Audi Commercial (intertextuality)

  
Audi R8 Luxury Sports Car Super Bowl Commercial Ad - For more of the funniest videos, click here
This advertisement for the Audi R8 ran during this years super bowl. It shows an obvious amount of intertextuality. This commercial is using a specific scene from the movie "The Godfather" to advertise their product. In fact, they even have the same character from the movie staring in the ad! This Audi ad refers to the movie when it shows a rich man awaking in his bed to find himself covered in oil and grease (rather than blood), with his old car bumper and grill at the foot of the bed under the covers (instead of a horse head). I would say that this advertisement is a demonstration of vertical intertextuality because it is a different genre (a commercial advertisement) that is referencing a movie. I think the use of intertextuality was important to the advertising plan, because it forces viewers to make the association of a luxury vehicle (the Audi R8) and a classic, successfully Hollywood film. I think the advertising team who created this commercial made a conscious effort to use intertextuality to their advantage in appealing to their target market. 

Facebook

I love this little facebook paraody/song!

While checking my facebook for the 1000 time today, I started thinking about facebook images. Every college student has one these days, and your profile really can say a lot about you. Everything from your pictures, to your wall posts, to your bumper stickers or status can say something about you. I know that I have looked at people’s profiles and was surprised at what I saw. Not only is it a personal self-image your are displaying on you profile, but I’m sure you’ve heard that employers are starting to look at personal websites like facebook and myspace when they are deciding about hiring a client. How much would that suck if you didn’t get a job or got fired from a job because you just had to have that one bumper sticker that said, “Let’s get pants shitting drunk tonight!” (I’m serious I’ve seen that). The bottom line is, don't have anything on your facebook, or myspace for that matter, that you wouldn't want your parents to see for example. There is no reason to portray a negative self-image on the internet for anyone to look at. Plus, this just feeds fuel to the fire for those gossip websites like juicycampus, and dirtydtown!

The Moment of Truth

This new show "The Moment of Truth" is AWESOME! It asks contestants personal, sometimes even embarrassing questions,and for every question they answer truthfully they get money, but the second they start to lie they walk away with nothing. In this recent episode the woman was asked a series of questions that literally destroyed her marriage. Her ex-boyfriend comes onto the show and asks if she thinks she should have married him, and then asks her if she had cheated on her husband at any time during their marriage; she answered a truthful yes to both questions. The ironic part is that when she was asked if she was a good person and answered yes, the lie detector said she was telling a lie and she walked away from the show empty handed. Is the pain and consequences this show entails really worth the money? How could your marriage be worth the shot at $200,000 ? As much as I think this show is terribly entertaining, I am shocked that there are people in this world who value you money more than their family and friends feelings. I am appalled that people are willing to risk their marriage and their reputation for the chance to be on TV and a shot at winning a few grand. Never in a million years will you see me on "The Moment of Truth", for now my secrets are staying put. 

Bitten by Sarah Jessica Parker

Sarah Jessica Parker has a put a new clothing line out called Bitten. It is her first clothing line and is sold exclusively at Steve & Barry's. The best part about her collection is that everything she sells is under $20!! To my surprise, the clothes are adorable and fashion forward. Sarah Jessica Parker believes that people should not have to pay outrageous prices to keep up with the fashion trends, so as an alternative, she offers her own designs at a lower cost. I think this idea is genius! We all know you can find cheap clothes at tons of places like Target, but these clothes are designed by a woman who is known for her killer outfits and for being fashion forward and they are available to costumers at the same low costs. I think Sarah Jessica Parker's clothing line is brilliant and she knows she will sell tons of clothes not only because they are cute and cheap, but because her name is on it and her name alone on the product will make it sell. Way to go Carrie Bradshaw!!

Dream Big

LYRICS:
When you cry, be sure to dry your eyes,
'Cause better days are sure to come.
And when you smile, be sure to smile wide,
And don't let them know that they have won.
And when you walk, walk with pride,
And don't show the hurt inside,
Because the pain sill soon be gone.

(Chorus)
And when you dream, dream big,
As big as the ocean, blue.
'Cause when you dream it might come true.
But when you dream, dream big.

And when you laugh, be sure to laugh out loud,
'Cause it will carry all your cares away.
And when you see, see the beauty all around and in yourself,
And it will help you feel okay.
And when you pray, pray for strength to help to carry on,
But when the troubles come your way.


