John and I presented our final project on Tuesday, May 1st.
I thought it was a tremendous success and I believe it was received really well by the entire class. We put a heck of a lot of work into this final and I'm glad it went so well!
Here's the link to our final project: Millumax Media. This blog will give you access to everything we did! How nifty!
Created for the class, Writing for Mass Media, in order to upload and showcase assignments.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
I read good.
That was a horribly incorrect sentence, but I am all out of creative title posts right now.
Here is a mixture of blogs, books, and magazines that I really enjoy.
1. My favorite author is Harper Lee, who wrote 'To Kill a Mockingbird.' She only has one published novel, but it is a revolutionary, honest, and beautiful piece of work. Here is a link to her website.
Sometimes I like to hold my reading.
2. I'd consider myself pretty crafty and my favorite book is The Big-Ass Book of Crafts written by Mark Montano. He has some very entertaining and instructive literature.
3. In order to remain an informed citizen I like to read The Nation magazine. I know this contains more than one author, but it generally has a consistent style among writers.
4. Another magazine which I really enjoy is Vice. Their off-beat, quirky, and informative style is highly amusing for me.
In case you didn't know, I like blogs a lot. I have a strange mix of news, entertainment, and food blogs which are constantly in my reading list.
5. The Rachel Maddow Show's behind-the-scenes blog. Rachel Maddow is also a phenomenal writer and her new book Drift is on my to-read list.
6. The Vegetarian Times blog helps me find delicious recipes and there are other lifestyle-type articles throughout the magazine.
7. Another food-inspired blog called Spoon Fork Bacon. I love the layout of this blog and how content-rich it is.
8. One of the most entertaining cooking shows and best online blog/community is Bitchin' Kitchen. I have both of the published cookbooks which are equally entertaining.
9. There are times when I like to be a little self-righteous and eat vegan meals. The Vegan Stoner isn't much reading, but it is a definite influence in my blogging. I like the simple and quirky style in which they provide recipes for readers.
10. I love sarcastic and strange people. The blog Verbal Vomit is witty, hilarious, and really well written/illustrated. I especially love her posts about how to be a hipster.
Here is a mixture of blogs, books, and magazines that I really enjoy.
1. My favorite author is Harper Lee, who wrote 'To Kill a Mockingbird.' She only has one published novel, but it is a revolutionary, honest, and beautiful piece of work. Here is a link to her website.
Sometimes I like to hold my reading.
2. I'd consider myself pretty crafty and my favorite book is The Big-Ass Book of Crafts written by Mark Montano. He has some very entertaining and instructive literature.
3. In order to remain an informed citizen I like to read The Nation magazine. I know this contains more than one author, but it generally has a consistent style among writers.
4. Another magazine which I really enjoy is Vice. Their off-beat, quirky, and informative style is highly amusing for me.
In case you didn't know, I like blogs a lot. I have a strange mix of news, entertainment, and food blogs which are constantly in my reading list.
5. The Rachel Maddow Show's behind-the-scenes blog. Rachel Maddow is also a phenomenal writer and her new book Drift is on my to-read list.
6. The Vegetarian Times blog helps me find delicious recipes and there are other lifestyle-type articles throughout the magazine.
7. Another food-inspired blog called Spoon Fork Bacon. I love the layout of this blog and how content-rich it is.
8. One of the most entertaining cooking shows and best online blog/community is Bitchin' Kitchen. I have both of the published cookbooks which are equally entertaining.
9. There are times when I like to be a little self-righteous and eat vegan meals. The Vegan Stoner isn't much reading, but it is a definite influence in my blogging. I like the simple and quirky style in which they provide recipes for readers.
10. I love sarcastic and strange people. The blog Verbal Vomit is witty, hilarious, and really well written/illustrated. I especially love her posts about how to be a hipster.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
"Why Write for the Masses?"
Michelle Ruszat
#WFMM
“Why Write for the Masses?”
April 26, 2012
Wait, Who am I?!
Without the media, life would be drastically different. So much of our identity relies on social media presence and those without certain forms of media are considered “strange” or “outcasts” by the majority. This doesn’t only apply to society today. Media in various forms has always influenced the general public. It is easy to allow the media to shape and mold our lives. By understanding the history of mass media and the influence it has created upon our lives, we are better equipped to form our personal identities and definitions of being human.
Identity is so important because it gives one a sense of “being.” When someone goes through an identity crisis or a loss of personal definition it is devastating. What is the point of life if we do not feel as if we belong?
In the past, identities were formed predominantly by various cultural groups. Even before the written word, masses were sharing amongst themselves in the very foundation of media. The oral tradition was used predominantly to share stories about a group’s past or beliefs. Immeasurable respect was given to the story-tellers and orators of tribes because they laid the foundation of culture and created a sense of pride. Group identities were formed because of the oral tradition and the stories told to the mass. Often, these tales would be long and expressive with many details and require an incredible use of the memory to recall.
When the written word was put into practice, it was easier for various groups of people to share and remember their traditions, practices, and beliefs. Take for example, the Sofers who were upheld to the strictest standards when it came to writing and preserving the word of the Torah. This wasn’t just a job, it was (and is) a lifestyle and an identity. So much importance is placed upon the Sofers because they are insuring that the Torah will live and be respected for years to come. Records of any culture are highly significant to keeping said culture alive. Even if a person doesn’t belong to this group, information is available for increasing a cultural knowledge base.
As technology advanced it became easier and easier to share messages, ideas, and thoughts. The printing press could mass-produce books filled with new content that challenged the thoughts and beliefs of peoples cross-culturally. When people realized words could be used to persuade and change ideas of others, the creation of (or coining of the term) propaganda took place. Edward Bernays revealed his ideas of propaganda in 1928 which is using mass media to influence the present and the future. Newspapers, books, magazines, movies, radio, and television all spread multiple messages around the world. Advertisements were created to influence customers to purchase a particular brand. The brands people buy help to shape and create the identity of the consumer. Pepsi portrays the idea of youth by appealing to younger consumers. New cars are status symbols. Purchasing lattes from a certain coffee shop gives the image of being sleek and professional. Mass media has shaped the way people identify with themselves and with others.
