Evan

     This month, "Evan" was released. It is a short film uploaded to YouTube by Sandy Hook Promise (the nonprofit organisation created by members of Newton, CT community dedicated to the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting). Entering the video, it feels so innocent. It follows the story line of a high school boy messaging another student anonymously, engraving their conversation on a library desk, ultimately becoming a love story. However, it takes a turn when it turns out to be a film following another story line, one of a potential student shooter. I have to be honest, I was in complete shock once I realized how much of it I missed. Initially, after watching, I was thinking it was a creative way to raise awareness for the issue around school shootings, and it really made me appreciate the fact that I can go to school and still be able to expect seeing my friends and peers once I'm there, because many people don't have that now. It's one of those things that makes you appreciate the luxuries you have in your life, because as dramatic as it may seem, your life can change at any moment. Let's appreciate every day.

Queen Bey

     My all time favorite musical artist is Beyonce. I have been listening to Beyonce since I was small. Her music has always been in my life. I know almost all of the songs even since Destiny's Child.  I love her music because they all have a profound message to them. They aren't about what a lot of the music is now. Her music is exciting. Every time you hear one of her songs, you can't help but want to dance. She creates a good balance of mellow to upbeat songs, all with a variety of explicit messages. Some like female empowerment, black empowerment, spirit lifting, or happy music. You can always find a song for any mood you are in. Beyonce's music brings back many of my childhood memories. I've recently had the opportunity to attend her Santa Clara Formation Tour concert. She performed beyond my expectations. She has a bond with her audience like one I've never seen before. There is no doubt in my mind that Beyonce will be one of the most historical female singers of all time.

Have Apple Consumers Gone Bananas?!

     After watching "The Persuaders," I wouldn't deny that some businesses and corporations could be described as "cults." The Persuaders introduced the idea that cult culture in apparent in corporation's technique of attracting customers. They become devoted to the brand and it's turned into a lifestyle. The first business that came to my mind was Apple.
     Apple is known for their committed fan base. Maybe something similar to Samsung. This is why there are so many Apple vs Samsung debates. Yet, there is no denying that Apple is the biggest tech company in America. But, I can't help but ask why is it?
     For starters, Apple created some of the most advanced products in it's early years. For instance, the iPod, which wasn't the first MP3 player created, was a historical breakthrough for digital music. Being able to create playlist and use shuffle was revolutionary back in 2001, then coming out with touch compatibility and applications really started the frenzy behind Apple's brand, although they were creating and selling products much earlier than the release of the iPod. Not to mention the iMac, iPhone, and iTunes. Yet, these past couple of years, Samsung almost has everything that Apple has to offer (at least smartphone wise), and for a cheaper price, so why are so many people attracted to Apple.
     Every new release Apple announces, thousands of people start pre-ordering, so they are the first to experience the new product. Social media is filled with Apple news and opinions on the newest products. Once the product is selling in stores, you'll find lines and people camping outside the stores to get their brand new device, all without waiting to even read reviews or even needing the product. They spend up to thousands of dollars, just to say they have the latest and greatest of tech.
     Apple had become a sort of tech social status. If you have the newest iPhone, you're automatically "superior." If you have and android, you are automatically "inferior." If you ask me, I'd say this is ridiculous, both phones offer many of the same features and if someone is judging another based on their phone, they'll just make themselves sound stuck up. Even if Apple is a cult, I believe if you genuinely enjoy a product, there should be no shame in using it.

#PizzaGate

 On Sunday, December 4th, a man was charged with assault after going to "investigate" the conspiracy theory "Pizza Gate" at a local Washington DC pizzeria.He allegedly pulls out a rifle in the restaurant, expecting to get answers to further the conspiracy.

         I analyzed two sources that presented this story, and broke them down to discover that although the same idea was being told, separate viewpoints were being introduced. The articles I read are from CNN and Buzzfeed. These are two major news outlets, with two different ways of presenting their stories. CNN took a very vague approach to the story, however, a very in depth approach to the feedback. CNN used a lot of quotes from witnesses. Their language was very to-the-point, but this also caused the information to seem simplified. CNN used words like allegedly, blamed, spreading, and threatened, all words with negative connotation. However, is it considered reasonable for news outlets to use negative words for negative stories? On the other hand, Buzzfeed was very specific. They introduces information like the exact time, in depth location, a timeline of the indecent, and including viewpoints from restaurant staff, the internet, and the suspect. Buzzfeed seemed to take a more positive approach to the story, by including denotation rather than connotation like CNN. Buzzfeed also included more pictures and videos to give readers a better idea of what the incident exactly was.

          In conclusion, I can say that even though the same story can be presented, you can leave from one news outlet with a completely different experience and view of the story than you would with another.

The sources I used:
http://www.cnn.com/2016/12/04/politics/gun-incident-fake-news/
https://www.buzzfeed.com/johnstanton/pizza-gate-arrest?utm_term=.vj53G6qjO#.qkz9lzbN6