This review comments on downtown Atlanta's pride: Centennial Olympic Park. The review begins by describing how the park is "the heart of the Olympic effort." After paying respects to the Olympics (especially the bombing that happened there in 1996) the reviewer made suggestions for what visitors should look for when they go to the park! The suggestions included the visitor center on International Boulevard, the infamous water fountains, and the Quilt Plazas.
He supported his claim that those are the most imporatnt places to go by describing what specifically makes them the best. For example, a "visitor center" probably does not sound as enthralling as say the biggest fastest roller coaster or a coca-cola tasting of sodas from all around the world but the writer made it sound just as fun by supporting it with a suggestion on what you could do there. He suggested either asking them to help you find the brick you bought and engraved in '96 or having a look at the other bricks and reading some of the things that the other families had to say.
I think the reason I was so intrigued by the review was because I am from around here so I have my own memories in the park. My parents actually own one of the stores in CNN so I was in the action during the Olympics. Memories from those crazy times paired with random strolls through downtown with family and friends held me captivated with his take on the place. I was really happy to read such an inspiring review (ignoring the obnoxious comment left at the end).
The article did not embed any pictures to go along with the story but it was probably printed in the actual newspaper so there may have not been any space. Regardless, it would have been a lot stronger if there were pictures of all of the places mentioned by the reviewer. It would have given tourist a visual and shown just how beautiful the park really is.
This article was written for tourists so the langueage and details are very approachable and basic. The one thing that people may not remember or know about is the bombing from the Olympics. Apart from some extra research on this, the article is completely easy to interpret, understand, and follow! The reviewer did a great job of capturing the charm of Centennial Olympic Park.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Music Review: RHCP
My favorite band, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, have received LOTS of reviews- mostly good. I have wanted to see them live for quite a while now so I looked for a review that I thought expressed all of the passion and emotion that I associate with their performances. This review talked about the greatness of their show at Portman Road!
The claim this review makes is that although all of the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ performances are not fantastically exhilarating, this specific performance really was. “We saw before us four men unified by their past, their obvious talent and above all a love of their music.” This reviewer supported his claim by talking about everything from their physique to their new album!
Some specific pieces of evidence include his appreciation of Anthony Kiedis’ (lead singer) body, the random jam sessions between songs, their new sound, and their old classics.
The start of the critique mentioned how rumors about Anthony gaining weight were floating around but the reviewer denied that adding “I hope I'm as honed in my middle age!”
The musicians often burst into spur of the moment jam sessions where one of them will start a beat on their instrument- usually Chad on the drums. Then either Flea or John will join in and create something beautiful and if not, at least intriguing!
The reviewer mentioned that the Red Hots put out a new album but also added that whether or not the fans were willing to accept that, the old stuff was plenty to tide them over. The Red Hot Chili Peppers just have incredible music that lasts forever because people love hearing it.
On a separate note, I think this author holds my attention because I am interested in what the Red Hot performances are like and the bubbly wording is good at creating excitement about their work. He also has a photograph embedded in the text that shows some fans holding a humorous sign that reads “WE WANT CHILI WILLY! *THEY’RE RED HOT*” There is also a picture of Flea playing and another of Anthony singing. Lastly, the reviewer has a link to a photo gallery of more pictures from the show.
The reviewer’s writing is very accessible so there are no language issues but there is a small joke at the end of it that is probably only understandable to music saavy people. However, it’s a reference to Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones so most people will probably get it.
Although I haven’t seen them live, this review seems accurate (because the reviewer admits that the Peppers aren’t always good) and it makes me want to go to their next concert.
The claim this review makes is that although all of the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ performances are not fantastically exhilarating, this specific performance really was. “We saw before us four men unified by their past, their obvious talent and above all a love of their music.” This reviewer supported his claim by talking about everything from their physique to their new album!
Some specific pieces of evidence include his appreciation of Anthony Kiedis’ (lead singer) body, the random jam sessions between songs, their new sound, and their old classics.
The start of the critique mentioned how rumors about Anthony gaining weight were floating around but the reviewer denied that adding “I hope I'm as honed in my middle age!”
