Decide what to be and go be it..

fun activities

kthierer27 — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 18:05:37 +0000

It was gorgeous outside past weekend which makes me one happy girl. I feel like in the winter, I simply hibernate in my apartment so on the nice days I always try to take full advantage and be outside. I try to Google fun activities in the area and try listening to what others are doing to find new ideas. It seems like there is so much out there that Google does not know about because most things I find is listening to what others have done. Also, I am a college student so that leaves me looking for free activities which does not happen very often especially in St. Louis. There is so much going on that people just simply do not know about because it is not advertised. However, this should not be the issue especially being a college student and living on campus because there is stuff in every direction I look. I think of stuff as a school event so I never would think to participate or that it would be a good opportunity and fun.

My freshman year living in the dorms, I felt that I was constantly hearing about all sorts of different activities going on around campus that were free. There were flyers hanging all around plus RAs informing us on upcoming events. I now live in cougar village so I do not hear as much that is going on but the Morris University Center still has stuff posted for students to see upcoming events as well as e-mails being sent. I even get stuff sent to me through facebook about campus events. SIUE offers so much for college students to do that is very cheap or in many instances, free. I feel that I did not take advantage of the events very much my freshman or sophomore year but now when I am looking for something fun to do SIUE is one of the first places I look. I am not going to be in college forever and get all these perks that come along with it. Events and activities are being thrown in our face and I complain that there is never anything to do.

This weekend we took advantage of Cougar Lake and went canoeing. I noticed this was available by the big canoe and sign I drive by every single day. Not much more SIUE could do to get our attention and yet people still probably sit at home bored and complaining that Edwardsville sucks and there isn’t anything to do. I would have to dis agree and say that people need to simply stop being lazy and take advantage of the opportunities being thrown at us. Canoeing was not only a fun activity to do with my friends but also a work out. SIUE does a fabulous job of providing events and activities for student to participate in and by trying to get our attention.

Jacob Tucker discovered through YouTube

kthierer27 — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 03:03:44 +0000

I was over at a friend’s house one night watching the NCAA dunk contest when the talk of the conversation was, Jacob Tucker. The friends I was with were from Jacksonville, IL, where Tucker attends Illinois College which is why they were so excited to see someone from their town making it so big. Just from listening to the announcers on T.V., I found out how big of a deal this kid really was. He is 5’11 at a dunk contest, shocker! So, how did he get his name out there to be such a star now? Youtube. It completely blows my mind how many singers and athlete’s talent is being discovered through a social media website. Jacob Tucker posted a video on You Tube in hope to be selected for the contest. Not only did he get selected, but he won! During the competition my friends were checking their Facebook and saying how everyone’s status from their area was about Jacob Tucker. Even Facebook was spreading the news on this kid. Tucker jumped over a ball boy during the contest, guess short people can jump high too. I was interested in this kid not because of his skills but his story. I think it is great that people are being discovered through YouTube, MySpace, and Facebook because it gives kids with talent the opportunity to be discovered. Not everyone that has talent has the money to move across the world, go to a good college, or has the time to enter contest. I’m glad to see people taking advantage of the technology provided and getting their name heard. Congratulations Jacob Tucker… you deserve it!

FRIDAY!!

kthierer27 — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 07:29:04 +0000

Have you heard that song Friday? This is what I have been hearing all around me. A co-worker showed this you tube video to me and was shocked that I had never heard of Rebecca Black and her new song Friday. It seemed like right after that, her video was being passed around on facebook, facebook statuses were updated to her lyrics, even E news was talking about this girl. However, it was for all of the wrong reasons. Celebrities are famous because they have talent and should be recognized for their hard work and achievements. Rebecca Black is being recognized for how bad her video is. I think that she will die out soon and is just humorous right now but it still shocks me how someone can become famous for anything as long as you catch the public’s attention. You do not have to be the best singer to be on top or the best dancer, but you have to be creative enough to know what the audience wants. Lady GaGa for instance is criticized for being out there but people are paying attention to her because she is different. People are going to pay attention to something or someone that has character and not afraid to take risks in showing who they are because that’s what we all really want to do but often times too afraid. Someone can look at Rebecca Black and criticize her for being such a bad singer but she sure put herself out there and got a reaction from the people. Even I am blogging about her.

visit her on youtube….

good call Delta…

kthierer27 — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 07:07:30 +0000

Delta Airlines lets customers check In and Get flight status through facebook. I was surfing through mashable when Delta caught my eye because I love to travel and interested in whats going on with airlines. This is the first airline to allow users to book flights through a social network. I know how often I use facebook and the convenience it has brought to me. Facebook makes it just one less place to have to struggle through. Facebook is making interaction with businesses more convenient and other tasks as well. Filling out job applications asks for previous records of jobs and references along with phone numbers and addresses. It was very convenient to be able to look people up as well as old job and get address, emails, and phone numbers very easily.