In today’s world, media is more used and more popular than ever. The popular social media website, Facebook, has over 900,000,000 users world-wide and Twitter boasts a grand number of 175,000,000 users. We use social media to create our identity and share it with the world. By simply liking a band or sharing a controversial post, perceptions are formed and an image is created about each and every one of us. Buying a certain brand or product still shapes our perceived character but now with the addition of social media, we can actively demonstrate how deep these brands or products influence our lives by liking their page, re-tweeting, commenting, or checking-in and almost brag to those in our social circles about our personal experiences with said brand.
It is arguable that we are more in control of our identities now than ever before. Though there are some exceptions, we have the power to decide what is displayed to the World Wide Web. Our culture is becoming more global and instead of having to sit and listen to a story teller recount histories we can instantly search a video, find the transcript, or just ask a Yahoo question to anyone around the world. We no longer depend on creating a group identity, but strive for a strong, influential, and individualized persona.
In conclusion, mass media and the history behind it have lead to the creation of more personalized identities. While cultural identification still plays a role in many lives, we are moving toward a “me” society. We want people to see us as the one –in-a-million, not just one-in-a-million. Mass media has given us the tools to create our personal identity and fulfill the human need of belonging.
#WFMM
“Why Write for the Masses?”
April 26, 2012
Wait, Who am I?!
Without the media, life would be drastically different. So much of our identity relies on social media presence and those without certain forms of media are considered “strange” or “outcasts” by the majority. This doesn’t only apply to society today. Media in various forms has always influenced the general public. It is easy to allow the media to shape and mold our lives. By understanding the history of mass media and the influence it has created upon our lives, we are better equipped to form our personal identities and definitions of being human.
Identity is so important because it gives one a sense of “being.” When someone goes through an identity crisis or a loss of personal definition it is devastating. What is the point of life if we do not feel as if we belong?
In the past, identities were formed predominantly by various cultural groups. Even before the written word, masses were sharing amongst themselves in the very foundation of media. The oral tradition was used predominantly to share stories about a group’s past or beliefs. Immeasurable respect was given to the story-tellers and orators of tribes because they laid the foundation of culture and created a sense of pride. Group identities were formed because of the oral tradition and the stories told to the mass. Often, these tales would be long and expressive with many details and require an incredible use of the memory to recall.
When the written word was put into practice, it was easier for various groups of people to share and remember their traditions, practices, and beliefs. Take for example, the Sofers who were upheld to the strictest standards when it came to writing and preserving the word of the Torah. This wasn’t just a job, it was (and is) a lifestyle and an identity. So much importance is placed upon the Sofers because they are insuring that the Torah will live and be respected for years to come. Records of any culture are highly significant to keeping said culture alive. Even if a person doesn’t belong to this group, information is available for increasing a cultural knowledge base.
As technology advanced it became easier and easier to share messages, ideas, and thoughts. The printing press could mass-produce books filled with new content that challenged the thoughts and beliefs of peoples cross-culturally. When people realized words could be used to persuade and change ideas of others, the creation of (or coining of the term) propaganda took place. Edward Bernays revealed his ideas of propaganda in 1928 which is using mass media to influence the present and the future. Newspapers, books, magazines, movies, radio, and television all spread multiple messages around the world. Advertisements were created to influence customers to purchase a particular brand. The brands people buy help to shape and create the identity of the consumer. Pepsi portrays the idea of youth by appealing to younger consumers. New cars are status symbols. Purchasing lattes from a certain coffee shop gives the image of being sleek and professional. Mass media has shaped the way people identify with themselves and with others.
In today’s world, media is more used and more popular than ever. The popular social media website, Facebook, has over 900,000,000 users world-wide and Twitter boasts a grand number of 175,000,000 users. We use social media to create our identity and share it with the world. By simply liking a band or sharing a controversial post, perceptions are formed and an image is created about each and every one of us. Buying a certain brand or product still shapes our perceived character but now with the addition of social media, we can actively demonstrate how deep these brands or products influence our lives by liking their page, re-tweeting, commenting, or checking-in and almost brag to those in our social circles about our personal experiences with said brand.
It is arguable that we are more in control of our identities now than ever before. Though there are some exceptions, we have the power to decide what is displayed to the World Wide Web. Our culture is becoming more global and instead of having to sit and listen to a story teller recount histories we can instantly search a video, find the transcript, or just ask a Yahoo question to anyone around the world. We no longer depend on creating a group identity, but strive for a strong, influential, and individualized persona.
In conclusion, mass media and the history behind it have lead to the creation of more personalized identities. While cultural identification still plays a role in many lives, we are moving toward a “me” society. We want people to see us as the one –in-a-million, not just one-in-a-million. Mass media has given us the tools to create our personal identity and fulfill the human need of belonging.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
So, what's going on?
This is sort-of a status update/bragging post about the final project John McPherson and I are working on. So far we have met a few times, done a lot of planning, threw out everything we had, started over, and are now in the process of creating the true final project.
Also, it rocks.
Maybe I'm speaking too soon, but after working today, I am stoked.
The portion I am heavily working on is the creation of our interactive blog. First I created a fairly basic (aka BORING) blog: Social Media for Higher Education
Not a good representation of our vision at all.
So we scrapped everything including our "company" and went back to the drawing board...literally.
Most people would be incredibly nervous at this point, but I think we have everything under control. I know I work best with my deadline looming over me. The new blog I created is one of the best blogs I have done (I have three and helped create/manage my dad's blog as well) and I am super excited! This is a sneak preview because I don't want to give EVERYTHING away.
I really want to show off the new company logo, but that's John's doing so I'll leave that up to him!
Now we're working on our physical guide, finding content, and I'm desperately trying to learn HTML coding within a week.
Another incredibly exciting aspect about this project is how much support we are getting! Connie Haugen, Marketing Coordinator for The College of St. Scholastica, commended our work after John sent out this tweet!
Like I said, I'm totally psyched about this project! Perhaps that isn't the most professional way to express my feelings, but it definitely is the most accurate!
