Political Cartoons

Political Cartoons is one of the easiest ways people can have an influence on people... assuming their cartoon is understood. These cartoons are usually an illustration containing a commentary that usually relates to current events or personalities. Sometimes they are humiliating and cruel, other times they ring completly true. They have been around since about 1750, making them an important part of our media history.

1984

1984 is a novel by George Orwell, written in 1949. This was a dystopian novel about the society of 1984, in which it is run by "The Party" and its totalitarian ideology. One of the main points of the book is that all of society is over seen by a power known as "Big Brother." This book is extremly important in the eye of our media today, especially because we are so interconnected and its very easy to be overwatched.

Microsoft

Microsoft was founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen. It currently  sells Microsoft Operating Systems, of which they just released the 8^th version, and Microsoft Office Programs. Microsoft released its first product in 1984 and has been releasing products ever since. One of its CEO’s, Bill Gates, was the world’s richest man for many years, but now holds the place of second richest.

The Harry Potter Series

This is without a doubt, the best selling book series to date. The story follows a boy, who finds out he is a wizard. Through the seven books, he makes his journey to the end, an ultimate battle of good vs evil. The first book came out in 1997. The series wrapped up this last year with the production of the last movie. The series, all together through merchandise, movies, books, and attractions, have taken in billions of dollars, making it one of the most profitable book series ever.

The Sims

The sims is a life simulation video game series created by Maxis. This game gives us the god like power to create people and control them in a life like world. From making sims fall in love, to cooking dinner, to getting a job, the possiblities are endless. This video game is one of the best selling games of all time. This begs the question that I asked in an earlier blog, Is it's appeal due to the fact that we "Want to be like god?"

Pandora Radio

Pandora Radio is a new and upcoming website that allows users to listen to radio stations for free. This station is unique though. Rather than just seaching through the stations, you can search for a genre, song, or artist. It will then match you to a station of music associated with the searched item, and provide you a station. This service is free, all though they are sometimes hit with the occasional advertisment. These can be avoided if you upgrade, for a cost.

Sports

When we think of sports, we think of competition, fun, and entertainment. Rarely we think about the impact of media, more specifically commercial advertising, of sporting events. Sunday afternoon, everyone gathers around the television to enjoy a game of football. The viewers are constantly being bombarded by products. Through commercials, sponsoring, and product placement. It has become so normal to us, we almost don't see it. Advertising almost becomes subliminal. We think were watching the game, but we are not aware of the underlying purposes of sports.