Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Media Contact #4

No matter what form of media I encounter, I hear or see something about certain states petitioning to secede from the United States and to create a completely independent government. It's a ridiculous idea but for some reason it's very entertaining to practically anyone.

For that very reason, the media just cannot get enough of this secession business. As a result, I see it all over Facebook, Twitter, local websites and programs, and even on the radio.

I've expressed my opinion on the media's power in previous posts, but I never realized how truly significant it is. It informs people and those people try to inform others via social media, and then that starts trending and becomes another story on yet another form of media.


Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Media Contact #3

I just watched the 5 o clock news on KNWA for the first time in a while. I almost didn't know what to do because I thought it was a different news program -- they have a new set now. For some reason, it seemed as though the news they were presenting was more interesting due to the advanced set and technology.

This made me realize that television has a great advantage over radio and print. Television can easily become more attractive and appealing by adding a few flashy lights and graphics, whereas radio and print are almost stripped down to the basics (words). The news that is being reported on TV may not be as informative or cutting-edge as print or radio, but it is visually appealing, which grabs the attention of a larger audience.

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Media Contact #2

Today, while surfing the internet, I stumbled upon an article on Huffington Post regarding a woman who named her newborn twin sons after Barack Obama and Mitt Romney. . . The reader comments were both hilarious and astonishing. People were upset because they think she just wants money. People made fun of her because "her children will grow to hate her."

I thought it was completely ridiculous, at first, until I thought more about it. A woman in Kenya named her twin sons after the 2012 presidential candidates, not because of who they are, but because of the glamour of American culture. I'm almost 100% positive Millicent Owuor didn't name her twin sons because she was well informed about their party platforms.

Everyone, everywhere is obsessed with America! Americans are obsessed with America! The media are such a driving force in the United States, that they could glamorize a fish in a bowl named Reginald and have people in India naming their fish Reginald in hopes that it'd become famous too.

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Media Contact #1

Before I began this post, I didn't think I had, had any contact with the media today. I woke up this morning twenty minutes before my first class and didn't have time to watch the Today Show as I normally do. I have refused to check social media in the last week -- therefore I couldn't have been in contact with the media today, right? Wrong. The media are EVERYWHERE. I recalled that when I woke up, my television was on (I'd forgotten to turn it off last night) and the first thing I heard was E! News telling me about Kim Kardashian's "new rock" that could be a potential engagement ring.

I became upset with society for a second because we are so wrapped up in celebrity life, that we would much rather pay attention to a baseless story about a woman getting a new ring instead of jumping at the opportunity of donating canned goods to homeless people in the region. I'd heard that on the radio on my way to class, too (another contact with the media that I had completely ignored).

How is it that, as a society (or maybe it's just me), we have become completely engulfed in the culture of those that have more, that we don't even pay attention when we are called on to help those that simply do not have?

The idea is a stretch, I understand, but it really makes me wonder why I would even have a reaction to a story about a giant diamond ring on a celebrity's perfectly manicured pinky finger, and feel nothing at all when I hear about the heartache in my own neighborhood.


Sunday, January 8, 2012

What's happening in 2012?

My style has always been pretty simple. I've never worn much jewelry or bright colors and prints, but I'm getting a little bored with my dress! This year, I promised myself that getting dressed should be more of a challenge and that I should step out of the box. With that being said, I've collected a few inspirational photos of things that I wouldn't consider my aesthetic, but would like to try!

Alice + Olivia Spring 2012

Alice + Olivia Spring 2012

Donna Karan Spring 2012

L.A.M.B Spring 2012

Thursday, January 5, 2012

first outfit post of the year





Happy New Year! It's been such a long time since my last real outfit post and I promise to do better this year. It's definitely time for a change and what better time to do that then the start of a brand new year? This outfit is actually what I wore to take photos of my mom and I thought, "why not update my blog photos as well?" So here we are 2012! I hope you all had a great holiday!

aricka<3

sweater - F21, jeans - Urban Outfitters, shoes - ALDO, necklace - Mason's, ring - Savoir-Faire

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

A Message from Jackie

Always Beautiful No Matter What
By: Jackie Clark

The way a woman looks and feels is important every day, but especially when dealing with cancer. If you're dealing with a diagnosis of cancer, whether it be mesothelioma cancer, breast cancer or any other form of cancer, you understand how much it means to have a normal day where you look and feel good. Looking and feeling beautiful directly benefits emotional well being and since the mind/body connection is important when dealing with a cancer diagnosis, feelings of well-being are important to achieve and maintain. But how do you go about this? Here are a few tips to help and remember-- you are always beautiful no matter what.

Hydration

Skin can grow sensitive during treatment and you may feel dried out. Hydrate from within and without each day to give your skin a healthy, luminescent glow. Drink plenty of water or herbal tea as you're able to and apply a gentle moisturizer to your skin. Cleanse with a gentle cleanser, too, to avoid skin irritation.

Do Your Nails

Some forms of chemotherapy can affect your nail color. But there's no need to feel embarrassed about your hands when you can conquer discolored nails with some of today's bold nail polish colors.

Add Color With Makeup

After you moisturize your skin, it's primed for makeup application that lasts longer than makeup applied to dry skin. A little bronzer swept over your forehead, the tip of your nose and along your jaw line can add color and make your skin look sun kissed. Add a bit of cream blush across your cheekbones for a healthy glow.

A Splash of Color With Clothing

Color in your clothing can make a big difference in how you look and feel. Whether you wear a comfortable pants outfit with a bright color, a dress with color blocking, or a brightly patterned scarf tied around your neck, the addition of color serves as an instant pick-me-up. No matter what the season, try colors such as bright pink, warm yellow, or turquoise blue. Experiment with fun patterns and designs. Clothing is meant to be fun and should be an expression of your personality. Pick out one colorful thing to wear each day, even when you're not leaving the house.

Wig, Scarf or Head Wrap

Hair loss due to chemotherapy can be devastating. Regardless of how well you prepare for it, once it occurs, it can be difficult. How you choose to deal with it should depend upon what you're most comfortable with. If you want to wear a wig, be sure to see someone who specializes in wigs for cancer patients so you can get one that makes you feel beautiful when you wear it. If a wig feels uncomfortable to you or you simply don't want one, treat yourself to some colorful scarves or head wraps, instead.

Guest Post!

Hi! So I took a half year long hiatus, but I'm back! It's a new year and I'm more than ready to start blogging again. To start off the year, I'd like to highlight a good cause. I received an email not too long ago from Jackie, who does outreach for the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance, asking to write an article to post on my blog. It is a wonderful article and I would be happy even if it touched only one person.

Please enjoy!

aricka <3