http://www.macaidsfund.org/
Favorite looks from the Marie Claire Mar. 2010 issue:
splurge:
jacket: $1,990; shorts: $990, Yves Saint Laurent.
affordable:
shirt: $49.95, Sonia Rykiel Designs for H & M
Monday, March 8, 2010
James Scholar Blog #4
More info on Lady Gaga's involvement in the MAC AIDS Fund:
http://www.macaidsfund.org/
Favorite looks from the Marie Claire Mar. 2010 issue:
splurge:
jacket: $1,990; shorts: $990, Yves Saint Laurent.
affordable:
shirt: $49.95, Sonia Rykiel Designs for H & M
http://www.macaidsfund.org/
Favorite looks from the Marie Claire Mar. 2010 issue:
splurge:
jacket: $1,990; shorts: $990, Yves Saint Laurent.
affordable:
shirt: $49.95, Sonia Rykiel Designs for H & M
James Scholar Blog #3
Marie Claire
Marie Claire never ceases to satisfy my fashion and celebrity question and answers appetite. In the Mar. 2010 issue, there is an emphasis on the new looks for spring: army-inspired camouflage print, crystals, and bright colors. The layout of the pages made each look pop out amongst the rest of the black print. The journalist’s choice in having model-inspired looks for a more affordable price made the fashion advice more applicable to women during this economic crisis. Also, I have noticed an increase in advertisement between articles, yet more features are offered now than in 2009.
Although Marie Claire writers succeed at offering an array of topics and fashion coverage, I have noticed a decrease in conservatism within the last couple of issues. In the question and answer article entitled “Going Gaga” by Ning Chao, Lady Gaga responded to a question using the “f-word.” First of all, the journalist asked Gaga many questions about her involvement with the MAC AIDS Fund and her views about being referred to as a role model. These topics appeared biased because of the emphasis on Gaga’s supporting the war on AIDS. I found it quite ironic that Gaga chose to say “You forgot that condom in your purse and save your own fucking life.” This allowance on behalf of Marie Claire in letting this swear word to be printed shocked me due to the magazine’s usual classy appeal. Also, I thought that Chao chose the wrong angle in interviewing Gaga about her involvement with MAC which led to more controversial responses. Instead, I would’ve enjoyed reading about how Gaga got her colorful style because I seek information about fashion in Marie Claire rather than blasé bios.
Going further with the idea of Marie Claire’s expansion of what can be printed in its magazine, I want to react to an article called “How I Planned a Menage A Trois.” Yes, sex serves a key role in fashion. On the other hand, do I really need to know about journalist Pamela Drunkerman’s search for a woman for her husband’s 40th birthday present? This story told in the first-person left me wondering as to why one would want to add this to a fashion magazine. On one hand, it could inspire middle-aged women who read the magazine to broaden their sexual horizons. On the other hand, it could make younger readers justify increased sexual behavior. If I was the editor-in-chief of Marie Claire, I would have left this article out and edited Gaga’s comment in order to maintain a classier image for the magazine.
Marie Claire did have a great range of topics in this issue, from hot new looks for spring to easier hair looks. One piece in particular that stood out to me was the profile on Chelsea Lately. This article by Christine Lennon seemed to have a bias in favor of Lately, yet it was subtly accomplished through her use of quotes. Lennon not only emphasized Lately’s influence on female comedy but also on women in general. As a female comedian, Lately’s E! talk show spices up the usually male dominated talk shows. Adding this profile to Marie Claire positively added flavor for working women readers who would appreciate a role model such as Chelsea Lately.
Likes: “Big Girl in a Skinny World” and “Friends Indeed”
Dislikes: “The Breakup Artist” and “Going Gaga”
Suggestions for Improvement: Class it up; leave out the curse words and threesome talk.