The musicians often burst into spur of the moment jam sessions where one of them will start a beat on their instrument- usually Chad on the drums. Then either Flea or John will join in and create something beautiful and if not, at least intriguing!
The reviewer mentioned that the Red Hots put out a new album but also added that whether or not the fans were willing to accept that, the old stuff was plenty to tide them over. The Red Hot Chili Peppers just have incredible music that lasts forever because people love hearing it.
On a separate note, I think this author holds my attention because I am interested in what the Red Hot performances are like and the bubbly wording is good at creating excitement about their work. He also has a photograph embedded in the text that shows some fans holding a humorous sign that reads “WE WANT CHILI WILLY! *THEY’RE RED HOT*” There is also a picture of Flea playing and another of Anthony singing. Lastly, the reviewer has a link to a photo gallery of more pictures from the show.
The reviewer’s writing is very accessible so there are no language issues but there is a small joke at the end of it that is probably only understandable to music saavy people. However, it’s a reference to Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones so most people will probably get it.
Although I haven’t seen them live, this review seems accurate (because the reviewer admits that the Peppers aren’t always good) and it makes me want to go to their next concert.
Friday, October 24, 2008
A 1939 Techie's Vision
Last Friday we learned about the archives and saw some examples of what can be found in its stores. One particular image has stuck in my mind and I will explain after you see the following two pictures.
Okay now the novel thing about these two images is that the first was drawn about seventy years ago! I was just so perplexed.. wowed even, by the fact that someone could have dreamt up such a modern design.
This relates to our discussions in class because Georgia Tech is in the south, the first image was drawn by a Georgia Tech student, and for the entirety of the month or two that I have been here, all I have heard about is the calibur of the Georgia Tech student's mind.
Rumor has it that a tech student never gives up, finds unique and exquisite ways to do things, and are beyond innovative. For a student to dream up a concept so novel that it took 70 years for regular Joe's to make it is really proving all of those claims.
to be revised and edited.
Okay now the novel thing about these two images is that the first was drawn about seventy years ago! I was just so perplexed.. wowed even, by the fact that someone could have dreamt up such a modern design.
This relates to our discussions in class because Georgia Tech is in the south, the first image was drawn by a Georgia Tech student, and for the entirety of the month or two that I have been here, all I have heard about is the calibur of the Georgia Tech student's mind.
Rumor has it that a tech student never gives up, finds unique and exquisite ways to do things, and are beyond innovative. For a student to dream up a concept so novel that it took 70 years for regular Joe's to make it is really proving all of those claims.
to be revised and edited.
Monday, October 20, 2008
critique
This is in response to Richard S. Halim's blog post.
In his post, Richard explained how Georgia Tech's "What's the good word?" chant has become Tech's identity. I must say that I both agree and disagree.
On one hand, I have to believe that there is a lot more to The Georgia Institute of Technology than our hatred for UGA. In fact, what's funny is I was actually talking to someone about how Tech is a little too centered on revenge- it's almost sad. Even at games where were not playing UGA, or when no one from UGA is around, we chant cruel things about them. What's more is that most of us here have friends there! I would hate to think that a large part of our identity is based on revenge, but as far as those things go it seems that we are.
From my experiences here I have decided that that is a small part of Tech and the bulk of our identity comes from other things like our professors, facilities, and remarkably intelligent students!
In his post, Richard explained how Georgia Tech's "What's the good word?" chant has become Tech's identity. I must say that I both agree and disagree.
On one hand, I have to believe that there is a lot more to The Georgia Institute of Technology than our hatred for UGA. In fact, what's funny is I was actually talking to someone about how Tech is a little too centered on revenge- it's almost sad. Even at games where were not playing UGA, or when no one from UGA is around, we chant cruel things about them. What's more is that most of us here have friends there! I would hate to think that a large part of our identity is based on revenge, but as far as those things go it seems that we are.
From my experiences here I have decided that that is a small part of Tech and the bulk of our identity comes from other things like our professors, facilities, and remarkably intelligent students!