I think that Delta is smart for enhancing the ability of getting tickets because our generation is facebook and is continuing to expand. They’re targeting the appropriate audience by keeping up with their needs and the use of technology which keeps people noticing them. It can be a hassle going through all of those emails to find the confirmation one or to check flight delays when you’re rushing to get through traffic. Facebook is like an automatic file holder, go to their page and it allows you to view the information you need without having to listen to an automotive service or search through paperwork and backtrack old emails. I think that delta customers will find this a useful tool and appreciate the convenience it was for them to fly with that company.

Bieber Fever…

kthierer27 — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 08:16:11 +0000

I take a 6-year-old girl, Dallas to school every morning. She loves to sing and dance and has mentioned wanting to see the Justin Bieber movie so, today I took her. I will admit that I actually enjoyed the movie but also caught some interesting information. It was not all just a concert or about his music like I thought it would be. It showed his fans how he got to the top and what he did in his life to become the person that they all love. It showed the effort and hard work that all of the people as well as himself puts into getting him to the point he is at now. I think this was a good idea for this movie because parents do not want to pay and sit through a movie that is a 12-year-old singing for two hours. An adult is going to be much more interested in the background steps on how someone got to the place he is now and the impact his parents had in his life. An adult is going to relate to those aspects much more and will enjoy the movie along with their child. As most of you know he became a celebrity through youtube. In the movie, it shows how in the beginning of him trying to make a name for himself, an agency said that he needed to work with Nickelodeon or Disney to become known. A guy made a really good point during the movie; he basically was stating that kids in this generation are not even watching T.V. as often. When I was a child, we played video games on the T.V., watched cartoons, and people were becoming famous from competitions like American Idol. I realize that most kids would much rather play a computer game over a video game, watch funny clips on youtube or other websites, and people are becoming famous because of their myspace or youtube videos. It only makes sense that such a young child has become successful through the internet. Thank You social media for making people rich and famous,

blog comments!

kthierer27 — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 19:25:06 +0000

1- Groupon and the Superbowl – Brian Donahoe

I have never actually bought a groupon but I do get the e-mail as well as a text message sent to me every morning informing me on what the deal that day is and I have to admit, the deals are AWESOME! I actually did not see this commercial during the super bowl but like everyone else, heard about it. I have to agree with you on the PR view point. It got their audiences attention and that is what the point was. Personally, such a thing is not worth is to me but a business needs to make money and in the end, this will be positive. People will want to know what groupon is which will cause them to look it up and perhaps even sign up for it. Once they experience it, the commercial will not even be in their head anymore but all the deals that can come their way.

2- A Real Eye Opener – Katie McBride

Talk about too much time on social media websites, that’s me! I am constantly told that I’m blowing up peoples news feed or that it’s a shock when I am not on facebook chat. I should probably be embarrassed because of this or get the hint that I need a life. My excuse is that it is constantly available: our phones, in the classroom, work, and home. It does consume our lives. When I get online to work on homework, the first place I go is facebook, without even thinking about it. I remember I used to play sims (the computer game) which is similar to second life all the time and became obsessed with that too as a child. I don’t think that it matters what the social media website is, if we know about it and use it, we’re hooked. With PR being my major, I find it more acceptable that I become so involved in social media websites!

3- Why D.A.D.D. isnt helping our daughters – John Hazen

I have never heard of D.A.D.D but it sounds just crazy. I am not one to judge how any father raises his daughter because there is no right way and everyone is going to be raised different. I think that girls should be allowed to date and be able to be open with her parents because if not then she will simply hide it and do whatever she wants. This dad with that bumper sticker believes differently and I respect that but I do not think it needs to be advertised on the back of his car how he wants to raise his daughter. A girl dating is not an issue in society, why is this man making it one. Last time I checked, we have enough problems so, let the girl date!

4- Weekend Out? Kate Karner

hahahah! I feel like I am a 60 year old living in a 20 year olds body all the time! I think that the first impression is everything not only in PR but in most things. I also am the person that chooses what I want to do or where I should go because of the people and the atmosphere not because the food is good. I am shocked to hear that Joes was disappointing because it looks like such a fun place to be with friends and family on the commercials, which could be why it is so over the top. Maybe they are trying to keep up with what their guests love about them. When I want to sit down and have a relaxing dinner, I’ll think twice before Joes Crab Shack!