I absolutely love this song. I have actually been listening to it for a while and recently it came up on my ipod shuffle. I was listening to the words and it reminded me of what good music is really all about. I feel like I get so caught up with the latest Britney Spears song or Justin Timberlake's newest album that I forget what real, genuine music lyrics are all about. I find these lyrics to be really meaningful and really good words to live by. These lyrics remind me of the advice my parents gave me growing up and the type of values my parents wanted me to have. My parents have always taught me I could do anything I wanted as long as I worked my hardest. They have always encouraged me to be better at everything I do and that the bigger I set my goals and the harder I work at achieving them, the more likely they are to come true! 

Dean Kelly

SMU girls BEWARE! There is a new scam artist on the loose running freely around the SMU campus and surround areas. In all seriousness, recently there has been a man, who goes by the name Dean Kelly, going around SMU and other frequented Highland Park areas asking younger, female students if they would like to be on an MTV show, in a music video, or even pose for him in pictures. He presents fake business cards, and lures girls into giving him their number, thus making it almost impossible for him to get charged with any wrong doing. Once he get the numbers, he constantly text messages the girls asking them to meet up with him to discuss a show or a photo shoot he is going to set up exclusively for them. His intentions are really to meet up with the girl, corner her into taking nude pictures with him and in extreme cases even sleeps with them. I know it is hard to believe something like this could possibly be happening in such a protected place like Highland Park, but it is! Fortunately, the SMU police have been contacted and are currently taking care of the situation and warning the students to steer clear of Dean Kelly. If you type his name into Google, you get a whole bunch of sexual predator websites and stories of angry woman who have had horribly experiences with this man.

This situation really opened my eyes to the real world. I have always lived in nice areas and have always felt protected and safe growing up. I came to SMU because I felt the same sense of security here, but stories like this Dean Kelly character really showed me that I no longer live in a little bubble protected by my parents. I think it is definitely time for me to grow up a little and be more aware of my surroundings and to stop being so naive!

Juicy Campus

There is a new website out devoted to making people turn against each other at SMU, it's name is JUICY CAMPUS! This website is literally going to be the demise of friendships at SMU. Juicy Campus is an Internet blog site that allows anyone to access it and gives Internet users the opportunity to write anything about a fellow classmate. Unfortunately, no one goes on Juicy Campus to talk about how nice and friendly some one is, it of course has to turn into a blood bath of shit talking. Thankfully I have not made my debut on the site, but the things I have read about my fellow sorority sisters and good friends is horrifying. The comment are anonymous so virtually anyone can go on the site and say whatever they want about anyone they want and they don't have to take any responsibility for their actions. In addition, bloggers can make up stories about anyone and people who do not know them will believe it. I just think that the people who created this website have serious issues, because it does nothing but hurt people and turn people against each other. There is absolutely no reason for a website like this and the people who go onto the site and write about their friends are just as much in the wrong.

All in the family: Hiltons who have DUI's

Recently Barron Hilton, Paris Hilton's younger brother, was arrested in Malibu, California for a DUI charge. SHOCKING I know. The question everyone is asking is: How can Barron not have learned from his sister's mistake? My response to that question is, he wants the same attention his sister has been getting for the past few years. Anyone who passed middle school health knows the consequences of drinking and driving and if your own family member has gone to jail because of a DUI charge I am pretty certain Barron Hilton knew that driving while under the influence can get you into some serious legal trouble. I think this is Barron's attempt at fame. Unfortunately for him it was his only 15 minutes of fame because his story barely got any press coverage. If I were to psychoanalyze Barron, I would say that he is envious of his two sister's fame and the fact that they are pretty much famous for doing nothing more than what he is doing. Poor Barron, my advice to him is to stay out of trouble and steer clear of the path his sister Paris is going down, because the only direction Paris is heading in is trouble.

Studying Abroad

Just recently I was admitted into the London Study abroad program here at SMU. It is a summer program that offers classes in advertising and cinema/television. I am so excited to study abroad because I have traveled around Europe before. London is by far my favorite city in Europe and I can not wait to go back there to study. I think that every college student who can afford to study abroad should. The experience of taking classes and learning to live in a foreign country is beneficial to everyone. It is definitely a once in a lifetime experience and I can't wait for this summer!

The Electronic Baby

My brother is currently a middle school student in 8th grade. His health teacher has recently assigned a project that requires all her students to care for an electronic baby for an entire week. The purpose of this assignment is to teach students the responsibilities of parenthood and to hopefully encourage students to engage in safe sex. This baby my brother is currently carrying around, has a small micro chip in it that records every time the baby is neglected, dropped, or left unattended. I remember when I had to do the same assignment when I was in 8th grade. Although it sounds far fetched, this assignment really works. The hassle of carrying a baby around everywhere and listening to it cry all the time is definitely enough to make any 13 year old rethink parenthood. I thought this assignment was one of the more helpful experiences I got in school. It was the only assignment that I felt I could relate to my real life and that is why it was so beneficial. 

