD TELEVISION!. A recent poll from the Away Message Survey Center shows that many people love to be immerssed in mentally devoid television programming. Let's face it: the world can be a scary place, especially in this age of heightened terrorism. So why risk getting a leg cramp or expanding your horizons a bit when the comforts of the world rest in your remote control?
Because silly! in this activity, you can rid the world of terrorism and the squirrel overpopulation. Play as Jack Bauer, the world's greatest counter-terrorist agent, in his quest to save Monmouth University. Amongst the great population of squirrels hides Osama Bin Sugarbush, the leader of the Al Qaeda's Squirrel Bioterrorism Unit, and he's planning on destroying the very fabric of our University: the grass! This Wednesday night activity will have students working together to thwart the evil squirrels plot in landscaping domination, and final dispell the sentiment that there is nothign to do on campus!
My overly sarcastic blogs are going to be my decline in this class.
In this blog, I'm here to suggest new activities that might spark some heat on this campus. After all, let's not call a spade a spade here. I'll speak on behalf of the supposed greater population of the university: it's not that there isn't anything to do, but there isn't anything FUN to do. It's apparent that under the banal groan of student discontent must be a roar for change! Right? Right. So here we go, the activities guaranteed to turn those frowns upside down:
1) Golf Cart Destruction Derby:
Now that's a smile of a happy student. Monmouth prides itself in owning more golf carts than most PGA Tour certified courses in the America. Who am I kidding, THE WORLD! In Golf Cart Destruction Derby, students will take to the open service roads of the university taking on their peers in a exciting, death-defying ride that will sure to get other universities turning green with envy. After all, our tuition money is paying for these carts that only are used to: A) Ferry atheletes the dreaded 1/4 mile across campus ; B) Administrators who obviously cramp up easily under the stress of strenuous walking ; C) Give prospective athletes/students the 5 star treatment that existing students experience daily
A Pause from the Satire:Where the hell was my campus tour, chartered around on a golf cart damnit!?
2) Rolling Around on MU Grass
Fido here isn't the only one to enjoy a nice romp on the greenest of greens? This new activity couples dog-like fun with utilization of one of Monmouth's most untouched resources: the grass! Feel the tuition dollars under on your skin, and wash away those expensive grass stains out of your clothes. With grass this lush, bright, soft, you would never have known it is unnecessarily maintained virtually 365 days a year, using tuition money for material and labor costs. So enjoy students! Who says grass is greener on the other side?
3) Play 24's JACK BAUER in "Squirrel Espionage"
After doing extensive research on the daily routines of Monmouth students, studies have shown the number one reason why there "isn't anything to do at MU" is simply because ... THERE'S TOO MUCH GOOD TELEVISION!. A recent poll from the Away Message Survey Center shows that many people love to be immerssed in mentally devoid television programming. Let's face it: the world can be a scary place, especially in this age of heightened terrorism. So why risk getting a leg cramp or expanding your horizons a bit when the comforts of the world rest in your remote control?
Because silly! in this activity, you can rid the world of terrorism and the squirrel overpopulation. Play as Jack Bauer, the world's greatest counter-terrorist agent, in his quest to save Monmouth University. Amongst the great population of squirrels hides Osama Bin Sugarbush, the leader of the Al Qaeda's Squirrel Bioterrorism Unit, and he's planning on destroying the very fabric of our University: the grass! This Wednesday night activity will have students working together to thwart the evil squirrels plot in landscaping domination, and final dispell the sentiment that there is nothign to do on campus!
My overly sarcastic blogs are going to be my decline in this class.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
One of these days, I'm going to build up the courage to go out (off-campus/non-DH/SC) to lunch, or dinner, or breakfast even ... by myself.
Maitre d': Hello sir, how many are dining with us tonight?
Wes Solo: Hi, yes, table for one please.
M.D.: Table for ... one?!
W.S.: YOU'RE DAMN RIGHT TABLE FOR ONE!
If college has taught me anything - and believe me it has - I've learned to accept and embrace solo dining. And why not?
I think people want to be independant, but only if they can receive recognition for it. If they can pitch a story glorifying their adventures alone, then its golden.
I say this in light of a conversation I had over the weekend with a friend. It didn't have to do with solo-eating, per se, but rather a close cousin of it: solo-movie going. Apparently, the thought of a person, sitting by themselves, with their lonely popcorn for one, with their sad soda pop for one, and pitiful box of Raisonettes for (dare I say it) one is depressing. To which I promptly picked up a large book and dropped it on his toe. OK, I didn't, but violence gives the blog so much more depth.