5- Thank you, social networking sites, for reminding me that I don’t have a valentine.- Carlie Lawrence

HAHA. I like how you incorporate Valentine’s Day with PR and how it can actually be beneficial. I wanted to destroy facebook on Valentine’s Day because I was sick of looking at the same exact box of chocolates and flowers that everyone posted. ITS ALL FOR SHOW! I don’t know when anyone was actually with their loved one because they were all too busy informing other people what they got or were doing. But I bet companies were happy to see pictures of their products streaming the internet. It’s all a competition to have the best or be the best. Guys are going to want the best for their girlfriends and when they see what other girlfriends are getting, they will then go out and try and do better. (Well… the good ones) Thank you Valentine’s Day for all the free advertisements.

6- Lets Talk About Sex- Robin Merritt

I think that the people who are fighting against Planned Parenthood need to take a step back and open their eyes. I was always able to be very out spoken and comfortable talking to my mom, grandma, anyone about sex but I also went to catholic schools and none of my friends were able to do that. You’re right, a person is going to have sex if he/she wants to and needs to be safe. Planned Parenthood was there for support and protection for basically every girl I know who is not comfortable talking with their parents. It protects women, how could anyone fight against such a thing. The women that are against Planned Parenthood can just simply not go there because it is not their place to decide what a woman does to her body or who her doctor is. Lucky for them they must be fortunate enough to have health insurance and money to be able to see another doctor because if it is taken away, most women will not be seeing other doctors, they will simply have to survive without yearly check-ups, protection, and/or medication. GIRLS.. STAND UP FOR SOMETHING THAT PROTECTS YOU!

7- Education, Education, Education- Carlie Lawrence

I love this post because since I am now mostly in classes of my choice and not gen-eds, I feel like I am going to class because I want to learn about it and not because I have to. I picked up an interpersonal communication class this semester and realized that is what I am interested in and by trying different classes allowed for me to try out something different and to not settle with just what I know but to expand. In the same class, Interpersonal Communication Theory and Applications, I use all of the theories talked about every single day in my relationships. It gives me an understanding of my relationships with different people in my life. I agree with this all, value your education because it is useful.

8- Facebook more popular than Google?- Hailee rummerfield

I did my Prime Time on how Delta is now allowing customers to chick in and get flight status via facebook. I can definitely believe that facebook is sky rocketing and becoming more convenient than Google for certain information. I love Google just as much as I love facebook for the fact of convenience. Looking up information on Google requires searching through a few different search engines before finding the right information. I have been filling out job applications where previous jobs and references along with addresses and phone numbers in which I was able to obtain through looking them up on facebook and it was all right there. Companies need to keep up with their target audience and it looks like Facebook is allowing so by enhancing their site for people as well. It is all about providing the people with anything that makes their life easier.

9- Happy Birthday Twitter- Brittany Day

It seriously shocks me just about every day I hear either a big company or just two ordinary people having a conversation and either Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube is brought up. I think that it is great for companies to be involved in these social media websites to keep up with their target audiences and what their needs are. People spend entirely too much money on gossip magazines and I was one of them. Now all you need is a twitter account and you can see what your favorite celebrities are doing and pictures of them and it’s all true. Its not word of mouth articles and pictures guessing what these stars were doing. Twitter is also a great way for people to give reviews and feedback on different places. The best advertisement is word of mouth; this way just spreads faster and to more people. Good work Twitter for your success!

10- Could you “email” me the AP Stylebook changes?- Carlie Lawerence 4.11.11

I could not agree more with you. I understand that things change and updates are made but should be done to be more convenient for our lives. I have struggled with this AP style from day one because even just buying the book was a hassle. If it is going to be required for classes then at least have it available. They update it so much that a year difference was not going to be acceptable. I think that hopefully eventually it can be electronic and make automatic updates so that people do not have to keep up with these changes. Most students do not have extra money to throw around every year on a book that just changes a few things but does make a difference in our work.