Also, it rocks.
Maybe I'm speaking too soon, but after working today, I am stoked.
The portion I am heavily working on is the creation of our interactive blog. First I created a fairly basic (aka BORING) blog: Social Media for Higher Education
Not a good representation of our vision at all.
So we scrapped everything including our "company" and went back to the drawing board...literally.
Most people would be incredibly nervous at this point, but I think we have everything under control. I know I work best with my deadline looming over me. The new blog I created is one of the best blogs I have done (I have three and helped create/manage my dad's blog as well) and I am super excited! This is a sneak preview because I don't want to give EVERYTHING away.
I really want to show off the new company logo, but that's John's doing so I'll leave that up to him!
Now we're working on our physical guide, finding content, and I'm desperately trying to learn HTML coding within a week.
Another incredibly exciting aspect about this project is how much support we are getting! Connie Haugen, Marketing Coordinator for The College of St. Scholastica, commended our work after John sent out this tweet!
Like I said, I'm totally psyched about this project! Perhaps that isn't the most professional way to express my feelings, but it definitely is the most accurate!
Thursday, April 19, 2012
College 101 2.0
In order to show improvement throughout the course, Team College 101 grabbed our Flip Cams, awkwardly filmed ourselves again, and produced the new "College 101" Version 2.0.
We grew from this:
First Treatment and Outline
To this:
TREATMENT
OUTLINE
Follow College 101 on Twitter: @collegeoneohone
We grew from this:
First Treatment and Outline
To this:
TREATMENT
OUTLINE
Follow College 101 on Twitter: @collegeoneohone
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Press Release
I wish this would be a big larger, but the conversion from PDF to JPEG wasn't working on my computer, so I had to take a screen shot. It's not the quality I want, but I will make improvements soon.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Don't be a Bag Lady [Radio Script]
88.1 KCSS
News from Scholastica
1 HOST 1: The College of St. Scholastica has a rich and beautiful history. Seriously, those ladies knew
2 fashion. Perhaps every student was born with high-style, but columns in past newspapers, like
3 “Shelia Shops” or selections from Mademoiselle Magazine kept early Scholasticans up-to-date
4 with the latest fashion trends. In fashion, classics are always in style. Wanting to be a stylish lady
5 myself, I decided to dive into the past to update my modern wardrobe. I discovered quickly that
6 the classic fashion may uphold, but the classic mentality leaves a lot to be desired. The April
7 seventh, nineteen thirty-seven article “That Mysterious Bag” cautions women to be neat, fresh-
8 smelling, and tidy with their purses because that is the true mark of a feminine lady. The article
9 even states:
10 HOST 2: “As far as character and temperament are revealed by the contents of handbags, surveys of
11 the situation show that women have been caught with…miscellanea in their bags…We’re no
12 crystal gazer but we think we can give as good a performance…when a female purse is opened to
13 our inquisitive gaze.”
14 HOST 1: If a purse reveals a character of a woman, then my over-stuffed satchel with a notebook,
15 a deck of cards, some tissues, and pens only lead to one conclusion. I am Indiana
16 Jones, with a cold. Even having a full bag is an issue because, as the article states,
17 HOST 2: “The woman whose bag practically explodes in your startled face-she’s the one…
18 handicapped by her muchness in career or home life.”
19 HOST 1: It is possible I am ambitious, but to me, that’s not a problem. I like being a driven, modern
20 woman who wants my purse to be a second home. I am not the ideal lady of the late-thirties with21 a clutter-free bag, lightly perfumed, and dripping with feminine charm. Like many women in the
22 twenty-first century, I’ve got places to go, people to see, and things to do. Plus, how are you
23 supposed to sneak in snacks to a movie theater with such a dainty bag?! Priorities, ladies.
24 While past fashion is fun to look at, it may not be applicable to me. My love of functionality in a
25 bag will always win over dainty, lady-like purses.
News from Scholastica
Title of program: Feminist on Fashion
Type of program: Talk radio
Date of airing: TBD
Time of airing: TBD
Host/Scriptwriter: Michelle Ruszat
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 fashion. Perhaps every student was born with high-style, but columns in past newspapers, like
3 “Shelia Shops” or selections from Mademoiselle Magazine kept early Scholasticans up-to-date
4 with the latest fashion trends. In fashion, classics are always in style. Wanting to be a stylish lady
5 myself, I decided to dive into the past to update my modern wardrobe. I discovered quickly that
6 the classic fashion may uphold, but the classic mentality leaves a lot to be desired. The April
7 seventh, nineteen thirty-seven article “That Mysterious Bag” cautions women to be neat, fresh-
8 smelling, and tidy with their purses because that is the true mark of a feminine lady. The article
9 even states:
10 HOST 2: “As far as character and temperament are revealed by the contents of handbags, surveys of
11 the situation show that women have been caught with…miscellanea in their bags…We’re no
12 crystal gazer but we think we can give as good a performance…when a female purse is opened to
13 our inquisitive gaze.”
14 HOST 1: If a purse reveals a character of a woman, then my over-stuffed satchel with a notebook,
15 a deck of cards, some tissues, and pens only lead to one conclusion. I am Indiana
16 Jones, with a cold. Even having a full bag is an issue because, as the article states,
17 HOST 2: “The woman whose bag practically explodes in your startled face-she’s the one…
18 handicapped by her muchness in career or home life.”
19 HOST 1: It is possible I am ambitious, but to me, that’s not a problem. I like being a driven, modern
20 woman who wants my purse to be a second home. I am not the ideal lady of the late-thirties with21 a clutter-free bag, lightly perfumed, and dripping with feminine charm. Like many women in the
22 twenty-first century, I’ve got places to go, people to see, and things to do. Plus, how are you
23 supposed to sneak in snacks to a movie theater with such a dainty bag?! Priorities, ladies.
24 While past fashion is fun to look at, it may not be applicable to me. My love of functionality in a
25 bag will always win over dainty, lady-like purses.