Why do things have to be a group activity? Let's face it: playing catch? throwing the frisbee around? Those are group activities. They are dependant on having two or more bodies to participate in said activity. So unless you're of the tragic disposition of armless/fingerless person, you can feed yourself popcorn, and anyone but yourself at the movies is purely secondary.
The same goes for solo dining (kind of). Atleast when you go out to eat, you can engage in conversation. But sometimes, I just want to eat to the sultry sound of my fat mouth chewing. A moment for me in this crazy world of everyone else. Why are we so scared to be alone for two damn seconds? Soon, the new social norm is going to group vaccinations, group waxing, or group lobotomys.
I need a hug.
Maitre d': Hello sir, how many are dining with us tonight?
Wes Solo: Hi, yes, table for one please.
M.D.: Table for ... one?!
W.S.: YOU'RE DAMN RIGHT TABLE FOR ONE!
If college has taught me anything - and believe me it has - I've learned to accept and embrace solo dining. And why not?
I think people want to be independant, but only if they can receive recognition for it. If they can pitch a story glorifying their adventures alone, then its golden.
I say this in light of a conversation I had over the weekend with a friend. It didn't have to do with solo-eating, per se, but rather a close cousin of it: solo-movie going. Apparently, the thought of a person, sitting by themselves, with their lonely popcorn for one, with their sad soda pop for one, and pitiful box of Raisonettes for (dare I say it) one is depressing. To which I promptly picked up a large book and dropped it on his toe. OK, I didn't, but violence gives the blog so much more depth.
Why do things have to be a group activity? Let's face it: playing catch? throwing the frisbee around? Those are group activities. They are dependant on having two or more bodies to participate in said activity. So unless you're of the tragic disposition of armless/fingerless person, you can feed yourself popcorn, and anyone but yourself at the movies is purely secondary.
The same goes for solo dining (kind of). Atleast when you go out to eat, you can engage in conversation. But sometimes, I just want to eat to the sultry sound of my fat mouth chewing. A moment for me in this crazy world of everyone else. Why are we so scared to be alone for two damn seconds? Soon, the new social norm is going to group vaccinations, group waxing, or group lobotomys.
I need a hug.
A Bush of All Trades, a Master of None.
This is part of a blog started on Friday, but being that I was at my internship
and actually had to do work, I couldn't finish until now - January 28
AP reported today that Condi Rice has appealed to
international allies in our fight against "terror", this time shifting US
and World focus on a previously forgotten stronghold of "terror" :
Afghanistan.
Osama's place of refuge.
His fortress of solitide.
His pimped out crib.
I use the word forgotten in a public sphere sense of the word. We should
never discredit the 11,800
US troops, representing over 1/3 of the NATO coalition force in
Afghanistan . I simply mean that we don't actively recognize that this
is where it all started. Remember this guy:
We were after him at one point. But in a stunning performance of
hyppcritical "cut-and-run", we left .. and went after this guy:
OK, so we got the latter. And yeah, he was put to death. But violence
within Iraq most certainly has not seen any dramatic decreases. Plus, a
report made by Afghani, US, and Nato officials have stated a sharp
increase of casualities within the past few months, in the ball park of
4,000 people
Casualties in Afghanistan have risen sharply in recent months as an
emboldened Taliban widened military operations and suicide attacks. Some 4,000 people died in insurgency-related violence in
Afghanistan last year, according to numbers from Afghan, U.S. and NATO
officials.
And now, President Bush has publically announced his authorization of
Iraq-based soldiers to "take whatever actions are necessary
to counter Iranian agents deemed a threat to American troops or the public
at large". Certainly not completely to his descredit. You have to
allow the troops to defend themselves at all costs.
But let's face it. This is just like a gang war, and President "Ja-Rule"
Bush, beefin' with Mahmoud "50 Cent" Ahmadinejad , has just produced an
ill track slamming G-Unit.
In laymens terms, we're adding fuel to the fire right now. Coming out
publically and targetting Iranians in Iraq is adding fuel to fire. Are
they supplying insurgents with weaponry and IED - improvised exploding
devices? Yes. But we're supposed to be spreading diplomacy aimed at peace
in the Middle East. Why are we concerned with publically flipping off our
inevitable adversaries on the battle field? Its obvious we have a future agenda with Iran,
but shouldn't we be focusing on the task at hand: succeeding in Iraq. We're spreading
ourselves too thin here.