Monday, October 6, 2008
Ignorance
I am an American with an Indian cultural background and right now we are amidst one of the most exciting events in the Indian culture ever: Navratri. This, or what I have gathered from this culturally rich extravaganza, is that it is a series of nine nights to dress up in beautifully embellished clothes, gather with your friends, and dance until ungodly hours in the morning, inevitable turning your feet black like tar. Oh, and of course during this time we pray to the gods for various things with assorted rituals learned from tradition.
In actuality, I am quite disturbed by my generations’ lack of knowledge about our culture (myself included). Most of us blame it on our parents lack of success to pass on the traditions but the harsh truth of the matter is that most of us are not really interested in searching for it unless it's (it being the information or cultural quirk or tradition etc.) put right in front of us.
The event mentioned above is actually an event embedded deep in our cultures past and it holds so much meaning but none of us stop to understand it. I have been doing it for years and I still can’t remember the names of the gods we dance around or even what they stand for! (Now that’s pathetic.) This beautiful tradition is now only used to show American’s the extravagance of the Indian culture as well as for a fun social outing to make us American-Indians feel like we do actually belong to the culture.
This image was found in google images under "gujarati samaj garba." The gujurati samaj is pinpointed on the map - it's one of the places people can go to do garba.
5331 Royal Woods Pkwy
Tucker, GA 30084
I think the message this picture is conveying is that garba, especially at the gujarati samaj, is extremely popular and exciting and colorful. The audience must be people who live around this location who are interested in garba and are wanting a fun place to go participate at. This image is so effective because it is not staged at all. This is actually what happens at garba! The only technique the photographer used was to get as many people in the picture as possible.
The reason I feel that this picture supports my claim is that on the same token, if you type in "india garba" or something to that effect, the pictures that come up show so much more culture than a bare room packed to the brim with people. Also, part of garba involves dancing in circles around the gods; you can barely even see the murti (statues of gods that is placed in the center of the hall).
As the years go by I fear that these traditions will truly lose all meaning. Deep and meaniful things, like the bindi (indian dot on forehead), will lose all of its significance and just become an accessory. My generation really knows very little about the culture and that small amount of knowledge will get harder and harder to pass down. (That's how most supersticions were formed! --in my opinion anyway. Ex. "don't clip your nails at night" Reason: they didn't have light so the nails could hurt someone if they just fell all over the place.) Regardless, navratri has merely become a social gathering to imitate, as best as possible, one of India's more glorious traditions.
In actuality, I am quite disturbed by my generations’ lack of knowledge about our culture (myself included). Most of us blame it on our parents lack of success to pass on the traditions but the harsh truth of the matter is that most of us are not really interested in searching for it unless it's (it being the information or cultural quirk or tradition etc.) put right in front of us.
The event mentioned above is actually an event embedded deep in our cultures past and it holds so much meaning but none of us stop to understand it. I have been doing it for years and I still can’t remember the names of the gods we dance around or even what they stand for! (Now that’s pathetic.) This beautiful tradition is now only used to show American’s the extravagance of the Indian culture as well as for a fun social outing to make us American-Indians feel like we do actually belong to the culture.
This image was found in google images under "gujarati samaj garba." The gujurati samaj is pinpointed on the map - it's one of the places people can go to do garba.5331 Royal Woods Pkwy
Tucker, GA 30084
I think the message this picture is conveying is that garba, especially at the gujarati samaj, is extremely popular and exciting and colorful. The audience must be people who live around this location who are interested in garba and are wanting a fun place to go participate at. This image is so effective because it is not staged at all. This is actually what happens at garba! The only technique the photographer used was to get as many people in the picture as possible.
The reason I feel that this picture supports my claim is that on the same token, if you type in "india garba" or something to that effect, the pictures that come up show so much more culture than a bare room packed to the brim with people. Also, part of garba involves dancing in circles around the gods; you can barely even see the murti (statues of gods that is placed in the center of the hall).