If more students could have an assignment like this I think we could avoid teenagers like the one that was on the Maury show!! Watch this, you won't believe your eyes: 

Celebrity Rehab

I absolutely love this new show on VH1. It is a show that follows around celebrities in rehab and their steps to recovery and sobriety. Unfortunately, there are no big name celebrities on the show (aka no Britney Spears appearances), but I love the fact that these semi-celebrities have enough courage to go on national television and share the struggles and stories of their addiction. It is by far the only "reality" tv show I can think of that is actually real. They even talk about how the cameras and there effect on the patients. I just really enjoy a "reality" show that doesn't envolve fake dating or scripted drama. If more "reality" shows were actually real then maybe they would have higher ratings. And with the writers strike over, those "reality" shows are going to have to try a lot harder to keep their viewers watching, and my suggestions is making it more REAL!

Side note: maybe Amy Winehouse should follow the example that the celebrity rehab contestants have set and take a trip to see Dr. Drew. I would love to see her on the next season of Celebrity Rehab! 

Change

I am not one of those people who is afraid of change, I would say I am apprehensive of change. I think change is good for everyone. It can not be healthy to live life in one place, in a certain set way. Change is not always easy, in fact in most instances it is difficult and that is why I would say I am apprehensive of change. I believe in change for the better, but sometimes have a tough time with it at the beginning. Generally speaking, I think for the most part change is for the better. Good things usually come from change, sometimes unexpected things. 

Club Fondren

Growing up I rarely went to the public librarys, I never needed to. I always used to do my homework in my bedroom and always got my work done efficiently. Just recently, as a college student, have I had to go to our on campus library to get work done. I knew freshman year it would be nearly impossible to get quiet, alone time, but my sophmore year? I live off campus in an apartment and even have my own bedroom, so what's the problem? The problem is Club Fondren, the nickname given to our library (Fondren Library) on campus. It's so hard because most students share in my frustration of not being able to get work done anywhere, even if they do have their own space off campus. So to find relief students go to Fondren, but if they are actually looking to get work done they are in for a surprise. The problem lies in the fact that so many people need to use the library as a study tool, but when all these people are together in one place it turns into a mini social scene. This social scene creates loud talking and cell phone usage, the elements that make studying impossible and all the things people going to the library are trying to get away from. It's a total catch 22, people need to study and concentrate so they go to the library, but then when they get there it turns into a social event and they end up getting nothing done. So I guess the only semi-solution is to figure out where they get more done, at home, or at Clube Fondren because at this very moment I can't even decide!! 

Life Water

 This Life Water commercial aired during the super bowl, but is still running to this day. The less I have to see this commerical the better. I mean since when do advertisers think that computer generated dancing lizards is going to make me jump off my couch and go buy Life Water. If the product isn't lame enough, why not just throw some bad advertising in the mix. There's nothing left to lose!

My Favorite Things (Texas REMIX)

Here are a few of my favorite things about TEXAS:

1) Everything is named "Billy Bob's" something

2) It is so darn flat here you could bike ride for hours and never get in a good work out

3) BBQ is the state food

4)The confederate flag is still in fashion

5)Ya'll is the state slang

6)Cowboy boots are sold on every street corner

7)People are so nice

8)Unlike California they actually have a football team

9)Lily Pulitzer is actually considered cool

10)You can proudly wear Birkenstocks with socks and not get pulled over by the fashion police!

Dog Cross Breeding

GoldenDoodles are a new type of cross breed dog that is a poodle and golden retriever mixed. My dog at home is a goldendoodle! This new trend has taken dog breeding by storm. They have labradoodles, puggles, and maltipoos now. The whole theory behind the golden doodle is that the breed is supposed to benefit from the good genes of the golden retriever and the poodle. For instance, they guarantee that a golden doodle will be hypo-allergenic and smart like the poodle and friendly and family oriented like the golden retriever. Unfortunatley, the genes a dog is going to get from both the poodle and the retriever can not be predicted. My family dog got a case of the "bad" genes and consequently is dumb as a rock and sheds like crazy! The breeders had the right idea though, too bad we got the bad seed of the litter!

Poor Amy Again!

 The other day I blogged about Amy Winehouse and her ridiculous Grammy nominations. Sure enough the icon of sobriety won in pretty much every category she was nominated in. I know anyone who has read my last blog about Amy knows my feelings about her, but just a minute ago I had the TV on the "Daily 10" and they actually asked Janet Jackson what she thought about the controversy of Amy Winehouse winning all these awards even though she is a bad influence for her younger fans. Clearly I am not the only one with these concerns. Amy's peers, other celebrities, even think she has problem! That has to prove something to her.

