schoooolssss out

I can not wait for this semester to be done so I can sleep for more than three hours!!!! WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Then I leave for London next week! woop woop! I like the end of November, even though the weather sucks and it gets dark to early... things are lookin up!

Out with the old in with the new

Quality journalism is in real trouble.  No matter what is going to happen to journalism I do not think it is ever become the profitable industry it once was.  That being said we are going to have a lot of "part-time" journalists that are not going to be able to put 100% into all of their pieces.  We are going to have an overload of stories that are all half done. We are going to have a lot of quantity and no quality.  I think for a lot of people it will just become a hobby rather than their passion and career.  Journalism can be sustained on-line, it is just going to have to take some restrictions and brainstorming.  An idea to help journalism survive online would be to have your newspaper read like a normal newspaper to a certain extent.  What if we could make it so you had your major headlines(to grab the reader's attention) and then a one liner to go with it(to draw them in further) and in order to get the full story you pay like fifty cents.  fifty cents is like nothing these days, but if everyone pays fifty cents it would be like the toll-roads, change adds up quick!! Who knows if my idea would work, probably not, but we should keep an open mind to all solutions. As for the commentators ideas, what is going to make Journalism survive is going to have to be a combination of all proposed solutions.  We should converge all solutions into one.  Local blog networks are going to have to get the story rolling, then take donators that will support your story to help you get started on digging deeper into the story, then when or if you need more funding for your story look for grants and funding from other foundations to help give you your extra shove.  If journalism is resolved this way, the "important" matters to the public will become priority and we can still have quality journalism because those journalists that provide the story will be receiving the funding they need.  This will also help weed out the amateur journalists who aren't putting all they've got into their stories.  I do not think just one predicted solution is going to save journalism, it is going to take a lot more than that. Whatever the solution really is going to be we need to figure it out fast before we lose all quality journalism and the important stories fall through the cracks.  

You're the producer

I personally am not a fan of "fan filmmakers".  I am very old school when it comes to my television and movies.  I like to watch my entertainment in the way the directors and writers intended it to be seen.  I do not like the "spin-off" effect, or the super fan sites, or the fact that some movies have become impossible to follow unless you are a super fan and have all the nitty-gritty details from following their fan sites etc.  It is to much work.  The point of television and film for me is to kick back and relax while I enter into some one else's world, it is not to make sure I read up on-line or watch the other mini movies before I go see my movie.  I hate it.  Now as for whether or not I think it is the future of movies is kind of up in the air.  Everything and everyone is so tied into the internet these days it would not surprise me if all movies become this way, and are viewed through You Tube and vimeochannels.   In my opinion, fan filmmakers are the future of blogging and convergence.  They are going to give Hollywood a run for their money and make them push to create the ultimate blockbuster.  They are going to help get the word out about movies and what they took back from the movie, it might even help promote the movie.  Either way something is definitely brewing in those waters... what the outcome will actually be is up in the air.  Times are constantly changing and something bigger and better is always coming along.  Fan Filmmakers for now are just challenging Hollywood to put their creative pants on and prove they're the professionals.   

Facebook for president

I think that social networking sites have become an outlet for grassroots because it is the easiest way for them to not only fly under the radar but also get their message out as far as possible and as quickly as possible.  The people  of places like Indonesia and Iran need their message to be heard before it is cut off.  When it is posted on a social networking site someone is bound to see it and help spread the word.  Everyone knows someone.  It is like you are playing the seven degrees of kevin bacon game.  It all ties together and helps give them a voice.  As for the US, I do not think social networks are used to as big of an extreme as they would be in other countries.  Here it is more used to help voice an opinion or view on politics, not so much to help fight against authorities.  Social networks here are more used for debate than to be a renegade.  Now social networks have also caught on for the other side of the fence.  Politicians have found ways to use things like Youtube, Facebook, and Twitter to help spread their views and recruit voters to join their cause.  