Marie Claire never ceases to satisfy my fashion and celebrity question and answers appetite. In the Mar. 2010 issue, there is an emphasis on the new looks for spring: army-inspired camouflage print, crystals, and bright colors. The layout of the pages made each look pop out amongst the rest of the black print. The journalist’s choice in having model-inspired looks for a more affordable price made the fashion advice more applicable to women during this economic crisis. Also, I have noticed an increase in advertisement between articles, yet more features are offered now than in 2009.
Although Marie Claire writers succeed at offering an array of topics and fashion coverage, I have noticed a decrease in conservatism within the last couple of issues. In the question and answer article entitled “Going Gaga” by Ning Chao, Lady Gaga responded to a question using the “f-word.” First of all, the journalist asked Gaga many questions about her involvement with the MAC AIDS Fund and her views about being referred to as a role model. These topics appeared biased because of the emphasis on Gaga’s supporting the war on AIDS. I found it quite ironic that Gaga chose to say “You forgot that condom in your purse and save your own fucking life.” This allowance on behalf of Marie Claire in letting this swear word to be printed shocked me due to the magazine’s usual classy appeal. Also, I thought that Chao chose the wrong angle in interviewing Gaga about her involvement with MAC which led to more controversial responses. Instead, I would’ve enjoyed reading about how Gaga got her colorful style because I seek information about fashion in Marie Claire rather than blasé bios.
Going further with the idea of Marie Claire’s expansion of what can be printed in its magazine, I want to react to an article called “How I Planned a Menage A Trois.” Yes, sex serves a key role in fashion. On the other hand, do I really need to know about journalist Pamela Drunkerman’s search for a woman for her husband’s 40th birthday present? This story told in the first-person left me wondering as to why one would want to add this to a fashion magazine. On one hand, it could inspire middle-aged women who read the magazine to broaden their sexual horizons. On the other hand, it could make younger readers justify increased sexual behavior. If I was the editor-in-chief of Marie Claire, I would have left this article out and edited Gaga’s comment in order to maintain a classier image for the magazine.
Marie Claire did have a great range of topics in this issue, from hot new looks for spring to easier hair looks. One piece in particular that stood out to me was the profile on Chelsea Lately. This article by Christine Lennon seemed to have a bias in favor of Lately, yet it was subtly accomplished through her use of quotes. Lennon not only emphasized Lately’s influence on female comedy but also on women in general. As a female comedian, Lately’s E! talk show spices up the usually male dominated talk shows. Adding this profile to Marie Claire positively added flavor for working women readers who would appreciate a role model such as Chelsea Lately.
Likes: “Big Girl in a Skinny World” and “Friends Indeed”
Dislikes: “The Breakup Artist” and “Going Gaga”
Suggestions for Improvement: Class it up; leave out the curse words and threesome talk.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Extra Credit Blog #4
Part 1:
1. Because I have grown up in a religious household, I would definitely say that I have a personal bias when it comes to religion. I tend to analyze actions based on morals that I was taught from the Bible, such as drinking or smoking. Also, I tend to have a bias when it comes to politics because I usually have views that lean toward Republican and Libertarian ideals rather than Democratic ones. Therefore, it would be difficult for me to cover topics about abortion and political scandals.
2. If I had to do a story about pro-choice advocates on abortion even though I don’t agree with them, I would definitely write the story. I always like to keep an open-mind, and I would enjoy learning about the different viewpoints on the topic. I would try to interview people that have had an abortion in order to make the topic; these voices are often unheard. Also, I would seek out professional advice about the qualifications, side effects, and many other issues related to one’s decision to have an abortion. Because there is always another side to everything, I would interview people who are pro-life to give that side a fair chance to react as well.
3. I think some media outlets are biased; many people associate certain television channels like FOX News with Republican views. Because all people have personal biases, I think it is hard to not have biases somehow influence our choice of news coverage. Clearly, many journalists try to stay neutral and give people information so they can make their own judgments rather than thrusting their opinions on them. In order to remedy one’s biases, a journalist should seek both sides of any story and report it in a truthful manner. Journalists should focus on the facts and give the reader a chance to figure out his or her own opinions. Of course, if the journalist is writing an opinion piece, it will certainly be biased.