This video Is just proof that Amy needs help. At the end of the video she snorts a line of coke off her wrist infront of a live audience during one of her concerts. She actually has the "balls" to do drugs infront of her fans. If that is not a bad influence on kids who watch her and like her music than I don't know what is. The guy who is holding the camera even gasps when he sees her do drugs on stage!! Get some help for everyone's sake Amy!!

Hunting Heather Mills

 This is a video that Heather Mills McCartney made herself. She kept a camera with her for an entire year and video taped the paparazzi who are constantly following her. She now is using the footage in court to prove that being maried to the Beatles star comes with baggage. I think this is just pathetic. Not just Heather Mills, but tons of celebrities complain about constantly being in the spotlight and the annoyance of the paparazzi, but they know what they are signing up for. Everyone knows that when you have "made it" in the entertainment indsutry, you are subject to being followed by the paparazzi and if that is something that you really don't want then maybe should you should rethink if being a "star" is for you. Step aside and let someone else who can handle the pressure take over because this industry is competitive and there is always that next best person looking to take your spot!

Amy Winehouse

Since I've been traveling this weekend I've done nothing but read pretty much every tabloid magazine on stands this week. Since the Grammy's were on Sunday (I havn't watched them yet), all the magazines are predicting who is going to win in each category. While I'm reading it I realized Amy Winehouse was pretty much nominated in every category. I still am trying to figure out what songs of hers I actually have heard on the radio besides her awful single, "Rehab", which is very fitting for her. So not only was I surprised to see how many nominations she had, but I was even more surprised to see how many wins "OK" magazine predicted she would get. I obviously don't think she is very deserving of numerous Grammy's based off talent, but should other outside factors, like her very public drug addction, play into effect? I don't think that all the celebrity gossip should be a party of the judges decisions, but when someone like Amy Winehouse has a serious drug problem maybe it should. People look up to her and admire her, yet she is open about her addiction and doesn't think she needs help. Maybe it's just me, but I do not think that someone so messed up in drugs should be winning numerious Grammy's. Sorry Amy!! After all, I read that she won't even be attending the Grammy's because her visa got denied!! Not heading in the right direction towards sobriety girl!

Sleeping Miserably on a Plane

So this weekend I went home to surprise my dad for his 50th birthday!! I flew out early friday morning on an American Airlines flight and it wasn't too pleasant. There is just that one thing (well there are many others, but this one just bothered me the most) that drives me nuts on a plane. The fact that it is nearly impossible to sleep on a plane. I mean I literally took a 6:50 am flight out and left my house at 4:30 am to get to the airport. I mean the ptotential for a good nap on the plane seemed high, but don't be mistaken!!! I fell asleep and literally every 5 minutes I woke up with my neck hurting or the flight attendent making an announcement or the person next to me wanting to get out to go to the bathroom. The real problem is that there is nothing that can be done to fix the problem. Lets be honest the neck pillows are worthless and your seat barley goes back, and if you were like me this weekend then your seat was broken and didn't go back anyways. All I wanted was to shut my eyes for a solid 20 minutes. But noooo. Heres an idea for an entreprenur out there: make a plane that's all about comfort!! See how your business will succeed!

"Real Beauty"

So I know this is a fairly old Dove campaign, this "Real Beauty" stuff, but it was brought to my attention recently and I had some thoughts about it I wanted to get down. First off, I applaud Dove for taking on such a risky campaign. It's not easy being the first to do something new and inovative, but because they took the risk it really paid off for them. Secondly, I think the women who pose for these adds are extremely self-confident (something which I lack) and brave to be able to put their imperfections out there for the world to see and criticize, but also for other women to feel comfortable in their own skin. I think this add just really supports the majority of women who aren't model skinny and do struggle with their weight and imperfections. I know this ad personally makes me feel better about myself. I know that if these women can bare all in front of the world then I can be more self confident as well. 

Book Advertising

Okay so while I was watching the premier for "Lost" last thursday an interesting commercial came on. It was a commercial for a book. As I watched this commercial I was trying to guess what movie was coming out or what sequel to a movie they were trying to advertise, but to my surprise they were actually advertising for a new book. It made me wonder why more authors and/or book publishing companies don't advertise their new books more. Maybe if they did it would guarantee a best seller every time. I mean TV commercials advertise everything from food items to foot cream yet we still never see advertisements for books. Maybe one day our society will become intellectual enough to want to watch commercials about books and novels instead of car and beer commercials.