We want Iran to adhere to U.N. regulations, but we invaded Iraq without U.N. backing.
We want to spread diplomacy and peace throughout the world, but starting conflicts throughout the world.
A Bush of all trades, a master of none. Iraq, Afghanistan, and soon to be Iran, Syria,
and Korea. 21,500 troops is just the beginning of the amount of military force we'll have to
commit to the war on "terror".
and actually had to do work, I couldn't finish until now - January 28
AP reported today that Condi Rice has appealed to
international allies in our fight against "terror", this time shifting US
and World focus on a previously forgotten stronghold of "terror" :
Afghanistan.
Osama's place of refuge.
His fortress of solitide.
His pimped out crib.
I use the word forgotten in a public sphere sense of the word. We should
never discredit the 11,800
US troops, representing over 1/3 of the NATO coalition force in
Afghanistan . I simply mean that we don't actively recognize that this
is where it all started. Remember this guy:
We were after him at one point. But in a stunning performance of
hyppcritical "cut-and-run", we left .. and went after this guy:
OK, so we got the latter. And yeah, he was put to death. But violence
within Iraq most certainly has not seen any dramatic decreases. Plus, a
report made by Afghani, US, and Nato officials have stated a sharp
increase of casualities within the past few months, in the ball park of
4,000 people
Casualties in Afghanistan have risen sharply in recent months as an
emboldened Taliban widened military operations and suicide attacks. Some 4,000 people died in insurgency-related violence in
Afghanistan last year, according to numbers from Afghan, U.S. and NATO
officials.
And now, President Bush has publically announced his authorization of
Iraq-based soldiers to "take whatever actions are necessary
to counter Iranian agents deemed a threat to American troops or the public
at large". Certainly not completely to his descredit. You have to
allow the troops to defend themselves at all costs.
But let's face it. This is just like a gang war, and President "Ja-Rule"
Bush, beefin' with Mahmoud "50 Cent" Ahmadinejad , has just produced an
ill track slamming G-Unit.
In laymens terms, we're adding fuel to the fire right now. Coming out
publically and targetting Iranians in Iraq is adding fuel to fire. Are
they supplying insurgents with weaponry and IED - improvised exploding
devices? Yes. But we're supposed to be spreading diplomacy aimed at peace
in the Middle East. Why are we concerned with publically flipping off our
inevitable adversaries on the battle field? Its obvious we have a future agenda with Iran,
but shouldn't we be focusing on the task at hand: succeeding in Iraq. We're spreading
ourselves too thin here.
We want Iran to adhere to U.N. regulations, but we invaded Iraq without U.N. backing.
We want to spread diplomacy and peace throughout the world, but starting conflicts throughout the world.
A Bush of all trades, a master of none. Iraq, Afghanistan, and soon to be Iran, Syria,
and Korea. 21,500 troops is just the beginning of the amount of military force we'll have to
commit to the war on "terror".
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
And Now ... The Top 5
Here's a list of five bands that have / will outlive their initial hype and success to continue making quality music beyond their first 15 minutes.
5) Arctic Monkeys
Although Brit Pop may not be at its strongest since Blur/Oasis days, many UK artists are making positive strides in securing a foothold in music. Artic Monkey's definately are the leaders of the pack, sweeping last years NME's with over 5 awards, and
4) Lupe Fiasco
Chicago-based MC, been on the hip-hop scene for many years, despite his young age and only one commercial release. Kanye West and Common brought solid sounding rap back to the mainstream, and Lupe's flow and unique style will see that Chi-town remains on the market.
3) Robin Thicke
I'm reluctant to say that I acutally liked "The Evolution of Robin Thicke", but it took me by surprise. Also like Lupe, Thicke is not a novice to music world, holding some previous hits in the past both as an artist and songwriter. Fans of traditional soul and r&b will be converted, and Pharell Williams production support will see that his hits get play. Plus, it never hurts to be able to follow the coattails of Justin Timberlake's new brand of music, and be able to do it much better.
2) The Good, The Bad, and The Queen
Blur/Gorillaz genius Damon Alburn's latest side project aims to fuse his multiple-music personas into what should be a guaranteed success.
1) Bloc Party
Touring successfully and long off only one "Silent Alarm" release in 2004 (and a subsequent remix release 2005). Fans will be more than satisfied with the new release aimed in the near future.