Class is in Session

In life there are certain things that everyone learns if you have graduated High School in the United States. You learn your multiplication, how to read, and how to write.  You also learn how to drive in drivers ed.  Once you have received your license, in order to renew your license you must retake your driving test.  I feel that the "drivers ed concept" should be applied to a new field of study, "proper restaurant etiquette".  I have worked with people for about eight years now, I have reached a point where nothing really surprises me anymore.  However, it would be nice if people understood what it is like working in retail or in the service industry, ESPECIALLY the service industry.  For my restaurant ed, you would have to complete your hours in training that are signed off by some one "certified".  In order to complete your hours you must work to pay your bills(if you do not have any at the time "imaginary bills" would be provided) by serving in a restaurant.  You must know what it is like to have to keep a smiling face while people take their bad moods out on you, tip you terribly, and cater to others needs constantly.  I think sometimes people forget that our title is server not servant.  I also wonder if people realize that servers make $4.25-$4.50 an hour in almost all cases.  Most people say well you make a ton of money in tips so that makes up for your low wages, wrong.  My pay check depends on how much I have to claim vs. how many hours I have worked.  It is never consistent  because of how much money they take out of your check for taxes.  Even if you were to get your full $4.25 an hour, if you worked 40 hours that week your paycheck would still only be $170.  That doesn't even cover my car payment, let alone my rent, credit card bills, phone bills, electric bills, etc. I have to claim ALL of my credit card tips.  On top of the "paycheck issue", I have to keep a smiling face at all times... my bills depend on it.  If I bring any of my personal life/issues into work with me and take it out on my customers or even seem the slightest bit cranky to a customer you risk not only being complained about to management but also losing your potential tip.  Sometimes it can be very difficult not to snap back at a rude customer.  Patience is key.  If you are kind to your server 8-9 times out of 10 you will receive better service and have a better experience.  We don't come to your work and bitch at you and make your life hell, so why would you think it is okay to do it to us?  Now as far as tipping goes, most people consider a good tip to be 15%.  15% was an acceptable tip in the 90's and early 00', however, the cost of living is up, prices are up, and everything costs money now.  Servers do not receive bonus checks or a raise.  What your hourly rate is, is what it is.  There is no changing it.  Some places may give you a few cents here and there depending on how long you have been there, but typically there is such a high overturn rate that most places don't even offer the opportunity for a raise unless you are promoted.  Keeping all of this in mind I feel that if you received proper service you should tip 18-20%.  You have to remember your server is busting their ass to aid to your needs plus the needs of everyone else in their section.  Lastly, do not speak to your server/bartender like they are an idiot.  Just because I am in the service industry does not make me an idiot.  I don't treat you like an uneducated moron, the same treatment is expected.  All of these things would be learned while taking restaurant ed, which is why it should become apart of schools criteria, along with frequent "refresher" courses.  Class is dismissed.

Blogging

I am by nature not a very chatty person.  I do not enjoy talking about myself or what is "going on in my life" unless I am asked a question.  I typically have to be provoked in order to have a conversation by a question or something of that nature.  I do not like initiating conversation.  That being said, although I am a very friendly person, I am in a way anti-social.  This is a incredibly horrible trait for a bartender have because the industry is based on being able to talk to people.  But that is how I am, I am very introverted and shy.  Now I also find it easier for me to communicate via writing.  I would rather text than talk on the phone, write a letter than have a heated argument, etc.  I think it is easier for me to process my thoughts as I write rather than speak them.  I am a pretty weird kid.  With all of this knowledge of me being extremely introverted and not talking to people I do not know I find it incredibly dumb for me to blog.  I blog about nothing because I do not know what to blog about.  What is the point of that?  To blog about nothing.  I feel like if you are going to have a blog it should be for a purpose.  Take for instance my friend Abbi, her best friend, Angel, lives over seas with her husband(who is in the army) and Abbi's godson.  This makes it difficult to keep in touch because of time differences, schedule conflicts, etc.  So in order to keep Abbi and the rest of Angel's family updated on what is going on with her and Abbi's godson Angel writes a weekly blog that talks about the different culture and environment she is in, all the cute things her son did that day, and includes pictures so Abbi can see how big he is getting.  Now that is a purpose for a blog!  In the same idea , for our troops over seas or even the ones that are here but are on base, it is difficult to stay in touch with family and friends.  It is easier to write a blog that people can check in on when they want to know what you have been up to rather than send out an email or try and write a letter.  It is easier if they just upkeep a blog for their friends and family.  That being said blogging for people like me is useless.  I see my family and friends regularly, I hate writing stuff or talking about myself, and when I do write is about absolutely nothing.  Once this class is over, I will probably never post on my blog again.  I wish I could say I enjoyed blogging, that I lead a very exciting life, that I have an insane amount of knowledge about something, or I am incredibly opinionated on certain topics so i should keep a blog so people can read in on what's new in Julie's world.  However, I am none of these.  The most excitement in my life would be the bar fight from the night before or me getting another job to add to the ridiculous amount of bars I've worked in.  Not exciting, not need to know, not objective. Blogging for me= no purpose.