As the years go by I fear that these traditions will truly lose all meaning. Deep and meaniful things, like the bindi (indian dot on forehead), will lose all of its significance and just become an accessory. My generation really knows very little about the culture and that small amount of knowledge will get harder and harder to pass down. (That's how most supersticions were formed! --in my opinion anyway. Ex. "don't clip your nails at night" Reason: they didn't have light so the nails could hurt someone if they just fell all over the place.) Regardless, navratri has merely become a social gathering to imitate, as best as possible, one of India's more glorious traditions.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
"nothing's ever gonna change my red state state of mind"
For this blog I chose the Red State Update because in the last post I attempted to do a satire and I though this one applied better than the rest.
The writer of this blog probably thinks of the South as heaven on earth - the perfect place to be. However, the interesting thing about it is that his definition is probably a lot more accurate than one would assume. From the song playing in the background we can conclude that he understands that southerners are racist but he also is realistic in that he knows that southerners are also stubborn so no one will be able to change the "red state" mentality. One line from the song is: "we even got some gays and jews but they're harder to find" ...I just found it humorous so I thought I would point it out.
The author has no reservations with the things he is saying so the audience is really anyone who will listen. A southern audience would probably find humor in it - or perhaps be shocked by the truths about themselves that they had not known before; a northern audience would probably be a bit offended and perhaps even feel superior because the site does make the south look like the host of a bunch of drunken, stubborn hillbillies.
The visual effect of the site correlates the south with the humorous aspect of it. It has our Nation's colors all over it as well as the confederate flag and pictures of a couple of hillbillies (the blog proprietors) doing incredibly southern things like drinking lots of beer and jumping on trucks and things like that. Also, the attire the men are wearing in the videos and pictures aids their southern identity because one of them is in plaid and overalls and the other is wearing a flag shirt. Both men are also rather large and dirty looking so that works with some of the southern stereotypes.
These men have a lot to say about things happeneing in the world - politics mostly. They commented on things like the bailout from about a week ago to the presidential issues facing us today regarding the candidates McCain and Obama as well as Palin. Honestly, as a southerner, these men haven't really caught my attention as credible southerners. It actually seems like they are making fun of the south with how outrageous about it they are. Their accents sound fake, and the things they say, for the most part, are not quite cynical enough to pass as good comedy. However, they do a good job of pointing out the south's traits and blowing them out of proportion.
Some fallacies I noticed in their spiel on McCain and Obama's first debate.
1. they said the same stuff they've been saying for the whole time
2. no man can eat 50 eggs
> this video actually proved my point about their lack of credibility. That was a terrible waste of three minutes where they did not say anything of substance. They said it was a boring waste of time.. and then proceeded to show their viewers an even more boring waste of time.
The Palin-Biden Debate was a little better but really, it wasn't.
All I learned was that Biden is as much if not more of an idiot than Palin is. (this does not reflect my views in any way).
I also thought it was wrong of them to joke about Ground Zero - that was a national tragedy, it was not just about the North.
The writer of this blog probably thinks of the South as heaven on earth - the perfect place to be. However, the interesting thing about it is that his definition is probably a lot more accurate than one would assume. From the song playing in the background we can conclude that he understands that southerners are racist but he also is realistic in that he knows that southerners are also stubborn so no one will be able to change the "red state" mentality. One line from the song is: "we even got some gays and jews but they're harder to find" ...I just found it humorous so I thought I would point it out.
The author has no reservations with the things he is saying so the audience is really anyone who will listen. A southern audience would probably find humor in it - or perhaps be shocked by the truths about themselves that they had not known before; a northern audience would probably be a bit offended and perhaps even feel superior because the site does make the south look like the host of a bunch of drunken, stubborn hillbillies.
The visual effect of the site correlates the south with the humorous aspect of it. It has our Nation's colors all over it as well as the confederate flag and pictures of a couple of hillbillies (the blog proprietors) doing incredibly southern things like drinking lots of beer and jumping on trucks and things like that. Also, the attire the men are wearing in the videos and pictures aids their southern identity because one of them is in plaid and overalls and the other is wearing a flag shirt. Both men are also rather large and dirty looking so that works with some of the southern stereotypes.