5) Arctic Monkeys
Although Brit Pop may not be at its strongest since Blur/Oasis days, many UK artists are making positive strides in securing a foothold in music. Artic Monkey's definately are the leaders of the pack, sweeping last years NME's with over 5 awards, and
4) Lupe Fiasco
Chicago-based MC, been on the hip-hop scene for many years, despite his young age and only one commercial release. Kanye West and Common brought solid sounding rap back to the mainstream, and Lupe's flow and unique style will see that Chi-town remains on the market.
3) Robin Thicke
I'm reluctant to say that I acutally liked "The Evolution of Robin Thicke", but it took me by surprise. Also like Lupe, Thicke is not a novice to music world, holding some previous hits in the past both as an artist and songwriter. Fans of traditional soul and r&b will be converted, and Pharell Williams production support will see that his hits get play. Plus, it never hurts to be able to follow the coattails of Justin Timberlake's new brand of music, and be able to do it much better.
2) The Good, The Bad, and The Queen
Blur/Gorillaz genius Damon Alburn's latest side project aims to fuse his multiple-music personas into what should be a guaranteed success.
1) Bloc Party
Touring successfully and long off only one "Silent Alarm" release in 2004 (and a subsequent remix release 2005). Fans will be more than satisfied with the new release aimed in the near future.
Monday, January 22, 2007
The Good, The Bad, and the CNN
CNN.com.
There's so much to be said about it. But for all intensive purposes, let's stick to what's been asked of us, shall we?
What they do well:
The homepage top navigation bar is very simple and easy to use. For the most part, the top is not bogged down by an overabundance of graphics, minimizing load up time. The top stories are clearly listed and available for further inspection. There are many options to connect to interactive media, including video and audio. The stories also have highlights of its important facts, which positively serves people looking for even quicker news fixes.
What does it not do well:
There aren't as many images or good photos on the homepage, which many find useful in attracting readers to stories. The layout of the text is quite jumbled together, and is not sectioned off with enough space from each other. Story highlights also render the actual articles somewhat obsolete, being that many readers wish only to scan for particular in the first place.
Interactivity:
The Pipeline allows users full interactive media capabilities in getting the news. At the bottom of articles are various options, whether it is to "email", "print", or "save" the news stories, which is a cool feature for users to utilize. Home page polls and surveys also enhance CNN.com in becoming incredibly user interactive.
Link to Other Websites:
Various links to CNN.com's international site, television programs, and transcripts are readily available for users to access. Other advertiser links, including ones for careerbuilder.com, yahoo.com and orbitz are also present, but for other purposes.
What Extent Do People Use:
This would be an ideal site for multiple purposes. Story highlights allow users to simply get the main facts of particular stories, and allow them to expand and read further into them as well. Interactive features such as streaming audio and video also assist the user in getting information. Polls and surveys also allow others to guage user opinion, which increases interactivitiy. Mild-news to heavy-news seekers would use CNN.com effectively.
There's so much to be said about it. But for all intensive purposes, let's stick to what's been asked of us, shall we?
What they do well:
The homepage top navigation bar is very simple and easy to use. For the most part, the top is not bogged down by an overabundance of graphics, minimizing load up time. The top stories are clearly listed and available for further inspection. There are many options to connect to interactive media, including video and audio. The stories also have highlights of its important facts, which positively serves people looking for even quicker news fixes.
What does it not do well:
There aren't as many images or good photos on the homepage, which many find useful in attracting readers to stories. The layout of the text is quite jumbled together, and is not sectioned off with enough space from each other. Story highlights also render the actual articles somewhat obsolete, being that many readers wish only to scan for particular in the first place.
Interactivity:
The Pipeline allows users full interactive media capabilities in getting the news. At the bottom of articles are various options, whether it is to "email", "print", or "save" the news stories, which is a cool feature for users to utilize. Home page polls and surveys also enhance CNN.com in becoming incredibly user interactive.
Link to Other Websites:
Various links to CNN.com's international site, television programs, and transcripts are readily available for users to access. Other advertiser links, including ones for careerbuilder.com, yahoo.com and orbitz are also present, but for other purposes.
What Extent Do People Use:
This would be an ideal site for multiple purposes. Story highlights allow users to simply get the main facts of particular stories, and allow them to expand and read further into them as well. Interactive features such as streaming audio and video also assist the user in getting information. Polls and surveys also allow others to guage user opinion, which increases interactivitiy. Mild-news to heavy-news seekers would use CNN.com effectively.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)