Weekly Analysis 5- Assignment 5-1

If the term H1N1 commonly known as swine flu, does not concern you, you may want to get checked. President Barack Obama declared the fast-spreading swine flu a national emergency Friday night, a move that authorizes federal officials to waive some requirements in dealing with the virus, such as letting hospitals set up separate facilities to keep patients with the virus from infecting others (Politico, 2009). The new release of the vaccine to help prevent people from getting sick from the virus has recently been released and is in high demand. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), as of October 21, 2009 has allocated 14,070,900 doses being sent all around the U.S., with the most being sent to the states with the highest risk. For example considering California borders Mexico and is a largely populated state it has currently received 1,309,100 doses, while Ohio has only received 434,500. The demand severely outweighs the supply.

One major question people currently are seeking is the vaccine safe? According to the CDC it is, and they urge all high risk people to receive the vaccine when they can. Others may be a little more sceptical, considering how recently the vaccine has come out, and don't want to be part of the first wave to get the vaccine in case it does have negative side effects. I would like to explore further into the vaccine to clear any questions people have about the swine flue. I am also the type of person to first question before acting and with my wife working at a hospital and having a 2 year old daughter I want to make sure the decision we make is the right one.

The vaccine is made by growing samples of flu virus inside fertilized chicken eggs, then breaking out the key proteins that provoke an immune response. Then they are purified, tested and packaged into syringes for distribution around the country (Los Angeles Times, 2009). If a person is allergic to eggs, than they may be at risk for serious side affects to the vaccine. Another thing people need to keep in mind with the shortage, is for children under 9 to be completely protected they will have to receive the vaccine twice. So already there are certain issues that people need to understand and be educated on before they get the vaccine. One other thing that is commonly confusing people is that receiving the H1N1 vaccine doesn't protect you from the seasonal flu virus. In order to be protected by both swine flu and the seasonal virus, people need to receieve both vaccines.

I think the warnings about the vaccine are primarily a scare tactic, and from what I have read, I don't think there is too much to worry about a healthy person going and getting vaccinated. The risk involved in getting the vaccine seems clearly lower than actually getting H1N1, which could turn out deadly. Currently pregnant women are the priority because their immune systems aren't as strong while they are carrying the baby, and it is highly recommended that all pregnant moms receive the vaccine to protect themselves and their unborn child. Healthcare workers and children are also a priority. It is expected that there will be enough 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine for anyone who chooses to get vaccinated. The US federal government has procured 250 million doses of 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine (CDC.gov, 2009).

Precautions are understandable, but swine flu isn't going to get better before it gets worse, and in order to keep it from taking more lives I think it is best that we all receive the vaccine when we can. The best thing anyone can do before they decide for themselves or their children is to educated themselves about the vaccine, and realize that it isn't as new as you might think. It is made just like the seasonal vaccine just with a trace of the H1N1 virus. There is a shot and a nasal spray, and it is important to understand which is best for you. Having precautions about something new and so serious is completely understandable. Educate yourself, understand what your best option is, and if its not a risk get the vaccine to protect yourself and the people around you.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2009, October 16). Questions and Answers. Retrieved: October 28, 2009, from http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/public/vaccination_qa_pub.htm

Martin, J. (2009). Barack Obama: Swine flu a national emergency. Retrieved: October 28,2009, from http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1009/28683.html

Roan, S & Kaplan, K. (2009). Decisions surround swine flu vaccine. Retrieved: Octrober 28, 2009, from http://articles.latimes.com/2009/apr/29/science/sci-swine-vaccine29

Weekly Analysis 4- Assignment 4-1

The death of Jett Travolta on January 2nd, 2009 was sad news to us all. It is hard to imagine anything worse than loosing a child, and even celebrities have this tragedy happen. I can't personally relate to loosing a child, but my older sister died at 14, and nothing has ever amounted to that pain and suffering felt. So how would I feel if someone was trying to extort money from my family during the beginning stages of our loss? I would be furious and unforgiving. Sadly enough, John Travolta is in court fighting against two men who try are accused of trying to take his money by tricking him into signing a document. Tarino Lightbourn, a paramedic, and former Bahamian Sen. Pleasant Bridgewater -- who also is Lightbourn's lawyer -- are charged with trying to extort money from Travolta after his son Jett's death from a seizure on January 2 (CNN.com, 2009).

Apparently Jett was taken by ambulance to an emergeny room and then pronounced dead. During the ambulance ride, Lightbourn asked Travolta to sign a statement releasing the ambulance company from liability."I received a liability of release document. I signed it. I did not read it. Time was of the essence," Travolta testified.Travolta testified that he later learned about a demand for $25 million. If he didn't pay, "stories connected to that document would be sold to the press," the actor said."The stories would imply the death of my son was intentional and I was culpable somehow" (CNN.com, 2009).