Loss of Sanity

I have this really bad habit of sitting and doing my homework all at once.  This can become a serious problem because sometimes I do not start these projects until eight or nine o'clock at night.... Which means I am up until six or seven o'clock in the morning.  My alarm goes off at 6:30 am or 7:30 am almost everyday.  This means I have to run on NO SLEEP for the rest of the day.  I have to be able to function at work and use my brain/ be able to think in class.  Now I understand that my procrastination has something to do with this but it is also due to my lack of time.  I do not know what I was thinking registering for five classes this semester with working full time.  I must've had a moment of insanity thinking I would be able to juggle everything.  Well I have found a way to juggle, just cut out my sleep.  It has been my observation that my lack of sleep has the following side effects:  Silly-ness, forgetfulness, cranky-ness, slurred speech, blood shot eyes, heavy bags under the eyes, and a made up vocabulary.  Please disregard and type of nonsense you read on my blog because it is probably written during one of my moments ofinsanity.  Who does this to themselves? I don't even know if it is an option sometimes or from my procrastination.  Sometimes I think the procrastination comes from the need to finish other projects and homework assignments first before moving on to the next.  I have to get what is due first out of the way before I can start on the next one and I never seem to leave myself enough time to do anything because I am constantly pulling all nighters.  Last week I went THREE nights with out sleep.... Who stays up doing homework? I wish it was for a more exciting reason... Like it was a wild and crazy night that became epic.  But no, I am here doing homework, studying, finishing projects, and checking my facebook.  I am pretty sure I have become delusional.  I forgot my name at work this morning!!!! Who does that? Ah well... as they say it will all pay off in the end. Let's just hope that's true.

Gingers are creepy

Yesterday, November 20th is the official Kick a ginger day.   What is kick a ginger day??  It all started with a South Park episode back in 2005. It was the It was the 9th season and their 136th episode.  We all know the creators of South Park poke fun at everyone.  They do not leave anyone out.  From Tom Cruise, to Harley Davidson riders, to Facebook, nothing gets left out.  It is all meant in good fun, although some may find it offensive. South Park made of fun of gingers saying they didn't have souls, being a ginger is a disease and have "gingervitis", and the ginger jean is a curse.  However, the problem with picking on red heads or "gingers" is it is more relevant to all ages.  The episode caused a huge controversy after its ironic premise was misunderstood by people who acted violently against children with fair skin, freckles, and red hair.  There was a Facebook created(which is now deleted/banned) to name November 20th the national kick a ginger day.  It soon had over 5,000 members, it was all meant to be a joke.  I was shocked to hear that some kids took this day very literally and attacked a poor 13 year old boy, Aaron Mishkin was stomped and kicked by his fellow classmates.  The story hit all the way to Canada?!  Since this act of violence, new Facebook groups have developed as a retaliation to the act of anger.  Groups such as: hug a ginger day, gingers against kick a ginger day, sex your ginger, etc.   I am proud to be a ginger, I make fun of being a redhead constantly.  I even have a friend that is "scared of gingers" like this one -->
I am a "day walker ginger", but I still say you better watch out, because I'll sick my ginger kids on you.
Eric Cartman says, " Gingers are creepy. One night when your all sleeping in your room, they're gonna getcha, THEY'RE GONNA GETCHA!!