Social Media is taking over.

kthierer27 — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 18:44:09 +0000

Whenever I do not know something my first reaction is to Google it. With all of the social media websites such as flickr, twitter, and facebook becoming increasingly popular among businesses, Google has not been as helpful when what I’m looking up only has a facebook page. I have noticed that some restaurants do not even have a website anymore but only a facebook account and/or twitter. People might complain that they would need a website but this can be argued because facebook is a website. Luckily, these social media websites are now searchable through websites such as Google which allows more access to the information sometimes needed. I know that when I go to a restaurants website it is to find out hours, menu, and critiques from other people. Facebook can provide all of this information plus more. People are able to have conversations on a restaurants wall with others about their opinions which could potentially gain more service for their business, if it is good talk. Also, pictures can be posted which could allow potential guests to get a feel of the environment. Depending on the audience a company is trying to reach out to is a huge factor in deciding whether or not to have a facebook page only or both a facebook page and a website. If a restaurant has mostly guests that are elderly than it would not be smart for them to only have a facebook page. Advertising depends on the audience that you want to reach out to and companies need to be aware of that and able to keep up. Facebook and other social media websites are taking over our generation so, it would be beneficial for a company that is advertising to college kids to advertise through facebook or twitter.

ANOTHER CHANGE TO FACEBOOK

kthierer27 — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 18:19:47 +0000

There are constantly new updates among the social media. Facebook is adding two relationship status indicators: “In a domestic partnership” and “In a civil union.” Those involved in the LGBT community will find this useful. Those of us that have facebook are aware that it is constantly being updated which can be annoying because right when we learn to like the new way, it changes. However, from a PR standpoint, that is what keeps facebook successful because it has to keep up with the changes of the people in society. Myspace went downhill because it was complicated and people found something better suitable for their needs and it is now up to facebook to continue making their users satisfied. I think adding these new relationships status was a smart move on behalf of facebook because it allows more people from different communities to be involved and express themselves freely. It was a highly requested feature from users and facebook is just making more users happy. They also teamed up with the Gay and Lesbian alliance to stop anti-gay bullying on the social network. This is the internet so there is going to be bullying but facebook is a place where you should be able to be honest about who you are and what you believe to connect with those that have the same beliefs. This could hopefully give others an understanding that there other types of relationships that people are involved in whether society wants to accept that completely or not, it’s happening!

lets stumble

kthierer27 — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 19:21:40 +0000

I recently have found a new favorite website, www.stumbleupon.com. There is an unlimited amount of information to be found online but no one has the time to research all day to find websites interesting to them. I saw a funny link that my friend posted through facebook and it happened to be a news article from the website stumbleupon.com. Once I figured out what it was and how it worked, I became very interested in this idea. You sign in with a username and password, like most things and it can even be linked with facebook or twitter. You can also have friends through stumbleupon.com who you can share your favorite sites with as well as through email, facebook, and twitter. When you sign up, you pick multiple categories that grab your interest and would want to know more about. Once you’re signed up with your favorites selected, you can begin to stumble. There is a button in the tool bar (stumble) that you click, which will change the website or picture that it selected. If you happen to like what it has chosen for you to look at then click the thumbs up button, also located in the tool bar. The more websites you choose to like, the more you will stumble across similar to that one. If you really enjoy the website you happened to stumble across or think a friend might too, send it to your facebook as easy as simply clicking the facebook tab in the toolbar or post the link to a friend’s wall. There is also an App available for cell phones, so you never have to worry about a time when you cannot stumble across something that might just catch your attention. I have actually learned about and found many websites I normally would not have ever paid any attention too.

BACK OFF!

kthierer27 — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 05:24:11 +0000

I happened to stumble across the story about “A Colorado theology school teaching Air Force chaplains to consider the religious beliefs of servicemen and women to better help them cope with post-traumatic stress.” This is the most ridiculous idea I have heard in awhile. First off, Post-traumatic stress is a disorder; no one chooses to add additional stress and discomfort to their daily life. Don’t you think that if religion fixed the stress and disorders people face in their life, no one would be stressed nor have any disorders because over half the population engages in religion beliefs already? Secondly, the only reason anyone will try this theory is because when you’re experiencing that amount of stress, you will try anything that someone creditable suggests to ease the pain. Coming home and believing in religion will not take back or disguise anything that was seen or experienced by the chaplains. Religion is completely forced on our society already, this school does not need to waste time to try and prove how it can be therapeutic too. If someone wants to become part of a religion, it is not something that is hidden; they can easily do so without it being forced upon them anymore. I do not believe in religion, which is partly why I think this is just simply ridiculous but the idea of someone coming up with something that is already taking over the views of the world is not coming up with a new idea to try and help those who suffer PTSD. It is simply taking an issue (PTSD) and an idea that already exist (religion) and making them co exist together for people to think that it will work together and make you a brand new person. IT WON’T!