The case has recently been declared a mistrial because of the behavior of a juror. The jury had been deliberating for almost 8 hours without a verdict, before the mistrial was announced by the judge. Travolta's lawyers believe that is a sign that the case was heading towards a guilty verdict considering that if the verdict was not guilty the deliberating process wouldn't have already been so long.

I was just personally overcome with shock that if in case these two men are guilty, how greedy and sick minded they must be. Are we as people so hungry for money that we would go to such lengths as to tricking a griefing man into signing a paper to make ourselves rich? The last thing John Travolta's family should be dealing with less than a year from their sons death is a trial to protect their money and dignity to not give in to criminals.

I can't and won't believe that the average human being would have even thought of commiting such an act, while a family was struck with grief. It seems that this is a common issue arising in our culture. Bernie Madoff stole millions from people, and will die behind bars because of it. David Letterman was being blackmailed in order to keep office affairs out from public ears, and decided like Travolta to fight against those seeking to become rich by criminal acts. These actions in my opioion are no different that trying to robb a bank. I think people get this ultimate fantasy built up in their minds that money is a cure all, and with it life will become so much better. I think it's sick and sad, and I wish the best to the Travolta's and every other person who stands up and fights against someone trying to take what is not rightfully theirs.

CNN.com/entertainment. (2009). Travolta 'disappointed' over etortion mistrial.
Retrieved: October 23, 2009, from http://edition.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Movies/10/22/travolta.extortion/

Weekly Analysis 3, Assingment 3-1

Jaycee Dugard was kidnapped 18 years ago and is now a 29 year old mother with two daughters: Angel, 15 and Starlit, 11. She was taken on her way to school by Phillip Garrido, and has shocked the world when police finally recovered her and her daughters. Currently, Jaycee is living in seclusion with her daughters and mother, Terry Probyn.

This story is certainly one of a kind for it is the first time in history that a person has been missing for that long of period and finally found. Jaycee and her daughters lives are certainly going to be turned around, and the road ahead for them will most certainly be difficult. They face many challenges along the way to include the fact that Angel and Starlit have grown up to believe that Jaycee was their older sister.

Since the story was uncovered the media has certainley jumped all over it, and they most certainly won't be laying off it anytime soon considering the magnitude of this story. Jaycee has recently released photos of herself in the October issue of People magazine and a recent update of what she has been doing since reconnecting with family was also published. A family spokesperson stated, " These photos are Jaycee's way of letting everyone know that she and her family are doing well and that there is hope for the future" (People, 2009).

After reviewing the article in People magazine, it seems as though Jaycee is making a very good recovery considering her circumstance. I can't even imagine how that moment had to feel to be reconnected with her mother after 18 years apart from because of the sickness others. Even her daughters seem to well educated considering they have never entered a classroom. According to Curry, a recent battery of tests showed 15-year odl Angel functioning at close to the level of a high school senior. "The girls are very bright," says Curry. "they're really pretty much at grade level on everything (People, 2009).

Their are two specific things about Jaycee's story that I find have been largely influenced by popular culture and they are: 1. The pressure from the media to release a story 2. The focus on blaming primarily Phillip Garrido and little attention shed on his wife Nancy, who helped with the kidnapping. Focusing on the media's pressure I believe it soley comes from the wants by people to get detailed information about Jaycee and her daughters. As a nation we love to follow celebrities whether they are actors, sports players, or politicians. Anyone that gets national media attention draws focus to the "everyday American. It is understandable for people to have an interest in this amazing story, but I think it would be best to have a humane approach and give these girls their privacy as they not only embrace the good news, but also get to an understanding of what has just happened in their lives.

The second specific item I have focused on discussing is the fact that Phillip Garrido has taken the hit for the actions caused by his wife and himself. The media has a primary focus on him and barely talks about his wife who plays just as much of a roll in this story. I think society has come to focus on men when issues of sexual harrassment or rape are involved. Even though Nancy Garrido is also charged with rape. Another key issue to look upon is that in 1993 a violation of Phillip Garrido's parole conditions sent him back to federal prison from April to August.
The role that Nancy Girrado played in keeping Dugard in captivity while her husband was in prison for four months is not yet fully clear. But what is clear, is that when Phillip Garrido returned, Dugard was still imprisoned. I am most certainly not trying to downplay any action that Phillip Garrido acted upon, I only am pointing out that he didn't act alone.

