Sunday, November 23, 2014

Zimmerman sues NBC libel case



http://variety.com/2013/tv/news/george-zimmerman-verdict-gives-new-twist-to-his-libel-suit-against-nbc-1200562075/

Libel: a published false statement that is damaging to a person's reputation; a written defamation.


  • Zimmerman sues NBC for defamation 
  • States that NBC edited and manipulated 911 call 
  • Made Zimmerman appear like a racist 
  • NBC apologized beforehand; Vowed to defend themselves in court
  • 2 reporters fired for editing 911 phone call 
  • Case still pending 
My comments: When the incident of the year drew the nation in , I began following the story closely. I knew that this case was different and that it was going to be a media circus. There was the 911 phone call that immediately shocked and placed blame on Zimmerman. Instantly, many already appeared to place blame on the racist Zimmerman based on the 911 phone call. It also shocked everyone that when judgement day came, it was not to vindicate Trayvon but to find no fault on Zimmerman. From the get go, the media should not have edited the phone call and if they were going to edit it asked for permission and been up front about it. 

Monday, November 17, 2014

Research Annotated References

1. Kirby, D. (2012). Death at SeaWorld: Shamu and the dark side of killer whales in captivity. New York: St. Martin's Press.

The author (Kirby) highlights controversial dangerous consequences of keeping killer whales in captivity. Kirby introduces scientific experts, marine biologists and former SeaWorld trainers with eye witness testimonies. The backlash of Blackfish is heavily covered. 




2. Months after 'blackfish' release, controversy over SeaWorld grows (2014). . Washington, D.C: National Public Radio. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1477579755?accountid=38235


This article I found was posted at the beginning of this year and discusses up to date further consequences and controversy regarding the incidents that has surrounded SeaWorld's captive killer whales. Laws introduced focus on the status and how it will affect future showings. 





3. MIKE, S. (n.d). SeaWorld drops appeal of OSHA violations from trainer's death. Canadian Press, The,


This up to date article confirms the law restrictions and fines placed against SeaWorld by OSHA. SeaWorld responds by dropping appeal that trainers will remain outside water tank during shows. SeaWorld hoped that trainers would be back in the water with the killer whales with new tank designs that would protect trainers in case of another incident that arose. 

Monday, November 10, 2014

Propaganda Ads


  1. Appear to Fear & Dictat Techniques Used 
  • This ad is causing shock and fear by showing death if not periodically tracking your cholesterol 
  • By showing a person who appears dead and alone at a mortuary causes viewers to freak out
  • Some viewers will call the number provided and ask how to prolong life and avoid cholesterol ultimately leading like the dead person in the photo ad



     2. Flag-waving, common man, and beautiful people 
  • This video ad focuses on the soldier being a hero and coming home to his family and a town celebrating his return with ads for budweiser 
  • The town and people promote drinking a patriotic beer making the viewers wanting to be patriotic and happy to enjoy the freedoms soldiers sacrifice 
  • Nothing like a cold budweiser beer to know you are a true family based American who supports the troops 








Sunday, November 2, 2014

Research Topic Proposal

  • Topic idea #1 -  I am curious to know more about mass media and its affects on the school system. My focus group would be directed at kindergarden through third grade and how the tech savvy tools are being used for learning and growing. I decided as this being one of my topics because I am interested how advanced technologies have impacted school environments and the children attending.
  • Topic idea #2 - Being a part of the social network world, I would like to inform and know more about when the food pictures and fitness freaks started to popularize. I also would like to incorporate some statistics and if certain users are making revenue and are being sponsored. 
  • Topic idea #3 - What age is your child ready for a smartphone and how to avoid phone addiction? That is a question I have wondered myself. I am not a parent but my research would focus on the parent's concerns.