Part 2:
1. The Chicago Tribune did not seem to cover this story fairly. Instead of focusing on what Blagojevich said during his ethics speech, the writer turned it into a story about how ironical it was that he would be asked to do so. Comparing him to Tiger Woods made him seem guilty already even though he has not been prosecuted or found guilty yet.
2. Because the SPJ Code of Ethics requests a journalist to “seek the truth and report it,” I would make sure to avoid making Blagojevich seem guilty. On the other hand, the “be accountable” guideline says that a journalist should hold people in power accountable for their actions. With these conflicting messages, I would try to balance the two by doing an interview with him for a better understanding of the case and his lecture. The Chicago Tribune story was not libelous because it did not purposely try to defame his character.
3. If I was doing the story, I would have focused on the impact of his lecture and the impression it had made on the students at the school. Focusing on the students’ reactions and the content of his speech would be fairer and hold up with the SPJ Code of Ethics. I think the Chicago Tribune chose to run this story this way because of its appeal to more readers. People love conflict and oddity; focusing on the irony of Blagojevich’s speech was an effective way to ensure more interest in reading the story.
1. Because I have grown up in a religious household, I would definitely say that I have a personal bias when it comes to religion. I tend to analyze actions based on morals that I was taught from the Bible, such as drinking or smoking. Also, I tend to have a bias when it comes to politics because I usually have views that lean toward Republican and Libertarian ideals rather than Democratic ones. Therefore, it would be difficult for me to cover topics about abortion and political scandals.
2. If I had to do a story about pro-choice advocates on abortion even though I don’t agree with them, I would definitely write the story. I always like to keep an open-mind, and I would enjoy learning about the different viewpoints on the topic. I would try to interview people that have had an abortion in order to make the topic; these voices are often unheard. Also, I would seek out professional advice about the qualifications, side effects, and many other issues related to one’s decision to have an abortion. Because there is always another side to everything, I would interview people who are pro-life to give that side a fair chance to react as well.
3. I think some media outlets are biased; many people associate certain television channels like FOX News with Republican views. Because all people have personal biases, I think it is hard to not have biases somehow influence our choice of news coverage. Clearly, many journalists try to stay neutral and give people information so they can make their own judgments rather than thrusting their opinions on them. In order to remedy one’s biases, a journalist should seek both sides of any story and report it in a truthful manner. Journalists should focus on the facts and give the reader a chance to figure out his or her own opinions. Of course, if the journalist is writing an opinion piece, it will certainly be biased.
Part 2:
1. The Chicago Tribune did not seem to cover this story fairly. Instead of focusing on what Blagojevich said during his ethics speech, the writer turned it into a story about how ironical it was that he would be asked to do so. Comparing him to Tiger Woods made him seem guilty already even though he has not been prosecuted or found guilty yet.
2. Because the SPJ Code of Ethics requests a journalist to “seek the truth and report it,” I would make sure to avoid making Blagojevich seem guilty. On the other hand, the “be accountable” guideline says that a journalist should hold people in power accountable for their actions. With these conflicting messages, I would try to balance the two by doing an interview with him for a better understanding of the case and his lecture. The Chicago Tribune story was not libelous because it did not purposely try to defame his character.
3. If I was doing the story, I would have focused on the impact of his lecture and the impression it had made on the students at the school. Focusing on the students’ reactions and the content of his speech would be fairer and hold up with the SPJ Code of Ethics. I think the Chicago Tribune chose to run this story this way because of its appeal to more readers. People love conflict and oddity; focusing on the irony of Blagojevich’s speech was an effective way to ensure more interest in reading the story.