Teleprompter Script
The College of St. Scholastica has a rich and beautiful history… Seriously-- those ladies knew fashion. (1) Perhaps every student was born with high-style, but columns in past newspapers like “Shelia Shops” (2) or selections from Mademoiselle Magazine (3) kept early Scholasticans up-to-date with the latest fashion trends.
In fashion, classics are always in style. Wanting to be a stylish lady myself, I decided to dive into the past to update my modern wardrobe. I discovered quickly that the classic fashion may uphold, but the classic mentality leaves a lot to be desired.
The April seventh, nineteen thirty-seven article “That Mysterious Bag” cautions women to be neat, fresh-smelling, and tidy with their purses because that is the true mark of a feminine lady. The article even states:
“As far as character and temperament are revealed by the contents of handbags, surveys of the situation show that women have been caught with…miscellanea in their bags…We’re no crystal gazer but we think we can give as good a performance…when a female purse is opened to our inquisitive gaze.”
If a purse reveals a character of a woman, (4) then my over-stuffed satchel with a notebook, a deck of cards, some tissues, and pens only lead to one conclusion. I am Indiana Jones, with a cold.
Even having a full bag is an issue because, as the article states,
“The woman whose bag practically explodes in your startled face-she’s the one…handicapped by her muchness in career or home life.”
It is possible I am ambitious, but to me, that’s not a problem. I like being a driven, modern woman who wants my purse to be a second home. I am not the ideal lady of the late-thirties (5) with a clutter-free bag, lightly perfumed, and dripping with feminine charm. Like many women in the twenty-first century, I’ve got places to go, people to see, and things to do. Plus, how are you supposed to sneak in snacks to a movie theater with such a dainty bag?! Priorities, ladies.
While past fashion is fun to look at, it may not be applicable to me. My love of functionality in a bag will always win over dainty, lady-like purses.
**Pictures can be found on weightywording.blogspot.com
**Highlighted numbers SHOULD NOT be spoken
In fashion, classics are always in style. Wanting to be a stylish lady myself, I decided to dive into the past to update my modern wardrobe. I discovered quickly that the classic fashion may uphold, but the classic mentality leaves a lot to be desired.
The April seventh, nineteen thirty-seven article “That Mysterious Bag” cautions women to be neat, fresh-smelling, and tidy with their purses because that is the true mark of a feminine lady. The article even states:
“As far as character and temperament are revealed by the contents of handbags, surveys of the situation show that women have been caught with…miscellanea in their bags…We’re no crystal gazer but we think we can give as good a performance…when a female purse is opened to our inquisitive gaze.”
If a purse reveals a character of a woman, (4) then my over-stuffed satchel with a notebook, a deck of cards, some tissues, and pens only lead to one conclusion. I am Indiana Jones, with a cold.
Even having a full bag is an issue because, as the article states,
“The woman whose bag practically explodes in your startled face-she’s the one…handicapped by her muchness in career or home life.”
It is possible I am ambitious, but to me, that’s not a problem. I like being a driven, modern woman who wants my purse to be a second home. I am not the ideal lady of the late-thirties (5) with a clutter-free bag, lightly perfumed, and dripping with feminine charm. Like many women in the twenty-first century, I’ve got places to go, people to see, and things to do. Plus, how are you supposed to sneak in snacks to a movie theater with such a dainty bag?! Priorities, ladies.
While past fashion is fun to look at, it may not be applicable to me. My love of functionality in a bag will always win over dainty, lady-like purses.
**Pictures can be found on weightywording.blogspot.com
**Highlighted numbers SHOULD NOT be spoken
Monday, April 2, 2012
Don't be a bag lady...
I have always loved history, especially the lives of ordinary people in a specific decade. Looking at old photographs is one of my favorite activities, so it is fantastic that St. Scholastica has so many wonderful historical pictures and preserved papers.
The Scholastica library has an awesome archive with every Scriptorium (now know ast The Calbe) saved online. I found an article titled "That Mysterious Bag" which drew my attention.
Of course I had some thoughts, so here's my feature regarding "That Mysterious Bag."
The Scholastica library has an awesome archive with every Scriptorium (now know ast The Calbe) saved online. I found an article titled "That Mysterious Bag" which drew my attention.
Of course I had some thoughts, so here's my feature regarding "That Mysterious Bag."
Don’t be a bag lady…
Michelle Ruszat, Feature Writer
At The College of St. Scholastica, we have a rich and beautiful history. Seriously, have you ever noticed how those ladies dressed? They knew fashion. Perhaps every student was born with a high sense of style, but I bet columns, like “Shelia Shops” or selections from Mademoiselle influenced these stylish Scholasti-cats. Wanting to become a chic co-ed myself, I perused the Scriptorium to learn from the past. Little did I know, the quest for fashion would unleash the raging feminist within me. In celebration of Womyn’s Week, which took place at Scholastica March 26 to March 30, I am giving Mademoiselle and The Scriptorium a little piece of my modern-woman mind.
On April 7, 1937, The Scriptorium ran an article “That Mysterious Bag” from the magazine Mademoiselle about the purse being a reflection of the woman. Of course, I immediately thought of my own purse and its uncanny resemblance to a satchel. Purses and bags are often an expression of the user, and I like to think I am easily relatable to Indiana Jones.
“As far as character and temperament are revealed by the contents of handbags, surveys of the situation show that women have been caught with such miscellania [sic] in their bags…We’re no crystal gazer, but we think we can give as good a performance…when a female purse is opened to our inquisitive gaze.” Sure, I have some strange things in my purse (for example: a legal pad, a deck of cards, a few pens, a pack of tissues, and a set of knitting needles) but is this truly a glimpse into my life? As I continued to read, my hopes of learning from the strong, fashionable women of St. Scholastica’s past decreased.
“The woman whose bag practically explodes in your startled face-she’s the one who can never throw anything away, an acquisitive creature handicapped by her muchness in career or home life.” Now, this concerns me. My bag doesn’t “explode” per se, but there is a definite fullness to it. Am I a hoarder?! Will I find a dead cat crushed beneath my wallet the next time I go to pay for groceries? Also, I don’t think having a giant purse with many interesting things means I am too ambitious in my career or home life, just that I’m an interesting person who occasionally likes to play a game of cards.