No one should have to go through the horror that Jaycee Dugard faced, and the uncertainty must have ate her mother alive for 18 years. I do hope she will release her story at her own rate, so we can all learn and grow from her experience. I also believe all of us just sit in pure shock of what has happened to this family, and it helps us embrace ours a little closer. If there is one thing that Jaycee has shown its for all of those parents and siblings waiting on their love one who has been missing that hope lives, and miracles can happen.

Hewitt, B., Breuer, H., Aradillas, E., & Bane, V. (2009, October 26). Jaycee's new life. People, 58-66.

Summary of Article Analysis, Assignment 1-3

The article I decided to analyze was written by Gary Hoppenstand and it is titled: Editorial: The Revenge of the Nerds. Hoppenstand is explaining in this article the past perception of nerds from how they are viewed today. He claims he was titled a nerd by fellow classmates growing up in the 1960's and that the primary reason they called him a nerd was because he collected comic books. At the time Hoppenstand claims it was fine to read comic books but to collect them was not a social norm.

There is a certain amount of jealousy in this article because Hoppenstand believes that popular culture has made a nerd into a cooler being. He believes the image has been transformed due to the success of famous nerds such as George Lucas who created Star Wars.

He then goes on to describe a new series on CBS called The Big Bang Theory which is a sitcom about a group of male nerds and their neighbor Penny who represents a "normal, non-nerd", who is a friend of the groups. Hoppenstand believes that this show will help reverse the image of nerds even further in social groups from being the outcast to a more popular group.

I believe that nerdy people have created ideas that have become very popular in society, but my argument is that nerds who do not find success in ways that make them more wealthy will not be considered cool just because they are a nerd. I think Hoppenstand's perpective comes with age where as people get older they view people differently. Adults who are successful tend to be the more attractive person than those just based on looks. I think it is fair to say that a nerd who isn't successful financially will not be more attractive to the opposite sex than someone who has good looks and athletic talent. Popular culture may favor nerds and their interest, but times have not changed that much from the 1960's and a male nerd is still not being seen with the captain of the cheerleading squad.

Weekly Analysis 2- Assignment 2-1

The topic I have chosen to discuss this week is President Obama's plans to change the don't ask don't tell policy in the military which prevents open gays from serving. The President has recently commented on the topic and has not set a timetable as to when the change will happen, but expressed how he was addressing the issue.

During his political campaign President Obama expressed his opinion that gays should be allowed to serve openly in the military and now the one thing people who support it are asking is when? It seems that the President has his plate full with more important issues to include: the economy, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and healthcare reform. The President claims he is working with the Pentagon on the issue, and that during his years America will experience a stop against discrimination whether it be in the office or the battlefield.

Having served six years in the Ohio Army Guard with two deployments overseas, I am quite familiar with the military policies. I think what people have to understand is that the military operates under completely different guidelines than the American workforce. What some may seem as discrimination is only typical military policy. I do believe gays are one of the most discriminated groups of people today in America, and it shocks me that the land of the free which has broken its barriers against discrimination of blacks and women still struggles to let gays be open completely about their sexual preference.

If we are to argue why gays should not be open in the military than we should also argue the regualation the does not allow females to serve in combat roles. The whole time I was in the military I was in combat arms and the regulations still are that women will not hold a position in a combat role. Yes, G.I. Jane is not a true story, and Hollywood may show women acting with males in combat situations, but it's simply not that way. Have women fired their weapons in Iraq and Afghanistan against enemy combatants? I most certianley believe so, and women may serve as military police officers, but the point is that the military has its standards for reasons. Women are not allowed in combat roles simply because they are physically not built like men.

So why are gays not allowed to be openly gay, sexual preference has nothing to do with physical strength? I think the policy is in place to protect servicemembers. From a personal experience I don't think many other straight males would feel comfortable serving around openly gay men. This is not necessarily because gay men can't be good service members, but in the military lifestyle people serve closely to one another. Showers are often open areas and sleeping arrangements are usually close. The military already has a problem with sexual harrassment between males and females, and allowing gays to be open may bring on more problems.

This issue is more than whether or not gays should be allowed to serve openly in the military. This affects how the military operates as a whole, and I think what is being analyised is where do you draw the line between operation and discrimination. It is wrong for people to be discriminated against, but the military has set its standards for reasons. I don't view the standards set in the don't ask don't tell policy any different than any other military regulation. The military has to operate under different guidelines in order to stay strong and keep its members safe. The fact is that when someone enters the military and they sign the dotted line they give up certain rights that they had as civilians.

Here is a list of other military regulations that may seem as discrimination: 1. Officers and Enlinsted members may not have an open relationship or marry if they are in the same unit and were not previously married. 2. Members who fail to meet physical requirements may be discharge. 3. Specific age requirements. 4. People that are disabled or many other medical issues that might affect the ability to operate under the physical and emotional stresses of the military lifestyle.

