A Final Farewell

With our exam tomorrow, literary theory and criticism is coming closer to an end. I remember my first day of class when we were told that we would have to create a blog for this course. In the beginning, I was so against this blog mainly because I was confused on how to set one up. Throughout the course, I have grown to like my blog and it became an addiction (sometimes blogging twice in one day). I am glad that I was exposed to different things throughout this course, one of them being mainly my blog. The knowledge I have acquired from this course and the movies I wouldn't have watched on my own time have exposed me to a different world and one that I am enjoying.
I enjoyed reading my classmates blogs and also enjoyed reading the comments that were made on my blog. Thank you to all who read my blog throughout the year. I hope you enjoyed reading it and with that being said my final blog is my final dose of theory!
I now shall get back to studying. See you all in the morning where we come together for one last time as a class in ATAC 2019
Goodluck!!

Technology on T.V.

Today's technology amazes me!! About 2 weeks ago I was watching The Doctors: "Futuristic Medicine That Can Change Your Life." The guest on the show was a woman who had lost her right arm at the age of 16 due to a rare tumour. Previously, she wore a prosthetic arm but unfortunately this was not able to handle all of her duties. Luckily for her, she was going to be given an i-LIMB, the most advanced bionic prosthetic. The i-LIMB is a great piece of technology and is more similar to a real hand because it allows a persons hand to open and close around objects more securely. She is able to perform all tasks such as typing on a keyboard or using hand gestures more efficiently and accurately because of the i-LIMB. The i-LIMB has truly changed her life! The next piece of Futuristic Medicine the "Nao Robot" is one that could change of the lives of autistic children. The Nao Robot is used to communicate with autistic children and can improve their social skills and interaction with others. It truly is amazing how much technology has come along throughout the years. With just the press of a button, life can change!
On a side note, last week I was watching Two and a Half Men and one of the lines caught my attention.
Charlie Harper: "Welcome to the Matrix"

Texting Gone Wrong

Lately, cell phones have been the "hot" topic within the discussions in our class. Over the years, the use of cell phones has changed. Today, and for myself, I know that if I need to talk to a friend, I do not dial their number but instead send them a text. To me, texting is so much simpler but I never realized how texting can be problematic and actually a bit scary. A couple years ago I had received an email about cell phones (yes I keep a lot of my emails but am sure glad I kept this one). Below is the email.

This lady has changed her habit of how she lists her names on her mobile phone after her handbag was stolen. Her handbag, which contained her cell phone, credit card, wallet... etc... was stolen. 20 minutes later when she called her hubby, from a pay phone telling him what had happened, hubby says "I received your text asking about our Pin number and I've replied a little while ago." When they rushed down to the bank, the bank staff told them all the money was already withdrawn. The thief had actually used the stolen cell phone to text "hubby" in the contact list and got hold of the pin number. Within 20 minutes he had withdrawn all the money from their bank account.
Moral of the lesson: Do not disclose the relationship between you and the people in your contact list. Avoid using names like Home, Honey, Hubby, Sweetheart, Dad, Mom, etc.... And very importantly, when sensitive info is being asked through texts, CONFIRM by calling back. Also, when you're being text by friends or family to meet them somewhere, be sure to call back to confirm that the message came from them. If you don't reach them, be very careful about going places to meet "family and friends" who text you.

This email changed the way I put names in my cell phone and how one's personal cell phone is not private at all.

Looking Through the Lens

Wow! Although I have not blogged in what seems like forever, I have not been neglecting my blog. I have been checking back but could not come up with something to write about until this past week.
I have had a chance to watch The Matrix and I must say that I would probably have not watched this movie if I had a chance to rent a movie on a Friday night. I didn't mind the movie but I will admit that I do fit the female stereotype of loving "chick flicks." I am glad because this class has exposed me to watching movies that normally I would not watch. So I have finished watching the movie but now it comes time for me to start writing my essay. ahhh !!
Next, I thoroughly enjoyed Tuesday's class especially the discussion about the hockey game!! So as we talked about the hockey game and watching the game on the screen at the game, something popped into my head. I suddenly remembered myself being at a concert last summer. Although I did have fairly good seats at the concert, I also caught myself looking up at the screen. Besides looking up at the screen, I also couldn't stop taking pictures and recording videos. I had to stop myself a few times as I realized that I was watching the concert through my camera as I snapped picture after picture and recorded the videos. Lets just say the concert was great and I have many pictures to look back on to remember the great time I had!!

Violence is not the Answer

I had a chance to watch the movie Boys Don't Cry last night. Before I watched it, I had done some research to find out what it was about. I know I might have spoiled the movie for myself, but in a way I'm glad I did. While watching, I had mentally prepared myself for what was going to happen seeing as the movie had some disturbing scenes. I don't want to spoil it for those of you have not had a chance to watch it yet, so I will not go into any details. The movie left me speechless and when it was over I thought to myself, the worst thing about this movie was that it was based on a true story. It is horrible to think that these kinds of things happen to people because of their gender preference and sexual orientation. Many issues in today's world were brought up in this movie and I'm hoping that society can act less violent and be more accepting. This movie is life changing and can hopefully open the eyes and minds of those who are close minded.
On the bright side, I thought Hilary Swank did an amazing acting job portraying the role of Brandon Teena. I look forward to our discussion on Thursday. See you all then.

Every Kid Has Potential

Summer time is my time to play. Not only because I do not have the stress of school lingering over me but also because of my place of employment for the past two summers. For the past two summers, I have worked at the Boys and Girls Club. Part of the job description is being an outgoing leader and interacting/playing with the children. Kids come to the club during the summer to have fun! In order for them to have fun, they must also have a fun leader who is willing to participate in the fun and games with them. Aside from all the fun we having during play, as the leader, I must also be serious in certain situations. There are times when a child gets hurt or children cannot play well together that I must be serious in making sure the situation is handled and under control. Fortunately, these situations are minimal compared to the amount of time that is spent playing and having fun!!

In case you are wondering about the title of this post, "Every Kid Has Potential" is the logo of the Boys and Girls Club!

GaGa, ohh la la

Today's discussion was rather enjoyable, entertaining, and informative all at the same time. After listening to the many examples of people who disconnect between their sex and their gender, one performer that came to my mind is Lady Gaga. Lady Gaga has become a popular artist in the music industry and has also been referred to as "The New Madonna." Aside from her lyrics, Gaga is also well known for her outrageous costumes/fashion, her scandalous music videos/concert performances, and rumours about her sexuality and genitalia. Her style of dress causes many heads to turn and the paparazzi (also a title for one of her songs) to feature her in their magazines. Her music videos, concert performances, and performances at awards shows always announce that she has arrived and the party is about to begin. She has been called an attention seeker but denies behaving like one. Her performance at the MTV Video Music Awards ended gory after she reenacted her music video of "Paparazzi." I actually found it a bit disturbing to watch and others referred to her as a giant tampon. (I know, gross eh) Surprisingly, her opening performance at the Grammy's this past weekend was one that I thought was "normal" for her. Her song lyrics have caused the most controversy towards rumours of her sexuality. The meaning behind these lyrics have been about men and women. Rumours speculate that she is actually a hermaphrodite. In an interview with Barbara Walters, Gaga admits that she likes both men and women but denies being a hermaphrodite. The interview can be viewed at http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/music/lady-gaga-comes-clean-on-hermaphrodite-rumours-and-talk-of-her-sexuality/story-e6frf9hf-1225823887894
Have a look and let me know your opinions regarding Lady Gaga and the rumours that continue to spread.