“Her husband is bored by it all and would like to start housekeeping all over again…and a checkrein on the little woman.” First, I am not a barn animal. Yes, I carry a saddle bag, but please don’t consider using a checkrein (a horse restraint) on me. I am a woman and being 5-foot, 8-inches, there isn’t anything “little” about my body or my personality. Plus, the joke is on you, article! I don’t have a husband or a house to run. So, I think I’ll keep my giant purse, thank you very much. Unfortunately, the article doesn’t stop there. According to “That Mysterious Bag” being feminine relies on many facets that are all revealed by the state of your bag.
“Ah, but when a bag opens to a delicate aura of perfume, a glimpse of immaculate white handkerchief, no clutter, no cramming, ah, ah, ah! This lady has her life to rights, tolerates nothing even bordering on mussiness in her home, professional or emotional life. She bathes often…has her lingerie…sent expensively to the French hand laundry for perfection. Her beau thinks she’s just wonderful, epitomizing feminity [sic] at its daintiest.” Who perfumes her purse? I’ve never heard someone being condemned for having a purse that smells like purse. Hand laundry is darn expensive and I know my Fruit-of-the-Looms don’t deserve more care than some Tide and hot water. If a smelly purse and fancy laundry are the only ways to woo a beau, then I am out of luck.
There is no way the ideal purse from Mademoiselle would even be applicable in this century. We’ve got places to go, people to see, snacks to sneak into movie theaters! If anyone carrying a purse at The College of St. Scholastica approaches me and shows me a functional, dainty purse with a crisp, white handkerchief, I promise your next bundle of French laundry is on me.
There is a cliché which states “history is the best teacher” but more often than not, the past gives an example as to what should not be done. I began this search trying to improve my style with advice from the fashionable ladies in Scholastica’s past, but realized my love of functionality will always prevail.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Final Project [re-do]
Initially, I had planed on working with the social media team from Project Save Our Homes to increase their social media presence, especially in the Twin Ports community. Unfortunately, the meetings for the social media team are during one of my classes and I would not be able to commit to making the quality of media (videos, postings, etc.) that I expect of myself. With that being said, I have written a new proposal for a new idea.
Who: John McPherson and Michelle Ruszat, Student Workers for CSS Marketing Department
What: Social Media for Higher Education Guide and Blog
When: Preliminary work Mid April, final End April
Where: Production at CSS
Why: To learn about upcoming and trending venues in social media and to share ideas with other higher education entities looking to broaden their social media presence.
Targeted Deadline: May 3, 2012
Original Proposal:
Presented by: John McPherson and Michelle Ruszat
Presented to: Rob Larson
Prepared by: John McPherson
Submitted March 8, 2012
Plan: Social Media for Higher Education Because our interest and background is in social media specifically for the higher education sector, we would like to co-author a publication that helps student workers and their supervisors to create effective and successful social media content for a higher education entity. As the Public Relations and Communications Assistant for The College of St. Scholastica's Marketing and Communications Department and an Advertising and Public Relations student, I feel that collaborating with my colleague Michelle Ruszat, Media and Public Relations Assistant and Communication student, would make for a thought-provoking and educational tool for individuals at peer colleges to utilize. Along with the publication, we would like to create a blog honing-in on social media marketing for higher education.
Who: John McPherson and Michelle Ruszat, Student Workers for CSS Marketing Department
What: Social Media for Higher Education Guide and Blog
When: Preliminary work Mid April, final End April
Where: Production at CSS
Why: To learn about upcoming and trending venues in social media and to share ideas with other higher education entities looking to broaden their social media presence.
Targeted Deadline: May 3, 2012
Original Proposal:
Presented by: John McPherson and Michelle Ruszat
Presented to: Rob Larson
Prepared by: John McPherson
Submitted March 8, 2012
Plan: Social Media for Higher Education Because our interest and background is in social media specifically for the higher education sector, we would like to co-author a publication that helps student workers and their supervisors to create effective and successful social media content for a higher education entity. As the Public Relations and Communications Assistant for The College of St. Scholastica's Marketing and Communications Department and an Advertising and Public Relations student, I feel that collaborating with my colleague Michelle Ruszat, Media and Public Relations Assistant and Communication student, would make for a thought-provoking and educational tool for individuals at peer colleges to utilize. Along with the publication, we would like to create a blog honing-in on social media marketing for higher education.
Script Production Project
The Bounce Joust is an amazing product that needed an amazing commercial. Luckily, our group was assigned the script regarding the Bounce Joust.
Maddie Kust wrote, "Production Comments: Overall, production was a success. However, we did experience a few difficulties along the way. First of all, some of the voice overs ran longer than the requested video clip noted on the script. So, we had to improvise at points to fill space. Also, some of the editting requests were quite difficult and above our editting skills/knowledge. Because of this, we had to make a few changes in order to produce the infomercial." (mkust2.blogspot.com)
Maddie Kust wrote, "Production Comments: Overall, production was a success. However, we did experience a few difficulties along the way. First of all, some of the voice overs ran longer than the requested video clip noted on the script. So, we had to improvise at points to fill space. Also, some of the editting requests were quite difficult and above our editting skills/knowledge. Because of this, we had to make a few changes in order to produce the infomercial." (mkust2.blogspot.com)
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Mid-Term Plan
Michelle Ruszat
Mid-Term Plan
Project Save Our Homes
For the final part of the semester I am going to create a media-blitz campaign for the community organization, Project Save Our Homes. They are an organization that is helping those in the Duluth/Superior Community who are being unjustly foreclosed upon by large corporate banks.
My plan is as follows:
-Arrange and attend meetings with the Project Save Our Homes organization to see what their intentions and desires are with publicity.
-Create media (videos, pamphlets, Twitter account, ads, etc. what is deemed necessary and desired) in order to spread the message of Project Save Our Homes.