James Scholar Blog #2
Here are some websites to some of the great looks and controversy of Milan Fashion Week 2010: http://www.ctv.ca/gallery/html/ent_italy_fashion_week_20100226/index_.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/milan-fashion-week/7332354/Milan-Fashion-Week-schedule-turned-into-size-zero.html
One of my favorite looks from the Milan Fashion Show 2010:
(from Elena Miro's Fall-Winter collection revealed on Feb 24th, 2010)
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/milan-fashion-week/7332354/Milan-Fashion-Week-schedule-turned-into-size-zero.html
One of my favorite looks from the Milan Fashion Show 2010:
(from Elena Miro's Fall-Winter collection revealed on Feb 24th, 2010)
Monday, March 1, 2010
James Scholar Blog #1- Vogue
Vogue:
For the past couple of weeks, Vogue fashion feature and editorial writers have been focusing on the trends coming up for this spring 2010 as well as international fashion weeks that have been coming to a close. This Friday was the last day of Italy’s Fashion Week; big name designers from Alberta Ferretti to Jil Sander were highlighted by fashion writer, editor, and features director Sally Singer.
While reading numerous articles in this month’s Vogue, I noticed the emphasis on the working woman’s ensembles. The depth of coverage appears as a way to target women that are independent professionals who make a fairly large salary. Singer flattered her readers by offering that Alberta’s Ferretti’s new nude chiffon dress provides a combination of “demure and sexy” to the runway (Off to Italy: Notes From Milan Fashion Week). These descriptions imply that women who buy this dress can embody this look through their purchases. On the other hand, Singer succeeded in informing the reader of the new looks for spring 2010 including “terrific sexy pants” which have been sold out in Phoebe Philo’s line due to high demand (Milan Day by Day: Botegga Veneta, Gucci, and Pucci).
Overall, this article gave a limited amount of detail about Italy’s Fashion Week. Only a couple designers were listed and no sources were provided. Many features in Vogue tend to leave me wanting more, much like this one. How can I, as a non-professional adult woman, receive more looks targeted to my student budget? Although a college student, I read this magazine out of my sincere admiration of the fashion industry; I desire more coverage of the fashion shows that I cannot attend (this being almost all of them).
This question led me to search for more young-adult directed articles. This left me with more failure than success. Instead of stumbling across any articles with more-affordable looks, I found reporting on the new movie Remember Me. Yes, it is great that Vogue has taken the time to diversify the content of their pieces to movies, interior decorating, and art museums, but I want to read about affordable looks for my age group, too. The article by John Powers offered younger readers a chance to learn more about the teen heart throb Robert Patterson. Thanks Vogue, but I want to learn about pants that aren’t 465 dollars, not about Robert Patterson’s strategies of avoiding his crazed fans.
Articles I especially enjoyed: “Sharp” coverage by Francois Halard, “London Fall Fashion Week” coverage by Mark Holgate
Suggestions for Improvement for Sally Singer’s articles and Vogue’s more recent direction: expand articles about fashion for readers with limited funds.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Journalism Blog #3
1. a. “Unofficial” St. Patrick’s Day- weekend of Mar. 5th , SafeRides
b. “Unofficial” St. Patrick’s Day- students, deans/faculty, residence hall workers, bar owners/managers (What are the problems that arise from this weekend? / Why can’t students who live in residence halls have guests?)
SafeRides- drivers, students, faculty/staff/deans (Do you think campus is safer because of SafeRides? What are the pros and cons of SafeRides?)
c. “Unofficial” St Patrick’s Day- Want to party all weekend with some friends from home and pass out in your dorm afterwards? Forget it.
SafeRides- After leaving a party at the wee hours of the morning with three friends, you see a SafeRides car coming. You think “Wow, we have the best luck!” You guys try to get on and the driver says that only three of you can get a ride. Who is going to walk back?
d. “Unofficial St. Patrick’s Day”- During the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s (UIUC’s) “Unofficial” St. Patrick’s Day weekend of Mar. 5th, 2010, students will not have the opportunity to have their friends come and sleep over after a long night of celebrating.
SafeRides- SaferRides continues to enforce its three-rider only rule and students are annoyed more than ever.