These men have a lot to say about things happeneing in the world - politics mostly. They commented on things like the bailout from about a week ago to the presidential issues facing us today regarding the candidates McCain and Obama as well as Palin. Honestly, as a southerner, these men haven't really caught my attention as credible southerners. It actually seems like they are making fun of the south with how outrageous about it they are. Their accents sound fake, and the things they say, for the most part, are not quite cynical enough to pass as good comedy. However, they do a good job of pointing out the south's traits and blowing them out of proportion.
Some fallacies I noticed in their spiel on McCain and Obama's first debate.
1. they said the same stuff they've been saying for the whole time
2. no man can eat 50 eggs
> this video actually proved my point about their lack of credibility. That was a terrible waste of three minutes where they did not say anything of substance. They said it was a boring waste of time.. and then proceeded to show their viewers an even more boring waste of time.
The Palin-Biden Debate was a little better but really, it wasn't.
All I learned was that Biden is as much if not more of an idiot than Palin is. (this does not reflect my views in any way).
I also thought it was wrong of them to joke about Ground Zero - that was a national tragedy, it was not just about the North.
Friday, September 26, 2008
PROgress
Disclaimer: Although the following post does not support this, I am not racist. I just felt like experimenting with satire so here is my attempt.
I would like to say that the south has truly progressed in light of racism but the fact of the matter is that we have not. Really. Well, I actually will agree that we have progressed but only because before colored people were slaves and less-than-human and now they are just looked down upon and treated disrespectfully.
This, obviously, is a major generalization, but you really cannot say anything without generalizing so just keep in mind that I know there are exceptions.
Now, I cannot say that we have not progressed, because there is no more slavery, and there are many many black people (if 'black people' offends you, insert 'African American' or something of the likes) that are very very successful; however, those make up the minority (ha-ha, pun). The truth is that even though black people have come a long way, they have not come all the way; and meanwhile, white people have also come a long way - whatever that means. The real problem is history itself, as long as we learn about history, especially the civil war, whites and blacks will not get along- especially in the south. This is because many people’s families were affected by slavery, and apparently still are. The pain passed down from their ancestors has led the race to despise the other. It is actually quite humorous how we are taught to love everyone and ‘do unto others as you would have others do unto you’ but when faced with a situation calling for racial differences to be overcome, everybody hears the usual: “just be careful sweetie” (in different variations of course). This difference between progressing inner-city fellows and conceited white-folk results into debates on how the south has really progressed and how the depth of racism has sifted itself out to create and equal and balanced society.
-More to come because I like satire and I would like to get better at it (so I know this needs a lot of editing but I just wanted to get my essential point across). I am sorry if this offended anyone. That was not the intention at all (which is paradoxical because that is usually the driving force of satire).
I would like to say that the south has truly progressed in light of racism but the fact of the matter is that we have not. Really. Well, I actually will agree that we have progressed but only because before colored people were slaves and less-than-human and now they are just looked down upon and treated disrespectfully.
This, obviously, is a major generalization, but you really cannot say anything without generalizing so just keep in mind that I know there are exceptions.
Now, I cannot say that we have not progressed, because there is no more slavery, and there are many many black people (if 'black people' offends you, insert 'African American' or something of the likes) that are very very successful; however, those make up the minority (ha-ha, pun). The truth is that even though black people have come a long way, they have not come all the way; and meanwhile, white people have also come a long way - whatever that means. The real problem is history itself, as long as we learn about history, especially the civil war, whites and blacks will not get along- especially in the south. This is because many people’s families were affected by slavery, and apparently still are. The pain passed down from their ancestors has led the race to despise the other. It is actually quite humorous how we are taught to love everyone and ‘do unto others as you would have others do unto you’ but when faced with a situation calling for racial differences to be overcome, everybody hears the usual: “just be careful sweetie” (in different variations of course). This difference between progressing inner-city fellows and conceited white-folk results into debates on how the south has really progressed and how the depth of racism has sifted itself out to create and equal and balanced society.
-More to come because I like satire and I would like to get better at it (so I know this needs a lot of editing but I just wanted to get my essential point across). I am sorry if this offended anyone. That was not the intention at all (which is paradoxical because that is usually the driving force of satire).
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