-Offer assistance with currently existing media (Facebook)
-Make this organization known to the Duluth/Superior Community
5 W’s
Who: Project Save Our Homes
What: A media blitz campaign
When: During the second-half of the semester to a currently undetermined time (when my services are deemed unnecessary)
Where: Duluth/Superior Community
WHY: I strongly believe the media can be used to facilitate positive change. More people need to be socially aware, especially in the Duluth/Superior community. Foreclosures and injustices committed by banks are happening far too frequently. If we stay silent, then it is only going to get worse. Media can help raise voices and create awareness.
Mid-Term Plan
Project Save Our Homes
For the final part of the semester I am going to create a media-blitz campaign for the community organization, Project Save Our Homes. They are an organization that is helping those in the Duluth/Superior Community who are being unjustly foreclosed upon by large corporate banks.
My plan is as follows:
-Arrange and attend meetings with the Project Save Our Homes organization to see what their intentions and desires are with publicity.
-Create media (videos, pamphlets, Twitter account, ads, etc. what is deemed necessary and desired) in order to spread the message of Project Save Our Homes.
-Offer assistance with currently existing media (Facebook)
-Make this organization known to the Duluth/Superior Community
5 W’s
Who: Project Save Our Homes
What: A media blitz campaign
When: During the second-half of the semester to a currently undetermined time (when my services are deemed unnecessary)
Where: Duluth/Superior Community
WHY: I strongly believe the media can be used to facilitate positive change. More people need to be socially aware, especially in the Duluth/Superior community. Foreclosures and injustices committed by banks are happening far too frequently. If we stay silent, then it is only going to get worse. Media can help raise voices and create awareness.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
The Power of Social Media.
Perhaps I'm a bit of a media geek, but this movement is amazing.
Not only are they working to save children and bring justice to the world, but the crew at Invisible Children (follow on twitter-- @Invisible) are creating a world-wide movement via social media. People love to be involved and support a cause and what easier way to show support than to simply click 'share'.
This is beautiful. Take the time to check it out.
Not only are they working to save children and bring justice to the world, but the crew at Invisible Children (follow on twitter-- @Invisible) are creating a world-wide movement via social media. People love to be involved and support a cause and what easier way to show support than to simply click 'share'.
This is beautiful. Take the time to check it out.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
My friends are artists, but I have a Lulu account.
"Publishing the lyric books, poetry or comics of other musicians I know. That's the thing I really want to break into!"
--Frank Iero
When I heard we were going to create books my first thought was, "Awesome! Wait, I know how to read books, not create them." Then I thought, "Oh, this Lulu thing seems pretty easy. How am I going to get thirty-two pages of content?!" With that I decided to make a collection of art from my artist friends. They are far more talented than I will ever be and I think everyone should know their gifts.
Remember when I said Lulu was going to be easy? Well, I was wrong. I'm not saying it was insanely difficult, but Lulu was a worthy adversary. I learned quite a bit about formatting pictures, making a manuscript, copyrights, and the importance of saving frequently. Seriously, save your work.
To begin, I reached out to my artsy friends.
Then I got to making the manuscript/layout of my book.
Lulu was being a pain in the rear, but I prevailed!
Then this happened!
Ladies and gentlemen, here it is! If you like art, buy a copy. If you don't like art, then you should buy a copy and pretend you like art to impress your hipster friends.
[The Artist is a Collector]
--Frank Iero
When I heard we were going to create books my first thought was, "Awesome! Wait, I know how to read books, not create them." Then I thought, "Oh, this Lulu thing seems pretty easy. How am I going to get thirty-two pages of content?!" With that I decided to make a collection of art from my artist friends. They are far more talented than I will ever be and I think everyone should know their gifts.
Remember when I said Lulu was going to be easy? Well, I was wrong. I'm not saying it was insanely difficult, but Lulu was a worthy adversary. I learned quite a bit about formatting pictures, making a manuscript, copyrights, and the importance of saving frequently. Seriously, save your work.
To begin, I reached out to my artsy friends.
Then I got to making the manuscript/layout of my book.
Lulu was being a pain in the rear, but I prevailed!
Then this happened!
Ladies and gentlemen, here it is! If you like art, buy a copy. If you don't like art, then you should buy a copy and pretend you like art to impress your hipster friends.
[The Artist is a Collector]
Thursday, February 23, 2012
"Life doesn't imitate art, it imitates bad television."
The "Life Happens" workshop deserves all the media attention it can get! So, I made my television ad for this workshop (which took place Wednesday night).
Here is my storyboard:
Le shot list:
Project Name: Life Happens Workshop
Title: Eating Disorders: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment
1 TRANSITION: Fade in on picture of girl looking in a mirror (4 seconds)
2 TRANSITION: Fade to a picture of a girl measuring her waist (3 seconds)
3 TRANSITION: Fade to picture of a scale stating “Help!” (4 seconds)
4 TRANSITION: Fade to the Student Center for Health and Well-Being logo (7 seconds)
5 TRANSITION: Fade to a picture of the “Life Happens” logo (7 seconds)
6 TRANSITION: Fade to picture of Gina Perfetti Seppo (9 seconds)
7 TRANSITION: Fade to a picture of a smiling group (6 seconds)
My (industry standard) script:
Title of ad: Life Happens Workshop
Type of program: Advertisement
Date of airing: 23 February 2012, Thursday
Scriptwriter: Michelle Ruszat
1 BACKGROUND MUSIC (MELANCHOLY)
2 VOICE 1: 24 million Americans and 70 million individuals world-
3 wide suffer from eating disorders. Is someone you care
4 for battling with body image? Are you fighting for control?
5 VOICE 2: The Student Center for Health and Well-Being at The
6 College of St. Scholastica presents: A “Life Happens”
7 workshop: Eating Disorders: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment,
8 Wednesday, February 22nd at 7:30 pm in the Burns Wellness
9 Commons, room 249. This free event will be presented by
10 Gina Perfetti Seppo, LPC. Contact the Student Center for
11 Health and Well-Being to reserve your spot.
12 VOICE 1: Remember, you are not alone and every body is
13 perfect.
