Post 15

I published an earlier post about a movie that hits theaters on March 30 titled "Bully." It is a documentary that narrows in on families who have had first hand experiences of bullying and its devastating consequences. I urge anyone to watch this interview from the Ellen show. She interviews a family who lost a son as a result of the bullying he experienced in school. If you haven't done so, please sign the petition from my earlier post to try to get the rating changed to PG-13!

http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/ellen-talks-to-parents-from-bully/17w0s4b5o

Post 14

Tweeting during surgery?? Are people taking technology wayyy too far?

http://articles.cnn.com/2009-02-17/tech/twitter.surgery_1_twitter-and-facebook-social-networking-site-twitter-tweeted?_s=PM:TECH

What do you think?

Post 13

Please sign this petition!!

http://www.change.org/petitions/mpaa-dont-let-the-bullies-win-give-bully-a-pg-13-instead-of-an-r-rating

A new movie, "Bully" hits theaters March 30 and is currently rated "R" due to language. What this means is that, unfortunately, the individuals who most need to see this movie will be unable to due to age restrictions. We can't let the bullies win. Please sign this petition urging the Motion Picture Association of America to change the rating to "PG-13"!!!!

Post 12

Check out this rap video! It's about the five elements of a story and it's SO catchy! I could totally see myself playing this for kids in my elementary class.

http://flocabulary.com/fivethings/

What do you think of this? I think it's awesome!

Post 11

Have you seen someone using technology inappropriately? Or do you have any pet peeves regarding technology and the way people use it? Not only is it against the law, but I hate seeing people texting while they drive. It's so extremely dangerous and people should never text and drive considering the danger they are putting not only themselves in but also the other people on the road.

This video from SNL is made to be funny and to make fun of some of the crazy distracting things people do while driving. However, I do think it's true that some people are not focused enough on the road while behind the wheel.

What irks you about the way some people use some technologies?

http://news.consumerreports.org/cars/2009/11/video-taylor-swift-snl-spoof-mocks-bad-parent-drivers.html

Post 10

Brad Paisley is one of my favorite artists. His song "Online," though meant for comedic value, does a good job of showing how the internet can sometimes serve as an escape and a disguise for people. The song describes a man who is unhappy with his life so he creates a better, improved version of himself. One of the lines in the song is "...but I grow another foot and I lose a bunch of weight every time I log in." Now, though this song and video tell the story of a fictional, harmless character, I believe it's important to remember that because the internet provides people with a way to disguise their true identity, very real dangers can come from (and have come) from these types of situations.

Here is the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UE6iAjEv9dQ&ob=av2e

What are your thoughts about this video? It really highlights the fact that you don't always really know what you're getting when you meet somebody online!!!

Post 9

The question was brought up in my technology class about whether or not the entertainment world does enough to speak out against bullying. We know Ellen Degeneres is doing A LOT to bring this issue to people's attention and to truly voice her concerns and urge celebrities to share their stories to viewers to encourage people to be kinder to one another. My professor brought up Taylor Swift's performance on the Grammy's for her song "Mean" and how it really sends a positive message to viewers and fans. I've always loved Taylor Swift and think she's the perfect role model. Her songs are full of positive messages and she sets such a wonderful example for young girls who truly admire her. Her video for "Mean" shows the stories of teenagers who are teased and grow up to lead very successful lives. Here is the link to her video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYa1eI1hpDE&ob=av2e

What are your thoughts about her video and the message it's sending to people everywhere?