Icon Analysis, Assignment 2-2

The three icons I have chosen for this assignment are: The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro, John McCain, and ABC's Shark Tank. The Camaro is an American muscle car icon. It's biggest competitor is the Ford Mustang. The 2010 Camaro is brand new and first appeared to the public in the move Transformers. The last time the Camaro was produced was 2002, and has come back to the market with a established retro look to the late 1960's Camaros. John McCain is a member of the republican party and a Senator for the state of Arizona. He ran for presidental election first in 2000 but lost in the primary electon to George W. Bush. Recentley he lost to President Obama in the general election. He also served in the Navy and was shot down as a pilot in Vietnam, and became a prisoner of war. ABC's Shark Tank is a new show this fall starring five business professonials who all have made millions from different career fields. The five sharks are: Barbara Corcoran, Daymond John, Kevin O'Leary, Kevin Harrington, and Robert Herjavec. Barbara has made success primarily in real estate, Daymond is the founder of the clothing brand FUBU, Kevin O'Leary sold main industry is educational software, Kevin Harrington is best known for infomercial products, and Robert's main industry is technology. Each of the sharks have their very own specialty and personality that really comes out in the show as they view new entrepreneurs trying to strike rich with their products. The starting entrepreneurs show their product or service to the sharks seeking money to further expand their business in exchange for a percentage of equity.

I chose these three icons because they each represent American culture. The Camaro represents the American auto industry with its stylish looks and large engine that produces hundreds of horsepower. John McCain represents a group in American polotics and the heart of U.S. military personel. While the shark tank represents the American dream that people can own their own business and become successful.

These icons mean a great deal to me, because I am an American who feels that the American culture is one that is not duplicated around the world in any other country. The Camaro is more than a sports car it is a symbol of American power in the automobile industry. John McCain is a leader in our nation, and represents a political agenda in which I favor. I find watching the Shark Tank to be very enjoyable, because I can see new ideas and products that will be out on the market with the help of the experienced "sharks". The greatest thing about our culture is that people have the freedom to express their own opinions about these icons. Not everyone has an interest in the Chevrolet Camaro, they may prefer a Toyota Prius. The same goes for John McCain and the Shark Tank. People view icons in the American popular culture, but make their own opinion regarding whether or not it is an icon they wish to like.

Week 1 Analysis

Something that has recently happened affecting popular culture is Late Night talk show host David Letterman admitting to having sexual affairs with members of his staff. Sex is a major topic in popular culture and it is seen everywhere. Another popular culture topic is how close we follow celebrities and the constant effort by the media to make them out to be normal people that walk the streets and make mistakes just like everyone else.David Letterman isn’t the first person to have this type of relationship with co-workers and he most certainly won’t be the last. When Letterman first announced his relationships the crowd took it as a joke, and even Mr. Letterman himself joked at himself stating that it would be most certainly embarrassing for the public to know of this especially for the females that were involved. So why are we so fixated on David Letterman’s personal sex life? The main reason I think this draws peoples attention is how it has been worried as an “affair”. The word affair is usually used when some type of adultery has been committed, and considering David Letterman was recently married I think this makes people believe he was cheating, even though the relations he had with co-workers was before he got married. The other prime reason people are interested I believe was that it was co-workers of his. Some whom may still be working for him, and that has power to grab attention because a lot of affairs in married couples happen between coworkers.

Popular Culture

Popular culture can be described in many different ways. Anything that has an effect on how people live and interact with one another is an example of popular culture. It influences each of us in our decisions and how we all create our own individuality. Popular culture is different in all sizes of groups. The popular culture that influences Americans is different than those in the Middle East or Asia. Broken down further popular culture influences and creates different groups within those areas.

Popular culture has affected me personally in many ways. I grew up in a small town with less than 1,000 people and the popular culture of the town is very different than living in Columbus, where the affects of popular culture vary from person to person in a larger way. In the future I hope my Management degree to help me move quickly through the ranks in the U.S. Border Patrol. Understanding how popular culture affects each of us will be important when dealing with illegal immigrants, considering the popular culture in Mexico is different than it is in America.

A popular culture artifact is anything that has an influence in some way that makes people decide whether they like it or not. The popular culture artifact I chose is the Ford F-150, which has been produced since 1988. I chose the Ford F-150 because it has changed significantly through-out time as popular culture affects the world. When people are influenced by popular culture the Ford has to make sure its F-150 is desirable. Currently with the poor economy, a nation influenced by living "green", and an outrageous soar in gas prices throughout 2008, the Ford F-150 which is labeled a gas-guzzler has had to be re-engineered to get better miles per gallon, to still appear as a smart buy.