And, the finished product:
Here is my storyboard:
Le shot list:
Project Name: Life Happens Workshop
Title: Eating Disorders: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment
1 TRANSITION: Fade in on picture of girl looking in a mirror (4 seconds)
2 TRANSITION: Fade to a picture of a girl measuring her waist (3 seconds)
3 TRANSITION: Fade to picture of a scale stating “Help!” (4 seconds)
4 TRANSITION: Fade to the Student Center for Health and Well-Being logo (7 seconds)
5 TRANSITION: Fade to a picture of the “Life Happens” logo (7 seconds)
6 TRANSITION: Fade to picture of Gina Perfetti Seppo (9 seconds)
7 TRANSITION: Fade to a picture of a smiling group (6 seconds)
My (industry standard) script:
Title of ad: Life Happens Workshop
Type of program: Advertisement
Date of airing: 23 February 2012, Thursday
Scriptwriter: Michelle Ruszat
1 BACKGROUND MUSIC (MELANCHOLY)
2 VOICE 1: 24 million Americans and 70 million individuals world-
3 wide suffer from eating disorders. Is someone you care
4 for battling with body image? Are you fighting for control?
5 VOICE 2: The Student Center for Health and Well-Being at The
6 College of St. Scholastica presents: A “Life Happens”
7 workshop: Eating Disorders: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment,
8 Wednesday, February 22nd at 7:30 pm in the Burns Wellness
9 Commons, room 249. This free event will be presented by
10 Gina Perfetti Seppo, LPC. Contact the Student Center for
11 Health and Well-Being to reserve your spot.
12 VOICE 1: Remember, you are not alone and every body is
13 perfect.
And, the finished product:
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
I've Got a Face for Radio...
Here is the final product of my radio spot project!
Radio Spot
And what is an ad without a script! Ooo! Look at that industry-standard formatting!
Title of ad: Life Happens Workshop
Type of program: Advertisement
Date of airing: 16 February 2012, Thursday
Scriptwriter: Michelle Ruszat
1 BACKGROUND MUSIC (MELANCHOLY)
2 VOICE 1: 24 million Americans and 70 million individuals world-
3 wide suffer from eating disorders. Is someone you care
4 for battling with body image? Are you fighting for control?
5 VOICE 2: The Student Center for Health and Well-Being at The
6 College of St. Scholastica presents: A “Life Happens”
7 workshop: Eating Disorders: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment,
8 Wednesday, February 22nd at 7:30 pm in the Burns Wellness
9 Commons, room 249. This free event will be presented by
10 Gina Perfetti Seppo, LPC. Contact the Student Center for
11 Health and Well-Being to reserve your spot.
12 VOICE 1: Remember, you are not alone and every body is
13 perfect.
(Thanks to Drew for all of his editing help!)
Radio Spot
And what is an ad without a script! Ooo! Look at that industry-standard formatting!
Title of ad: Life Happens Workshop
Type of program: Advertisement
Date of airing: 16 February 2012, Thursday
Scriptwriter: Michelle Ruszat
1 BACKGROUND MUSIC (MELANCHOLY)
2 VOICE 1: 24 million Americans and 70 million individuals world-
3 wide suffer from eating disorders. Is someone you care
4 for battling with body image? Are you fighting for control?
5 VOICE 2: The Student Center for Health and Well-Being at The
6 College of St. Scholastica presents: A “Life Happens”
7 workshop: Eating Disorders: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment,
8 Wednesday, February 22nd at 7:30 pm in the Burns Wellness
9 Commons, room 249. This free event will be presented by
10 Gina Perfetti Seppo, LPC. Contact the Student Center for
11 Health and Well-Being to reserve your spot.
12 VOICE 1: Remember, you are not alone and every body is
13 perfect.
(Thanks to Drew for all of his editing help!)
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Radio Ad
Voice 1: 24 million Americans and 70 million individuals world-wide suffer from eating disorders. Is someone you care about suffering from an eating disorder? Are you fighting to keep control?
Voice 2: The Student Center for Health and Well-Being at The College of St. Scholastica presents: A "Life Happens" workshop: Eating Disorders: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment, Wednesday, February 22nd at 7:30 in the Burns Wellness Commons, room 249. This free event will be presented by Gina Perfetti Seppo, LPC. Contact The Student Center for Health and Well-Being to reserve your spot.
Voice 1: Remember, you are not alone and no body is perfect.
Voice 2: The Student Center for Health and Well-Being at The College of St. Scholastica presents: A "Life Happens" workshop: Eating Disorders: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment, Wednesday, February 22nd at 7:30 in the Burns Wellness Commons, room 249. This free event will be presented by Gina Perfetti Seppo, LPC. Contact The Student Center for Health and Well-Being to reserve your spot.
Voice 1: Remember, you are not alone and no body is perfect.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
"College 101" in all Its Glory
The first project of the semester has been completed!
After awkwardly filming ourselves throughout the day, Team College 101 has created a realistic view on the college life style.
College 101
Because this is a writing class, both a treatment and an outline were created. We plan to hand in a physical copy as well as share them in a separate post.
So please enjoy the "party" that is College 101.
After awkwardly filming ourselves throughout the day, Team College 101 has created a realistic view on the college life style.
College 101
Because this is a writing class, both a treatment and an outline were created. We plan to hand in a physical copy as well as share them in a separate post.
So please enjoy the "party" that is College 101.
"College 101" Treatment & Outline
TREATMENT:
Title of Show: College 101-How to Survive College
Format: Reality Show
Production team: Madeline Kust, Joseph Balut, Andre Smith-Hill, Michelle Ruszat, Matthew Malenstyn, Mark Charter
Logline: The world of college is often depicted as one party after another, with overly sympathetic professors and a student's ability to pass the big test just because they believe in themselves. But what is it really like? From long sleepless nights, hours of homework, the obligation of extracurricular activities and the necessity to maintain social relationships, college isn't always the party we wish it could be.
Synopsis:
Three students at The College of St. Scholastica will film their daily lives in order to demonstrate the reality of attending college. It is easy to believe movies, television shows, and other mediums in pop culture in how college life is represented but it is far from the truth. By using handheld cameras to film daily activity, these students will dispel the myths and stereotypes created by the media.