This news story is about Michelle Obama’s recent involvement in “The More You Know” service campaign that will air on national television through NBC. This campaign will inform people about the continuous increase in childhood obesity as well as ways to stop it.
b. This story could be localized by talking to people in the surrounding area of Champaign-Urbana about the effects of obesity in this town. I could interview elementary and middle school faculty and principals about the issue. Also, I could question the childrens’ parents who go to these local schools.
c. Cookies. Cakes. Chips. These three indulgences are only some of the foods that kids are eating these days that have caused one-third children in the U.S. to become obese or overweight.
d. Michelle Obama will help beat the rising childhood obesity rates through her involvement in NBC’s “The More You Know” campaign airing Mar. 2010.
Friday, February 5, 2010
"Check You're Story Be4 You Right It, K?"
Grammatically wrong
1. Defeated in the house, the Senate now gets to debate the bill.
*Defeated in the House, the Senate now gets to debate the bill.
Stylistically wrong
2. The 19-year-old boy got a ticket for jay-walking at 9 p.m. last night.
* At 9 p.m. last night, the 19-year-old boy got a ticket for jaywalking .
See if you can catch what's wrong.
3. Meredith ran away from home, she was so angry that night.
*Meredith ran away from home; she was so angry that night.
These should be easy:
4. Yes Brittney I can figure this one out.
*Yes Brittney, I can figure this one out.
5. Holding there flags high the veterans marched through town.
*Holding their flags high, the veterans marched through town.
6. The students said they would "skip class" if Britney made them do more exercises that had to do with grammar punctuation spelling or style.
*The students said they would skip class if Britney made the, do more exercises having to do with grammar, punctuation, spelling or style. (Isn't is Brittney?-If this is supposed to be you.)
7. I think most students in this class are apart of the class of 09.
*I think most students in this class are a part of the class of '09.
8. "I wonder if this is how you punctuate this quote?" Brittney said.
*"I wonder if this is how you punctuate this quote," Brittney said.
OK, now that's enough torture. Answer this question for a bonus point:
9. Why is it important for journalists to get these things right?
9. Journalists must pay attention to details. In order to establish credibility for the paper and himself or herself, one has to make sure to check the grammar of a story. Misspelling words, forgetting punctuation, etc. lead to a lower quality piece of writing. Also, it saves the copy editor time when he or she has hundreds of articles to read; it is kind to double check one's work to save other people time. Finally, it makes the articles easier to read because almost all papers write according to AP Stylebook.
1. Defeated in the house, the Senate now gets to debate the bill.
*Defeated in the House, the Senate now gets to debate the bill.
Stylistically wrong
2. The 19-year-old boy got a ticket for jay-walking at 9 p.m. last night.
* At 9 p.m. last night, the 19-year-old boy got a ticket for jaywalking .
See if you can catch what's wrong.
3. Meredith ran away from home, she was so angry that night.
*Meredith ran away from home; she was so angry that night.
These should be easy:
4. Yes Brittney I can figure this one out.
*Yes Brittney, I can figure this one out.
5. Holding there flags high the veterans marched through town.
*Holding their flags high, the veterans marched through town.
6. The students said they would "skip class" if Britney made them do more exercises that had to do with grammar punctuation spelling or style.
*The students said they would skip class if Britney made the, do more exercises having to do with grammar, punctuation, spelling or style. (Isn't is Brittney?-If this is supposed to be you.)
7. I think most students in this class are apart of the class of 09.
*I think most students in this class are a part of the class of '09.
8. "I wonder if this is how you punctuate this quote?" Brittney said.
*"I wonder if this is how you punctuate this quote," Brittney said.
OK, now that's enough torture. Answer this question for a bonus point:
9. Why is it important for journalists to get these things right?
9. Journalists must pay attention to details. In order to establish credibility for the paper and himself or herself, one has to make sure to check the grammar of a story. Misspelling words, forgetting punctuation, etc. lead to a lower quality piece of writing. Also, it saves the copy editor time when he or she has hundreds of articles to read; it is kind to double check one's work to save other people time. Finally, it makes the articles easier to read because almost all papers write according to AP Stylebook.
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