Each student brings us through his/her daily life starting in the morning before school by grabbing coffee, finding a parking spot, and walking to class. As the day progresses we are given a glimpse into what happens in a college classroom and during the student’s limited free time. Finally, as with most college students, the day ends during the late hours of the night and complaints of never-ending homework.
With perseverance, the will to survive, and a healthy dose of humor the students reveal the reality of college is far different from what pop culture dictates.
END
OUTLINE:
Title of Show: College 101-How to Survive College
Format: Reality Show
Production team: Madeline Kust, Joseph (Woody) Balut, Andre Smith-Hill, Michelle Ruszat, Matthew Malenstyn, Mark Charter
Logline: The world of college is often depicted as one party after another, with overly sympathetic professors and a student's ability to pass the big test just because they believe in themselves. But what is it really like? From long sleepless nights, hours of homework, the obligation of extracurricular activities and the necessity to maintain social relationships, college isn't always the party we wish it could be.
Outline:
The video opens with a message from the production team, stating the intent of “College 101”:
The world of college is often depicted as one party after another, with overly sympathetic professors and a student's ability to pass the big test just because they believe in themselves. But what is it really like? From long sleepless hours of homework to the obligation of extracurricular activities and the necessity to maintain social relationships, college isn't always the party we wish it could be.
Though things can get strenuous, and we often ask ourselves how we survive, these are the days that so many people live for and this is a day in the life of a real college student.
As the day begins, Student #1 (Michelle) talks about being quiet in the morning and the “glorious” drink known as coffee. Cut to Student #2 (Matt) as he wakes up and begins his day by walking to class. Student #3 (Woody) attempts to find a parking spot on the crowded campus and offers advice on how to “be the best that you are.” We are invited into their lives to discover the reality of college life.
Michelle is preparing for class, when disaster strikes in the form of an unavailable webpage. The video then cuts to a Spanish class where Michelle attempts to communicate about the project “College 101” and a change in major. Matt confirms a due-date in a class. Woody inconspicuously reveals how boring class can be.
The day moves forward and Michelle heads to the gym with a friend and later “practices” yoga. Matt returns back to his room exhausted after a work-out.
Woody studiously works on homework before work.
Michelle forgets where her car is parked on the way to volunteering.
We are given a rare glimpse into The St. Scholastica Saint’s men’s hockey team locker room via Matt.
Because procrastination is “one of the leading problems of college students” both Woody and Michelle work on homework into the late hours of the night.
The video ends with Matt turning off a light and ending a day in the life of a college student.
END
Title of Show: College 101-How to Survive College
Format: Reality Show
Production team: Madeline Kust, Joseph Balut, Andre Smith-Hill, Michelle Ruszat, Matthew Malenstyn, Mark Charter
Logline: The world of college is often depicted as one party after another, with overly sympathetic professors and a student's ability to pass the big test just because they believe in themselves. But what is it really like? From long sleepless nights, hours of homework, the obligation of extracurricular activities and the necessity to maintain social relationships, college isn't always the party we wish it could be.
Synopsis:
Three students at The College of St. Scholastica will film their daily lives in order to demonstrate the reality of attending college. It is easy to believe movies, television shows, and other mediums in pop culture in how college life is represented but it is far from the truth. By using handheld cameras to film daily activity, these students will dispel the myths and stereotypes created by the media.
Each student brings us through his/her daily life starting in the morning before school by grabbing coffee, finding a parking spot, and walking to class. As the day progresses we are given a glimpse into what happens in a college classroom and during the student’s limited free time. Finally, as with most college students, the day ends during the late hours of the night and complaints of never-ending homework.
With perseverance, the will to survive, and a healthy dose of humor the students reveal the reality of college is far different from what pop culture dictates.
END
OUTLINE:
Title of Show: College 101-How to Survive College
Format: Reality Show
Production team: Madeline Kust, Joseph (Woody) Balut, Andre Smith-Hill, Michelle Ruszat, Matthew Malenstyn, Mark Charter
Logline: The world of college is often depicted as one party after another, with overly sympathetic professors and a student's ability to pass the big test just because they believe in themselves. But what is it really like? From long sleepless nights, hours of homework, the obligation of extracurricular activities and the necessity to maintain social relationships, college isn't always the party we wish it could be.
Outline:
The video opens with a message from the production team, stating the intent of “College 101”:
The world of college is often depicted as one party after another, with overly sympathetic professors and a student's ability to pass the big test just because they believe in themselves. But what is it really like? From long sleepless hours of homework to the obligation of extracurricular activities and the necessity to maintain social relationships, college isn't always the party we wish it could be.
Though things can get strenuous, and we often ask ourselves how we survive, these are the days that so many people live for and this is a day in the life of a real college student.
As the day begins, Student #1 (Michelle) talks about being quiet in the morning and the “glorious” drink known as coffee. Cut to Student #2 (Matt) as he wakes up and begins his day by walking to class. Student #3 (Woody) attempts to find a parking spot on the crowded campus and offers advice on how to “be the best that you are.” We are invited into their lives to discover the reality of college life.
Michelle is preparing for class, when disaster strikes in the form of an unavailable webpage. The video then cuts to a Spanish class where Michelle attempts to communicate about the project “College 101” and a change in major. Matt confirms a due-date in a class. Woody inconspicuously reveals how boring class can be.
The day moves forward and Michelle heads to the gym with a friend and later “practices” yoga. Matt returns back to his room exhausted after a work-out.
Woody studiously works on homework before work.
Michelle forgets where her car is parked on the way to volunteering.
We are given a rare glimpse into The St. Scholastica Saint’s men’s hockey team locker room via Matt.
Because procrastination is “one of the leading problems of college students” both Woody and Michelle work on homework into the late hours of the night.
The video ends with Matt turning off a light and ending a day in the life of a college student.
END
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
First (filler) Post
This is the beginning of my blog for the class: Writing for Mass Media. Hopefully, being required to write on this blog will motivate me to write on my other blog Just a Chef's Daughter (I am also a fan of self-promotion).
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